Category: 2024 NFL season

Texans to debut new Battle Red uniforms on Sunday Night Football vs. Lions

The Houston Texans will show off their new Battle Red uniforms against a potential NFC foe who could make it to the Super Bowl in 2024.

Everyone is ready to see the Houston Texans build off their dominant AFC South-winning season in 2024. Headlined by C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., Houston is rocking as it enters a new era of Texans’ football.

And fans will now be donning new uniforms to bring in the promising age of football off NRG Drive. Naturally, the Steel Blue and Liberty White will debut in Weeks 1 and 2 against the Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears, respectively, in the home and away matchups.

What about the new Battle Red set with the horn-style helmet? That will come to life on the big stage against the Detroit Lions on November 10 on Sunday Night Football.

The Texans now have four fresh fits heading into 2024. Two will be worn regularly, but the Battle Red and “H-Town” set will only be seen three times during the regular season due to the NFL’s ruling.

The Lions, another breakout team in 2023, also released a fresh new set of uniforms in the Motor City after winning the NFC North. They also spent money aggressively like Houston to better their chances of making a Super Bowl push, though their contracts came in the form of long-term extensions for quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and offensive tackle Penei Sewell.

Houston elected to go with external additions in 2024, trading for Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs and running back Joe Mixon. The Texans also inked multi-year deals with Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, defensive lineman Denico Autry and others.

Week 10’s matchup could be an early preview for the Super Bowl in New Orleans come February. The Lions and Texans both rank among the top 10 best odds to win the Lombardi Trophy in 2024 after securing division titles in 2023. 

Maybe the new uniforms will be the good luck charm needed? 

Here’s the Texans’ complete 2024 schedule:

Week Date Location Opponent Time (CT) Tickets
1 Sept. 8 Indianapolis Colts Lucas Oil Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
2 Sept.15 Chicago Bears NRG Stadium 7:15 p.m. Tickets
3 Sept. 22 Minnesota Vikings US Bank Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
4 Sept. 29 Jacksonville Jaguars NRG Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
5 Oct. 6 Buffalo Bills NRG Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
6 Oct. 13 New England Patriots Gillette Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
7 Oct. 20 Green Bay Packers Lambeau Field 12 p.m. Tickets
8 Oct. 27 Indianapolis Colts NRG Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
9 Oct. 31 New York Jets Metlife Stadium 7:15 p.m. Tickets
10 Nov. 10 Detroit Lions NRG Stadium 7:15 p.m. Tickets
11 Nov. 18 Dallas Cowboys AT&T Stadium 7:15 p.m.  Tickets
12 Nov. 24 Tennessee Titans NRG Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
13 Dec. 1 Jacksonville Jaguars TIAA Bank Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
14 Dec. 8 BYE WEEK
15 Dec. 15 Miami Dolphins NRG Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
16 Dec. 21 Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium 12 p.m. Tickets
17 Dec. 25 Baltimore Ravens NRG Stadium 3 p.m. Tickets
18 TBD Tennessee Titans NRG Stadium TBD Tickets

*prime-time game

Commanders sign WR Damiere Byrd

The Commanders sign a WR with ties to Kliff Kingsbury.

The Commanders signed a veteran wide receiver on Wednesday.

After working out some receivers on Wednesday, the Commanders determined that they would be signing Damiere Byrd, per Tom Pelissero.

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound veteran played his college ball at South Carolina and was undrafted. He was signed first by Ron Rivera and the Carolina Panthers.

Three seasons in Carolina (2016-18) resulted in 12 receptions for 129 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Why did the Commanders go with Byrd? A very logical explanation may be that Byrd has playing experience under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. In 2019, Byrd spent one season with the Cardinals and Kingsbury. He was on the receiving end of 32 passes for 359 yards and one touchdown.

2020 Byrd enjoyed career highs when he caught 47 passes for 604 receiving yards playing for the New England Patriots.

Byrd caught 26 passes for 329 yards in 2021 for the Chicago Bears before moving again, this time to the Atlanta Falcons for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. 13 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns came in the first season in Atlanta, but only two targets (no receptions) came in his lone game last season.

