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All aTwitter: 2-Dec-25 -Commanders offensive line impressed against Denver, the NFL’s sack leader

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.@Broncos @PatSurtainll v @Commanders @TheTerry_25 was a great matchup…the game within the game…Great seeing both guys healthy. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/iJFeTytcm2

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 1, 2025
Terry McLaurin caught 3 of 8 targets for 30 yards when covered by Pat Surtain II, but his final reception was an overtime touchdown.

Surtain had not allowed a touchdown on his last 507 coverage snaps dating back to Week 13 of 2024.

Powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/gPZRsHOhfD

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) December 1, 2025
Terry McLaurin said he was on a rep count of roughly 25 plays. Yeah, he blew past that.

"In my mind, I knew if the game was close… screw the rep count."

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 1, 2025
This was called a false start on Terry McLaurin at the top of the screen. (Note: they missed a couple on Tunsil) pic.twitter.com/wycTwFVFCd

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 2, 2025
The NFL continues to use replay to correct some calls but not to correct obvious missed calls. This creates a credibility problem. When replay is used to move the spot of a ball 6 inches or used to see if the QB’s knee touched the ground— but can’t be used to see if he was… pic.twitter.com/SfCQyVNlVJ

— Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) December 1, 2025
Nothing but respect after that game pic.twitter.com/AwSLezvL61

— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2025
Every Josh Conerly Jr. pass-blocking rep against the Broncos

-55 pass-blocking snaps (most of any tackle in W13 other than Tunsil)
-0 pressures allowed
-1 penalty

What do you see from the #Commanders rookie?#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/28p1oCNNaf

— Full Command (@CommandersHtt) December 1, 2025
Eyes on LT & RG!

This is what straining and finishing is all about!

You NEVER know when your block factors! pic.twitter.com/AnYj1fCxuT

— Duke Manyweather (@BigDuke50) December 1, 2025
Whatever Wagner told Martin here, it certainly worked! pic.twitter.com/5cEdTMgkZz

— Full Command (@CommandersHtt) December 1, 2025
Washington's 85 offensive plays were its most since it ran 88 in the 27-27 tie vs. Cincinnati in 2016 (in London).

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 1, 2025
According to TruMedia, Washington played 10 snaps of man coverage Sunday night. That gives them 15 snaps of man in the last two games. They averaged 17 such snaps per game in the first 10 weeks. Some can be a function of losing two press man CBs in Amos/Lattimore.

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 1, 2025
If I saw it correctly, the 41-yard pass play to Engram in OT was in zone.

The 31-yard pass play to Sutton earlier, in zone.

The 11-yard TD pass to Sutton on the crosser — in zone.

The #Commanders are better under DQ because they are playing better, not solely zone vs. man.

— Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) December 1, 2025
I just saw a great stat on @FoxSports.

QB's with a rating under 85 this season are a combined 37-111. Bo Nix is 5-0 in that situation this year.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 1, 2025
Some perspective on what Washington is playing for in their final 5 games: https://t.co/7EWjgOdARr pic.twitter.com/PRnXcCg7Xo

— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) December 1, 2025
J.J. McCarthy is symptom free, Kevin O'Connell says, and should emerge from the concussion protocol assuming he gets through a full practice Wednesday. He is their expected starter for Sunday's game vs. Washington.

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 1, 2025
No better fit

Congrats, Coach Pritchard! https://t.co/BHYGlYLKu6 pic.twitter.com/XMdN2w0UYe

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 1, 2025
Blough and Johnson will keep their current titles for the rest of the season. The team will have a formal process in the offseason to fill Pritchard’s role.

QBs coach is subject to the Rooney rule. https://t.co/s8zdsLHHSo

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 2, 2025
How the top ten of the NFL Draft looks with MNF on tap: pic.twitter.com/am3N0wsB5F

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) December 1, 2025
The #Giants have a 5-25 record in their last 30 games. pic.twitter.com/Df6zWdOVIC

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 2, 2025
Jaxson Dart traveled a distance of 42.63 yards scrambling around on this two-point conversion, per @NextGenStats 🤯

NYGvsNE on ESPN/ABC
Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN Apppic.twitter.com/Ppns1gvR1r

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) December 2, 2025
Marcus Jones has 3⃣ career punt return TDs of 80+ yards 😳🔥

NYGvsNE on ESPN/ABC
Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN Apppic.twitter.com/8XUCUwwadA

— NFL+ (@NFLPlus) December 2, 2025
The worst field goal attempt of all time. Aikman was belly laughing at the replay.

Younghoe Koo. Whaaaaat? pic.twitter.com/CiGijoEmfR

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 2, 2025
It’s officially called a sack, not a missed field goal. https://t.co/Z4sBThgcNf

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) December 2, 2025
Get out of bounds. Don’t run up the sideline for more. Just go out of bounds and avoid the contact. pic.twitter.com/tg2IBc331O

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 2, 2025
Jaxson Dart simply has to change how he plays. He has to protect himself. He can’t keep exposing himself to hits like these. He will not last.

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) December 2, 2025
Washington should keep those unis…

— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) December 1, 2025
A reminder that these Commanders uniforms are planned to be a part of their permanent wardrobe in 2026 🔥 https://t.co/KWj9VA3GcG pic.twitter.com/alaRutgwId

— Zach Cohen (@ZachCohenFB) December 1, 2025

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...impressed-against-denver-the-nfls-sack-leader
 
Daily Slop: 2 Dec 25 – Will Dan Quinn look for a new defensive coordinator in 2026?

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Commanders links

Articles​


ESPN

Treylon Burks, Commanders receivers shine in loss to Broncos


Washington lost its seventh consecutive game Sunday night, and second in a row in overtime, when a failed two-point conversion resulted in a 27-26 defeat against the Denver Broncos. But, amid the wreckage of their season, the Commanders can once more start to see what their offense could look like. When healthy, of course.

Quarterback Marcus Mariota, subbing for the injured Jayden Daniels, threw for 294 yards — the second-highest total of any QB against Denver this season. It also was the most a Washington quarterback has passed for in 2025.

Daniels, who dislocated his left elbow in Week 9 vs. Seattle, could return soon — possibly this week at Minnesota. When he does, it’s possible the Commanders will finally show what they had hoped to be offensively this season.

“Just the playmaking ability,” coach Dan Quinn said of what they finally started to see again. “Hopefully there’s some more guys on the way.”

Receiver Noah Brown, who hasn’t played since Week 2 and is on injured reserve with a groin injury, has returned to practice, but the 21-day window for his return has yet to open.

At 3-9 Washington’s playoff hopes will be extinguished with one more loss or another Eagles win, but that stopped being the focus long ago. Re-establishing their passing attack, when healthy, would at least provide a happy finish to a bad season.

“We’re all just trying to maximize who we are with this group before this thing’s over,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said last week, “and see what we can become.”



Commanders Wire

Commanders can’t hide their excitement over WR Treylon Burks


“In the short time that I’ve gotten to know him, I’ve sensed first like a hungry competitor, and uh, and we’ve seen that a lot where somebody needs a fresh start, a fresh space, a new outlook, and sometimes a new space to go do that and express who they are as a player,” Quinn said.Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

After Sunday’s game, Quinn and the Commanders were buzzing about Burks.

“His hunger index is high,” Quinn said after Sunday’s game. “Like this a guy that is wanting to prove it, and there’s always a space for that type of competitor here. Coming in, man, like this was a fresh space. And to see him express how important it is, how hard he wants to go compete, like it’s been cool to see. Everybody’s got a journey, you know, and sometimes they start one way and doesn’t have to stay that way. And coming here I felt nothing but intensity from him to go. And then even with his finger, ‘Okay, is it going to be out longer? Nope’. And so, if you saw the stitches when you come out, I think there’s no way this guy’s playing next week [laughs], and then all of a sudden he’s got a big splint on it. ‘Yeah, I’m good, I’m playing.’”

“I think there’s a lot there, and I’m really excited he’s here,” Quinn continued. “I just visited with him earlier tonight before I came in, just he’s got gratitude for being here, but he’s also to me, it’s back to him. It’s like, no, no, I’ve got gratitude for the way you’re working and the way you’re putting out effort, and there’s going to be a big plan for you here.”

Did you catch that last line? There’s a ‘big plan for you here.’



Commanders.com

Final thoughts | More updates on Jayden, Washington’s defense and the O-Line


Dan Quinn:

“Our team showed a lot of resilience and a lot of fight. And I would say we recaptured some of that, and that was needed. I felt the energy they displayed for one another, I felt it on the field, on the sideline. It was there all night and that was a good deal. These moments matter; these close fights matter. Afterwards in the locker room, man, this was like two teams throwing blows back and forth to one another and those are the fights that matter. You love being in them. And I thought although the two-point conversion didn’t go our way, a lot of the other winning time moments did. And I thought that was a big part. In this game, we played some complimentary football, had some punts and had some field positions. So, there were some things about it that I like not to be confused. I hate the result.”

“It might have been Sam’s [Cosmi] best game, so that was good. That I would feel like, bigger comp, I’m talking about across the board for them to go. I think they hadn’t played talented guys. He knows that all the time, but I just thought their stunts, their blitz package, that part was good. I felt like him and [T] Josh [Conerly Jr.] have felt more cohesive and like that continuity is helping because now they’ve been in that rhythm good bit together.”



Heavy.com

Commanders Still Have Big Hurdle to Clear With QB Jayden Daniels


As much as Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels says he wants to return from a dislocated left elbow to play this season, there are still benchmarks in place to make sure he doesn’t rush back.

One of those is — no surprise — a medical professional determining it’s safe for him to take contact. That hasn’t happened yet.

“Jayden Daniels still not cleared for contact – ‘he’s still going through that process.’ ” NBC Sports Washington D.C.’s JP Finlay wrote on his official X account on Monday, December 1. “Probably no official word til Friday.”



PFF (Premium content)

Pro Football Focus heaps praise on Josh Conerly


Pick No. 29: Washington Commanders: T Josh Conerly Jr.

  • Overall Rookie Grade: 58.0 (Rank: 6/7)
  • Principal Opponent: Jonathon Cooper
  • Week 13 Snaps: 90
  • Week 13 Grade: 76.9

For the second consecutive game, Conerly recorded the highest single-game PFF overall grade of his season. This time, it came at the expense of Denver’s elite defensive line. Across a whopping 59 reps in pass protection, Conerly didn’t allow any pressure while losing just three reps. Considering the opponent, he couldn’t have done much better. He added to that performance with a solid 73.4 PFF run-blocking grade, which marked his third straight game with a figure at least that high.

NFL Week 13: Rookie Team of the Week


We’ll be taking a look at who helped their teams the most in Week 13. A reminder that to qualify for this list, a player must have played at least 10 snaps.

Offensive Tackle: Josh Conerly Jr., WashingtonCommanders – 77.0

Conerly struggled to open his career but seems to be figuring things out, as he’s played three straight games with a PFF grade over 74.0 — with Sunday night’s overtime loss being his best performance. This streak of success has also included three straight run-blocking grades over 73.0, and he didn’t allow a pressure on 59 pass-blocking snaps against a Broncos defensive line that has otherwise wreaked havoc on offensive lines all season.


#Commanders HC Dan Quinn did an excellent job with his defensive play calling vs Denver. Not only did show the ability to disguise a variety of zone coverages, he paired certain coverages well to confuse the Broncos young QB. I broke it all down: https://t.co/HHfXJzIe1R pic.twitter.com/NurDsPjibU

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) December 1, 2025


A to Z Sports

The Commanders lost, but showed that they’re better than what we’ve seen all season


McLaurin missed eight games this season, and injuries have been a major factor in why the Commanders have a losing record. You have to imagine what this team would look like if he had been healthy for the whole season. We also saw Treylon Burks make a highlight reel one-handed catch for a touchdown, and he looks to be a weapon for this season and next.

Tight end Zach Ertz missed some big plays at times, but he also made some as well, and finished as the leading receiver with 10 catches for 106 yards. This offense could’ve been dangerous if McLaurin and Jayden Daniels stayed healthy all season, after doing this against the best defense in the NFL.



Commanders Wire

Will Dan Quinn look for a new defensive coordinator in 2026?


Quinn didn’t fire good friend Joe Whitt Jr., but reassigned him. Whitt remains with the team in a different role.

In two weeks as Washington’s defensive coordinator, there’s been a noticeable improvement on defense. Sure, the defense still has its issues, many of which are due to injuries, and those can’t be fixed during the season. But Quinn has made some defensive changes, such as playing less man coverage and more zone coverage. It’s almost a bend-don’t-break philosophy that is probably the Commanders’ best option for the remainder of this season.

Quinn has respect across the league. And he has job security. So, hiring a quality defensive coordinator wouldn’t be too difficult. But then Quinn would face a dilemma: hire someone who runs his style of defense — which could limit the candidate pool — or hire someone with different ideas?

What happens the rest of this season will likely help dictate which direction Quinn and the Commanders decide to go in the offseason.



Heavy.com

Bobby Wagner : Picks off pass in overtime loss


Wagner finished Sunday’s overtime loss to Denver with eight tackles (three solo) and an interception. Wagner paced Washington in stops in the loss, and he’s now recorded at least seven tackles in all 12 of the team’s contests this season. The veteran linebacker also notched his second pickoff of the campaign when he intercepted Bo Nix on the third play of the fourth quarter. Wagner has shown no signs of slowing down in his 14th NFL season, recording 115 tackles (including 2.0 sacks) and three defensed passes (including the pair of picks).


Podcasts & videos

NFL Week 13 Recap: Commanders fall to Broncos in OT 27-26 | Booth Review | Washington Commanders​


Broncos Survive Overtime Thriller 😳 | Broncos vs Commanders Review​


Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders Game Highlights | 2025 NFL Season Week 13​


World Cup (not) in DC


The Athletic (paywall)

Why Washington, D.C., the U.S. capital, won’t host 2026 World Cup matches


Two dozen officials from FIFA and U.S. Soccer made the trip that day from meetings in D.C. to the stadium then known as FedEx Field in Landover, Md. And it was on that tour, amid a wave of visits to potential host cities for the 2026 World Cup, that Washington’s candidacy tumbled.

On the bus, officials grew wary of the stadium’s inconvenient location. “How are we not there yet?” one asked — perhaps with an expletive mixed in — according to another person present.

And then, after they examined the stadium’s suites, its technological capabilities and other amenities, they privately questioned whether it was fit for the World Cup.

In the tournament’s 96-year history, host countries have almost always staged games in their capitals. The only two previous hosts that didn’t, West Germany in 1974 (Bonn) and Japan in 2002 (Tokyo), had matches less than an hour away via car. Washington, D.C., therefore, seemed like an obvious choice for the 2026 World Cup when the U.S., Canada and Mexico bid for hosting rights back in 2018. It was one of five suggested semifinal sites. Years later, it was one of 17 finalists to host the 78 stateside matches. And earlier this year, it was selected to stage Friday’s World Cup draw.

But it was not among the 11 metro areas chosen in 2022 by FIFA to host matches. The primary reason, people close to the selection process explained to The Athletic, is that FedEx Field, now called Northwest Stadium, the rundown home of the NFL’s Washington Commanders, was among the least attractive of the 17 proposed stadiums — and its then-owner was unwilling to upgrade it.

FIFA’s unfavorable reviews led D.C. and Baltimore, 40 miles northeast, to combine their bids and pitch an awkward arrangement: D.C. would headline the bid and host fan events, while Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium would host games. On the eve of FIFA’s selection show in June of 2022, the joint bid, despite inherent flaws, was still considered a strong contender.

But it seemingly lost out to a Boston bid backed by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a longtime soccer supporter who was quietly influential in bringing the 2026 World Cup to North America, and who’d built a personal relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Infantino and FIFA never fully explained the decision. When asked in 2022 why D.C. hadn’t been selected, then-World Cup chief Colin Smith said that the process had been “incredibly competitive.”

“This was a very, very difficult choice,” Smith added. Then he acknowledged: “It’s hard to imagine — in fact, you can’t imagine a World Cup coming to the U.S. and the capital city not taking a major role.” He floated the possibility of “a fan fest on the National Mall,” and Infantino interjected moments later to say there would be one.

But three-and-a-half years later, no such plans have been announced


NFC East links


The Inquirer

Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo’s house was vandalized after Bears loss, police confirm


Police said that eggs were thrown at Patullo’s house in Moorestown early Saturday morning.

Police confirmed that Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo’s house was vandalized early Saturday morning, two days before a viral video surfaced Monday depicting objects being thrown in the direction of a home.

According to the Moorestown Police Department, Patullo’s home was vandalized with multiple eggs at about 2:50 a.m. Saturday, hours after the Eagles lost, 24-15, to the Chicago Bears on Black Friday.

Patullo, the first-year Eagles offensive coordinator, has shouldered the brunt of the blame for the Eagles’ struggles on offense. A website calling for his firing surfaced. Fans chanted for him to be fired during the game Friday.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni reiterated Monday what he said Friday after the game: Patullo will remain the play-caller as the Eagles prepare for their Week 14 game at the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday.



Bleeding Green Nation

Eagles-Bears Film Review: Genuinely don’t understand how Kevin Patullo is still running this offense


All-22 analysis from Philadelphia’s Week 13 loss.

This game against the Chicago Bears was one of the most frustrating Philadelphia Eagles offensive performances of the season, which is really saying something after the past month! This was a tough one, and a long one. Why do I keep doing this to myself? Anyway, let’s do this… sigh.

Going back to more RPOs wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world. Right now, the Eagles desperately need something to avoid running into stacked boxes on early downs. And as basic as RPOs are, they at least help keep the offense on schedule with quick access throws. This season has lacked those cheap yards that once defined this system. Against the Broncos, RPOs helped stabilize drives and gave Hurts clean, straightforward answers. Since then? We haven’t seen them. The Eagles have instead become a team that calls zone runs into bad looks, gets nothing, and immediately falls behind the chains. At this point, if the staff isn’t going to fix the run game structurally, then adding more RPOs might help this offense.

[W]hat do good offenses do? They establish something, then fake it, then counter off it. The current Eagles offense barely counters anything. They call plays in isolation rather than in connected sequences. It makes the absence of this kind of layered design week-to-week even more painful.

Then we get to the run game, which is now an outright disaster. Not only is it lacking diversity, it’s essentially just inside zone or outside zone with no creativity, but the execution is abysmal.

This is amateur-hour stuff. The Eagles have a serious issue at tight end, which I’ve said all year. Goedert has been awful as a blocker this year. This play is exactly why the offense is unwatchable at times. They cannot move the ball on the ground against one of the worst run defenses in football. And because their run game is so predictable, so static, and so poorly designed, teams are teeing off on it. This run game isn’t fixable without a big structural change. And until the run game functions again, everything else on offense will remain harder than it needs to be.

