Category: 2023 NFL offseason

One non-QB the Commanders can’t afford to lose in 2023

Whom do you feel the Commanders absolutely cannot lose this season? Jonathan Allen? Daron Payne? Terry McLaurin?

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Who is the one non-quarterback the Commanders cannot afford to lose in 2023?

CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin Thursday provided one non-quarterback that each NFL team can’t afford to lose this upcoming season.

Whom do you feel the Commanders absolutely cannot lose this season? Jonathan Allen? Daron Payne? Terry McLaurin? Tress Way? Jahan Dotson?

Benjamin chose McLaurin as the indispensable Washington Commander. Here is his explanation.

If Ron Rivera really believes new QB Sam Howell is capable of emerging as a long-term answer, he’d better hope the team’s WR1 stays healthy, providing the second-year gunslinger with a downfield threat who’s been relatively QB-proof in terms of production.

How about the other indispensable key figures in the NFC East, according to Benjamin?

Eagles: WR A.J. Brown

RT Lane Johnson, one of the best in the game at his spot, is probably more important overall. But he’s already an annual candidate to miss a few games due to injury, and if Brown weren’t active, DeVonta Smith would be Jalen Hurts’ only truly trusted WR.

Giants: OT Andrew Thomas

His 2022 success confirmed his arrival as a top young tackle a la Penei Sewell in Detroit. For all the talk about getting Daniel Jones more help out wide, Brian Daboll’s attack probably hinges more on Thomas standing pat at LT to keep the QB upright.

Cowboys: OLB Micah Parsons

CeeDee Lamb is a star out wide, and his absence would surely affect Dak Prescott, who’ll be counting on Brandin Cooks to help him downfield. But Parsons is the heart and soul of the team, his rangy athleticism enabling Dallas to be creative on “D.”

Commanders Brissett, Howell still in battle for starting quarterback

Ron Rivera confirmed no starting quarterback has been decided, even with Howell receiving first-team reps.

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“Things have not been going great for Sam Howell, they’ve kind of trended the wrong way.”

That is how Craig Hoffman began his Take Command Podcast this week with Logan Paulsen.

Hoffman continued, “And it feels like Jacoby Brissett is getting a bit more comfortable.”

Paulsen replied that Howell, the first three OTA workouts, “came out looking very sharp on rhythm, timing, balls out of his hand quickly, finding the open guy, confident throws down the field.”

The second week brought a different result, according to Paulsen. He felt the blitz package was something the offense had not yet built in their protections, and the young secondary guys were effectively matching up with receivers.

“On the sixth day, I would say Sam had, not a bad day, but it definitely wasn’t a good day, a day he would probably want to have back,” expressed Paulsen.

Jacoby Brissett? Paulsen quickly asserted, “we talked about it when they signed him, we expected him to be better earlier…His experience is helping him out…He understands what’s happening at a higher level.”

Then we have head coach Ron Rivera Tuesday on this first day of mandatory workouts. He said to the media, “Again, it’s one of those things that, guys, it’s … just because I said (Howell’s) gonna start off as QB1 doesn’t mean he’s gonna finish as QB1. I like to believe, though, that if he goes out and does things he’s capable of, he’s got a very, very good chance of doing that.”

“I think Jacoby’s shown us some things that have really caught people’s attention. We talk about Jacoby almost as much as we talk about Sam. I just think as we go through this process and until we play games, it’d be unfair to start making assessments. Again, there is a lot of confidence.”

But Rivera was also quick to add that Howell and Brissett are both team players. They are supportive of each other for the good of the team. “You want a good room where you know there’s a lot of cooperation and everybody’s pulling for one another and there’s not a split dynamic between them. That’s really been probably the best thing I’ve seen.”

Commanders got good news when Young, Sweat and Leno returned

The Commanders were happy to have Leno, Young and Sweat back Tuesday.

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Some really good news for the Commanders at this week’s mandatory workouts, Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Charles Leno are back.

Of course, Young was asked about the Commanders not picking up his 5th-year option. But Young handled it well with a succinct answer.

It was clearly a business decision that the Commanders made, and Young wants to work out and not discuss it any further.

All three were kept out of some reps as Commanders coaches and trainers did not know where they were physically.

It was reported on Twitter by Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post that “Ron Rivera said they will ramp up Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Charles Leno to get a feel for where they’re at physically before throwing them in there fully. The three trained elsewhere during voluntary OTAs.”