Here are some big plays receiving and returning by Byrd.

The eight-year veteran turned age 31 in January and is hoping to make the Commanders his sixth NFL team. He will be in a battle with Kazmeir Allen, Dyami Brown, Jamison Crowder, Davion Davis, Dax Milne, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Mitchell Tinsley, Brycen Tremayne and Olamide Zaccheaus for roster spots.

The Commanders really need a few of these receivers to step up this offseason and preseason, as only Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Luke McCaffrey are sure bets to be on the 53-man roster.

Commanders Zach Ertz ‘extremely excited to be here’

Zach Ertz talks leadership, and his excitement to be in Washington.

“The best teams I have been on have been the hardest working teams.”

Commanders’ new tight end Zach Ertz displayed a businesslike approach Tuesdayas he met with the media on the first day of Organized Team Activities (OTA).

He spoke of head coach Dan Quinn taking ownership of this team from the players, conveying that they would mold this team into their image.

Ertz expressed that Dan Quinn has set a standard and the players will need to hold each other accountable to meet that standard.

Speaking of which, Ertz complimented rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, stating Daniels is working hard behind the scenes to prepare himself for the season.

The 33-year-old tight end made it clear he was not out there holding the hands of the other tight ends. Yet, he also understands he can’t simply be barking out orders either.

“First, you got to have a personal relationship with someone…….I’m just trying to help them in any way I can. It’s something that at this stage of my career, I have taken a lot more pride in now than maybe I did when younger.”

The three-time pro bowler knows he might not have much longer in the NFL. “I am just trying to maximize this team, anyone I can help, not only tight ends, but any skill position.”

Highlights of touchdowns as an Eagle

“The vets have to set the leadership, how this thing is going to go. We’re going to push each other to be the best version of ourselves that we can.”

Nine years as an Eagle and three as a Cardinal have matured Ertz. On Tuesday, he spoke of communication and leadership as the result of interacting with people.

“I want to be as open as possible,” Ertz said. “That is what guys are going to remember. (These) people are not going to remember my stats, my yards, my catches. When I’m done, hopefully, they remember the relationship I have with them. So, that’s what I’m trying to develop.”

The Commanders’ younger tight ends could certainly learn from Ertz entering his 13th season. The tight ends on the current Commanders roster are Ertz, John Bates, Armani Rogers, Cole Turner, Colson Yankoff, and the newly drafted Ben Sinnott.

Commanders’ Jahan Dotson says Jayden Daniels was the QB he wanted all along

Jahan Dotson thrilled Washington’s new direction.

“It’s been really good energy; really good vibes around the building.”

That has been a constant refrain heard in Ashburn, and receiver Jahan Dotson echoed the positive energy as the Commanders opened OTAs on Tuesday.

When asked about Jayden Daniels, Dotson replied, “I don’t know if I can say this, but that’s the quarterback I wanted. I was happy when we drafted him. I am really looking forward to building a relationship with him, furthering our relationship, as I have known him in the past.”

Dotson elaborated that he met and trained with Daniels in Arizona before he was drafted and before Daniels transferred to LSU.

As for the new offense being installed by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Dotson was quick to clarify that Kingsbury has made it simple to build the foundation right now.

As for the new coaching staff, Dotson expressed, “With new coaching staffs there’s always a lot of positive energy at first. Right now, I feel like the coaches are doing a great job with the morale of the team. Every day, they are making sure when we walk into the building, we walk in with a purpose.”

The former Penn State receiver drafted in the first round in 2022 declared that the energy of the coaching staff is contagious to the players. He thinks the players off the field will build relationships, but he also added that the reps on the practice field are always what a team needs to improve together.

Dotson openly admitted he was not a fan of his production last season. As a result, he said he started putting in the work in February and has set a high standard for himself for this upcoming season.

NFL analyst: Commanders OL will be outmatched in NFC East

Will the offensive line be Washington be a major problem again in 2024?