[T]he QB run game needs to be part of the offense. Not the reckless shot-taking version where he charges into defensive tackles, but smart, controlled, strategic usage. Hurts doesn’t need to get hit. He just needs to be a threat. Right now, the Eagles are taking away one of their only pressure points because they’re afraid of injuries, and it’s costing them. I have consistently said this all season long, and I will not change my mind.

In 2025 so far, Hurts has completed 64.8% of his passes for 576 yards with no turnovers, while in 2024, he delivered 805 yards, five touchdowns, and a 106.6 rating on 65.3% accuracy. Go back to 2022, his peak efficiency stretch, and the numbers are even stronger: 1,062 yards, eight touchdowns, one interception, and a 119.7 rating on 65.6% accuracy. When asked to operate in the intermediate range, Hurts has repeatedly shown he can generate explosive gains without sacrificing control of the football.

Yet the Eagles’ usage trends tell a very different story. Hurts’ intermediate attempt rate has declined from 25.7% in 2020 to 15.8% by 2025, even though his efficiency in those very stretches remains high. The Eagles lean into intermediate concepts only when trailing, treating this part of the field as a last resort rather than a core offensive philosophy.

[T]he staff should define the rule (whatever it is, always break out, always break in, run a hitch, etc), just something to eliminate guessing. As I’ve said all year, the finer details matter. Instead, Hurts is forced to anticipate. This is what a poorly structured offense looks like. Quarterback confusion, route indecision and the scheme not helping.

[Jahan] Dotson has given the Eagles basically nothing this year. He runs lazy routes, has zero YAC threat, blocks badly, and has no usefulness as a gadget player. His route on this play is just awful. The Eagles need something different here next year.

13) I rarely pick on individuals, so I'll keep this short and sweet. The Eagles badly need a WR3 next year. Dotson has a ton of lazy routes like this, adds nothing as a gadget player who can create out of nothing and can't block well. It's turned out to be a terrible trade.

His… pic.twitter.com/AJjeWotXBV

— Jonny Page (@JonnyPage9) December 1, 2025

The overall picture is grim. Since the bye, this offense is averaging fewer than 17 points per game, and none of it feels fluky. The passing game lacks rhythm and identity. The run game is completely non-functional, producing nothing even against bad defenses. Hurts isn’t playing well. Structurally, the offense is bad, the design is basic, and the only time they look remotely coherent is when they’re trailing and forced into desperation mode.

I try not to call for jobs, but I genuinely don’t understand how Kevin Patullo is still running this offense. Nothing is improving. Nothing is building toward anything. It’s not one person’s fault, but at some point, change is necessary. I’m disappointed we have not made a change.



Blogging the Boys

The Cowboys suddenly feel like they can beat anyone


Looking at a winning record for the first time all season, Dallas has hope. At 6-5-1, they’re currently ninth in the NFC, just one spot behind the 7-5 Lions. Coincidentally, the Cowboys travel to Detroit to face the Lions next week. A win there would offer another exponential boost, increasing their playoff odds to a whopping 41% right before a two-game home stand.

Who could’ve imagined such a scenario just a few weeks ago? The list who could is very small, but count Brian Schottenheimer among them. He’s remained steadfast in his belief in this team all season long, and he’s being rewarded for it now.

After a rough start, fans were adamant that Schottenheimer needed to fire Matt Eberflus right away, insisting there was nothing he could do to justify staying around long term. Well, after averaging 0.172 EPA/play allowed over the first half of the year, good for 31st in the league, Eberflus has his unit allowing 0.000 EPA/play in their three games since the bye. That’s tied for 17th right now, though Monday Night Football is still pending in that data set.

Either way, the defense has made a considerable improvement. Adding good players will do that. But Eberflus has tweaked his scheme to incorporate his players’ strengths, too, most notably using more five-man fronts to get Quinnen Williams on the field with Osa Odighizuwa and Kenny Clark. And against both the Eagles and Chiefs, they’ve pitched a shutout for four full quarters.


Giants Top-5 pick Abdul Carter was benched by his coaches to start a game for the second time in three weeks tonight.

Things seem to be going great.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 2, 2025


Big Blue View

What did we learn from the Giants’ 33-15 loss to the Patriots?


I had an opening to this post all lined up before the game: About Brian Daboll, for all his shortcomings, knowing how to evaluate quarterbacks, and how tonight’s game would match the quarterback he wanted last year and couldn’t get against the quarterback he wanted this year and was able to get. About whether Jaxson Dart would tone it down a bit coming off his concussion and seek to avoid unnecessary contact. About how new defensive coordinator Charlie Bullen might be able to rally the defense with a more aggressive approach and make a game of it against the 10-2 New England Patriots, especially with the New York Giants’ best cornerback, Paulson Adebo, returning to the lineup.

None of it mattered, though, as the Giants laid one of their familiar eggs that they manage to every season. In 2023, it was the 40-0 opener vs. Dallas. Last year, it was their post-bye 30-7 shellacking by Tampa Bay after returning from the bye and releasing Daniel Jones. This year, it was tonight’s desultory showing in Foxboro, a 33-15 embarrassment of a game that was for all intents and purposes over by the end of the first quarter.

What did we learn from this sorry showing?

Mike Kafka had better get his resume ready

Kafka was 0-2 as interim head coach in his first two tries, but the Giants led both games and played spirited ball against better opponents. The defense let them down in the fourth quarter of both games, but that was at least partly attributable to the vanilla defensive scheme of defensive coordinator Shane Bowen. With Bowen jettisoned last Monday, there was hope that interim DC Charlie Bullen might get the Giants’ pass rush going, confuse Maye with disguised defenses, and give the Giants a chance to preserve a fourth quarter lead for a change.

What we got, though, was an embarrassment on both sides of the ball.

Maybe Abdul Carter should be benched at the start of every game

If Kafka wanted to make his case for head coach as a motivator and respected leader, tonight did not help. We learned tonight that there was yet another Abdul Carter incident this week of him apparently missing a meeting or some other team event, although Kafka refused to actually say that. Once again, Kafka benched Carter to start the game. Kafka apparently got the memo that sitting for the first series was not enough to get his message across. This time Carter cooled his heels for the entire first quarter.

Our long special teams nightmare isn’t finally over

The Giants are not Pro Football Focus’ lowest ranked special teams group. In fact they’re middle of the pack. It’s hard for me to imagine what truly bad special teams play is, if this is middle of the pack.


Upcoming opponent


Daily Norseman

Nincompoop of the Week – Vikings at Seahawks


The Minnesota Vikings went into Seattle to face the Seahawks, and it couldn’t have gone much worse. I won’t say it can’t get worse—because we all know it always can—but that was ugly. It was the first time the Vikings had been shut out since November 11, 2007. Max Brosmer got his chance to start, and he wasn’t ready. Poor blocking and dropped passes didn’t help him either. A 26-0 loss is a hard pill to swallow and highlights just how bad this team is right now.

Kevin O’Connell

KOC is on this list every week these days. He just can’t help himself on 4th or 3rd and short—he overthinks it every damn time. This time, he called a ridiculous play-action pass as the play clock was running low. The rushed play was blown up by the Seahawks. Brosmer made a bad play call even worse with a terrible decision. That effectively ended any chance the Vikings had at being competitive with the score at 10-0.

The defense is still playing strong, but the offense? It’s a disaster. More frustrating than the poor QB play is the overall offensive meltdown. Wide receivers routinely drop easy catches, the offensive line can’t block anyone, and the play-calling is an abysmal mess.

Did the Vikings play their worst offensive game ever by DVOA yesterday?

HOLY HELL YES.

No. 30 worst offensive DVOA game ever, even after adjusting for Seahawks D which is now No. 1 again.

30% worse than any other game. #Skol #Vikings pic.twitter.com/GN4Vl4rDhU

— Aaron Schatz 🏈 (@ASchatzNFL) December 1, 2025

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Articles​


The Athletic (paywall)

The NFL is seeing a pattern of officials botching the overtime coin toss


Prior to the overtime period beginning Sunday night, referee Land Clark led the captains for both teams in a coin toss at midfield. As the Broncos were the visiting team, Clark asked Broncos quarterback Bo Nix for his choice of heads or tails. The Commanders won the coin toss, so Clark turned to Commanders punter Tress Way to hear his choice.

“We’re going to kick that way,” Way told Clark.

Clark gave a quick nod before turning to Way again and asking, “Kick that way?”

“Kick that way,” Way reaffirmed.

Clark turned to Way again and reiterated in a half-question, half-statement tone, “you’re going to kick.”

Way then again confirmed the decision to kick. Clark turned to Nix and told him the Broncos would receive, going in the direction that Way selected.

“Washington’s choice,” Clark announced to the stadium as players from both teams dispersed. “They will kick this way.”

The issue is, it should not have been Washington’s choice for the option to kick or receive and choose the direction. The proper procedure would have been for Way to pick whether the Commanders wanted to kick the ball first or receive it. Then, Nix would have gotten the choice of the direction.

Instead, Way, intentionally or not, made both choices in a succinct sentence. Clark seemed to have some confusion, but perhaps given the relatively quick nature of the coin toss, he ultimately went with what Way said. Nix, nor any of the Broncos captains, for their part, didn’t jump in and ask for the correction, either.

On Sunday, things ended up being fine for the Broncos. They won the game after scoring a touchdown on their opening drive and then stopping the Commanders on a two-point conversion. But this mistake is becoming a pattern, as the referees allowed the same miscue last week when Russell Wilson (yes, he went out for the overtime coin toss) chose the ball and direction for the New York Giants in their game against the Detroit Lions. The Lions started with the ball and drove down for a touchdown, which the Giants couldn’t match as they turned the ball over on downs and Detroit won.

It also happened on Nov. 16 when the Carolina Panthers went to overtime against the Atlanta Falcons.

The week before, on Nov. 9 in Berlin, officials at the Indianapolis Colts game against the Falcons had to do the overtime coin toss over again after referee Clete Blakeman initially allowed the Colts — the designated home team for the game in Germany — to call the toss.

In late-season games with more extreme weather, the wind and field conditions could be even more important than who takes possession first and the NFL could have a problem on its hands if its officials continue to mess up the coin toss.


Discussion topics


Pro Football Talk

NFL RedZone has become ridden with commercials, with a big increase since Week 1


NFL RedZone Channel is now riddled with commercials, making a mockery of the league’s previous claims that the addition of commercials on RedZone would be limited in scope.

In Week One, the spin from the NFL was that commercials would barely be noticeable — only four short commercials during the whole seven-hour RedZone broadcast. According to Sports Business Journal, by Week 13 the NFL was running 16 ads during RedZone. Half of those feature the audio of a commercial that’s being shown in one box while football can be seen in another box. The other half take over much of the screen with banner ads while football can be seen on a smaller portion of the screen.

In many ways, the commercials on RedZone are worse than the commercials for any other broadcast. During a normal game, the commercials come at a predictable time, when the game is in a timeout and the announcers inform viewers that they’re going to a break. Viewers are prepared for those commercials. On RedZone, the commercials just interrupt the broadcast with no warning, suddenly appearing on the screen that a moment earlier had been showing football. You know, football — the “commercial free” thing the NFL once assured us we were going to watch when we paid for RedZone.


aBit o’Twitter

Tunsil continued his excellent season with his performance against Bonitto in Week 13. Every meaningful rep here. Tunsil is also having an elite season as a run blocker. So far should probably be 1st or 2nd team All-Pro based on the film pic.twitter.com/Ku5jG4YBt0

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) December 1, 2025
The following teams have scouts at Ohio State – Michigan today, per source:

• 49ers (including GM John Lynch)
• Commanders (x2)
• Eagles (x2)
• Bengals
• Lions
• Raiders

— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) November 29, 2025
Younghoe Koo on botched field goal: The ball was slipping so I pulled up. https://t.co/15Rsl9HkHa

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 2, 2025
Giants QB Jaxson Dart won't change his style: Big hits "just part of the game"https://t.co/oMN2NA89lA

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 2, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/daily-slo...-look-for-a-new-defensive-coordinator-in-2026
 
All aTwitter: 3-Dec-25 – Kickoff for the Week 16 game at Philly has been ‘de-flexed’ & changed to 5 pm EST

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The goal of All aTwitter is to give readers a detailed or quirky look, through the unique lens of Twitter, at the Commanders, the NFL, and sports in general, along with a smattering of other things.


Click here for Washington Commanders Beat Writers Twitter Feed


Click here for NFL News, Rumors & Reports Twitter Feed


Tip: If a tweet isn’t fully visible on your screen, clicking on the date at the bottom of the tweet will open it up individually in either the X app or your browser.

Schedule update 🗓️

Week 16 vs. the Eagles will kick off at 5:00pm pic.twitter.com/EGCwco8JAm

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 2, 2025
FOX Sports secures two, new exclusive broadcast windows in Week 16 for the 2025 NFL season.

The added doubleheader sets a record for most-ever by any network (11) and makes FOX the home of the most NFL windows this season (31).

🗒️: https://t.co/7sBXSTmzAR pic.twitter.com/sHJrTkDOxm

— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) May 12, 2025
We have made the following roster moves:
– Signed WR Robbie Chosen to the practice squad
– Released LS Zach Triner from the practice squad pic.twitter.com/SSEUWAsPBQ

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 2, 2025
A warm reception from the @Commanders after assistant Tavita Pritchard was named Stanford's head coach 👏#HardKnocks In Season with the NFC East premieres tonight at 9pm ET on @StreamOnMax pic.twitter.com/TNdTImZ0qf

— NFL (@NFL) December 2, 2025
Main takeaway from the "Hard Knocks" premiere: Dan Quinn's swear jar better be ginormous.

Also, good postgame speech.

"We lost, but we're not lost anymore." pic.twitter.com/eHoaJg1zlJ

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 3, 2025
Hard Knocks In Season with The NFC East begins tonight at 9pm on HBO and HBO Max. #RaiseHail    #HardKnocks pic.twitter.com/CWbaT08qUx

— Commanders27 (@Commanders27) December 3, 2025
Today is Giving Tuesday! Please help support My Cause My Cleats in honor of my late friend Kyren Lacy. If you're able please consider joining me in supporting a cause dear to me. #LLK2 #988 #MentalHealthAwareness https://t.co/GMBCPAOTaI pic.twitter.com/wEKoPPtvM0

— Jayden Daniels (@JayD__5) December 2, 2025
During the bye week, Bill hosted an event in his hometown. About 750 families were fed with cars lining up two hours before doors opened. 🫶 pic.twitter.com/c79eOQrejo

— Washington Commanders Community (@commandersCR) December 2, 2025
This was very cool: The @Commanders honored Richie Petitbon for winning one of @PFWAwriters' 2025 Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman Awards, given for lifetime achievement as an NFL assistant coach. The team had this on the big screen at Northwest Stadium during the 3Q vs. Denver. pic.twitter.com/pmQVShP6iX

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 2, 2025
Mikey Sainristil gave up the least yards (22), and lowest YAC (5.5) since week one.

no hate. no glaze. just numbers. #RaiseHail tho

— Deuce_Redzone (@redzoneinthelab) December 1, 2025
Washington, despite all of its injuries, has the following offensive rankings:

No. 11 in EPA/play
No. 12 in yards/play
No. 13 in 3rd-down efficiency
No. 10 in 4th-down efficiency
No. 2 in red-zone efficiency

Kliff Kingsbury is not getting enough credit for the job he's doing.

— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) December 2, 2025
#Commanders LT Laremy Tunsil is the fourth-highest paid tackle in the league with an AAV of 25M.

Rashawn Slater (28.5M) and Trent Williams are (27.5M) are one and two.

I'd imagine Tunsil seeks an extension of 30M+ in his next contract. Which could be this offseason. #RaiseHail https://t.co/yaGV5GlED3

— George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) December 3, 2025
temp-tweet.jpg

The Jeremy McNichols highlight reel you never knew you needed… pic.twitter.com/lDExh20eUR

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 2, 2025
Great reps by Chris Rodriguez and Sam Cosmi on what could've been a house call. CRod vision allowed him to quickly find backside gap. Very good leg drive and hand usage from Sam Cosmi, sending Denver's 3T into backside A gap. Super close.pic.twitter.com/dG8BJeS1QK

— Jamual (@LetMualTellit) December 2, 2025
Great rep for Laremy Tunsil v. Nik Bonitto who's in a wide alignment. Tunsil has elite foot quickness (no false start rep lol) to reach set point and quickly get hands on Nik. Active use of hands, uses arm length to drive Bonitto around the QB.pic.twitter.com/KJkDuAWxU9

— Jamual (@LetMualTellit) December 2, 2025
Vikings OC Wes Phillips was asked today what he feels is the key to staying a playoff team year-to-year. Thought the answer was fascinating: pic.twitter.com/TQMCNUX03z

— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) December 2, 2025
“Washington’s PLAYOFF HOPES are FAINT”

“They Need a Win to STAY ALIVE “

– HARD KNOCKS #Raisehail pic.twitter.com/bEbzuw2qBm

— Rio Robinson (@Rio_Robinson91) December 3, 2025
From @JoeNFL: Washington is eliminated from the WILD CARD and can only advance to playoffs as division winner (WAS can sweep PHI & have advantage over PHI at 8-9). WAS will be eliminated from playoff contention w 1) WAS loss/tie at MIN 2) PHI win/tie Monday night.

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 2, 2025
Screenshot_20251203_025517_X.jpg

Why does everyone force introverts to leave their comfort zone, but no one forces extroverts to shut up for a while? Why???

— Karun Pal (@karunpal) December 1, 2025

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...philly-has-been-de-flexed-changed-to-5-pm-est
 
Daily Slop – 3 Dec 25 – Loud & clear: Commanders are not interested in optimizing ‘26 draft position

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Commanders links

Articles​


Washington Times

LOVERRO: Play for draft position? Wrong message for this franchise


“What I can say is I can speak for every coach and player and just an unacceptable performance by us tonight,” Quinn said after their 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks four weeks ago.

This week, Quinn could stand up there and be proud of the performance he, his coaching staff, and his players put on against a Denver team with one of the toughest defenses in the league.

“I thought coming off the field, it just felt like those are the games you do love to be a part of, the absolute battles,” he told reporters after the game. “Two teams, like going for it, throwing punches back and forth and, you know, I hate the outcome, but I loved the fight.

“It’s been tough as hell for a while,” Quinn said. “And I thought our guys played hard as hell. All improving. I saw where we can get better and obviously there’s plenty of room to continue to do that, but man, it was nice to have some guys back.”

Taking solace in a loss has its dangers. For this franchise, it seemed like a measurement standard they had left behind. But having receiver Terry McLaurin (seven catches for 96 yards and one touchdown), who has missed seven games this season, and safety Will Harris, who was on the field for the first time since Washington’s 41-24 win Sept. 21 over the Las Vegas Raiders, seemed to have an impact and reason for optimism in a season destroyed by injuries.

