Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio in agreement on LB play

Ron Rivera agrees with Jack Del Rio’s comments from Thursday but remains positive and excited about Jamin Davis.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera may have surprised some of the media Friday, but he made himself absolutely clear.

Rivera was asked if he saw defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio’s comments Thursday concerning Commanders’ linebacker Jamin Davis. In addition, he was asked if those comments “were necessary to get some better play out of Jamin?”

Though the two sharply disagreed earlier this year resulting in Del Rio being fined, in this instance, Rivera made it clear from the outset that he and Del Rio are on the same page regarding the play of the second-year linebacker out of Kentucky. Shouldn’t they be? They both were NFL linebackers, linebacker coaches, defensive coordinators and head coaches.

“Well, I think we know that Jack’s honest and it’s an honest assessment. You know, the guy (Davis) did have a really good training camp. He played very well and we would like to see him play better. I don’t disagree with it. Jamin played hard. He gave a great effort, but let’s play smarter. Let’s understand that we gotta use our techniques. I talked about it. We put him in a tough position, but we think he can do it. Now, use the technique and make that guy go up and around. Don’t lose your leverage. Those are the things that I think Jack was a little frustrated with because he had a good camp and he did play well.”

Rivera was then asked regarding Davis’ struggles against Jacksonville in Week 1.

“Going up against somebody a little bit different, some things that you anticipate certain things happening, but something else happens. Well, then you’ve gotta react and fall back to your techniques and he didn’t. But that tells us that we’ve gotta continue to work with him and continue to put him in positions where he can have success.”

Rivera spoke of sometimes inexperienced players can inadvertently have the game’s excitement result in their missing their techniques. “The excitement of the game. The way things happen, and it’s gonna happen. And it’s a thing where you just continue to rep it, continue to work it and continue to develop your craft and your skill.”

“I think that (the technique) was probably the biggest thing. If you sit there and you watch him, he backs up a little bit, opens up the underneath and the guy takes it. Now, if he pops his feet, stays active, plants that inside leg, and forces him up over the top, that’s exactly what we’re hoping to get out of that situation. It’s just, those are little detail things that you’ve gotta continue to develop and grow as a player. And at that point, that would’ve been a good opportunity to show the growth that we’re looking for and expecting from him.”

Rivera likened Davis to one of linebackers in Carolina years ago.
“We had a player in Carolina, [LB] Thomas Davis, who arguably could be a Hall of Famer, but you look at the beginning of his career and he made a lot of mistakes. There were a lot of things that he had to learn and grow through, and fight through the injuries that he had. But, you see the same thing when you watch Jamin, you see the little detail things that he doesn’t quite get right now. But as he continues to work at it, and continues to grow and continues to develop, his skill set is gonna translate because the young man has good quickness, he’s got good speed and he’s got good natural strength. It’s just a matter of time.”

Rivera also was clear that he and Del Rio expect more from Davis now in his second year.

“The expectations are higher. You know what I’m saying? And those are our expectations. So, our expectations shouldn’t be higher than his. He should be wanting to be perfect every time. We just wanna make sure he understands and again, I have no issue with what Jack said, because again first of all, it’s just his honest assessment. Secondly, I agree with him. I agree that the young man had a good camp and I thought he played well in the preseason. I expect him to go out and do those things. Again, if it’s a base fundamental thing, issue like that, like it was, let’s get those corrected, don’t repeat the mistakes.”

 

 

Commanders rally to defeat Jaguars 28-22 in 2022 opener

The Washington Commanders are 1-0.

Carson Wentz and Jahan Dotson connected on a 24-yard touchdown pass with 1:24 remaining as the Washington Commanders rallied to win their season opener over the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-22 Sunday at Fed Ex Field in Landover.

Wentz had experienced quite the roller coaster day, with two touchdown passes early but then had thrown two interceptions, and the Commanders found themselves down 22-14 when James Robinson scored from one yard with 11:45 to play.

But Wentz saw Terry McLaurin open down the right sideline for a 49-yard touchdown with 9:36 remaining. However, Wentz was sacked on the two-point conversion attempt leaving the Commanders trailing 22-20.

Following a Jaguars punt, Wentz led the Commanders on a 90-yard drive for the game-winning score. Facing a 3rd & 8 at the Jaguars’ 24, Wentz dropped back and looked left as Dotson was running an out and up route. Wentz lofted his pass in the end zone, and Dotson displayed his ability to catch contested passes, coming down with the biggest play of the day. It was also the second touchdown reception for the rookie in his first NFL game. Wentz then found McKissic for the two-point conversion and the Commanders led 28-22 with 1:46 remaining.