Sweat has developed into a good run defender, and with NFL pass rushers not growing on trees, it is important for Sweat to have a good year this 2023 season.

Both Young and Sweat are both represented by the same agency and thus it is not out of the question that they were both advised that it would not be wise to work out in team situations where injuries sometimes occur, placing the player in jeopardy if he has no contract beyond the next season.

It is good to also see Leno back in camp workouts. The 2022 offensive line play trended downward. One fan this week called Leno “a turnstile,” and another said that Leno was “horrible and plays the most important position of the offensive line.”

Washington drafted Braeden Daniels 118th overall (offensive tackle, Utah), but most analysts feel Daniels is too light and needs more experience and mass gained before he could unseat the veteran Leno for the job.

The Commanders having re-signed both starting defensive tackles (Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne), speculation is already rising the Commanders may wait and see what type of seasons the defensive ends produce and determine which, if either (Young, Sweat), they will re-sign.

The Commanders drafted defensive ends K.J. Henry (137) and Andre Jones (233) in the latest NFL draft. If these two put any pressure on out there, we can only hope it is the pressure that results in urgency for both Sweat and Young this summer.

Chase Young returns to Commanders: Mixed fan reaction

Reactions were mixed to Young’s return Monday. One thing is unanimous: Everyone wants to see him have a big 2023 season.

Chase Young was back at the Ashburn facility Monday but the reaction of Commanders fans was rather mixed in response.

The Commanders quickly tweeted a video of Young stating he was back for media day. Unfortunately, many fans did not take too kindly to Young stating he was back for media day.

Commanders Wire will not reveal those tweets, as more than a few were inappropriate for our site.

Commanders Wire has been disappointed that Young chose not to work out the last two opportunities he was given. He was one of only three players (Montez Sweat, Charles Leno) who chose not to attend the last two weeks of “voluntary” workouts.

But certainly, Commanders Wire wholeheartedly hopes that Young has a big 2023 and performs like the player that was selected No. 2 in 2020. What a fun thing it would be to see the Commanders have a big-time pass rusher in Young, who brought great expectations when he was voted NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after his 2020 season.

Here is a sampling of some of the Twitter reactions to Young’s Monday return in time for media day.

 

Where do Commanders fall in PFF’s updated NFL power rankings?

The Commanders fall backwards in PFF’s power rankings since the draft.

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Following the 2023 NFL draft, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has produced its updated power rankings.

While some teams made offseason moves and draft choices that seemed to help them, the Cardinals traded down but did pick up draft capital for 2024. They have also released All-Pro receiver, DeAndre Hopkins. The Cardinals don’t appear to care about 2023, as Kyler Murray is also going to be out for some time with an ACL and a meniscus tear.

The PFF top-five teams are the Chiefs, Eagles, 49ers, Bengals and Bills.

The team making the biggest move upward in the PFF rankings is the Jets. This is because the Jets traded for future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Jets vaulted up from 17 to 6.

What about the Commanders and the NFC East?

After the Eagles at number 2, the Cowboys are currently in the top ten at number 7, and the Giants come in at 13th. Unfortunately, Commanders fans will be disappointed to find the Commanders, who had been 19th in the pre-draft power rankings, have now fallen to 22nd.

Here is the PFF rationale for the ranking of 22nd:

The Commanders added a decent starting tackle in Andrew Wylie during free agency and an upgrade at quarterback in Jacoby Brissett.

They filled their need at cornerback right away in the draft, picking Emmanuel Forbes and Jartavius Martin. Forbes put up an 87.2 PFF grade in 2022 and racked up 14 interceptions and 17 pass breakups in his college career. Another need, the offensive line, was filled by Braeden Daniels and Ricky Stromberg. Daniels may start right away, considering the Commanders’ offensive line struggles in 2022 (24th-ranked unit in PFF pass-blocking grade).

Sorry, but we at Commanders Wire disagree with the PFF statement that Daniels might start right away. Yes, Charles Leno did struggle down the stretch, but if healthy we still find Leno to be the capable starter over Daniels in 2023.

Commanders make surprising roster move

The Commanders made some roster moves Tuesday.

The Washington Commanders began their second week of OTAs Tuesday and made a surprising roster move.

Despite claiming cornerback Cameron Dantzler off waivers earlier in this 2023 offseason, Tuesday, the Commanders, following last week’s OTAs, have already determined to move on from him.