A win over the Vikings would damage Washington’s draft standing for 2026. But, like valiant losses, those goals often measure losing franchises. The Commanders need to leave those standards behind.



The Athletic (paywall)

Amid losing streak, Commanders get strong showings from less heralded players


The offensive line

For a team that has attempted to rebuild for years, Washington may finally be able to say it has two of the most important position groups set: quarterback and offensive line.

The Commanders’ recent investments in the offensive line have paid immediate dividends and are vital for the offense to have any continuity going forward. It started last season, when they gave right guard Sam Cosmi a four-year, $74 million contract extension just before the opener, and continued into this offseason when they traded for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and drafted Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round to develop into their right tackle.

The Broncos produced an NFL-high 41.3 percent pressure rate in their first 12 weeks of the season, per Next Gen. However, in Washington, their pressure rate was 17.9 percent, their lowest in a game since Week 3 of the 2023 season, when they allowed 70 points to the Dolphins.

Tunsil — who allowed just two pressures in his 28 matchups with Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto, according to Next Gen — is working on one of, if not the, finest seasons of his career at 31 years old. His run blocking, especially, has been a boon for Washington, which has the fifth-highest rushing success rate (percentage of carries with a positive EPA) in the NFL through Week 13 at 46.0 percent.

The top NFL offensive tackles in Week 13, according to PFSN's Player OL Impact Metric ⤵

87.8 | Josh Conerly Jr., WAS
86.2 | Orlando Brown, CIN
86.0 | Andrew Thomas, NYG
85.8 | Darnell Wright, CHI
85.3 | Laremy Tunsil, WAS
83.2 | Abraham Lucas, SEA
83.2 | Ozzy Trapilo, CHI
83.1… pic.twitter.com/0aRDFEX1sO

— PFSN (@PFSN365) December 3, 2025

Jeremy McNichols

He’s…the team’s best blocking back and is having his best season yet as a runner.

McNichols’ blitz pickups against defenders who often have six inches and 30 or 40 pounds on him are art. He has the will to do it, plus the strength and power to not just hold defenders off, but flatten them.

As primarily a third-down back, McNichols’ speed and low center of gravity make him almost like a pinball as he spins and bounces off tackles to gain extra yardage.

McNichols' skill as a pass protector is the part I think a lot of people overlook.
This clip does a great job of demonstrating why No 26 is more valuable than most of us realize.
He's been a great addition to the team for 2 seasons now.#RaiseHail https://t.co/I6nWgsqxUo

— Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) December 3, 2025

McNichols’ 5.25 yards after contact per carry are the third-most among running backs with at least 10 rushes this season. Additionally, his 11 forced missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus, put him on pace for a career high this season.



Heavy.com

Bobby Wagner : Picks off pass in overtime loss


Wagner finished Sunday’s overtime loss to Denver with eight tackles (three solo) and an interception. Wagner paced Washington in stops in the loss, and he’s now recorded at least seven tackles in all 12 of the team’s contests this season. The veteran linebacker also notched his second pickoff of the campaign when he intercepted Bo Nix on the third play of the fourth quarter. Wagner has shown no signs of slowing down in his 14th NFL season, recording 115 tackles (including 2.0 sacks) and three defensed passes (including the pair of picks).



ESPN

2026 NFL draft order projections: Titans, Raiders, Saints at top


Each week during the season, ESPN’s FPI projects the draft order by simulating the remainder of the season 10,000 times. Game probabilities are based primarily on the model’s team ratings and game locations. The draft order is determined by the records the model projects for each team after 17 games, as well as each team’s average draft position across the simulations.

Our FPI predictions are currently giving the Titans the first pick in back-to-back years, but who is behind them in the top 10? Where could teams with two first-round picks end up selecting? Check out our full projections below ahead of Week 14.

7. Washington Commanders (3-9)

Average draft position:
6.7
FPI chance to earn top-five pick: 34.1%
FPI chance to earn top-10 pick: 91.5%



Commanders Wire

Commanders players and coaches don’t want to hear about draft position


To GM Adam Peters’ credit, he is already addressing those needs in any way he can. For instance, when the Titans gave up (in October) on 2022 first-round draft choice WR Treylon Burks, Peters claimed Burks the next week, hoping he would take advantage of his opportunity. There are still five games remaining, much to be done, much to be proven by Burks. But he has flashed some good ability.

Consider also, Peters went after DE Drake Jackson. Jackson, 24, unlike Burks, was not a first-round draft choice. Jackson was a second-round pick (61) in 2022 by the 49ers. In 23 games for San Francisco, he recorded six QB sacks. However in Week 8 (2023) he tore a patellar tendon in his knee. Then he missed all of 2024, and in May of 2025, Jackson still failed his physical and was released. The Commanders signed Jackson on October 15 and are hoping he can rehabilitate, recover, and rejuvenate his NFL career in Washington.

Those are two examples of attempts to fill needs via players released by their former teams. Another method will be the free-agent signing period next March, followed by April’s draft.

I can very much understand that Commanders players and coaches would be very much insulted if they heard fans cheering for them to lose to tank the season. Rightly so, they should be frustrated and disappointed with fans who have no more respect for the effort players and coaches put in during an NFL season.

Players and coaches work hard each week in preparation for the next game. Imagine putting in all that effort, then playing Sunday night into overtime, only to be exhausted and lose 27-26 on a failed two-point conversion. Then, on Monday morning, finding podcasters, YouTubers, and fans on social media, happy that the Commanders rose in their draft position.



Pro Football Focus (premium content)

NFL Separation Report: Best receivers at beating coverage to get open


What is Separation Percentage?

Separation percentage measures how often a receiver beats the coverage to get open rather than benefiting from a defense more focused on limiting yards after the catch or stopping them short of the first down.

This metric is not limited to just targeted routes. Instead, it looks at all routes run where a defense tries to prevent a receiver from getting open.

TEMP-pff-sep-rept-wr-wk-13.jpg



Pro Football Focus (premium content)

2025 NFL quarterback rankings ahead of Week 14


In this quarterback rankings breakdown, we’ve evaluated the top performers based on PFF passing grades. Using insights from Premium Stats, we’ll also present a variety of key grades beyond passing grade, including grades under pressure, from a clean pocket, against the blitz and more.

SORTED BY PASSING GRADE

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SORTED BY EPA/DROPBACK

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Pro Football Focus (premium content)

NFL offensive line rankings ahead of Week 14


8. Washington Commanders (Up 3)

Projected Week 14 starters:


LT Laremy Tunsil
LG Chris Paul
C Tyler Biadasz
RG Sam Cosmi
RT Josh Conerly Jr.

Washington flashed good offensive line play in Week 13 against the Broncos. Across 55 pass plays, the Commanders gave up five pressures, including just one sack, resulting in a 94.5 pass-blocking efficiency rating, which ranked second in the league.

Right guard Sam Cosmi is back to his old form after missing the start of the season due to injury. Cosmi earned a 90.4 PFF run-blocking grade against Denver, which ranked third among all offensive linemen in Week 13.

Best player: Laremy Tunsil

Tunsil’s 3.6% pressure rate this season ranks fourth among left tackles.

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Commanders.com

Commanders O-Line provide bright spot with strong performance vs. Broncos’ pass rush


Nik Bonitto and the Broncos’ pass rush only got to quarterback Marcus Mariota twice, and one of those was off a Broncos player touching Mariota as he lost his footing before taking off upfield.

Although the Commanders aren’t celebrating any moral victories from their 27-26 overtime loss to the Broncos, the offensive line’s performance was one of the biggest positives of the evening. The front, which includes two offseason additions and a 2022 seventh-round pick, has shown steady progress throughout the year and quietly become a strength for the offense. While the Commanders have plenty to examine once the season comes to a close, it seems like it could be part of a foundation to build around.

“I was pleased with the pass protection in the game,” head coach Dan Quinn said Monday. “It just felt like they were up for the challenge against a very good pass rushing unit blitzing as well.”

It was a priority for the Commanders to upgrade their offensive line this offseason after quarterback Jayden Daniels, the 2024 No. 2 overall pick and long-term answer at the position, was sacked 47 times.

Tunsil, 31, is the oldest starter. Cosmi signed an extension with the team last season; center Tyler Biadasz is under contract for at least another season; Paul will be a free agent this offseason, but Coleman is available if the Commanders decide not to re-sign him; and Conerly has four years left on his rookie contract.

Conerly, the rookie from Oregon has evened out his play after an up-and-down start to the season. He’s played every offensive snap this season and allowed just five pressures in the last four games, none of them being sacks.


The #Commanders offensive line did a great job against one of the top pass rushing units in the NFL on Sunday. I broke down how well they played as a unit and individually: https://t.co/n4Rik5h08B pic.twitter.com/r44AquVTkb

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) December 2, 2025

Podcasts & videos

Join @RealBramW and me at 7:30 ET tonight for a livestream. A much better showing. Where they're improved on D the most… Balancing playing the vets vs. young guys; Jayden's return (?); getting healthier to help evaluate this season better.https://t.co/ZMRX3A9VyA

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 2, 2025

Episode 1,209 – Marcus Mariota now has played enough to qualify for rate stats. He's 16th in QBR & 15th in EPA/play. Sign him to an extension.

Washington promotes David Blough
Continued ascension of Commanders' OL🔥🔥
DQ open to remaining DC

Wizards win!https://t.co/YuQcjOqJmR

— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) December 2, 2025

MUST-HAVE: Should Washington Commanders SIGN Brandon Aiyuk with Jayden Daniels Connection?​


Producing Hard Knocks in-season


Washington Post (paywall)

Lights, camera, Commanders: Washington makes its ‘Hard Knocks’ debut


Trout said one of the primary misconceptions about “Hard Knocks” is its intrusiveness. In reality, he said, players and coaches often forget the cameras are there after a few days.

“You hardly know they’re around,” said Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who experienced in-season “Hard Knocks” in 2022, his final year as coach of the Arizona Cardinals. “They don’t try to make you look bad and never have, never will. And we get final say. … It can be a positive, as long as you let it be.”

For Trout, piecing together a four-team episode can be a challenging puzzle. It’s not just that he is collecting footage and overseeing more than a dozen remote cameras and microphones in Ashburn but also that other directors and crews are working through the same process simultaneously in Frisco, Texas; East Rutherford, New Jersey; and Philadelphia.

Trout estimated they will collectively gather between 200 and 250 hours of footage per week through the end of the season, then try to condense all of that into an episode of an hour or less.

“We’re probably using one half of 1 percent of what we shoot,” Trout said.

NFL Films legend Steve Sabol famously used to compare the “Hard Knocks” production process to building an airplane while mid-flight. While it’s the same general concept as other behind-the-scenes sports staples such as “Formula 1: Drive to Survive” or “Full Swing,” Trout said it’s “a different beast” because it’s being assembled within a fraction of the time. Each episode can go through 12 to 15 iterations before it airs. And it’s common for actor Liev Schreiber, who narrates the series, to not even start recording until late Monday or the early hours of Tuesday — sometimes from wherever he is in the world, working on a movie or a show.

“What’d you call it? A frantic energy? Yeah. We all live on that frantic energy.”


NFC East links


Bleeding Green Nation

Instant reaction to ‘Hard Knocks: In-Season with the NFC East’ debut episode


If I had to give a one-word review of the debut episode, I’d simply say, “Boring.”

That’s ultimately good news for Eagles fans.

There is no drama bubbling to the surface on camera that the viewers see from the coaching staff, Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown or anyone else involved with the organization. There is no palace intrigue from what the front office thinks or how the coaches dissect the Birds’ current rough stretch. It’s just a series of glorified interviews and lowlights from the Eagles’ back-to-back losses to Dallas and Chicago.

Again, it’s kind of a relief that it all felt somewhat pointless. Hurts and Nick Sirianni say all the right things. There are no juicy subplots. It was 55 minutes of just… stuff.

Any Eagles fan terrified of pulling the curtain back on this hellacious turn of the season can breathe a momentary sigh of relief. There’s nothing to be gleaned from here, at least not yet.



Blogging the Boys

No matter how the season ends, Brian Schottenheimer has earned more


If you want a head coach like Ben Johnson, Sean McVay, or Kyle Shanahan, who are arguably more famous for their offensive strategy than their leadership, then Schottenheimer’s not your guy. That’s not a knock on his offensive acumen, but he’s hardly a young innovator. Dallas will need to keep him supported by quality coordinators on both sides of the ball, but that’s no insult. That formula has worked for a long time in Pittsburgh, where Mike Tomlin’s leadership is the key to his head coaching success. Andy Reid has been bolstered by top coordinators in Kansas City throughout their championship run. These guys still have influence, particularly on the sides of the ball they came up through as coaches. But first and foremost, you think of them for how they handle the primary duties of the big chair.

Brian Schottenheimer is proving that he belongs in that chair. Is he the right guy for the Cowboys for the next decade? That remains to be seen. The pressure and noise that come with this franchise have been too much for some. But at least so far, this Cowboys team feels more united and motivated under his leadership than in recent memory. He’s earned the right to keep installing his system and culture in 2026, no matter how this season ultimately ends.



Blogging the Boys

Joe Schoen understands our questions


Schoen said “I understand the question” six times during a roughly 22-minute press conference. That is usually coach-speak or GM-speak for “I know what you want me to say, but I am not going to.” Each time, and several other times when he said he understood something or other, Schoen deflected to a non-answer kind of answer.

Just one word of advice for Schoen. If you think the New York media was out for blood, don’t read the comments section of the livestream from the Giants YouTube channel. Those folks were more aggressive than Patriots defenders trying to separate Gunner Olszewski’s head from his body on Monday night.

There was one recurring theme in #Giants GM Joe Schoen’s press conference today…

(🎥 @nypostsports) pic.twitter.com/EI4P3RKVuX https://t.co/6r8qT0wSQn

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 2, 2025

Upcoming opponent


Daily Norseman

Key takeaways from the nearly hour-long firestorm

  • Coaching staff has “lost the locker room” — effort is pathetic, receivers quitting on routes, offensive line playing out of sorts.
  • Kevin O’Connell has NEVER succeeded with a QB under 27; young signal-callers lack the mechanical foundation his offense demands.
  • Wes Phillips, Josh McCown, and OL coach Chris Kuper are likely gone; Forness wants fresh creative voices to revive the “illusion of complexity.”
  • Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s lack of Day-2 capital and questionable youth bets have cratered the roster; Forness is losing faith fast.
  • Max Brosmer’s debut was historically bad (worse EPA/play than Josh Freeman); blame falls mostly on coaches for thrusting him in unprepared.
  • Paul Allen noted the Wilfs were mysteriously absent from pre-game sidelines — a massive red flag that heads could roll soon.
  • Justin Jefferson skipping media and looking disconnected raises real trade-request concerns if the vision keeps crumbling.


Daily Norseman

Vikes Views: Rooting for Wins or Better Picks?


The Minnesota Vikings are no longer in the playoff hunt. The team is breaking in their new QBs and it’s not gone as planned. We’ve reached the point where the age-old argument starts. Do you root for the team to win over the next five weeks, or do you actually want to see the Vikings lose out? There are plenty of people that will tell you what makes one view better or worse or what makes you a true fan. I’m not worried about that and I’m not passing judgement either way.

Why root for a win?

Winning “culture” is hard to establish. Even if the coaches and GM are secure in their position with the team, it helps to build a winning culture. Also, it’s more fun to win. If you don’t enjoy the Vikings winning, are you even a fan? My fantasy team also would like some points from Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Aaron Jones.

Why root for a loss?

The most obvious is a higher draft pick. The more they lose, the better the pick will be in the Spring. There’s also a more sinister reason: you’re hoping someone gets fired. KOC, Kwesi, someone else. Maybe a more subtle change of play calling duties being passed on could land you here too.


NFL league links

Articles​


ESPN

Steelers claim veteran WR Adam Thielen, waive CB Darius Slay


The team was awarded former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen off waivers Tuesday. The addition came amid a flurry of moves that also saw the Steelers waive veteran cornerback Darius Slay. Additionally, the Steelers are signing cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to the active roster from the practice squad, a source told ESPN.

Thielen was waived by the Vikings a day after he was a healthy scratch in the team’s 26-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Thielen’s agent asked for a release last week as the 35-year-old receiver sought to make a greater contribution elsewhere in the final weeks of his final season before retirement. Once Minnesota’s wide receiver corps returned to full strength following Jordan Addison’s reinstatement, Thielen’s role dwindled. He played just three snaps in his final game against the Packers in Week 12.

“Since this past Spring, I knew this was going to be my last season playing in the National Football League,” Thielen wrote in a post on social media. “Given that, the Vikings allowed me the opportunity to go compete elsewhere for the last few weeks of my career.”

Thielen now lands with a Steelers team that has struggled to generate much offense this season. With Rodgers, who turned 42 on Tuesday, at the helm, the Steelers’ passing attack is 24th in the league, averaging just 187.8 yards per game. DK Metcalf, acquired by the Steelers in a blockbuster trade this spring, leads the team with 605 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions but is averaging a career-low 50.4 yards per game. The receiver depth behind Metcalf is lacking, too, after another Steelers trade sent George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys in the offseason. Calvin Austin III has the next most yards among Steelers wide receivers with 278, and he’s averaging just 27.8 yards per game.

After completing under 50% of his pass attempts in a 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Rodgers seemingly called out his wide receivers when asked how he could get on the same page with them, particularly on the deep balls.

“When there’s film sessions, everybody shows up,” Rodgers said of how to solve the issues. “And when I check to a route, do the right route. Like, Jonnu [Smith] and I just weren’t on the same page. I checked to the in-breaker, and he ran the out-breaker. You know, Jonnu is a true professional, so I’m sure he’s sick about that.”

Fresh off winning the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, Slay signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Steelers in free agency and started nine games in Pittsburgh this season. He missed the Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a concussion sustained in a Week 10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, and when he returned for the Week 12 game against the Chicago Bears, he came off the bench as former undrafted free agent James Pierre moved into the starting role opposite Joey Porter Jr.

Slay played just 20 snaps (30.8%) against the Bears, his fewest of the season other than the injury-shortened Chargers game. Slay finished his brief Steelers tenure with 3 passes defensed, 1 fumble recovery, 36 total tackles and 1 tackle for loss. With Slay inactive against the Bills, the Steelers had to turn to Samuel when Pierre exited with a concussion.


Discussion topics


Pro Football Talk

Ben Roethlisberger: I like Mike Tomlin, but maybe it’s house-cleaning time


Ben Roethlisberger played his entire 18-year career with the Steelers, and the final 15 of those years were for Mike Tomlin. Roethlisberger thinks it might be time for the Steelers and Tomlin to separate.

Roethlisberger said on his podcast that he thinks the Steelers might be better off with a new coach and Tomlin might be better off with a new job.