Ironically, the game-saver transpired on a third down with the Commanders’ defense. The 2021 third-down defense was nothing short of terrible, finishing next-to-last in the NFL. On this 3rd &11 from the Jaguars’ 44, Trevor Lawrence dropped back, was rushed, rolled left, and desperately lofted a reckless pass downfield which Washington safety Darrick Forrest intercepted, preserving the come-from-behind win.

Wentz finished his day 27-41, with 313 yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Wentz spread the ball to seven different Commanders receivers with Curtis Samuel leading the way with 8 receptions (55 yards). Antonio Gibson caught 7 passes for 72 yards, followed by Dotson, Logan Thomas and McKissic each contributing three receptions.

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Comparing Commanders rosters from 2021 and 2022

Comparing Washington’s 2022 roster to the 2021 version.

Looking at the 53-man roster, have the Commanders made progress from the 2021 season?

Of course, we can’t ultimately be certain because games have never been played on paper. A quick look at the 2021 and 2022 rosters does reveal a few significant differences. Remember, there is also a 16-man practice squad enabling teams to bring up a player on short notice in the event of injury.

Quarterback

Gone from 2021 are Ryan Fitzpatrick and Kyle Allen. Taylor Heinicke remains and the additions made are Carson Wentz and Sam Howell. Wentz brings six seasons of starting experience, and Heinicke gained 16 games of NFL experience in 2021.

Running Back

Antonio Gibson, J D McKissic and Jonathan Williams return, with the big addition being expected starter Brian Robinson Jr, the 2022 third-round selection. Robinson is out at least the first four weeks, recovering from a car jacking and gunshot wounds.

Offensive Line

Washington must replace both starting guards, Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers. New guards in 2022 are Andrew Norwell, Trai Turner and rookie Chris Paul. Tackles returning are Charles Leno, Sam Cosmi and Cornelius Lucas. Chase Roullier, Saahdiq Charles and Wes Schweitzer also return.

Wide Receiver

Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, Cam Sims, Dyami Brown and Dax Milne return. Gone are DeAndre Carter and Adam Humphries. First-round draft selection Jahan Dotson is new to the position group.

Tight End

Logan Thomas and John Bates return. Ricky Seals-Jones departed via free agency. Free agent Armani Rogers and fifth-round draft choice Cole Turner are new additions.

Defensive Line

Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill, Daniel Wise and Shaka Toney all return. Chase Young is recovering from an ACL tear and will be out for at least the first four games. Free agent Efe Obada and second-round draft choice Phidarian Mathis are new additions. Gone are reliable defensive tackles Tim Settle and Matt Ioannidis.

Linebacker

Cole Holcomb, Jamin Davis, David Mayo and Jon Bostic return. Gone are De’Jon Harris, Jordan Kunaszyk and Jared Norris who appeared in 2021. Milo Eifler returns, having appeared in 3 games on special teams last year, taking no defensive snaps.

Cornerback

Kendall Fuller, William Jackson III and Benjamin St-Juste return from the 2021 squad. While seventh-round draft choice Christian Holmes and waiver-wire pickups Tariq Castro-Fields and Rachad Wildgoose are 2022 additions. Corn Elder, Danny Johnson and Darryl Roberts all took snaps in 2021, but are not on the roster. Troy Apke was on the 2021 roster, playing special teams.

Safety

Kamren Curl, Darrick Forrest, Bobby McCain and Jeremy Reaves return to the 2022 safety group. Gone are Landon Collins and Deshazor Everett. Fourth-round draft choice Percy Butler joins the position group in 2022.

Specialists

Cameron Cheeseman (long snapper), Tress Way (Punter) and Joey Slye (Kicker) all return. Dustin Hopkins, Chris Blewitt and Brian Johnson each took their turns kicking in 2021 but do not return.

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Commanders Casey Toohill trying to do his job

Casey Toohill took advantage of his opportunities last season.

Next man up, Casey Toohill.

With Chase Young and Montez Sweat being limited to starting 9 and 10 games respectively in 2021, Casey Toohill and James-Smith Williams were each suddenly called upon to start 6 games.

Toohill came to Washington one day after he was released by NFC rival Philadelphia in 2020.

“I remember my first practice just getting tossed around and being like, I really just need to make my practice better. I need to have better habits. I need to spend more time outside of the building and then things should be better from there.”

Some of the defensive players have chided the offensive players when getting the best of the scrimmaging. But Toohill has noticeably not always been vocal. “That’s just not my style. You know, I do every once and a while. I think if you ask guys, they will say I can definitely be loud every once and a while. But yeah, in practice I just try to focus, feed off the energy.”