What does Jayden Daniels have to do to get better every day?

That was the question set forth to ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky on Monday during the “NFL Live” program. Orlovsky did not answer with an answer focused upon the NFL inexperience of a rookie quarterback, as one might expect.

No, Orlovsky aimed his reply at what he sees is going to make things harder for Daniels in his rookie season. “A feel for dominant defensive lines,” opened Orlovsky.

Orlovsky then elaborated, “If we are being honest, in that division (NFC East), every time he plays the teams that are in that division, his offensive line will be outmatched by the defensive line both times by Philly, the Giants and Dallas. This is an offensive line that struggled (2023).“

“One of the ‘flaws’ of Jayden Daniels throughout his last two years at LSU was, is he holding on (to the ball)? Is he trying to do too much? Is he running around a little bit? Get the ball out of your hands, play a little faster.”

More from Orlovsky:

“He is a significantly greater talent than I ever was, but the biggest jump from college to the NFL comes from how fast that defensive line moves on a consistent basis. Just getting an understanding, a feel for how quickly those defensive lines will collapse that pocket on you.”

Orlovsky certainly revealed he does not believe the Commanders’ offensive line will match up well in any of their six NFC East divisional games. If Orlovsky is correct, should there be great concern for the health and confidence of Daniels playing behind this offensive line?

In fairness to general manager Adam Peters, he has made significant changes to the Commanders offensive line. Gone from the 2023 unit are starters Charles Leno Jr, Saahdiq Charles and Nick Gates.

Peters brought in free agents guard Nick Allegretti (Chiefs) and center Tyler Biadasz (Cowboys), who are expected to start. Then Peters also drafted tackle Brandon Coleman (TCU) in the third round.

Two starters return in right guard Sam Cosmi and right tackle Andrew Wylie. Others on the current roster are tackles Cornelius Lucas, Braeden Daniels, Alex Akingbulu, and Trent Scott, as well as guards Chris Paul, Mason Brooks, Michael Deiter, Julian Good-Jones, and center Ricky Stromberg.

Commanders will have 9 home games, 8 road games in 2024

Who will the Commanders kick off the season against?

The NFL will conduct a full 2024 schedule release Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

How about the Commanders? Any word yet on their 2024 schedule?

Actually, as of this Monday night’s writing, nothing has yet been released regarding dates for any Commanders games.

Scott Abraham of Washington’s WJLA TV 7 voiced a theory that makes some sense. He foresees the NFL having the Bears (Caleb Williams) face the Commanders (Jayden Daniels) in a prime-time game. He also sees a real possibility of a Cowboys vs. Commanders prime-time game because of Dan Quinn leaving Dallas to become Washington’s new head coach.

The Commanders will play nine home games in 2024: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Steelers, Browns, Bears, Falcons, Titans, and Panthers.

The Commanders will play eight games on the road in 2024: the Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, Ravens, Saints, Cardinals, Bengals, and Buccaneers.

The NFL announced Monday that the season will kick off with a rematch of the 2023 AFC Championship game. This time, the Ravens will visit the Chiefs on Thursday, September 5, for an 8:20 kickoff, and the game will be televised by NBC.

Monday evening, the NFL also released that Tom Brady will make his Fox NFL broadcasting team debut in a Week 1 contest that will feature the Dallas Cowboys visiting the Cleveland Browns.

Perhaps there will be a few more releases by the NFL on Tuesday.

 

First-round rookie speedsters to square off in Week 1 NFL kickoff game

First-round rookie speedsters Xavier Worthy and Nate Wiggins to square off in the NFL’s Week 1 opening game

The full 2024 NFL schedule will be revealed later this week, but the league already fed fans a morsel of what will be on the menu in Week 1. Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Kansas City Chiefs will host the Baltimore Ravens in the Thursday night league opener on September 5th.

As if that rematch of the AFC Championship Game needs any more sizzle, the game will feature the NFL debuts of two of the fastest members of the 2024 NFL Draft class. And they could very well match up against one another on the field.