“It’s being talked about around here a lot: Maybe it’s a clean-house time. Maybe it’s time,” Roethlisberger said. “I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin. But maybe it’s best for him, too. Maybe a fresh start for him is what’s best. Whether that’s in the pros, maybe go be Penn State’s head coach. You know what he would do in Penn State? He would probably go win national championships. Because he’s a great recruiter.”

Roethlisberger isn’t advocating for the Rooney family to fire Tomlin, but is advocating for an honest conversation in which all parties admit things aren’t working and that everyone might be better off with a fresh start.

“Here’s what you don’t do: You don’t fire a guy like Coach Tomlin,” Roethlisberger said. “He’s a Hall of Fame head coach, he’s respected. What you do is you come to an understanding and agreement, and it’s like, ‘Hey, listen, I think it’s probably best for both of us.’”

The Steelers have had only three head coaches since 1969. Chuck Noll spent 23 years on the job, followed by Bill Cowher for 15 years, and now Tomlin has been the coach for 19 years. The Steelers like to have stability, but eventually every coach has to go.

“You go, ‘Hey, coach, listen, it’s probably best for all parties involved, let’s start over.’ It happened with Chuck Noll, it happened with Coach Cowher,” Roethlisberger said said. “Coach Tomlin’s been here a long time. You’d give him a statute, whatever you’ve got to do, because he deserves it, he’s earned it. But it’s time to find that next guy. Who’s that next guy that could be here for the next 20 years?”

Roethlisberger compared the Steelers’ situation to the Eagles when they parted ways with Andy Reid. That worked out for both parties, as the Eagles have won two Super Bowls since then, and Reid has won three Super Bowls with the Chiefs. Roethlisberger said Tomlin might like the idea of trying that himself.


aBit o’Twitter

Jayden Daniels, Justin Jefferson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and CeeDee Lamb are ready for NFL Christmas Gameday. ARE YOU?

🏈 Cowboys vs. Commanders @ 1 PM ET
🏈 Lions vs. Vikings @ 4:30 PM ET

LIVE on Netflix December 25 pic.twitter.com/6oKcNlK8pv

— Netflix (@netflix) December 3, 2025
Yep because we lack draft capital. #Raisehail https://t.co/GaiPdVvaJV

— #SHULTZIE ⚒️ (@SHULTZIE79) December 3, 2025
Bill Belichick vs. Robert Kraft to get in the HOF?

Those two were named finalists—one the coaches nominee, the other the contributors—along with seniors nominees Roger Craig, LC Greenwood and Ken Anderson. As we said last month, it'll be tough for both BB and RKK to get in. 👇 pic.twitter.com/i0WYVJzhFN

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 3, 2025
The way the rules work … Voters can vote for up to three of the five, and those guys need 80% of the vote to get in. This new system makes it difficult (though not impossible) for both a contributor AND coaches nominee to make it in the same year.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 3, 2025
Joe Jacoby did not make the 3 finalists for the senior selection for the Hall of Fame. Travesty.

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 3, 2025
The continued disrespect of Redskins greats by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's voting process is ridiculous. @JoeJacoby66HOG, @BMITCHLIVE30 and @LFletcher59 all should have gotten inducted into the HOF years ago.

— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) December 3, 2025
Peter King used to say that the advocate in the room for him wasn’t strong enough? Any word on that?

— David Slotkin (@slotty127) December 3, 2025
i think thats been an issue

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 3, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/daily-slo...ot-interested-in-optimizing-26-draft-position
 
Commanders vs Vikings Wednesday Injury Report: Noah Brown’s on track to be activated this week

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The Washington Commanders held their first full practice of the week today. Dan Quinn gave injury updates before practice. Jayden Daniels isn’t cleared for contact, but will continue practicing as he works to return from a dislocated left elbow. He has missed the last three games due to the injury, and will miss another if he’s not cleared to practice fully this week.

Three players didn’t practice today due to injury, with another three getting their typical vet rest days. DE Drake Jackson is still on injured reserve for a patellar tendon injury that has kept him off the field since 2023. He has also been listed with a new groin injury since last Thursday. The Commanders opened his 21-day practice window to return from IR when the team was in Spain, and he could be running out of time to get activated, and play this season. Dan Quinn talked about him getting into football shape as he returns from an extended absence, but that could take him into next offseason.

Veteran LB Bobby Wagner didn’t practice today, and was listed with a new knee injury. DT Javon Kinlaw didn’t practice today with a new back injury. Frankie Luvu has been listed with a shoulder injury since injuring it in Week 10 vs the Lions, but he’s played every game. He was listed as limited again today.

WR Noah Brown has been on Injured reserve since suffering a groin injury vs the Packers in Week 2. Dan Quinn was optimistic that he’ll be activated from IR this week, and return to play on Sunday. He was a full participant today, and had one full practice in last week on Thursday.

Long snapper Tyler Ott missed the Broncos game due to a back injury, but he was a full participant in today’s practice. The team signed Zach Triner to the practice squad and elevated him to play against the Broncos, but he’s already been released and Ott should play vs the Vikings.

Wednesday injury report#WASvsMIN | #RaiseHail

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 3, 2025
The #Vikings first injury report of the week pic.twitter.com/5x8r8UpHWv

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 3, 2025

DNP​


DE Drake Jackson – Gets another week to get in football shape (patellar tendon), also listed with a new groin injury

LB Bobby Wagner – Didn’t practice with a new knee injury

Javon Kinlaw – Didn’t practice with a new back injury

Limited


QB Jayden Daniels – Not cleared for contact this week

LB Frankie Luvu – Suffered shoulder injury vs Lions

Full​


WR Noah Brown – Expected to be activated from IR (knee/groin) and play his week

LS Tyler Ott – Missed Broncos game with a back injury

Vet Rest Day


TE Zach Ertz

OLB Von Miller

LT Laremy Tunsil


No Injury Designation​


WR Treylon Burks – Had finger surgery before the bye, caught TD vs Broncos

WR Terry McLaurin – Returned from quad injury vs Broncos

S Will Harris – Activated from IR (fibula) and played vs Broncos

WR Chris Moore – Full participant last two days with a new shoulder injury

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/washingto...oah-browns-on-track-to-be-activated-this-week
 
Washington Commanders Roster Moves: Drake Jackson activated; Safety requests release

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The Washington Commanders have announced they are activating DE Drake Jackson from injured reserve. He hasn’t played since 2023 when he suffered a patellar tendon injury while playing for the 49ers who drafted him in the 2nd round the year before. He had also been listed with a new groin injury since last Thursday. The Commanders opened his 21-day practice window to return from IR when the team was in Spain to play the Dolphins. Dan Quinn talked about him getting into football shape as he returns from an extended absence, and it looks like they’re ready for him to take the next step in his return to football.

The Commanders lost their top three DEs already this season, and have been signing players off the street and moving players around to fill the position. Drake Jackson might not be active this week when Washington visits the Minnesota Vikings, but he would be a welcome new face to the defense that has head coach Dan Quinn calling plays.

We have made the following roster moves:
– Activated DE Drake Jackson from the Reserve/Injured List
– Released S Darnell Savage pic.twitter.com/EWs2IQTJQ8

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 4, 2025
Def InterceptionsFumblesTackles
SeasonAgeTeamLgPosGGSIntYdsIntTDLngPDFFFmbFRYdsFRTDSkCombSoloAstTFLQBHitsSftyAVAwards
202221SFONFLDE15010008000003.014863602
202322SFONFLDL8000001000003.07432301
2 Yrs23010009000006.0211295903
17 Game Avg17010007000004.416974702

Defense & Fumbles Table
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 12/4/2025.

There were reports earlier today that S Darnell Savage had requested his release, and the Commanders were expected to grant his request. Washington made that official, and his release opened up a spot for Jackson to get activated from IR. Savage was signed by the Commanders in late September a week after he was released by the Jaguars. Savage was active for 8 games, but was a healthy scratch last week after Will Harris was activated from IR. S

#NFL veteran safety Darnell Savage has requested to be released and #Commanders are expected to grant his request, per league sources @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/9nV0SwQurh

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 4, 2025

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/washingto...ake-jackson-activated-safety-requests-release
 
Thursday Night Football: Dallas Cowboys @ Detroit Lions

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Week 14 of the 2025/26 season kicks off with an NFC matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Detroit Lions. The Cowboys have won their last three games, including against the Eagles and Chiefs the last two weeks. Dak Prescott has led the team as Dallas pushes for a playoff spot, and the division with Philly losing two in a row. The Lions have been a hot and cold team, and are coming off a home division loss to the Packers on Thanksgiving. They need this win to hold off teams like the Cowboys, but might not be able to keep up with them in this shootout waiting to happen.

Matchup: Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1) vs Detroit Lions (7-5)

Date/Time: Thursday, December 4 | 8:15 p.m. ET

Location: Ford Field | Detroit, MI

TELEVISION: Amazon Prime Video

Mike Tirico (play-by-play)

Kirk Herbstreit (game analyst)

Kaylee Hartung (sideline reporter)

RADIO: Sirius XM NFL

Dallas: XM/SXM 226, Internet 808

Detroit: XM/SXM 225, Internet 810

National: 88

Live Streaming: Amazon, NFL+, fuboTV

Odds: Lions -3.5, 54.5 O/U

Dallas: +146

Detroit: -174

Prediction: Cowboys 37 – Lions 34

SB Nation Blogs: Blogging the Boys | Pride of Detroit


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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthread/391928/thursday-night-football-dallas-cowboys-detroit-lions
 
Commanders vs Vikings Friday Injury Report: Two players ruled out, two questionable

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The Washington Commanders held their third, and final full practice of the week today. Dan Quinn announced that Jayden Daniels is starting vs the Vikings on Sunday. This is his first game back since dislocating his left elbow vs the Seahawks in Week 9. He practiced last week, but wasn’t cleared for contact, and Marcus Mariota got another start during an injury-filled season. Quinn said that Daniels had a good week, and it will be good to see him back on the field.

Two players have been ruled out for the Vikings game. DE Drake Jackson was activated from injured reserve (patellar tendon) yesterday, but hasn’t practiced all week. He has been sidelined since 2023, and will continue to miss time as he gets back into football shape. The Commanders needed to activate him this week, or he would have been shut down for the season. Backup OT George Fant was added to the injury report late yesterday with a knee injury, and he’s been ruled out. He has only been inactive for four games this season, and has only played on special teams.

Two players are listed as questionable. Veteran LB Bobby Wagner got his first practice of the week in today, and Dan Quinn said he looked good after not practicing all week. He’s listed as questionable with a new knee injury. WR Noah Brown is also expected to be activated from IR tomorrow, and play on Sunday. He’s been out since suffering a groin injury in Week 2, and will join Terry McLaurin who also returned from injury (quad) last week. Brown had a planned rest day today, like McLaurin did last week before he returned.

#WASvsMIN game status

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 5, 2025
Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/6NjNFVm1wh

— Washington Commanders PR (@Wash_PR) December 5, 2025

OUT​


OT George Fant – Added to injury report with a knee injury yesterday, DNP today

DE Drake Jackson – Activated from IR today, but hasn’t practiced since last Thursday

Questionable​


WR Noah Brown – Expected to be activated from IR (knee/groin) and play his week

LB Bobby Wagner – First practice of the week with a new knee injury

No Injury Designation​


QB Jayden Daniels – First full game since dislocating left elbow

DT Javon Kinlaw – Didn’t practice with a back injury Wednesday, full the last two days

LB Frankie Luvu – Suffered shoulder injury vs Lions

LS Tyler Ott – Missed Broncos game with a back injury

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/washingto...report-two-players-ruled-out-two-questionable
 
Daily Slop: 5 Dec 25 – Dan Quinn confirms that Jayden Daniels will start vs the Vikings on Sunday

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Commanders links

Articles​


Washington Post (paywall)

Commanders quarterly report: After 12 games, it’s time to look to 2026


There are some positives even in a seven-game losing streak, but Washington is merely playing out the string at this point.

[T]he Commanders have seen some positives in recent weeks. They’ve gotten healthier and were more competitive in consecutive overtime losses to the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos. They won’t meet the expectations they set for themselves coming into this season, but it feels more likely they could end this year on a high note.

Although the losses keep piling up, this team clearly hasn’t given up. The focus, effort and energy is there; the Commanders just haven’t been good enough to win.

McLaurin’s impact can’t be overstated

Terry McLaurin played only 51.1 percent of the Commanders’ offensive snaps Sunday — he was on a pitch count in his first game back from injury — but he made his presence felt. His stat line of seven catches for 96 yards and one touchdown was impressive, but his impact ran deeper.

On Treylon Burks’s spectacular touchdown grab, he was left in single coverage partially because of McLaurin’s gravity. The Broncos were in a single-high safety formation on the play. The safety shaded toward McLaurin’s side, which left Burks in a one-on-one situation.

With McLaurin on the field against the Broncos…the Commanders faced a loaded box on zero runs, and they ran the ball 10 times for 69 yards and one touchdown.

Tunsil has been a standout

Tunsil is set to be on an expiring contract next season, which means he’ll likely be in search of an extension this offseason. It will be interesting to see if he and General Manager Adam Peters can find common ground on a price. McLaurin’s lengthy negotiations caused him to miss most of training camp. Peters should aim to avoid that with Tunsil.



Commanders.com

Bobby Wagner named Commanders Club Winner for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award


He has been an advocate for mental health and social justice reform, working with lo cal nonprofits and participating in NFL initiatives like Inspire Change along with establishing a partnership with Children’s National Hospital to launch the Phenia Mae Fund —named in honor of his mother through his FAST54 initiative — in support of the hospital’s pediatric stroke program, marking the fourth such fund he has established for stroke prevention.

Wagner has been a dedicated champion for entrepreneurship, venture capital, and business development. His commitment is evident in initiatives like the Tackle Everything Tech Tour, most recently completing his third tour in Washington, D.C., through which he highlights the importance of building generational wealth and exposing youth to different industries and leaders in the business and tech space.

“To be nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award is truly an honor and a blessing ,” said Wagner. “Serving the community continues to be a rewarding part of my life and I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep pouring into places and people that have become part of my story.”

Wagner leads through consistency and genuine care, using his own actions to set the standard. He invests his time directly in community , volunteering at shelters, supporting holiday programs, and providing meals and essential supplies to underserved families. His humility and relentless work ethic continue to inspire everyone around him, and his commitment to giving back has become a defining part of who he is, both on and off the field.

All 32 club winners will be recognized for their achievements during the week leading up to Super Bowl LX in the Bay Area. The national winner of the 2025 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide will be announced during NFL Honors, a primetime awards special airing on Thursday, Feb. 5.

Each of this year’s club winners supports a range of causes and initiatives off the field, including uplifting underserved communities, empowering young people to lead healthy lifestyles , and many other notable causes. The charitable beneficiary of each team’s club winner will receive up to $55,000, and the nonprofit chosen by the overall national winner will receive up to $265,000. All funds are donations courtesy of the NFL Foundation an d the Nationwide Foundation.

Fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide’s annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year club winner. Fans can vote on X/Twitter by posti ng #WPMOYChallenge along with the last name/X handle of their chosen player or by voting directly on NFL.com/ManOfTheYear. The charitable beneficiary of the player who receives the most collective hashtag mentions and online votes will win an additional $3 5,000 donation from Nationwide.



Heavy.com

Drake Jackson : Doesn’t practice after activation


Jackson (knee) didn’t participate in practice Thursday. On the same day the Commanders activated Jackson from IR, the fourth-year defensive end remained sidelined at practice. Washington waited until the last day of Jackson’s 21-day practice window to activate him, so it seems both that the team expects him to play again this season and that Jackson’s ramp-up is going slowly. With that and his consecutive DNPs this week in mind, it doesn’t seem likely that Jackson will be ready to return to action Sunday versus Minnesota, though his status should be more clear upon the release of Friday’s injury report.



Commanders Wire

Commanders’ fans should be excited about rookie T Josh Conerly Jr.


After the weekend slate, PFSN updated its Player OL Impact metric for Week 13. Right guard Sam Cosmi and right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. both graded out as top five linemen for the week.

Cosmi earned the No. 1 spot with an elite 92.5 grade, while Conerly came in at No. 4 with an 87.8 grade. The only players above Conerly were Cosmi, who is a guard, and Bradley Bozeman and Ted Karras, who are both centers. This means the Commanders had the best guard and the best tackle in Week 13.

The Commanders already have one of the best tackles in the league in Laremy Tunsil, so if Conerly keeps improving, the team could boast one of the best tackle duos in the league. Cosmi, meanwhile, is under contract through the 2028 season, meaning the team’s offensive line should be in good shape going forward.



ESPN

NFL Week 14 picks, predictions, schedule, odds, fantasy tips


Commanders (3-9) at Vikings (4-8)

1 p.m. ET | FOX | MIN -2.5 (42.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Commanders: Sunday will provide another test for Washington’s offensive line, which has continued to improve thanks in part to rookie RT Josh Conerly Jr.’s growth. Since the Commanders’ Week 6 bye, the Vikings have blitzed on 58% of opposing QB dropbacks. LB Eric Wilson’s pressure rate of 23.5% is the highest of any player who has rushed the QB at least 100 times this season. But Washington did a good job versus Denver’s pass rush, allowing only two sacks to the NFL’s best unit. The Commanders have allowed only five sacks over the past three games combined, led by LT Laremy Tunsil. “He’s been phenomenal. … It’s hard to find [a left tackle] that’s played better,” offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. — John Keim

What we’re hearing on the Vikings: Coach Kevin O’Connell this week imposed a new set of priorities on QB J.J. McCarthy, who will return to the lineup after a concussion kept him out last week. Instead of focusing on mechanics and footwork, O’Connell wants him to concentrate on decision-making. “I want him to have a clear head and a clear mind to just go play,” O’Connell said. Those decisions don’t just include where to throw the ball, but also when to run and how to protect himself when he does. “He can impact the game athletically,” O’Connell said, “but it can’t come at a cost of not having him in there.” — Kevin Seifert

Stat to know: Commanders QB Marcus Mariota has had four straight starts with at least 200 passing yards and a passing TD, the second-longest streak of his career after a seven-game run in 2016. — ESPN Research

Injuries: Commanders | Vikings

Maldonado’s pick: Commanders 23, Vikings 20
Moody’s pick: Commanders 23, Vikings 16
Walder’s pick: Vikings 23, Commanders 19
FPI prediction: WSH, 50.4% (by an average of 0.1 points)



NFL.com

NFL Week 14 picks: Upset and score predictions, matchup breakdowns for every game

temp-vikings-predicitons-nfl-com.jpg

Why Tom picked the Commanders: Something is (probably) going to happen this Sunday that has happened just once since Oct. 6: Washington or Minnesota is going to win a game.

I’m making the somewhat vibes-based choice to back the group that has shown far more fight lately. Over the past four weeks, the Vikings have been outscored by a combined 53 points, the worst differential in the NFL in that span, translating to a gulf of nearly two touchdowns per game.