2020 was the last season Carson Wentz was with the Eagles. Toohill and Wentz overlapped briefly, with Toohill being released October 13. “I was there four or five games and the summer, so yeah, I overlapped with him. Really enjoyed meeting him there. He was nice to be from day one. I was a seventh-round pick, he had no reason to be but he was always kind to me which I appreciated.”

Chase Young’s sudden and terrible 2021 injury was Toohill’s sudden opportunity to contribute on the defense. “You never ever want to see someone get hurt or hurt severely. So obviously I wasn’t happy that Chase got hurt. It was very unfortunate to see. He’s a great player and a great friend, so I hated to see that, but yeah it was an opportunity.”

Toohill is learning more of the intricacies of the NFL entering his third season.

“I just think every year that I’ve played it’s become more about the details…  I remember after my first season I was like, I have to get a lot bigger. I have to get a lot stronger. Then last year, it was the minute details of my job. Hand placement, footwork, certain little pass rush things, the very small things that I thought could make a big difference in the end.”

When Toohill first came to Washington in 2020, one of his teammates was veteran Ryan Kerrigan, in his last season with Washington. Now this season, Kerrigan is a part-time coach, shadowing the coaches, and helping at times with the players.

“It’s been awesome. You know, it’s funny because I got here when he was still here, and I remember he introduced himself to me and I was like man I know who you are. I watched your film in high school class. That was awesome then. So helpful then.  I love working with him. He’s got a great mind set and it’s been a great pleasure.”

Next up for Washington is the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday. In defeating the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, the Ravens extended the NFL’s consecutive record streak of preseason wins to 22. But Toohill knows what is important and what is not.

“I mean, you always want to win. That’s always the goal. But that doesn’t really change our focus. We want to go out there. We want to execute better. We want to play hard. Do our job, so that’s the focus.”

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Taylor Heinicke had 2 of the NFL’s most improbable completions in 2021

Taylor Heinicke may not be Washington’s quarterback of the future, but he provided plenty of highlights in 2021.

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When Ryan Fitzpatrick went down in the second quarter of Washington’s Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, it opened the door for playoff hero Taylor Heinicke to audition at quarterback for the Commanders.

Heinicke had some good moments, such as his performances in wins over the Giants and Falcons early in the season. There were lows, too, such as a tendency to force the ball into coverage when things break down around him.

Heinicke also played well during Washington’s four-game winning streak midway through the season to get the Commanders back into playoff contention. However, it was short-lived, and while Heinicke proved he belonged in the NFL, it was also evident Washington would continue its desperate search for a quarterback.

But Heinicke did provide Washington fans with some exciting moments in an otherwise disappointing 2021 season. In the aforementioned win over the Giants in Week 2, Heinicke’s fourth-quarter performance led the Commanders to their first win.

In particular, his touchdown pass to tight end Ricky Seals-Jones with 4:33 remaining was one of the season’s highlights for Washington. In its 2021 season review, NFL’s Next Gen Stats ranked the pass as one of the most improbable completions of the season, specifically ranking the throw No. 13 with a completion probability of just 13.7%.

As spectacular as that play was, Next Gen Stats had another of Heinicke’s completions ranking even higher. His touchdown pass to Cam Sims against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 14 ranked No. 6.

So, while it’s fair to say Washington needs a new quarterback, it’s also reasonable to say Heinicke did do some good things in 2021.

 

Who was Washington’s most improved player in 2021?

Who was Washington’s most improved player in 2021?

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The 2021 season was a difficult one for the Washington Commanders. On the surface, Washington didn’t take a major step backward, finishing the same amount of wins as the season before. Considering Washington’s moves last offseason, that was a disappointment.

There were the injuries, COVID-19 outbreaks and a historically bad performance from the defense during the first half of the season. Unfortunately for Washington fans, the defense was expected to carry the team until veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick got comfortable with the offense.

We know how that story played out. During Washington’s early defensive struggles, almost every defender struggled throughout the first seven weeks, outside of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. One of those, cornerback Kendall Fuller turned things around in the second half of the season.

Pro Football Focus recently named their most improved players of the 2021 season for every NFL team and Fuller was that player for the Commanders.

PFF Grade change from 2020 to 2021: 66.7 → 81.5 (+14.8)

Fuller was moved to the outside in his return to Washington in 2020, and it was volatile to say the least. He allowed a career-high five touchdowns and earned his second-lowest PFF grade of his career.