Another notable roster move was the Commanders placed guard Andrew Norwell on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Norwell started 16 games in 2022 for the Commanders after being signed in the offseason to come in and replace 2021 starter Ereck Flowers, who had been released.

Dantzler was a 2020 third-round pick out of Mississippi State who had 149 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries while playing for the Vikings (2020-22)

Once Norwell is able to pass a physical, the expectation is that the Commanders will release him. Prior to coming to Washington in 2023, Norwell played his first four NFL seasons with the Panthers, followed by four seasons with the Jaguars.

With two roster spots now open, the Commanders then signed S Terrell Burgess and TE Brandon Dillon. In essence, the Commanders are choosing to proceed toward training camp with Burgess over Dantzler, while Dillon was added due to TE Armani Rogers tearing his Achilles tendon last week.

Rogers was an athletic quarterback at UNLV and Ohio. Not being drafted, Washington signed him because he moved well and had size (6-5, 225), thinking he could be converted to a tight end (think Logan Thomas). He had 5 receptions, 4 for first downs, and also had a rushing attempt for 24 yards in his rookie season in 2022.

Burgess played his college ball at Utah, was drafted 104th overall by the Rams in the 2020 draft, and has primarily been a special teams performer, starting only 3 games in his three seasons (2020-22). Burgess also played for the Giants in 2022.

Dillon is age 26, played at Marion, went undrafted, and had one reception with the Vikings in his three seasons in Minnesota (2019-21).

 

 

Have we overreacted about the Commanders absent from OTA’s?

Is it a big deal that Young, Sweat and Leno are not at OTAs?

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By now, all our readers are well aware that Chase Young, Montez Sweat and Charles Leno are determined to not attend the Commanders’ OTAs.

Is the reaction a DMV reaction? Is it related to the Commanders not having a winning season since the 2015 and 2016 seasons?

Well, did you catch Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson at the Ravens’ OTAs?

Jackson was asked by Baltimore media regarding Ravens’ fans who had speculated Jackson would not attend the OTAs. Jackson responded that he ignored it and thought it was funny.

His head coach John Harbaugh added that he knew Jackson was going to come in and participate in their OTAs. Harbaugh then added, “He (Jackson) was into it, into the meetings. He was locked in the last two days, completely locked in.”

Harbaugh was also willing to say what many coaches won’t say because the NFLPA will report them if they say anything close to saying the players should be in attendance.

“I think it’s important. I’m a coach, you know. I want everybody here. You know, I want every player here all the time, doing everything they can. Now, is that necessarily the best thing? I don’t know. Everybody’s got their own circumstance.”

The NFL CBA says coaches are prohibited from saying anything that communicates that the OTAs are strictly voluntary. So, we will see soon enough if the NFL considers what Harbaugh said to be over the line.

Leno, Sweat and Young have chosen to not participate. Young was recently refused a 5th-year option for the former second-overall selection of the 2020 draft. Sweat not appearing? Might he be displaying his support for Young not attending? No idea. Leno? Well, he played in Matt Nagy’s offense when with the Bears. So the offense is not entirely new to him. Yet, his play did fall off last season in the closing games.

Then there is LB Jamin Davis. Davis is entering his third season, being drafted in the first round of the 2021 draft. Davis has had a lingering issue with a knee injury since the completion of the 2022 season. Davis needed a cleanup procedure on his knee. But there was Davis in attendance, learning in the meetings and even walking through some things on the field.

Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio ready to get to work

Del Rio spoke about his young secondary, Jamin Davis, the defensive ends and is excited for 2023.

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Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio sat down with Julie Donaldson to talk Commanders defense. Here are a few excerpts from that interview.

“We want to continue to do the things we do well, so the other part is for us to start generating more turnovers, and that is going to be a big push this year.”

“We got to practice in the rookie mini-camp and right away you can see the ball likes Emmanuel Forbes. He finds it, he has a knack for it. He’s got great acceleration, great ball skills and he will definitely produce turnovers.”

“I don’t know if he will ever be 180, but he is plenty big enough for me. His job is to cover and get turnovers.  The rest of the guys will do what they do.”

On Kam Curl becoming a leader at safety:

“We drafted him. He’s developed and played well for us. You add D-Fo (Derrick Forrest), Percy (Butler), and now Quan (Martin). It’s a good room. Again, roles will be determined through competition. We have good players.”