The Commanders’ mark since Week 10 (-26) isn’t necessarily all that hot, either, but it’s much further in the right direction, and it reflects a pair of very narrow losses to one middling opponent (Miami) and one contender (Denver).

None of the units involved in this game have been great, but two have been respectable: Washington’s offense (12th in EPA per play) and Minnesota’s defense (11th in EPA per play).

If the Vikings’ quarterback situation didn’t scare me so much, I might be tempted to go with the more potent defense at home. Whether Jayden Daniels is back or Marcus Mariota gets another start, I feel far more confident placing my faith in either of them than J.J. McCarthy, returning to the helm of the NFL’s second-worst passing attack in EPA per dropback.


Podcasts & videos

J.J. McCarthy Makes and Breaks + ELITE NFL Play Sequencing | Film Breakdown | Washington Commanders​


“I take it as disrespect” Treylon Burks’ BIG TIME catch + Virgil Seay & the Fun Bunch | Next Man Up​


It's me. On video. Talking about Jayden Daniels and what's up for this week. https://t.co/JzXk0GEtQU

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 4, 2025

NFC East links


Blogging the Boys

10 thoughts on the Cowboys 44-30 Thursday night loss to the Lions


Defense didn’t have it

It was great while it lasted, but the Cowboys’ defense didn’t bring the ‘A’ game to this one. At times, they made some plays, but far too often, they gave up big yardage plays to the Lions’ playmakers. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs all had receiving plays over 25 yards. David Montgomery had a 35-yard rushing touchdown. Jared Goff had over 300 yards passing. At the end of the day, the Lions’ offense beat them in a multitude of ways as the Cowboys gave up over 400 yards and surrendered 44 points.

Turpin is broken

It’s tough to understand what goes through the head of KaVontae Turpin when he fields punts. Whenever he should let the ball bounce, he doesn’t. When he should field it, he doesn’t. And whenever he tries to call a fair catch, apparently, he doesn’t do that either. For the second-straight game, Turpin has been flagged for an illegal fair catch. While that seems silly, he’s also just not doing much good in the return game. He didn’t elude anyone and just ran straight into the defender. Meanwhile, the Lions had some tight-end-looking fella running back kicks, and he was taking them out to the 50-yard line, setting up his offense quite nicely. That’s not supposed to be how this works.



Sports Illustrated

3 takeaways from Dallas Cowboys’ crushing loss to Lions in Week 14


Matt Eberflus is back under fire

The Cowboys’ defense had turned things around over the past three weeks, holding their own against two Super Bowl teams in the process. On Thursday, we were reminded how many holes they have.

Their secondary struggled to slow down the passing attack, and we have to ask again if Matt Eberflus is the right man for the defensive coordinator job. The main reason for this question is the fit in the secondary.

Dallas has invested in man-cover corners such as DaRon Bland, Trevon Diggs, and rookie Shavon Revel Jr. They’ve all had issues in zone coverage, especially Revel who was beaten for a touchdown early in the second half while being caught out of position in his zone.

Revamping the entire secondary isn’t ideal, so they’re going to have to truly evaluate the fit at coordinator this offseason.



NFL.com

Cowboys-Lions on ‘Thursday Night Football’: What We Learned from Detroit’s 44-30 win


Cowboys’ playoff chances took major hit in loss. The Cowboys’ resurgence has been a terrific late-season storyline, but their playoff chances took a serious hit Thursday night, with Next Gen Stats estimating their chances at a scant 8%. A win would have pushed them to 35%, but the Cowboys were in a trail position most of the night, struggling to stop an explosive Lions offense and committing two key turnovers that led to Lions scores. Jake Ferguson fumbled for the third time (losing his second) in the past five games, and his penalty offset what would have been a Lions defensive pass interference call, giving Dallas the ball at the Detroit 1-yard line; instead, the Cowboys settled for the third of five Brandon Aubrey field goals. Aubrey was amazing, but the Cowboys brought too many field goals to a touchdown fight. They fought hard, with Sam Williams’ blocked field goal turning the momentum and Dak Prescott firing away until the end — even without his best receiver. But the Cowboys had too many breakdowns, and now they’re way on the outside looking in on the playoff field.

After Lamb left, Flournoy — not Pickens — stepped up. CeeDee Lamb had been carving up the Lions’ secondary, with six catches for 121 yards, early in the third quarter when he fell hard after an incomplete pass in the end zone. Lamb was helped off and ruled out with a concussion, putting the spotlight on George Pickens, who only had two catches at that point and who failed to grab a ball that the Lions turned into a 27-9 lead after an interception. Pickens caught three passes on five targets for 22 yards after Lamb left and hurt his team with an offensive pass interference call that wiped out a 23-yard catch by Ryan Flournoy. Pickens was also lucky that his fumble inside the Detroit 5-yard line was recovered by his teammate, guard Tyler Smith, allowing the Cowboys to score a TD and make it a two-score game early in the third quarter. Dak Prescott started dialing in more on Flournoy, who had career highs in catches (nine) and receiving yards (155) in a breakout performance, even with a fumble down two scores late. Flournoy’s performance was great, but Pickens — a man seeking a massive contract in the offseason — couldn’t come up big with Lamb out of action.

the story of the game was George Pickens

“uninterested in playing football…

disengaged… disappeared… half-assed it…

unacceptable”

Richard Sherman pulls no punches 😳 pic.twitter.com/87VntE3dIr

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 5, 2025

W/ some assistance from the "Mark in Largo" show – #Cowboys are 5-0 this year when their opponents have ten or more penalties in game.

That includes the last two wins against Philly & KC. Also wins against both New York loser teams and well a win against #Commanders. @team980

— Chris Russell AKA the 🐓🐓! (@Russellmania621) December 4, 2025


ESPN

2026 NFL offseason: Possible surprise cuts, trade candidates


A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know this has been a turbulent season for Brown in Philadelphia. We don’t have to rehash all of that here. But despite that, it is not a certainty that Brown or the Eagles want to dissolve this relationship any time soon. It remains well within the range of potential outcomes that the Eagles repeat as Super Bowl champions and everyone decides to stay married.

However, it’s also well within the range of potential outcomes that Brown wants out and/or the Eagles decide to move on. Should that happen, it would almost certainly have to be via a trade, since Brown is owed a fully guaranteed $29 million in 2026. As such, releasing him would trigger nearly $72.5 million in dead cap charges. Trading him, meanwhile, would drop that number to around $43.5 million, which is still high but more manageable.

The Eagles and/or Brown would have to be highly motivated to separate, but depending on the way the rest of this season goes, that could end up being the case. To this point, Brown has 699 receiving yards and six scores.


Upcoming opponent


Daily Norseman

Reflections on Rock Bottom


After the debacle last Sunday against the Seahawks, it’s time for a shift in perspective. Enough is enough. I don’t care if we run the table (spoiler: we won’t). Things need to change this offseason—and drastically. What we’ve seen over 12 games has been shocking, perplexing, and disheartening. Even the most cynical and emotionally battered Vikings fan couldn’t have imagined what has unfolded. Well, maybe a few. But very few. It’s been that bad.

The Minnesota Vikings are the only team that can let you down in 10 different ways across 10 separate seasons. It’s genuinely astonishing.

2026 Will Be Crucial

While KAM and KOC have earned the 2026 season to flip the script, the house money they were working with is gone. That ship has sailed. It’s now or never. Fish or cut bait. Feel free to add any cliché you like. Everything from the front office to the entire offense to special teams—scouting, scheme, game planning, play calling (and its responsibilities)—must be scrutinized. Once this season mercifully ends in early January, the clock starts ticking, excuses run out, and there’s no margin for error. We must make the playoffs.

The Vikings spent over $200 million in guaranteed money during the last two offseasons—a majority of that before the current 4-8 campaign. For that kind of investment, you’d expect an all-star, ensemble cast in a feel-good drama where the protagonist faces some easily manageable challenges and ultimately gets the love interest, the dream job, and sheds tears of joy as the credits roll. Instead, we’ve ended up with a horror movie crossover where Michael Myers, Jason Voorhees, and Freddy Krueger slash and burn their way through the collective hopes and dreams of Vikings fans.

In January, Jay Glazer reported that teams were interested in trading for our head coach. Now, a part of the fan base is calling for him to be fired. Life comes at you fast when you ply your trade in America’s most popular sports league.

J.J. McCarthy: I Have Questions

How were so many red flags overlooked? Why are we still discussing the basics and mechanics of fundamental professional quarterback play during the middle of the 2025 season? Was this not clear from his college tape? Is it something new? Has it always been there, but proven harder to fix? What exactly was happening during OTAs and minicamps before his injury last year, and why wasn’t this addressed during the most recent offseason?

I keep thinking about Troy Aikman’s comment before the Week 1 game against the Bears. To paraphrase: “Given the expectations, I don’t think any quarterback has more pressure on his shoulders this season than J.J. McCarthy.” Well, at 4-8 and with the Vikings’ playoff hopes between slim and none, with slim booked on the first flight out of town, that pressure has evaporated. Max Brosmer isn’t the new Brock Purdy, so there’s no one looking over his shoulder. This all helps. It should help. It better help.

McCarthy now has five starts to reshape the narrative. Best-case scenario? He performs well enough to believe that an additional offseason of work could make 2026 what everyone expected 2025 to be. Worst-case scenario? More of the same, with little to no tangible improvement. If it’s the former, considering his difficulty staying healthy, you still sign or trade for a veteran (e.g., Marcus Mariota, Jacoby Brissett, Mac Jones, Davis Mills, Tyrod Taylor, Joe Flacco) in March or April—not right before the season starts. If the latter nightmare unfolds, you shouldn’t be afraid to go all-in again at quarterback with what could be a Top 5 pick. And yes, if we see more of the same, we might not win another game. I wouldn’t even feel confident against the 2-11 Giants. So, it’s likely 4-13 or 5-12 at best. What other option is there? It’s not 1995 or even 2005 anymore; teams don’t have the luxury to wait 3-4 years for young quarterbacks to develop.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores

It’s not hyperbole to say that Flores has saved us from several embarrassing blowout losses that could have added more pressure on KAM and KOC. The problem? He isn’t under contract for 2026, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he moves on. Even if he doesn’t land the long-overdue second NFL head coaching job, the mindset of “I’ve done everything I can here/new challenge’ is real, too. Plus, he’s earned a nice pay raise. Will the Wilfs want to sign another expensive, multi-year deal if KOC might be coaching for his job next year?

Commanders, Whatever

after scoring just six points in two games, I can’t even confidently predict that we’ll reach double digits at home. As usual, the defense will keep us in it, but there’s no evidence that KOC has suddenly found a magical formula to make the Vikings’ offense look competent.

All eyes will be on McCarthy again, and I’ll be cheering him on to make this prediction look utterly foolish. Given my track record, there’s plenty of precedent.

  • Washington Commanders: 17
  • Minnesota Vikings: 9

This glass-half-empty mindset sucks.


NFL league links

Articles​


Pro Football Talk

Tests show Brian Branch tore his Achilles


Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that tests show that Branch tore his Achilles when he was injured in Thursday night’s win over the Cowboys. It is a season-ending injury for the third-year player.

Branch had 75 tackles, 2.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 12 games this season.

It’s the second season-ending injury in the last two games for a Lions defensive back. Cornerback Terrion Arnold will miss the rest of the year with a shoulder injury and the team has also been without safety Kerby Joseph since Week 6.



NFL.com

NFL mandates new playing surfaces for all stadiums by 2028 to enhance player safety


Each NFL stadium will have to install a new playing surface by the start of the 2028 season to meet standards set through lab and field testing.

NFL field director Nick Pappas detailed the plans for the program on Thursday that will provide each team “a library of approved and accredited NFL fields” before the start of next season. Teams will then have two years to install the new approved playing surfaces, whether they are grass, synthetic or a hybrid.

Pappas said the fields will have undergone extensive testing and been approved by a joint committee with the NFLPA. He compared to the testing that has led to new standards for helmets.

“It’s sort of a red, yellow, green effect, where we’re obviously trying to phase out fields that we have determined to be less ideal than newer fields coming into the industry,” he said. “This is a big step for us. This is something that I think has been a great outcome from the Joint Service Committee of the work, the deployment and development of devices determining the appropriate metrics, and ultimately providing us with a way to substantiate the quality of fields more so than we ever have in the past.”

Pappas said fields have been tested in labs and on site using two main tools with one called the BEAST that is a traction testing device that replicates the movements of an NFL player and another called the STRIKE Impact Tester that helps determine the firmness of each field.

The goal of the league is to find fields that are as consistent as possible across all 30 NFL stadiums, as well as at each stadium throughout the season. Pappas said the “key pillars” for a field are optimized playability, reducing injury risk and player feedback.

The NFL has no plans to require natural grass fields across the league with the league’s chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills saying there is no “statistically significant differences” in lower extremity injuries or concussions that can be attributed to the type of playing surface or a specific surface despite widespread preferences from players for grass fields and complaints about surfaces such as the one at MetLife Stadium where the New York Giants and Jets play.



Washington Post (paywall)

The NFL is taking an initiative amid its grass-vs.-turf field debate


“We’ve got essentially 30 different surfaces out there,” Pappas said. “While 15 may be synthetic turf today and 15 may be natural grass, the reality is that those 15 natural grass fields vary location to location. They vary throughout the season. Sometimes they vary from one side of the field to the other. Our … synthetic fields are no different. Those also vary by manufacturer, by design style, by age. … This is not a simple topic to work on.”

The league and the NFLPA work on the issues together under the terms of their collective bargaining agreement and have a joint field surfaces committee.

“We’ve developed new tools,” said Jeff Miller, the NFL’s executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy. “We’ve developed better ways to research and better understanding of surfaces and have recently shared with the clubs our mandatory practices for field surfaces, which is a step forward in all that we are doing to try to create greater consistently among the fields that NFL players play on.”

The league utilizes equipment to measure the firmness of a field and how much traction it provides to players. The NFL and NFLPA monitor the field-testing results throughout the season and intervene when necessary to address problems, as when players for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns complained about the condition of the grass field at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh for a game in October. The field reportedly already had been scheduled to be resodded following that game.

Some within the sport said the new approach to future field installations likely will result in some teams replacing fields sooner than they otherwise might have. Pappas said that, with a synthetic field having a lifespan of two to three seasons, all teams probably would have installed new fields by 2028 even without the new program.

“With a number of our stadiums hosting the World Cup next year, we’ll see a number of replacements,” Pappas said. “Some stadiums are on a typical annual replacement already. And there’s only really a couple that may tend to hold on to it a little bit longer. … Obviously the lifespan on a natural grass field is considerably shorter. Sometimes it’s only weeks or games.”

The league likened the new field program to the annual helmet testing performed jointly by the NFL and the NFLPA. Players are encouraged to switch to newer and safer helmet models that perform better in lab testing that simulates on-field impacts. Older helmet models that don’t perform as well in the testing are phased out and eventually are banned.


Discussion topics


Washington Post (paywall)

The Commanders should shut down Jayden Daniels


Washington needs further information on its backup quarterback more than on its starter.

Daniels, who has missed the last three weeks while recovering from his latest injury, wants to play. He has said so himself. We all can see that. But shouldn’t we also recognize the obvious? That there’s no way Daniels, the quarterback of this franchise’s future, should take another snap in this 2025 season.

Because, everyone can see that Jayden Daniels will need a steady No. 2 quarterback for as long as he’s in Washington. And the last five weeks of the season — which, to state the obvious, are about the franchise’s future much more than its present — can be significant in determining whether Marcus Mariota should retain that all-important backup position.

The greatest lesson learned in this sequel to Daniels’ spectacular Rookie of the Year season is that, with the way he plays as well as his slight frame, Washington’s leading man — forgive me, Commanders fans — just might be a weekly candidate for the injury list. Though Daniels was titanium throughout his college career, missing as few as four games over five seasons, which included the covid-shortened 2020 season, he already has missed six games in 2025.

In the six games Mariota has started for Daniels, Washington has dropped five of them.

That’s not all on Mariota, which is why the last few weeks matter so much. Neither Daniels nor Mariota has played with their full battery of offensive starters.

So consider the rest of the season as an audition, because we all should know by now that Washington will need an understudy ready to go whenever Daniels’s body can’t hold up. As for this season, Daniels needs to remain upright. The only sure way that happens is if Washington protects Daniels from himself.

How he prevents injury going forward is by getting reps and seeing where he can push his limits vs. throttling back. Reducing rate of contact.

Treating him like a porcelain doll doesn’t accomplish anything long-term. https://t.co/YAiv9LP4LL

— Marshall (@MarshW_7) December 5, 2025

aBit o’Twitter

HC Dan Quinn confirmed that Jayden Daniels will start Sunday vs. the Vikings pic.twitter.com/mLFYcwuwbC

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 5, 2025
First flakes of the year ☃️ pic.twitter.com/9WqsnYu0QC

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 5, 2025
For those “worried” over how he’s holding his left elbow compare it to the other QBs. Pretty similar pic.twitter.com/okcxATu0pP

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 5, 2025
Jayden Daniels celebrates his throw with some dance moves with Sam Hartman. pic.twitter.com/0yQ7FN9q72

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 5, 2025
I’m looking around at Commanders practice and the high likelihood that everyone not on IR (except for Drake Jackson) plays on Sunday is like……wow.

— CWallSports (@cwallse) December 5, 2025
Bobby Wagner was a DNP the last two days but out here warming up pic.twitter.com/kiWft29cXX

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 5, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/daily-slo...ts-to-shut-jayden-daniels-down-for-the-season
 
Dan Quinn and Jayden Daniels talk about the importance of playing the rest of the season

Screenshot-2025-12-05-185201.png


Dan Quinn opened up his Friday, post-practice presser by naming team captains for Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Sam Cosmi represents the offense and Quinn talked about his return from a January ACL injury, and his impact on the team when he returned. Will Harris also returned from a leg injury from earlier this season, and has been a positive influence on everyone around him. Jeremy McNichols gets the nod on special teams, and he continues to be an underrated player in Washington.

Quinn said Jayden Daniels has been cleared to play, and he will get the start in Minnesota. This will be his first game back since suffering an ugly elbow dislocation to his left, non-throwing elbow in Week 9 against the Seahawks. He has put the work in to get back on the field, and Quinn was impressed with his work in practice this week.

Jayden Daniels also spoke to reporters and said he’s had the itch to get back on the field. He’s heard concerns about him not playing the rest of the season due to the team’s record and being injured three times this year. He’s a football player, and he’s going to get back on the field if he’s healthy enough to play. He said the injury was painful the first few days, but he’s good to go now, and ready to play.