His second-year playing on the outside in 2021 went far better. He finished as the second-most valuable cornerback in the NFL and got better as the year went on. From Week 8 forward, he was the highest-graded corner in the NFL.

PFF used its own grading scale to determine each team’s most improved player. The results for Fuller are undeniable, although Washington fans who watched every game may have a different opinion of Fuller’s season.

The key statement in PFF’s grade of Fuller: “From Week 8 forward.”

That is correct. Fuller was a different player from the Denver game forward. His coverage was improved and his tackling — always a strength — remained outstanding.

As far as the eyeball test watching every game, and not using PFF’s data, I would give linebacker Cole Holcomb credit for a much-improved 2021 campaign. The third-year linebacker took another step forward in his career last season and if Washington can land a true inside linebacker, Holcomb can be even better in 2022 and beyond.

2 Commanders among PFF’s top 101 players of 2021

Two Commanders ranked among PFF’s top 101 players of 2021.

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The 2021 NFL season was one to forget for the Washington Football Team — now Commanders. After going to the playoffs in head coach Ron Rivera’s first season in 2020, Washington fell to 7-10 in 2021.

There were many reasons why the 2021 season was such a failure for Washington. First, the team signed veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick and wide receiver Curtis Samuel in free agency to pair with returning stars Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas and Antonio Gibson. Only McLaurin and Gibson played in more than six games due to injuries.

Then, there was the defense. Miscommunication, underachieving, injuries, and COVID-19 played a part in Washington’s defensive failures in 2021. While the Commanders were historically bad defensively early in the season, the unit played much better in Weeks 7-15 before COVID-19 took its toll.

Which Washington players stood out the most? According to Pro Football Focus, two Commanders ended the season on the analytics site’s top 101 players of 2021: defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and cornerback Kendall Fuller.

Surprisingly, guard Brandon Scherff and wide receiver Terry McLaurin missed the cut. Unlike the NFL Network’s Top 100 players, PFF emphasizes the individual grades the site gives each player.

Here’s what PFF said about Allen, ranked No. 54:

Allen was one of the most consistent interior pass-rushers in the game this season, although he cooled off a little down the stretch. Allen registered 67 pressures overall, upping his career-high by 17. He made 32 defensive stops and recorded an elite 90.9 PFF pass-rushing grade for a Washington defense that vastly underachieved relative to expectations.

And Fuller, ranked No. 73:

Given the overall performance from Washington’s defense, it might be hard to believe that there was anybody who performed well in coverage, but Fuller was that man. He earned his best overall grade and coverage grade since 2017, racking up 14 pass breakups even though he came away with just one interception. Fuller allowed only 9.4 yards per reception and put up an excellent grade against the run.

If you ask Washington fans, many would disagree with Fuller. However, Fuller’s second half of 2021 was much better than his first half of the season.

Kendall Fuller, Jonathan Allen earn spots on the ‘All-Collinsworth Team’

The “All-Collinsworth Team” isn’t quite the “All-Madden Team,” but an honor nonetheless.

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One of the biggest honors for an NFL player from the 1980s until the early 2000s was the All-Madden Team. Yes, the All-Pro teams and Pro Bowl were still around, but if you made the All-Madden Team, that was a different type of special.

The legendary John Madden would name his All-Madden Team after every season. And in an era where Washington was a consistent winner, numerous players, the “Hogs,” to Gary Clark, Darrell Green and others were All-Madden regulars.

Players even received an All-Madden jacket.

Sadly, the All-Madden team is no more. But for players who received the honor in the 80s and 90s, it meant more than the Pro Bowl.

While no one can replace the All-Madden Team, Cris Collinsworth of NBC now does his All-Collinsworth Team. Again, Collinsworth is no Madden — no one will ever replace Madden — but as the majority owner of Pro Football Focus, he offers a different approach in naming his All-Collinsworth Team.

Collinsworth, using PFF grades and his role as the color commentator for Sunday Night Football, has a unique perspective in naming his “best in the NFL” team.

How many Washington players made the All-Collinsworth Team in 2021? Two, both on defense in Jonathan Allen and Kendall Fuller. Here’s what Collinsworth had to say about Allen and cornerback Fuller.

3. JONATHAN ALLENWASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Allen ranked second among interior players this year in pressures and first in quarterback hits. While his run blocking was subpar, he tallied a 90.9 pass-rushing grade that ranked third at the position.

3. KENDALL FULLERWASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Fuller is quite possibly the best tackler at the cornerback position, with a league-leading 64 tackles in coverage. He also regularly forced tight-window throws, allowing a 35.6% open target rate that ranked 20th among cornerbacks. His stick coverage and sure tackling helped him allow only three touchdowns in coverage this season.