“I love Bobby (McCain). He was a great team player while he was here. But to now have guys like D-Fo, Percy and Quan, it was time to make room for them.

“Jamin (Davis) has incredible splash plays. What we’ve got to do is have Jamin eliminate the ‘What the Hell are you doing’ plays. He has a few moments where that happens. Much less last year. When he eliminates that part of his game, and it becomes more of the splash, he is extremely talented.”

Del Rio continued regarding his defensive line, Montez Sweat and Chase Young in particular. Here is the interview in its entirety.

Chase Young’s absence from Commanders OTAs raises questions

Sure, it’s voluntary, but Chase Young has a lot to prove in 2023.

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Three Washington Commanders did not report on the first day of Organized Team Activities… Charles Leno, Montez Sweat and Chase Young.

But of course, it is news when one of them was supposed to be your “generational player.”

Wasn’t it just last year that defensive tackle Daron Payne had every reason to be upset in 2022 OTAs? The Commanders had not offered him a contract extension. In addition, the Commanders then drafted defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis in round two of the 2022 draft.

How did Payne respond? He showed up for OTAs. Participated in individual workouts and team meetings, showing he was investing mentally in the program. Went out and had a great season, and the Commanders rewarded him with a hefty contract.

Both Sweat and Young are going into the final year of their original contract deal. Sweat has certainly produced more than Young, and yes, in fairness to Young, he was injured badly in the 2021 season.

Yet, if we are going to be honest, Young was a major disappointment prior to his injury during that 2021 season. In addition, he was also a major disappointment when he was the only player who didn’t come to OTAs in 2021.

“It’s voluntary” will, of course, be the refrain of Young’s supporters. Yet, doesn’t it remain true that it was “voluntary” for the other 87 players who did report and participate?

Is Chase Young upset he did not receive the 5th-year option? Perhaps he is; we don’t know for certain. More importantly, is this a wise way for Young to respond?

“Has the second overall choice of the 2020 draft produced enough to live up that honor? Why has Young previously chosen to not work out with the team or at the facilities? ”

Further, Why does Young continue to fancy himself a leader on this team in videos, on the sideline, vocally yelling, “Follow me!” Yet, not seem to understand leadership and does not ask the team to follow him in working out with the team staff and attending OTAs?

Is this not a huge season for Young? Does Young even realize James Smith-Williams drafted 227 spots after Young has actually been better?

Certainly, Young’s agent knows what steps Young should take to help his reputation as a leader and team player. How well is Young listening to his agent providing him advice?

The Commanders lost a week of OTAs due to an infraction last season. You don’t think all players were made aware of this? With less time together, how much more important are the limited number of workouts they have?

Lastly, if the OTA’s were required and everyone showed up, that could be a good thing. Yet, has Young matured to learn that when workouts are “voluntary” they are also more revealing?

Brian Davis’ UEE files suit, still desires to purchase the Commanders

Brian Davis is suing Bank of America, still wants to purchase the Commanders.

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Former Duke basketball player Brian Davis is in the news again regarding the Washington Commanders.

Davis had been in the news a few weeks ago, stating on the Junkies of 106.7 The Fan program that he had billions in cash and could buy the Commanders.

Friday, Davis’ company Urban Echo Energy LLC filed suit against Bank of America to credit $5.1 billion to its account.

The plaintiff believes owner Daniel Snyder would have accepted his offer to purchase the Commanders over the offer by Josh Harris. But, according to Davis, the Snyders were not aware of the $5.1 billion was being held in limbo by Bank of America.

The Plaintiff is also declaring that he has now suffered damages because another party (Josh Harris) has later entered his bid for the Commanders, and the bid was accepted by the Snyders, setting the transaction in motion.

The Plaintiff is also asserting that Bank of America’s actions also led to devastating reputational damage.

Davis is claiming he is still desiring to purchase the Commanders and that he still needs immediate access to these funds to make a competing offer for the purchase of the Commanders.

We now await word to see if the court will feel there is any merit to these charges thus far.

Readers will recall that Davis never really was able to explain to the Junkies on their program segment where the actual money would be coming from, nor how he has that much money.

Many might also recall the red flag that was raised when Davis had claimed to have outbid Harris. Strangely Davis claimed to have outbid Harris by an entire billion dollars.

Readers might want to read Daniel Wallach for his explanation of what has thus far transpired. Here is the first of his thread posted Monday.