Dan Quinn​

LIVE: HC Dan Quinn speaks to the media after the final practice of the week https://t.co/lpnEXrAQS4

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 5, 2025

Team captains:​

Captains vs. the Vikings 🫡@NWFCU | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/ZofGkl6Kaw

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 5, 2025

Jayden Daniels:

HC Dan Quinn confirmed that Jayden Daniels will start Sunday vs. the Vikings pic.twitter.com/mLFYcwuwbC

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 5, 2025
Quinn on Daniels returning: "It's really important. … As he's developing, there's certain things he's working on."

The #Commanders obviously view those reps as valuable long-term despite their record. https://t.co/QEqNFqGiEv

— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) December 5, 2025
Dan Quinn says Jayden Daniels will play for the Commanders against the Vikings this Sunday. His first game back since injuring his left elbow against the Seahawks.

"Jayden threw a great week of practice. He was full Thursday, full today, he's been cleared for practice, and he…

— David Harrison (@DHarrison82) December 5, 2025

Noah Brown:​

Noah Brown had a planned rest day but he had a good week of practice, Quinn said. The expectation is for him to be activated off IR this weekend, the HC added

— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) December 5, 2025

Bobby Wagner:​

The last time Bobby Wagner missed a game was Week 2 of the 2018 season, with Seattle. That's 125 consecutive regular-season starts and a league-high 8,488 total snaps.https://t.co/JYjvRUn9zr

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 5, 2025


Jayden Daniels​

LIVE: QB Jayden Daniels speaks to the media after practice https://t.co/ixnPEmGXpG

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 5, 2025

Returning from injury:

Weathering the storm ⛈️@bigbearai | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/hEOhtplJzw

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 6, 2025
Jayden Daniels said this has been a long process. He's been itching to play.

"It's been a lot of adversity," he said. "But I'm young in my career. It's something I've got to battle through." pic.twitter.com/fzN33sWg1m

— Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) December 5, 2025
Jayden Daniels: "It feels good; it's been a long process dealing with something this significant."
He also said he "had that itch… I felt confident I could be myself out there."

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 5, 2025
Jayden Daniels said he started to feel like himself this week. Admitted there was a good bit of pain the first couple of days after dislocating his elbow.

"I'm just trying to go out there and play football."

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 5, 2025

Not playing if healthy:​

Jayden Daniels was asked what he'd say to people who want him to sit out the rest of 2025, to ensure he's healthy for 2026.

"Who's to say I'm not going to go into next year healthy?" he said. "I love this game, and before I was getting paid, I was playing it for free."

— Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) December 5, 2025


David Blough

Jayden Daniels:​

On this same subject: David Blough estimated Jayden Daniels will probably get 330 game reps the rest of the way.

Dan Quinn noted 5 games = about 30% of the season.

"That's a lot," he said. "All of these matter. As he's developing, there's certain things he's working on, too."

— Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) December 5, 2025

QB coach opening:​

David Blough remains the Commanders' assistant QBs coach, though he's taken on some responsibilities of former QBs coach Tavita Pritchard. Asked Blough today if he hopes to be the QBs coach in '26:

"I'm excited for whatever the future holds. I hope that's the case. So, I've got…

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 5, 2025


Practice​

Jayden Daniels:​

Jayden Daniels warming up. Definite optimism about his chances for playing Sunday. pic.twitter.com/aQPVaWWzry

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 5, 2025
For those “worried” over how he’s holding his left elbow compare it to the other QBs. Pretty similar pic.twitter.com/okcxATu0pP

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 5, 2025
Jayden Daniels celebrates his throw with some dance moves with Sam Hartman. pic.twitter.com/0yQ7FN9q72

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 5, 2025

Bobby Wagner:​

Bobby Wagner was a DNP the last two days but out here warming up pic.twitter.com/kiWft29cXX

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 5, 2025

Adam Peters:​

Adam Peters: Lefty. pic.twitter.com/9S9jRwXycJ

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 5, 2025

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/pressers/...-importance-of-playing-the-rest-of-the-season
 
Washington Commanders Roster Moves: Noah Brown activated; replaces veteran WR

gettyimages-2185435871.jpg


The Washington Commanders made several roster moves before tomorrow’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Wide receiver Noah Brown was activated from injured reserve as expected. He hasn’t played since suffering a groin injury in Week 2, and he’s also still listed with a knee injury he’s been dealing with since June’s mandatory mini-camp. Brown will join Terry McLaurin who returned from a quad injury last week and had a big impact in a close overtime loss.

WR Chris Moore was released to open a spot on the 53-man roster. He has been with the team since signing to the practice squad last September. He was released to roster cutdowns, and signed to the practice squad again before joining the 53-man roster in mid-September. Moore has not been a big factor in Washington’s offense as they continued to try other options that got targets over him. He’s credited with 5 starts this season, and has 10 catches for 192 yards and a touchdown. He is likely to end up back on the practice squad, unless another team claims him off waivers.

Washington didn’t elevate any players from the practice squad for the first time this season. The Commanders signed long snapper Zach Triner to the practice squad last week and elevated him for the Broncos game, but Tyler Ottis back and playing tomorrow. DE T.J. Maguranyanga is the team’s International Player Pathway program player, and he had his first elevation from the practice squad last week.

We have made the following roster moves:
– Activated WR Noah Brown from the Reserve/Injured List
– Released WR Chris Moore pic.twitter.com/HzVZk2RkN1

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 6, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/washingto...oves-noah-brown-activated-replaces-veteran-wr
 
Daily Slop: 7 Dec 25 – Game Day!! Commanders are road favorites vs the Vikings

gettyimages-1184759008.jpg

Commanders links

Articles​


A to Z Sports

Jayden Daniels will play with the whole starting offense for the first time this season


Injuries have been a major factor this year, especially with key players, and they’re finally getting the starting offense on the field for the first time this season.

“It’s really important for him, for his teammates, for, you know, for any of the guys, honestly,” Quinn added. “You know, looking into it, with five games, that’s like 30% of our season. There’s a lot, and all of these matter. And you know, as he’s developing, there are certain things he’s working on to go ahead and be as competitive as hell. And you know, like taking care of things that he can, and so it’s really important.”



Heavy.com

Noah Brown : Has Week 14 designation removed


After the Commanders activated Brown (groin/knee) from injured reserve Saturday, they removed his designation for Sunday’s game in Minnesota. Brown now is available for his first game action since Week 2 after recovering from dueling groin and knee injuries. He’ll be working with QB Jayden Daniels (left elbow), who will be back for the first time since Week 9, but the presence of fellow WRs Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel will make targets tougher to come by for Brown. In 13 regular-season appearances with Washington over the last two campaigns, Brown gathered in 38 of 63 targets for 489 yards and one touchdown.



Riggo’s Rag

Commanders released Chris Moore to make room for Noah Brown


Brown’s been dealing with knee and ankle injuries stemming back to Washington’s mandatory minicamp. It’s been a long road back to health for the former Ohio State standout, and he’s eager to make up for some lost time. That meant someone had to be sacrificed, and the Commanders opted to release Chris Moore.

Fans shouldn’t be entirely surprised by this development. Moore’s influence has steadily waned after his 59-yard receiving effort against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. He’s gained just five targets in the last five weeks, all of which came during Washington’s international game with the Miami Dolphins. His snap percentage plummeted in Week 13, and with Treylon Burks continuing to show promise, the Cincinnati product’s fate seemed inevitable once Brown got the all-clear to resume football activities.

Burks offers more long-term upside, and his sensational touchdown catch on Sunday Night Football was just a glimpse of what he could potentially bring to the franchise long-term. That’s not the case with Moore, who struggled to find the consistency needed when his number was called more often than not.

There’s a chance Moore comes back onto the practice squad as insurance in case additional injury problems arise. But with McLaurin, Brown, Burks, Deebo Samuel Sr., and fourth-round rookie Jaylin Lane, the Commanders have five capable pass-catchers for Daniels to call upon moving forward.



Commanders Wire

Commanders vs. Vikings in NFL Week 14 is suddenly more interesting


This road game against the Vikings features two teams going nowhere in 2025. Minnesota is 4-8, and Washington is 3-9. NFL fans and NFL media were no doubt nodding off just thinking about this game until there was some changing news for both teams.

The Vikings say QB J.J. McCarthy will return, and the Commanders‘ head coach, Dan Quinn, announced at his Friday press conference just after noon that Jayden Daniels has been cleared to play. NFL fans will want to check in on Daniels to see how he has recovered following the gruesome left elbow dislocation seen on Sunday Night Football vs. Seattle five weeks ago.

Daniels and McCarthy were taken in the same draft (2024), both in the first round. Daniels, selected second overall by Washington, enjoyed a great rookie season. McCarthy was taken 10th overall by the Vikings; however, he suffered a knee injury (torn meniscus) in the 2024 preseason, keeping him sidelined all of 2024.

Most recently, both Daniels and McCarthy have had their struggles in 2025. McCarthy has played in only six games this season, and the Vikings have won only two of those starts. The former Michigan Wolverine suffered a high ankle sprain, missing five games. Then he missed all of last week due to a concussion.

Daniels has been injured in three games this season, suffering a knee injury in Week 2 vs. the Packers, a hamstring injury in Dallas in Week 7, and a horrible-to-see dislocated elbow at home against the Seahawks in Week 9. Thus, backup Marcus Mariota has actually played more than Daniels in 2025 through Week 13. Daniels is also only 2-4 in the games he has started.

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores likes to blitz a lot, so Daniels might see some really fast-paced defense in his return to action.


Podcasts & videos

HC Dan Quinn Previews Commanders vs. Vikings | Washington Commanders | The Gameplan | NFL​


NFC East links


The Athletic (paywall)

Eagles need to stop acting like school kids


The Eagles are trying to shake off that ugly Black Friday loss to the Bears. I’m told this week, the team had a series of “no-BS discussions” ahead of a “Monday Night Football” meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The message? Stop pointing fingers.

“We are all done with the finger-pointing,” one Philly player told me. “It’s not just one thing that’s in our way. It’s not just Jalen (Hurts), it’s not just Saquon (Barkley), it’s not just (OC Kevin) Patullo, it’s not just the offensive line. … It’s a little bit of everyone.”


Upcoming opponent

Vikings LT Christian Darrisaw (knee) is expected to play vs. Commanders, per @RapSheet https://t.co/FdwtMAIYUp pic.twitter.com/u1J017cvxT

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 7, 2025

NFL league links

Articles​


ESPN

Sources: Steelers must decide on Mike Tomlin option by March


The Pittsburgh Steelers are not going to fire coach Mike Tomlin, but they have a significant decision to make early next year.

After this season, Tomlin’s contract will have two years remaining — 2026 and a team option in 2027. But according to league sources, the Steelers must decide whether to pick up the option on Tomlin’s contract by March 1.

If the Steelers decline to pick up Tomlin’s option, they would allow their head coach to enter the final year of his contract next season, which teams typically prefer not to do.

And if neither side has any commitment to the other beyond 2026, it would bring into play several options.

There are and have been arguments on both sides. Tomlin’s critics point to the fact that the Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016. But Tomlin also has been an effective enough coach that he has never had a losing season during his 18 seasons in Pittsburgh. With the Steelers at 6-6, this has a chance to be the 19th straight season in that streak.

Former Broncos owner Pat Bowlen used to extend Reeves’ contract before he entered the final season. The one time he didn’t do it was entering the 1992 season, which was Reeves’ last in Denver. The two sides parted ways after that season.


Browns Plan To Have Deshaun Watson Back In 2026 https://t.co/FPpOJsjJd9

— NFLTradeRumors.co (@nfltrade_rumors) December 7, 2025


Pro Football Talk

After hot start, Colts could miss the playoffs altogether


The Colts ripped through the first eight games of the season, winning seven times. A 1-3 slide since then has raised a troubling question.

Could they miss the playoffs?

Indeed they could. Now 8-4 and tied with the Jaguars atop the AFC South, the Colts could easily lose both the division title and one of the three-wild card spots.

And the stretch run is a gauntlet. After Sunday’s visit to Jacksonville, where Indy hasn’t won since 2014, the Colts finish with the Seahawks, 49ers, Jaguars, and Texans.

Via NBC Sports research, the Colts could be the sixth team since the AFL-NFL merger to start 7-1 or better and miss the playoffs. The others were the 2012 Bears, Washington in 1996, the 1988 Saints, the 1987 Chargers, and the 1975 Dolphins.

One issue has been the performance of quarterback Daniel Jones away from Indianapolis. At home, he’s 5-1 with 15 total touchdowns and one turnover. One the road, the Colts are 3-3 — and Jones has nine total touchdowns and nine turnovers.

Then there’s the fracture in Jones’s leg. It made him one-dimensional against the Texans in Indianapolis last week.


aBit o’Twitter

We have also elevated DE DeMarcus Walker from the practice squad https://t.co/0ktakMNsLl

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 7, 2025
Do whatever it takes@BankofAmerica | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/4itWWw0Hjm

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 7, 2025
🔜 pic.twitter.com/LFo504NZvj

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 6, 2025
Jayden Daniels Washington Commanders Nike Vapor F.U.S.E. Limited 'Super Bowl Era' Jersey are now available from @Fanatics!#Adhttps://t.co/ib9KYxjhU7 pic.twitter.com/cq0AFg8Qvp

— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) December 6, 2025
David Blough on why it’s important for Jayden Daniels to play: pic.twitter.com/iHkUrsDKF9

— John Keim (@john_keim) December 6, 2025
I'm always blown away by how many Commanders fans go to road games. This fan base travels.

It doesn't matter if the lads are in first place or 3-9; or if the game's in Spain or in a snowy Midwest city. When you get on a plane to go to a road game you will see burgundy and gold.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 6, 2025
No fines from the NFL against any Washington players for the game last Sunday vs the Broncos.

Broncos safety Brandon Jones was not fined for his hip drop tackle on Deebo, but Nik Bonitto was assessed $11,593.#RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/wiqgObPGcI

— Bill-in-Bangkok (@billhorgan2005) December 7, 2025
Imagine having an issue with this earnest passion and energy. This kid is easy to root for. What a post game interview. pic.twitter.com/KiOHX4lNx5

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 7, 2025
Fernando Mendoza is Kirk Cousins on cocaine

Dude doesn’t miss on the microphone

— Will Compton (@_willcompton) December 7, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/daily-slo...-commanders-are-road-favorites-vs-the-vikings
 
Sunday Night Football: Houston Texans vs Kansas City Chiefs

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Week 14 is not over yet, we’ve got one more game to watch on Sunday. The Houston Texans are visiting the Kansas City Chiefs in an AFC matchup. The Texans enter tonight’s game with a 1-game advantage in the win-loss column after a disappointing start to the Chiefs season. Both teams are looking to find a way to make the playoffs, and they will need every win they can get in the final five weeks of the season. Who wants it more?

Matchup: Houston Texans (7-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)

Date/Time: December 7, 2025, 8:20 p.m. ET

Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium | Kansas City, Mo

TELEVISION: NBC

Mike Tirico (play-by-play)

Cris Collinsworth (analyst)

Melissa Stark (sideline)

RADIO: Sirius XM NFL

Houston: XM/SXM 226, Internet 812

Kansas City: XM/SXM 225, Internet 815

National: 88

Español: 227, Internet 832

Live Streaming: Peacock, NFL+, fuboTV

FanDuel odds: Chiefs -3.5, 41.5 O/U

Houston: +168

Kansas City: -200

Prediction: Chiefs 21 – Texans 17

SB Nation Blogs: Battle Red Blog | Arrowhead Pride


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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...football-houston-texans-vs-kansas-city-chiefs
 
All aTwitter: 8-Dec-25 – Commanders now *officially* eliminated from playoffs

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The goal of All aTwitter is to give readers a detailed or quirky look, through the unique lens of Twitter, at the Commanders, the NFL, and sports in general, along with a smattering of other things.


Click here for Washington Commanders Beat Writers Twitter Feed


Click here for NFL News, Rumors & Reports Twitter Feed


Tip: If a tweet isn’t fully visible on your screen, clicking on the date at the bottom of the tweet will open it up individually in either the X app or your browser.

With their loss today, the Commanders have been eliminated from playoff contention. pic.twitter.com/5S378J33lF

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 7, 2025
Never heard/seen a more silent team walk into the locker room after a game. pic.twitter.com/7dANfoxLWr

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 7, 2025
Commanders open as 1.5 point underdogs to Giants next week in the meadowlands

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 8, 2025
The Commanders need to beat the Giants next week or they'll need to pull off a significant upset to avoid finishing the season with 12 straight losses.

I can't believe that's a real thing or something that's even on the table.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 7, 2025
Words that will be in the game story from Washington's 31-0 loss to Minnesota: Dreadful, listless, ugly, agonizing, blowout, horrific, spiraled, ineffective, poor, misery, worst, worsened, putrid, tough, tormented, doomed and unfortunate.

— Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) December 8, 2025
Dan Quinn updates on Jayden Daniels and Zach Ertz (Ertz feared to have torn ACL)

Quinn also speaks on the 31-0 loss, saying the team took "3 steps back" after strides last week

"Tonight to me, none of it was acceptable"@JPFinlayNBCS #RaiseHail#Commanders pic.twitter.com/lGdKo6dGBX

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) December 7, 2025
This was the correct decision. Sounds like Daniels will be back on the field sooner than later. https://t.co/dWu2ZBiMuT

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 7, 2025
#RaiseHail TE Zach Ertz was carted off today with a severe knee injury , lets break this down pic.twitter.com/e6I1NCLw5k

— MEDspiration (@MEDspirationNFP) December 8, 2025
As this game comes to a close I quickly put this together

Green = played
Yellow = injured during game
Red = out

Pretty eye opening for Washington's projected starters this year #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/FVKDWtOcGF

— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) December 7, 2025
The #Commanders got tortured by the #Vikings. It wasn’t ever a contest. Something needs to change.#RaiseHail @team980 @1067theFan

My recap pic.twitter.com/t3uja5AQ5R

— Denton Day (D-Day) (@TheDentonDay) December 7, 2025
Officially, today’s game went 2:39. Fastest game in the NFL this season, per ESPN Research. https://t.co/NYQ9QnHabF

— Kevin Seifert (@SeifertESPN) December 7, 2025
Vikings last two games:
Week 13 – 26-0 loss to Seahawks
Week 14 – 31-0 win vs Commanders

The @Vikings are the first team in NFL history to get shut out by 25+ points in one game and then shut out their opponent by 25+ points in their next game

— Zak Koeppel (@zak_koeppel) December 7, 2025
How the Commanders' seven possessions ended:

Downs
Punt
Punt
Interception
Interception
Punt
Fumble

— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) December 7, 2025
The Commanders would leapfrog the Giants in draft order with a loss next Sunday. They are within a game of the No. 1 overall pick. pic.twitter.com/bksUSD8Si6

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 7, 2025
Covered this team a long time. Today was shocking. So many questions coming off that.