Fuller is a bit of a surprise. He struggled at times earlier in the season but played much better in the second half of the season. Allen continues to prove he is one of the best in the NFL at his position.

Cooper Kupp was available for Washington

Cooper Kupp’s grandfather once played in Washington. Imagine if Washington had selected him in 2017? Washington is one of 31 NFL which regrets passing on Kupp.

The fastest corners in the NFL simply can’t cover him.

He gets open several times every game and makes big catch after big catch.

Cooper Kupp was drafted in the 2017 NFL draft in the third round —No. 69  overall. This past season, Kupp caught 145 passes for 1,947 yards. That is not a typo: 145 receptions, 1,947 yards.

Washington had finished 2016 at 8-7-1 and was picked No. 17 overall in the NFL draft. Washington made a good, solid selection in round 1 with Jonathan Allen.

In round two and selecting at No. 49 overall, Washington took DE Ryan Anderson (Alabama).  Cooper Kupp was available and Washington was not the only team who had no idea what Kupp would become.

However, former Washington offensive coordinator Sean McVay was involved in his first NFL draft as a head coach with the Los Angeles Rams. McVay said when he interviewed Kupp, he stood out as mature and like a coach. Hey, what were other coaches and scouts listening to when they interviewed Kupp?

I wonder, seeing Kupp played at Eastern Washington, how many of the other 31 teams even considered him worthy enough to interview him?

Were they not impressed that Kupp used to train by making single-handed catches of tennis balls flying at high speeds out of a ball machine? Did it occur to coaches that if a guy can catch a much smaller tennis ball at high speed, he is not going to have much trouble with a larger and slower football?

Did teams bother to find out that Kupp’s dad Craig Kupp had actually made it to the NFL? Craig was a quarterback. My, I wonder how much that influenced his son to sound like a coach as early as age 22? Craig had been drafted in the 5th round — No. 135 — in 1990 by the N.Y. Giants, and made the Cardinals roster in 1991.

If that’s not enough, Cooper Kupp’s grandfather (Jake) also played in the NFL (1964-75). What’s more, Jake actually was a Washington Redskin in the 1966 season, a tight end who caught four passes. He played guard the rest of his career but had a long enough career that he was obviously aware of much of the business and a very good athlete.

So back to Cooper Kupp who was passed over by Washington and many other NFL experts in that 2017 draft. Kupp is accustomed to being passed over by other “experts.” He was not even offered a college scholarship until after the completion of his high school senior season. No major conference colleges were interested.

When he ran a 4.62 40 at the NFL Combine did most coaches and scouts judge him too slow? Interestingly enough his times in the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle were outstanding.

McVay was only age 31 during his initial draft. Yet he knew enough to know that a wide receiver that is lightning quick in changing directions and running 20 yards is going to be able to run great pass routes.

Did I mention that Kupp caught 145 passes this season?

 

PFF has ranked Washington’s 2021 NFL draft class

Where did PFF rank Washington’s 2021 NFL draft class after one season?

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Pro Football Focus ranked all 32 NFL teams 2021 NFL draft class and where players were taken is part of their formula determining how successful a draft class performed.

For instance, Chase Young was drafted in round one, Antonio Gibson in round three and Kam Curl in round seven of the 2020 Washington draft. Their value would be determined upon what they’ve produced and according to where drafted.

According to PFF, Washington’s 2021 NFL Draft class came in at 22nd behind a good year from tackle Sam Cosmi (round two). But LB Jamin Davis (round one), CB Benjamin St Juste (round three) and WR Dyami Brown (round three) left much to be desired last season.

TE John Bates (round four) came on strong later in the season, while S Darrick Forrest (round five) was mostly injured. LS Cameron Cheesman (round six) snapped consistently, while round seven choices William Bradley-King, Shaka Toney and Dax Milne flashed some potential in their limited action.

The Patriots, Texans and Chiefs graded out as the top three 2021 draft classes, while the Jaguars, Buccaneers and Vikings were ranked the bottom three classes.

Philadelphia was ranked the top team in the NFC East at 9th behind some good play from WR Devonta Smith, guard Landon Dickerson and defensive lineman Milton Williams.

Dallas got great play from Micah Parsons (round one) ranking 12th.

Washington was next at 22nd, and the NY Giants 26th who no doubt would have been higher had WR Kadarius Toney been able to stay on the field longer this season.

We here at Washington Wire recently graded Washington’s class:

Grading each of Washington’s 2021 NFL draft selections