Chiefs first-round wideout Xavier Worthy and Ravens first-round cornerback Nate Wiggins burned up the turf at the NFL Scouting Combine. Worthy set the combine record for the fastest 40-yard dash time ever at 4.21 seconds. Wiggins was close behind with an eye-popping 4.28 time in his own 40.

It will be interesting to see if the first-round blazers face off in the game, but it certainly adds a layer of intrigue to what is already a great matchup in Week 1.

NFL announces release date for regular-season schedule

The regular season schedule will be released on May 15.

On Tuesday, the NFL released a memo to all 32 NFL teams announcing the 2024 regular-season schedule will be released on May 15. Most believed the schedule release would be this week but there’s been no word on why the league is putting it out a week later than normal.

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Commanders ranked at the top of 2024 HC vacancies

Another vote saying Washington’s head coaching vacancy is the top available.

How would you rank the six NFL 2024 head coaching vacancies?

Well, Commanders fans are going to like how CBS Sports Will Brinson evaluated the six openings.

Brinson concluded that the Commanders are actually the best opening in the NFL right now for aspiring head coaches. After the ownership of Daniel Snyder (1999-2022 seasons) repeatedly discouraged coaches, players and fans, there is a new sheriff in town now who has a unique opportunity to improve a bottom-tier franchise and instantly become a fan favorite.

Here is how Brinson sees the Washington job as the top spot for those pursuing NFL head coaching jobs.

For nearly 25 years, Dan Snyder made the Washington job a disastrous one. He would attract big-name candidates, because coaching in Washington was a BIG DEAL. This was one of the biggest franchises in the NFL for several decades and Snyder made it almost untouchable. Enter Josh Harris, who has done a great job simply by doing the opposite of Dan Snyder. To wit: Harris didn’t fire Ron Rivera during his first season as owner and handled the entire situation with aplomb. Then he nabs Bob Myers and Rick Spielman to become part of his search committee and there’s hope again in Washington. Things can change (David Tepper seemed like a good owner early) but for now the Commanders top this list because there’s a new, seemingly patient owner in charge and a clear commitment to win while upending the poisonous culture that’s pervaded the beltway for years.

Washington has the No. 2 overall pick, which doesn’t hurt either. (Maybe they can draft Drake Maye, pair him with Sam Howell, hire Mack Brown and guarantee themselves eight wins a year just like the Tar Heels!) Trading away Chase Young and Montez Sweat mid-season isn’t great, but it boosts the draft capital for the incoming coaching staff and by avoiding handing out contracts to former first-round picks, and clears up plenty of salary-cap space.

There’s an opportunity to land a franchise quarterback here, with potentially strong ownership, a fantastic fan base dying for quality football and a new stadium potentially on deck. The Washington job is back to being wildly attractive.

Brinson then ranks the head coaching vacancies as follows: Chargers, Falcons, Raiders, Titans, Panthers.

If you would like to read the other explanations of Brinson’s rankings, here is the link.

Washington Commanders 2024 opponents officially set

Washington’s opponents are set for 2024. The schedule will be released in May, but here is a list of the Commanders’ opponents for next season.

The Washington Commanders wrapped up the 2023 NFL season on Sunday with a 38-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It was Washington’s eighth consecutive loss as the Commanders finished 4-13 and will pick No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

This will be a busy offseason for Washington. New owner Josh Harris is expected to move on from head coach Ron Rivera. Additionally, Harris will also hire a new general manager, giving the Commanders a more traditional power structure, something they haven’t employed since before Daniel Snyder moved on from Charley Casserly in 1999.

Washington has around $75 million in salary-cap room, with the ability to create more room, three of the top 40 picks in the NFL draft, and six of the top 102 selections. If the Commanders make the right hires, they have a chance for a quick turnaround in 2024.

Washington finished last in the NFC East in what feels like an annual event. That means the Commanders will have a last-place schedule in 2024. With the season complete, we now know who Washington’s opponents will be in 2024.

Here’s a look at the teams the Commanders will play next season.