Commanders re-sign Jeremy Reaves to 2-year deal

Jeremy Reaves is the first Commander that Adam Peters has re-signed this offseason.

The first two days of the 2024 NFL free agency cycle saw no current Commanders re-sign with Washington. But news broke Wednesday that safety Jeremy Reaves is the first of the Commanders’ current free agents to return.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, it’s a two-year deal for Reaves, who’s coming off of a torn ACL in Week 5 last season.

Reaves wasn’t drafted, and he has been released numerous times. But he keeps battling and will again be part of the Commanders in 2024.

Reaves was excited to be the first of the current Commanders to return, and gladly broke the news (twice) on Twitter, Wednesday afternoon.

In 2022, Reaves was a Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro selection on special teams. However, nothing has come easy for Reaves in the NFL. He is an illustration of hard work and perseverance.

Having played his college ball at South Alabama, Reaves went undrafted in 2018, and was signed by the Eagles in May. He was released by the Eagles in September.

Washington signed Reaves 10 days later, placing him on the practice squad but released him six days later. In October, they again brought him back to the practice squad and again released him in December.

The 2019 season saw Washington release Reaves during cutdowns in August, bring him back to the practice squad, and then activate Reaves to the active roster, where he went on to play nine games.

Reaves was released twice in 2020 before finally breaking through, seeing action on 262 defensive snaps and 147 special teams snaps.

Injuries limited Reaves to five games in 2021 before he excelled on special teams in the 2022 season, playing in all 17 games and being named All-Pro Special Teams performer by The Associated Press, Pro Football Focus, NFL Players Association, and Pro Football Writers Association.

What a difference a year makes for the NFC East

Remember where the NFC East was at this time last season?

Monday’s loss by the Philadelphia Eagles reminded Commanders fans of how things can change so quickly in one year in the NFL.

The Eagles not only lost to the Bucs on Monday in Tampa, they were embarrassed by the Bucs.

Just six weeks ago, it was unimaginable that there would be Eagles fans with bags covering their faces at a Philadelphia playoff game this season. In a three-week stretch in November, the Eagles defeated Dallas, Kansas City, and Buffalo. The Eagles were 10-1.

The Eagles then lost five of their final six games and were nowhere near the same team Monday in Tampa they had been during that three-game November stretch.

On the other hand, Dallas was the number two seed in the NFC, playing at home against the number seven seed Packers. No No.2 seed had lost to a No.7 seed since the NFL added a seventh team to the playoffs for the 2020 season.

The Cowboys were a -7.5-point favorite Sunday, and they should have been, having gone undefeated in 2023 in Jerry World. Yet, there they were, falling behind 27-0 to a Packers team that struggled all year to maintain a winning record, finishing 9-8.

Just one season ago, the NFC East finished with the best record in the NFL, had three teams qualify for the playoffs, and impressively, all three of those teams (Eagles, Cowboys, Giants) won a playoff game. In addition, the Eagles won the NFC before losing to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

The Commanders? Well, they finished 8-8-1 in 2022. The roster was not nearly as good as we thought heading into this season. Washington’s offense was up and down, mostly down the last half of the season.

A close loss at Seattle (29-26) frankly seemed to break the heart of the team. They never recovered.

The Commanders need several new starters on both offense and defense. They will need to draft exceptionally well. They will need multiple free agents to contribute in 2024.

Here is to hoping 2024 will bring a much better season for the Commanders than 2023.

Former Washington QB Robert Griffin III loves attention

The former Washington QB has some advice for the Cowboys. Really.

Former Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin was at it again Sunday night following the Cowboys losing to the Packers.

The Packers jumped out to a 27-0 lead on their way to an easy 48-32 win over the shocked Cowboys, who were the NFC #2 seed.

Following the game, Griffin took to X (Twitter) to declare the Cowboys should make a coaching change. “The bottom line is I hate calling for coaches’ jobs. This is not what I do,” proclaimed the self-appointed guru.

“It’s gotta be the coach. You guys have had three consecutive 12-win seasons and nothing to show for it…”

Griffin then proceeded to mention how some have suggested the Cowboys hire Bill Belichick. Griffin then countered, “But I know who you need. You need Coach Prime. That’s right, Deion Sanders, Coach Prime.”

Griffin has made one outrageous statement after another, dating back to his playing days with Washington.

During his terrible downfall in 2013, he went to the former owner, which was quite divisive; the team fell apart, and the coaching staff was fired in favor of the owner supporting Griffin, who was only managing to prove he could not play in the pocket as an NFL quarterback.

Griffin now declaring the Cowboys need to hire Deion Sanders is pure foolishness. Or perhaps Griffin is figuring out that guys like Skip Bayless and Stephen A. Smith have made a lot of money and their careers out of making outlandish comments to a culture that increasingly is shallow and reads and thinks less.

Dallas was home and a -7.5-point favorite. In addition, no No. 7 seed had defeated a No. 2 seed since the NFL expanded in the 2020 season to 7 teams qualifying for the playoffs in each conference.

Sanders took the job at Colorado, and after a quick 3-0 start against three teams that all finished with losing records in 2023, the Buffaloes then finished the season 4-8.

Surely, Griffin is not serious, is he?