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 7, 2025
The 19 play, 98 yard, 12:01 TOP drive by the Vikings at the end today was the most plays, longest distance, and most TOP on any single drive of the season vs the Commanders defense.

It's also the 5th 90+ yard drive this Commander D has allowed this season.

woof

— Mitchell Tischler (@Mitch_Tischler) December 7, 2025
#Commanders WR Terry McLaurin: “When you get beat 31-0, that’s not even a tough day at the office. That’s just bad.”

— Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) December 7, 2025
Terry McLaurin- “momentum is real but when you don’t execute you can lose to anybody” pic.twitter.com/ek0wmjxR63

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 7, 2025
Commanders hadn’t been shut out since the monsoon game vs the 49ers in 2019.

The last shutout that wasn’t weather-aided was seven years ago with Josh Johnson starting against Philly.

And on a day when the story was that the team was finally healthy on offense no less.

Yuck.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) December 7, 2025
Off the upright to keep the score 10-0

HOUvsKC on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/0SLZ1xB3MW

— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2025
This was called offsides on the Texans… pic.twitter.com/f9N0oqHAqS

— Rate the Refs (@Rate_the_Refs) December 8, 2025
The Chiefs have been mathematically eliminated from winning the AFC West, snapping a streak of nine straight division titles.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 8, 2025
that arial shot of an empty Arrowhead is just something.

— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 8, 2025
bears packers rivalry – wins by decade pic.twitter.com/K0IdGus1gp

— Jay Cuda (@JayCuda) December 8, 2025
brutal on many levels

Daniel Jones helps lead the Colts to an 8-4 record, only to tear his Achilles

Anthony Richardson could take over and try to finish the job and redeem himself but for accidentally slingshoting his eye in pregame warmups & on IR

incredibly unlucky for both https://t.co/CZIUcxYALW

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 8, 2025
This might be the worst missed Holding call in the history of the sport 🤯
pic.twitter.com/bTKoQciAfw

— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) December 8, 2025
pic.twitter.com/TyzavvzpC1

— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 7, 2025

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Facebook Page:
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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...nders-now-officially-eliminated-from-playoffs
 
Monday Night Football: Philadelphia Eagles vs Los Angeles Chargers

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We’ve got one game left for Week 14 of the 2025/’26 NFL season. This week’s Monday Night Football features the Philadelphia Eagles traveling across the country to take on the Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams enter this critical week with an 8-4 record. The Eagles are on a two-game losing streak, and the team looks like it’s ready to fall apart. The Chargers have won 3 of their last four games, and are in second place in the AFC West. Justin Herbert had surgery on his non-throwing hand after last week’s game, but should be good to go tonight. This should be a great game!

Who: Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) at Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)

Where: SoFi Stadium | Inglewood, CA

When: December 8, 2025, 8:15 p.m.

TV: ABC/ESPN

Joe Buck (play-by-play)

Troy Aikman (analyst)

Lisa Salters (sideline)

Sirius XM NFL

Philadelphia: XM/SXM 226, Internet 825

Los Angeles: XM/SXM 225, Internet 817

National: 88

Español: 227, Internet 832

Online Stream: Fubo.TV, ESPN+

FanDuel Sportsbook odds: Eagles -2.5, 41.5 O/U

Philadelphia: -138

Los Angeles: +118

Prediction: Eagles 20 – Chargers 17

SB Nation Blogs: Bleeding Green Nation | Bolts from the Blue


Hogs Haven Media Information


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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...l-philadelphia-eagles-vs-los-angeles-chargers
 
Daily Slop: 9 Dec 25 – NY Giants, who were on a bye, were the only NFC East team that didn’t lose a game in Week 14

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Commanders links

Articles​


Washington Post (paywall)

The Commanders are asking Jayden Daniels to do too much


When the Commanders, who are officially eliminated from playoff contention at 3-10, look ahead to 2026, they probably will need to field a roster that can lighten Daniels’s burden. The quarterback certainly has work to do to improve at protecting himself — this was his third straight game that he was knocked out of — but the Commanders seem to be asking him to do too much. Otherwise, it would be easier for him to be more risk averse.

The defense — which has questions at all three levels — has been part of the problem, quickly putting the Commanders in a hole most weeks.

General Manager Adam Peters probably will need to reassess his offensive weapons. Wide receivers Noah Brown and Deebo Samuel Sr. will be free agents, as will tight end Zach Ertz, who suffered a knee injury and was carted off late in the third quarter. Quinn said Monday that Ertz suffered a season-ending torn ACL, which could put the 35-year-old’s career in jeopardy.

Even if the Commanders put the right pieces around Daniels next year, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury may need to rediscover his touch from last season — and his willingness to showcase the ground game. Washington came into Sunday averaging 4.9 yards per carry (ninth), but Kingsbury has seemed hesitant to commit to the run. At times, the offense’s static formational tendencies have made it predictable. That continued against the Vikings.

[T]his season clearly has become a loss for Washington, which is in a familiar place: among the worst teams in the NFL. Avoiding a repeat next year — and getting anywhere close to the success of 2024 — probably will require more than a healthy quarterback. It may require significant changes around Daniels, too.



The Athletic (paywall)

Commanders TE Zach Ertz out for season after tearing ACL


An MRI confirmed the Washington Commanders’ fears: Veteran tight end Zach Ertz suffered an ACL injury in the team’s 31-0 loss to the Vikings Sunday, ending his season and jeopardizing his career.

Ertz, 35, was injured on a pass play in the third quarter when safety Jay Ward attempted to hit him low and slammed his helmet into Ertz’s right knee.

Losing Ertz deals a major blow to Washington’s offense, which has struggled to find any consistency amid injuries and player turnover this season. Through Week 13, a total of 22 Washington players had missed a combined 99 games because of injuries, with the receiving corps hit especially hard.

In Washington’s Week 13 loss to the Denver Broncos, Ertz moved up to fifth all time in catches by a tight end, and eighth all time in receiving yards by a tight end. He ended Sunday’s game with 825 career receptions and 8,592 receiving yards.

Whether he’ll be able to pad those numbers remains to be seen; Ertz is set to be a free agent in March and now faces a lengthy recovery.



Heavy.com

Ben Sinnott : Catches lone target in Week 14 loss


Sinnott caught his lone target for an eight-yard gain during Washington’s 31-0 loss to Minnesota on Sunday. Sinnott played just 13 of 52 offensive snaps (25 percent), but the second-year tight end’s role should be larger over the final four games of the regular season after Zach Ertz tore his ACL during Sunday’s loss. With Ertz done for the year, Sinnott and John Bates will be the top tight end options on the Commanders’ active roster while practice squad member Lawrence Cager provides depth at the position.



Commanders.com

5 takeaways from Commanders vs. Vikings


The latest on Jayden Daniels

Although the Commanders’ season had been upended in the four games that Daniels missed with his dislocated elbow, the team and Daniels himself viewed it as important for him to get game reps and continue his development. The team still has that opinion, and Quinn hinted that Daniels will play in the final four games if he is healthy.

“It’s an important development time for him,” Quinn said. “There’s no ‘zero-risk’ game. We try to manage that, but for the development part of it, it’s important.”

Recapture progress

The Commanders’ next matchup will be against the New York Giants, who are also eliminated from playoff contention and currently in possession of the No. 1 overall pick. Things get more difficult after that, as they will play the Philadelphia Eagles twice and the Cowboys on Christmas Day. Both teams will be vying for a shot at the division title.

It might be a challenge to go 4-0 in the final quarter of the season, but if the Commanders can at least be competitive, it would go a long way towards showing something to build on in 2026.



Commanders.com

Final thoughts: Moving on from the Vikings debacle


Although the Commanders are no longer in postseason contention, Quinn wants to make sure these games still matter. That was the central theme for the message he delivered to the team after the game.

“Finding that edge, finding that spark, finding what needs to get done so we never find our way into this space again. Watching January and February football sucks; we’re the ones that did that. And we’ve got to make sure that we do everything in our power individually to make sure that these four weeks matter


Vikings DC Brian Flores dialed up an aggressive pressure package against the #Commanders on Sunday. How did QB Jayden Daniels handle it? There were ups and downs. I took a closer look: https://t.co/hWuAyOMeka pic.twitter.com/knIKYxYIqs

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) December 8, 2025

Podcasts & videos

NFL Week 14 Recap: Commanders lose to Vikings 31-0 | Booth Review Podcast | Washington Commanders​



NFC East links


Bleeding Green Nation

Eagles vs. Chargers: The good, the bad, and the ugly


The Eagles are in free fall, now riding a three-game losing streak into the most important time of the season, after a 22-19 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night at SoFi Stadium.

The Eagles fell to 8-5 and should still win the NFC East, with four games left against three teams (Las Vegas, Buffalo and Washington) that have a combined 14-24 record. But that appears all the Eagles will win this season, if this offensive fog continues.

This is a team destined for an early playoff exit—and the scary part is that a Super Bowl-winning coaching staff has no idea how to fix the problems that plague this team.

Jalen Hurts was not good. He was late getting the ball out of his hands. He missed open receivers. He simply did not see the field. Hurts, it seems, has lost confidence in himself, completing 21 of 40 for 240 yards, throwing a career-high four interceptions, with a career-high five turnovers.

Hurts was seeing ghosts in powder blue. The Chargers loaded up the line of scrimmage, sometimes attacking Hurts, sometimes peeling off into coverage. Hurts appeared thoroughly confused.

Hurts is clearly not getting the proper guidance he should be from head coach Nick Sirianni or offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. What is even more troubling is that fault may not be entirely on Sirianni and Patullo. Plays are being called and designed, where receivers are open and Hurts is not seeing them.



NFL.com

Eagles-Chargers on ‘Monday Night Football’: What We Learned from Los Angeles’ 22-19 win


Chargers keep rolling while Eagles’ slide continues. Football can be an unfair game for a multitude of reasons, but rarely is it an uninteresting one. Take Monday night’s game for example, a sloppy display between two teams expected to reach the postseason. Neither offense produced consistently, both defenses played aggressive and opportunistic brands of football, the viewing audience received a glorified collection of field goals, and yet in the end, one team leaves feeling great while the other continues searching for answers at what is becoming an increasingly pivotal point in the season. This Eagles losing streak isn’t quite the same as their inexplicable collapse to end the 2023 season but is undoubtedly concerning, frustrating and is bordering on exasperating. The vibes in Philadelphia are guaranteed to be bad for a third straight week on Tuesday morning’s sports-talk radio shows and their fans might not be able to find concrete answers for why their defending Super Bowl champion team suddenly can’t win games. On the opposite coast, the Chargers will celebrate their fifth win in their last six games, keeping pace in a tightening AFC playoff race while they too have plenty of issues to address. Both of these teams are flawed. But that’s the beauty of December football: It’s not about how you win, but that you continue to win.

Next Gen Stats insight from Eagles-Chargers (via NFL Pro): Justin Herbert faced the third-highest pressure rate (68.3%) in a single game in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016) Monday night. Of the top four highest pressure rates faced in the Next Gen era, Herbert is the only quarterback to emerge victorious.

NFL Research: Justin Herbert was sacked a career-high seven times, completed a career-low 46.2% of his passes and posted the lowest passer rating (59.6) in a win in his career on Monday night. Herbert has been sacked six or more times in three games in his career and inexplicably owns a 3-0 record in such games.


NFL league links

Articles​


ESPN

Sources: Colts to work out retired QB Philip Rivers


With starter Daniel Jones out for the season because of a torn right Achilles and backup Riley Leonard dealing with a knee injury, the Colts could, shockingly, turn to retired NFL great Philip Rivers as an emergency solution.

Indianapolis will bring in Rivers, who last played in the NFL in 2020 with the Colts, for a workout Tuesday, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Colts haven’t yet decided to sign Rivers, and Rivers has yet to determine whether he would play, a source said.

Though it’s unclear if Rivers, who turned 44 on Monday, is in football shape after his long layoff, he would have intimate knowledge of the Colts’ offensive scheme, and his working relationship with coach Shane Steichen would be seamless. They worked closely during Steichen’s days as the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator before Rivers’ one season with the Colts.

The Colts believe Rivers’ familiarity could give them a realistic chance to stay competitive.

He was impressive in his final season with the Colts in 2020. Indianapolis finished 11-5 with Rivers under center, making the playoffs as an AFC wild card. The Colts lost to the Buffalo Bills in a first-round game and, several weeks later, Rivers retired. No Colts team since that 2020 squad has averaged more than the 253.3 passing yards produced by Rivers.

In regards to Philip Rivers Pro Football Hall of Fame eligibility, according to The Hall: If he is signed to the active roster, his HOF eligibility clock resets. That's a 5-year wait. If he is only signed the practice squad, it does not. Rivers is one of 26 semifinalists for the…

— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) December 9, 2025

Discussion topics


A to Z Sports

Dan Quinn throws a wrench in the injury saga with confusing remarks


Quinn stressed the importance of Daniels playing for himself and the rest of the team, but we didn’t see that consistency today after he decided to hold him out. After the game, Quinn said that it was his decision to hold Daniels out because of how the team was playing, despite the time and the score.

“Jayden obviously fell on his elbow, was questionable to return, and could have,” Quinn said. “It was my decision to sit him out. Just you know, as a team at this point, we were off, and felt like that was the right call for us to go. Certainly offensively, I liked what the first drive looked like. We missed on the touchdown, but those are the moments that we’ve got to make it and find our space to go.”

This statement makes no sense at all, and Quinn needs to make up his mind on what to do. The Commanders were only down 17-0 when Marcus Mariota came out to play, despite Daniels being cleared to return. Quinn said the team was off, and he decided to sit Daniels instead of letting him get those valuable in-game reps he’s been so critical about.

Is the new game plan to just pull Daniels when the rest of the team looks bad? It seems like the decision to keep Daniels in the game during the Seattle Seahawks blowout, which led to the initial injury, has gotten to him. But if that’s the case, then he just needs to shut Daniels down for the season and stop playing this roller coaster game.



Heavy.com

Commanders HC Made ‘Precautionary’ Jayden Daniels Call vs. Vikings


Quinn cited “precautionary reasons” for his decision, according to The Washington Post’s Tashan Reed. The use of the word “precautionary” is telling, since taking the risk of letting Daniels return to the field for the final portion of a lost season has been a hot-button topic for Quinn and the Commanders.

Daniels was keen to make a comeback, but the Vikings showed him no mercy. Their elaborate blitzing in front of disguised coverage left Daniels battered and baffled.

His confusion is a strong endorsement for Quinn getting the 24-year-old as much experience as possible this season, even though the Commanders were officially eliminated from the playoffs after events in Minnesota.

Washington’s fall from participating in last season’s NFC Championship Game to 3-10 has been rapid and alarming. Yet, the Commanders’ best chance of returning to contention remains Daniels’ development.

Nor will continuing to hamper said quarterback with a below-par supporting cast.


aBit o’Twitter

HC Dan Quinn confirmed that TE Zach Ertz suffered a season-ending injury in yesterday’s game

Wishing 86 a healthy recovery 💪 pic.twitter.com/PX8NZYAj8c

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 8, 2025

Wazowski strapped Sulley up 😤

Monsters Funday Football exclusively on ESPN2, Disney+, Disney XD, Disney Channel and the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/J0B5yW7F0E

— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2025
Odafe Oweh gets to Hurts for the first sack of the game 😤

PHIvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/sozHhQKiRZ

— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2025
Da'Shawn Hand picks off Jalen Hurts.
Da'Shawn Hand fumbles.
Jalen Hurts recovers.
Jalen Hurts fumbles.
Troy Dye recovers. @Chargers ball.

CHAOS! pic.twitter.com/qHHMF3hFcG

— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2025
Donte Jackson with another @Chargers pick!

PHIvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/dRmK0XqukK

— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2025
Tipped… PICKED! Cam Hart comes down with the @chargers 3rd pick of the game ⚡

PHIvsLAC on ESPN/ABC
Stream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/AjU3c8e6qC

— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2025
Cam Hart with an incredible tip.
Tony Jefferson with the game-winning INT.

What a way to win it for the @Chargers ⚡pic.twitter.com/cV0XtRBbk7

— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2025
Jalen Hurts tonight:

0 TD
5 turnovers
31.2 passer rating
🤣🤣😭😭 #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/UpwTIt5chy

— Chris Bryant (@HogfarmerChris) December 9, 2025
Can someone tell me how Jalen Hurts threw more interceptions just tonight then Jayden daniels has all season😭🤣🤣#RaiseHail https://t.co/jMcd9VRyAC

— JROSE is my son (@jaydendanielsFC) December 9, 2025
This is the first time ever that both starting QBs from the previous season's Super Bowl had 0 TD passes and 3+ interceptions in the same week. pic.twitter.com/SOcHw5SiE7

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) December 9, 2025
Hard Knocks In Season with the NFC East is going to be very very interesting this week…….

— CWallSports (@cwallse) December 9, 2025
How the Netherlands outsmarted the ocean with technology. pic.twitter.com/BezA3Inm8Q

— hinata (@HinataMotivates) December 6, 2025


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/daily-slo...c-east-team-that-didnt-lose-a-game-in-week-14
 
Commanders Reacts Survey Week 15: Who ends up with the best draft position?

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Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Washington Commanders fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

Today, we have two simple questions in the Reacts survey, each of which offers a binary choice of answers.

Question 1


The first is our standard question that is posed every week of the season (or most of it, anyway), asking about your confidence in the team’s direction.

Question 2


Our second question asks which of two teams — the Commanders or this week’s opponent, the NY Giants — will pick at #1 in the draft (or closest to #1 in the draft).

Comments & Results


Of course, we invite you to answer the survey questions below, but also feel free to expand on your answers and provide nuance in the comments section. I rely on those comments when discussing the results of the survey when they are posted in a separate article the next few days.

POLL QUESTIONS​


Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/washingto...k-15-who-ends-up-with-the-best-draft-position
 
All aTwitter: 10-Dec-25 – Commanders cut one WR, re-sign another

imagn-27370886.jpg


The goal of All aTwitter is to give readers a detailed or quirky look, through the unique lens of Twitter, at the Commanders, the NFL, and sports in general, along with a smattering of other things.


Click here for Washington Commanders Beat Writers Twitter Feed


Click here for NFL News, Rumors & Reports Twitter Feed


Tip: If a tweet isn’t fully visible on your screen, clicking on the date at the bottom of the tweet will open it up individually in either the X app or your browser.

We have made the following roster moves:
– Signed WR Chris Moore to the practice squad
– Released WR River Cracraft from the practice squad pic.twitter.com/Nx1whvyYtZ

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 9, 2025
Washington signed WR Chris Moore to the practice squad and released River Cracraft from the PS.

The Commanders also worked out:

TE Colin Granger
TE Dalton Keene (Va. Tech)
TE Gee Scott
DB Keenan Isaac
DB Kevon Seymour

Seymour was on the 2024 roster. Released this summer.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 9, 2025
Come for Jayden Daniels holiday bike giveaway. Stay for the cute kids, and a special appearance from another local star QB!@JPFinlayNBCS reports form Union Station#Commanders #RaiseHail #Terps@JayD__5 @malikw2025 @TerpsFootball @Commanders pic.twitter.com/3v3yFXN34c

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) December 10, 2025
Terps quarterback Malik Washington is here helping with Jayden’s bike giveaway pic.twitter.com/YYtvxLhQnq

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) December 9, 2025
Love this moment. Look at the smiles from the kids.

Well done by Jayden Daniels pic.twitter.com/83tZkZcHds

— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) December 9, 2025
Jay Gruden discusses if Jayden Daniels should be playing going forward in 2025. pic.twitter.com/a3uIzxYuQS

— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) December 8, 2025
Watching "Hard Knocks" and, man, knowing the spoilers is rough.

— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) December 10, 2025
Man it’s tough to watch the Ertz interviews and know what’s coming

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 10, 2025
Nothing but respect for Zach Ertz ❤️ @Commanders

Hard Knocks In Season with the NFC East tonight at 9pm ET on @HBOMax pic.twitter.com/3OB8t4wp1p

— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2025
On the call for Sunday’s Commanders-Giants game on Fox: Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Jonathan Vilma (analyst) and Megan Olivi (sideline).

— Jake Russell (@_JakeRussell) December 9, 2025
With rookie quarterback Riley Leonard nursing a PCL strain, Philip Rivers could quickly find himself back in a starting role for the #Colts.https://t.co/jDH2vaGuTQ

— Pro Football Rumors (@pfrumors) December 10, 2025
.@Eagles @chargers @JalenHurts to @1kalwaysopen_ was a perfectly thrown "Go Ball" except @CamHart_ made the play of the night to defend the pass #boltup #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/3gR9IoY5Y1

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) December 10, 2025
Executives for NFL teams were not given next season's salary cap figure by the league when they met virtually today for their annual labor seminar. That figure (or guidance about it) sometimes but not always is provided to teams at the December labor seminar.

— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) December 9, 2025
Jerry Jones is feeling good after Philly's loss Monday. "You see you need to stay in there every play. Every play is meaningful right at this particular time, and we sure got a shot at this thing," he said on @1053thefan.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) December 9, 2025
NFL meeting week 14 pic.twitter.com/QsMR7y9xTs

— Annie Agar (@AnnieAgar) December 9, 2025

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Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/openthrea...-dec-25-commanders-cut-one-wr-re-sign-another
 
Commanders vs Giants Wednesday Injury Report: Two players added with new injuries

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The Washington Commanders held their first full practice of the week today. Dan Quinn announced that Jayden Daniels won’t play against vs the Giants on Sunday. Last week was his first game back since dislocating his left elbow vs the Seahawks in Week 9. He reaggravated the injury when he was shoved to the ground while trying to chase the Vikings’ defender that just picked him off. Quinn said he is week-to-week, and Marcus Mariota gets another start. Daniels was limited in practice today.

Two players have been added to this week’s report with new injuries. CB Jonathan Jones (rib) and RB Chris Rodriguez Jr (groin) didn’t practice today.

DE Drake Jackson (groin/knee) was activated from IR a week ago, but hasn’t practiced since rejoining the 53-man roster. He has been sidelined since 2023, and will continue to miss time as he gets back into football shape. The Commanders needed to activate him last week, or he would have been shut down for the season.

Veteran LB Bobby Wagner missed two practices with a new knee injury, but he played vs the Vikings after practicing on Friday. He got another day off.

Backup OT George Fant was added to the injury report last Friday with a knee injury, and was ruled out. He has only been active for four games this season, and has only played on special teams. He got a full practice in today, along with WR Noah Brown who played his first game since Week 2.

Wednesday injury report#WASvsNYG | #RaiseHail

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) December 10, 2025
Injury Report: pic.twitter.com/cIlX8bYokA

— Washington Commanders PR (@Wash_PR) December 10, 2025

DNP​


DE Drake Jackson – Activated from IR last week, but didn’t practice

CB Jonathan Jones – New rib injury

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr – New groin injury

LB Bobby Wagner – Dealing with knee injury since last week

Limited​


QB Jayden Daniels – Limited and ruled out after reaggravating his left elbow injury

Full​


WR Noah Brown – Activated from IR (knee/groin) and play last week

OT George Fant – Missed Vikings game with a knee injury

Vet Rest Day


OLB Von Miller

LT Laremy Tunsil


Injured Reserve​


TE Zach Ertz – Torn ACL, out for the season

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/washingto...ry-report-two-players-added-with-new-injuries
 
2025 Commanders’ Tank Watch – Week 15

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Both teams approached the Week 14 match between the Commanders and Vikings badly in need of a get-right win. The mood on Hogs Haven was upbeat, with Jayden Daniels’ first start since Week 9 headlining a list of starters recently returning from injury. A week after taking the second-seed Denver Broncos to an overtime nail-biter, it might have felt like Washington had the advantage, even on the road.

That just goes to show that a 3-9 team on a seven-game losing streak can’t take any games for granted. Who knew?

With the 0-31 blowout loss to the previously struggling Minnesota Vikings, the Commanders became the first team to be eliminated from the playoffs in Week 14. This was not the get-right win that Commanders fans had hoped for, but should not have surprised anyone.

The Commanders’ defense ranks 31st in the NFL, at an alarming +0.156 EPA/play. You really want that figure to be negative – the Texans’ defense leads the league at -0.131 EPA/play. The Commanders rank dead last in dropback EPA/play at an eye-popping +0.267, and rank 26th against the run at +0.004.

The offense has scored enough points to win many of their games this season, and has only scored under 21 pts five times. They rank an almost respectable 14th in EPA/play at 0.028. Well, at least they are in positive territory. However, Jayden Daniels’ dismal performance on his return from injury is sure to fuel growing unease about the possibility that the team’s star QB could be regressing in his second season.

If that were not enough to give Commanders’ fans sleepless nights, the injury bug bit back hard in Minnesota, with TE Zach Ertz suffering a season-ending ACL tear, and Daniels re-injuring his left elbow.

The Commanders will have a lot of work to do this off-season to right the ship and set the franchise rebuild back on course. While the loss to one of their easiest remaining opponents on paper was not what they needed to keep the momentum heading in a positive direction, there is at least a thin sliver of a silver lining.

The loss to the Vikings allowed the Commanders to maintain their hold on sixth place in the draft order, rather than sliding to tenth place, behind the Rams (courtesy of the Falcons), which would have happened if they had won.

A difference of four places might not seem that big in the overall scheme of things, but it could spell the difference between drafting an elite playmaker on defense (e.g. DE Rueben Bain, S Caleb Downs, LB/Edge Arvell Reese) and picking from the next tier of prospects. Alternatively, dropping four places in the top 10 could be enough to move the Commanders out of position for a blockbuster trade offer, to reload Adam Peters with the draft capital he needs to upgrade multiple roster positions.

While most Commanders fans will be cheering for their team to win each of their remaining games, the reality is, that’s just not going to happen. The Tank Tracker is for those readers who would rather look at the bright side of the inevitable losses down the stretch than wallow in the misery of a lost season.

If the Season Ended Today​


As I have stressed in previous editions, moving any further up the draft order will be a challenge, even if the Commanders lose their remaining games. They can’t do it on their own. They will need help from the teams ahead of them.

In last week’s Tank Tracker, it seemed that the Commanders’ best chance of moving up a spot was the Cleveland Browns’ matchup against the 1-11 Tennessee Titans. The Titans had other ideas, however, and delivered one of the biggest surprises of the week in a 31-29 upset of the Browns. That just goes to show the type of competitors that the Commanders are up against in their quest for top-five draft pick. Nothing is going to come easy.

What seemed like the least-likely scenario for help from above was the lowly 2-10 New Orleans Saints upsetting the 7-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were 9 pt favorites. But that is exactly what happened, as the Saints shocked the Buccaneers with a 24-20 victory. The Saints’ win did not drop them behind Washington in the draft order. They would need a second win to do that, due to a weaker Strength of Schedule (SOS). But with remaining games against the Panthers, Jets, Titans and Falcons, they have plenty of opportunities remaining to get out of the Commanders’ way.

At the final whistle of Week 16, the Commanders found themselves at 6th place in the draft order, facing tough, if not insurmountable competition for a place in the top 5, as well as stiff competition for their position from teams barking at their heels. Here is how the draft order would look, if the season ended today, courtesy of Tankathon:

Tankathon-Wk-15.jpg

Moving Up​


With four games remaining, it is mathematically possible for the Commanders to end up with the first overall pick in the draft. Up to now, I had discounted the possibility of the Titans winning two more games to fall behind Washington. But Sunday’s upset wins by the Titans and Saints were a wake-up call, and a reminder of what can happen on any given Sunday. We now have to consider any of the teams ahead of the Commanders as competitors for draft position.

That is good news, since it means that the first overall pick is in play for Washington.

The upset of the Browns dropped the Titans to third place, behind the Giants and Raiders. They can fall behind Washington with one more win, not matched by a Commanders win, due to much stronger SOS.

Washington’s division rival Giants jumped up to first place during their bye week, thanks to the Titans’ win, and a strong SOS. However, one win by the Giants will drop them behind the Commanders, if it’s not matched by a Washington win, based on current SOS. The increase in Washington’s SOS caused by a single Giants’ win would not be enough to change that. We need them to win another game, without going on a winning streak which could become problematic for our tie-breakers with other teams.

The Las Vegas Raiders also overtook the Titans to move into second position, thanks to the SOS tie break. They can also fall behind the Commanders with an unmatched win, due to a strong SOS.

The Commanders are currently middle of the pack among the five teams with 3-10 records. They sit behind the Cleveland Browns, who have a substantial SOS advantage, and the Saints, whose SOS margin is smaller. A single unmatched win by either of those teams will allow the Commanders to overtake them. But they are likely to remain constant threats for the rest of the season due to the SOS margins.

Threats from Behind​


The Jets and Cardinals, also at 3-10, are at significant disadvantage to Washington in the SOS tiebreak. As long as Washington keeps even with them in W-L record, they will stay ahead. But these teams become a problem if Washington wins a game. Wins by these teams would give the Commanders a buffer to withstand a win of their own.

If the Commanders do win another game, and their draft-position competitors don’t, they will also fall behind the Rams, who own the 4-9 Falcons’ pick, in addition to Jets and Cardinals. It would take two more wins for Washington to fall behind the 4-9 Bengals based on current SOS. However, the Bengals’ SOS is close enough to Washington’s that the situation could easily change. They are a lesser threat than the Falcons, but not entirely safe either.

I don’t think we have to worry about the Vikings at 5-8 or any team with six wins. If Washington wins two or more of their last four games, just be happy that they finally turned things around to finish the season strong and don’t worry about what it does to their draft position.

Week 15 Rooting Guide​


To take the hard work out of cheering for better draft position, I have pulled together this handy rooting guide for Week 15 games.

Most Important Games​

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Wins by the teams in bold will move Washington up one spot in the draft order, unless Washington wins as well. In one case, that would be impossible.

New York Giants (2-11) vs Washington Commanders (3-10) – It would be crossing a line to ask Hogs Haven readers to cheer for a Commanders’ loss. Instead, I will merely point out that a win by the Giants will move Washington up a minimum of one position in the draft order. In addition to moving the Commanders into rarified territory of the draft, this would allow them to take an impact player off the board who would otherwise fall to a division rival. The Australian parliamentary system, has something called a conscience vote, when members of parliament are allowed to vote across party lines without repercussions. That’s what’s called for here. Cheer however your conscience tells you

Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) @ Philadelphia Eagles (8-4) – No moral dilemmas with this one. A win by the Raiders moves the Commanders ahead of them in the draft order and deals a blow to the Commanders’ most hated rival. Just win baby!

Tennessee Titans (2-11) @ San Francisco 49ers (9-4) – The surprise upset of the Browns dropped the Titans to third place in the draft order and within Washington’s reach. One more win will drop them behind the Commanders, due to much stronger SOS. It might be asking a little much for them to defeat the 49ers, who are riding a three-game winning streak. But they looked better than expected on Sunday. The Week 17 game against the Saints provides an even better opportunity to get out of our way. Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!

Cleveland Browns (3-10) @ Chicago Bears (9-4) – I didn’t say this was going to be easy. But nothing worth having ever is. Caleb Williams has been flashing signs of becoming the QB the Bears thought they were getting with the first overall pick. But the Browns have a secret weapon of their own in fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders, whose QBR has grown exponentially in his first four starts. In the loss to the Titans, Sanders completed 23 passes for 364 yds, 3 TD and 1 INT, and added another TD on the ground. With Myles Garrett leading the top-ranked defense by opponent success rate (fourth by EPA/play, 2nd by yards allowed), the Browns are poised for the upset. Woof! Woof!

New Orleans Saints (3-10) vs Carolina Panthers (7-6) –The Browns aren’t the only team who might have made an unexpected find at QB. Tyler Shough looked good as a two-way threat in the takedown of the division-leading Buccaneers. While he only completed 13/20 passes for 144 yards and an INT, he also ran 7 times for 55 yds and 2 TDs. Shough’s 75.0 QBR ranked 8th best in the NFL in Week 14. Can the Saints make it two upsets in a row when they take on the new NFC South division leaders? Bryce Young was on fire in the Week 13 upset of the Rams. But the Saints are the disruptive upstart in the South. Another win will drop them behind Washington. Who dat say they gonna beat dem Saints? Who dat? Who dat?

Other Important Games​

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Wins by teams in bold will help to mitigate threats from teams dogging the Commanders’ heels.

New York Jets (3-10) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4) – The Jets failed to deliver for Washington in their Week 14 matchup with the Dolphins. They won’t get many better opportunities with remaining games against the Jaguars, Patriots and Bills. So they had better make every game count. I can’t seriously think of any reason that the Jets will win, other than an unexpected upset. The Jets are not the Commanders’ biggest worry right now. But they become a problem if Washington wins. Root for the upset to give the Commanders some buffer to absorb a win. J-E-T-S, Jets! Jets! Jets!

Arizona Cardinals (3-10) @ Houston Texans (8-5) – The Cardinals are sitting right behind Washington at 3-10, with a much higher SOS. One win by the Commanders will put Arizona ahead. They need to break their five-game losing streak to give Washington some breathing room. The Texans are on a five-game winning streak, so it’s a big ask with QB Kyler Murray out for the season with a foot injury. Can Jacoby Brissett deliver another clutch performance for the Commanders? The Cardinals are a-chargin’!

Atlanta Falcons (4-9) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) – The Saints revealed the cracks in the Bucs’ awesome façade. Can the Falcons break it wide open? Probably not, but an Atlanta win would keep the Falcons from moving ahead of the Commanders if Dan Quinn has another win in store. RISE UP!

Cincinnati Bengals (4-9) vs Baltimore Ravens (6-7) – Joe Burrow’s return from a turf toe injury could not have come at a better time for the Commanders. This is a rematch against the same struggling Ravens’ team the Bengals beat two weeks ago. Cincinnati’s got this. Welcome to the jungle!

Week 15 Games that Could Make a Difference​

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Wins by these teams assist the Commanders in achieving better draft position via the SOS tiebreaker.

Indianapolis Colts (8-5) @ Seattle Seahawks (10-3) – Both teams have some common opponents who are Washington rivals, but cancel out. The differences are that the Colts play the Raiders and the Titans, of which the Raiders are moderately close to Washington in SOS. The Seahawks play the Saints, who are now our closest rival, but they also played the Commanders. That is the key, since any gain to the Saints SOS from a Seahawks’ win will be completely offset by an equal gain to the Commanders’ SOS. The latter will also hurt in all of Washington’s potential tiebreak scenarios. A Colts’ win is clearly better for Washington. For the shoe!

Minnesota Vikings (5-8) @ Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1) – This is a little complicated, because both teams play different sets of Washington rivals. Two things set them apart. First, while both teams play Washington, the Cowboys play them twice. Secondly, the Vikings play the Browns, who are only ahead of Washington in the draft order by virtue of the SOS tiebreak. A Vikings’ win will help to close the gap with Cleveland, while a Cowboys’ win will hurt Washington a little more in all tiebreak scenarios. Also, when in doubt, cheer for whoever is playing Dallas. Skol!

LA Rams (10-3) vs Detroit Lions (8-5) – This is a tough call. Both teams play some of Washington’s main rivals for draft position. Of these, the closest in SOS and draft position to Washington are Cleveland, who play the Lions, and the Saints, who play the Rams. The key differentiator is that only the Lions played Washington. So any bump to Cleveland’s SOS caused by a Lions’ win will be offset by an equal bump to the Commanders’ SOS, which will also hurt other tiebreak scenarios. That gives a clear advantage to the Rams. Good thing, because I don’t like the Lions. A Rams’ win could also help in a tie break with the Falcons. Whose house? Our house!

Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) @ Denver Broncos (11-2) – This is an even tougher call than the last one. Both teams played Washington, so the effects on our SOS are a wash. The Packers played Cleveland and Arizona, while the Broncos play the Titans, Jets and Raiders twice. The decision comes down to where SOS is most likely to make a difference. The Titans and Cardinals have such a large SOS disadvantage to Washington that they are unlikely to catch up no matter how the remaining games go. That leaves Cleveland on the Packers side vs Jets and Raiders on the Broncos side, as Washington rivals with SOS within reach. The Browns are currently only ahead of Washington due to SOS, and the margin is the smallest of any of these teams. Wins by the Packers and a few of their other opponents could be enough to drop Cleveland behind Washington in the draft order. I could be wrong about this, but I think a Packers win is most likely to pay dividends for the Commanders. Get your cheese head on!

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) vs Miami Dolphins (6-7) – As a general rule, if one team plays Washington and the other doesn’t, we want Washington’s opponent to lose, to lower our SOS for advantages in all tiebreaks. Pittsburgh also plays Cleveland and Cincinnati one more time than the Dolphins did, which could help in tiebreaks with those teams. Here we go Steelers! Here We Go!

New England Patriots (11-2) vs Buffalo Bills (9-4) – Both teams play several of Washington’s draft position rivals, but only the Patriots play the Giants and Titans. A New England win strengthens the SOS of two of our biggest rivals for draft position. However, the Giants and Titans both have an SOS disadvantage to Washington already, so it’s not very likely to make much difference. Go Pats, I guess

One Unimportant Game​


LA Chargers (9-4) @ KC Chiefs (6-7) – Both teams played Washington and have a lot of common opponents. The biggest difference is that only the Chargers played the Dolphins. But the Dolphins are no longer a threat to Washington’s draft position. Doesn’t matter

Source: https://www.hogshaven.com/wft-draft...commanders-tank-watch-week-15-nfl-draft-order
 
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