The more likely scenario is Griffin is again looking for attention. It is, after all, the thing he seeks most.

Commanders at Jets could be ugly this Sunday

One of the ugliest NFL games from the past 30 years occurred between the Jets and Washington. Could this weekend be as ugly as that 1993 game that ended 3-0?

Sunday, the 4-10 Commanders visit the 5-9 Jets.

The Jets defense has been one of the top defenses all season, while their offense has frankly stunk.

But the Jets must be thinking, with the Commanders defense being so pitiful this season, perhaps their offense can come up with enough explosive plays this week to pull out a win. I mean, the Commanders have been giving up explosive plays to everyone else, so the Jets are thinking, “Now, it’s our turn.”

Meanwhile, the Commanders offense, which until its last four games was moving the ball well, has slid backward sharply in their last four losses.

Jets’ QB Trevor Siemian will start Sunday vs. the Commanders. There is no sugar-coating his performance. Perhaps the one defense that can make him look better is the Commanders. They don’t rush the passer well, and to make up for it, they don’t cover the deep ball well either.

Yes, that was an attempt at humor.

The Commanders are again going to be without Brian Robinson Jr. Robinson has not only been Washington’s best runner, but its most effective receiver out of the backfield as well.

The Jets defense against the run has been stifling, and the cornerbacks are long and make it difficult for opposing receivers to get a release off of the line of scrimmage. Sam Howell, thus, may not have the quick reads open this week that he has often experienced.

It could be a low-scoring game, and it may come down to a kick.

Wonder how the new Washington long-snapper will execute under pressure?

 

It’s been a vicious cycle for Commanders Sam Howell

Looking back at Sam Howell’s last six games and what’s gone wrong.

Nov. 5, 2023, the Washington Commander’s Week 9 game.

In New England, against the Patriots, Commanders quarterback Sam Howell forced a horrendous interception to conclude the first half leaving the Commanders scoreless on a drive that, at worst, should have ended in a chip-shot field goal.

Howell would turn it around with a beautiful 33-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson, and the Commanders defeated the Patriots 20-17.

The Commanders’ record was 4-5, and their draft position was barely in the top half of the 32-team league. Five games later, and perhaps that Sam Howell interception, as unexpected and unbelievable as it was, has actually become a microcosm prophecy of what was to come over the next six weeks.

Against Seattle, Howell succeeded several times with off-schedule throws, but the Washington defense pitifully gave away the game, which concluded in a walk-off field goal defeating the Commanders 29-26.

The Giants kept Howell contained, he displayed a lack of composure to take what the defense was giving him. The Commanders lost their second consecutive game 31-19 to the Giants. Hugely lopsided losses to Dallas 45-10 and Miami 45-15 each included a pick-six by Howell.

Then came last week, and the Commanders were down 28-7 to the Rams when Howell had Antonio Gibson and Terry McLaurin both wide open on a first down. Yet Howell stared down McLaurin, didn’t deliver the ball, kept staring, and then, for some reason, forced it to McLaurin, now tightly covered, and it was intercepted.

He was pulled by Rivera and Bieniemy in favor of backup Jacoby Brissett. And this surprised us? Now put yourself in Howell’s shoes.

For the last five weeks, he reads and or hears how the fan base is hoping they lose so the Commanders move up in the draft order. And each week, they move upward the draft ladder; the talk is about how the Commanders will draft a quarterback next year.

Howell is a competitor. However, he is an inexperienced NFL competitor who is pressing to prove himself the future franchise quarterback of this team.

It’s like the tennis player who knows he has to win the next game to stay in the set but doesn’t relax enough to focus on how to win the game is actually one point at at time. Howell has not been willing to move the chains and take what the defense gives him. He continues to not see the field well because he is pressing.

He ends up holding the ball for a bigger play opportunity and either gets sacked or then forces an interception. Howell leads the NFL in sacks (59), passes intercepted (15), sacked yards lost (403) and pick sixes (4).

His QBR (46.2) is now 22nd, his passer rating (83.9) is now 23rd, and his adjusted yards per attempt is now 26th (4.83).

Just five games ago we were all excited about the idea of the extra draft picks to use to build around his fifth-round salary for the next couple of seasons.

Now he may have played his way out of that option.

Every Commanders touchdown through Week 14

A look at each of Washington’s touchdowns this season, led by Brian Robinson Jr. and Sam Howell.

The Commanders have scored 29 touchdowns thus far through their 13 games in 2023.

The Washington offense, led by offensive coordinator Eric Beiniemy has produced 11 touchdowns on the ground and another 18 via the passing of Sam Howell.

You can see every touchdown scored in their first 13 games, as the organization has compiled a video solely of the touchdowns scored. Follow the link to watch.

One thing that will jump out at you in watching the video is that Sam Howell has rushed for five touchdowns which ties him with running back Brian Robinson’s five rushing touchdowns. The only other rushing touchdown has been scored by Curtis Samuel, in the first game against the Eagles.

Jahan Dotson leads the team in receiving touchdowns with four, while Logan Thomas and Brian Robinson each have collected three through the air. Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Antonio Gibson have each caught two.

Unfortunately, the defense has not been able to put a single touchdown on the board all season. They just have not been able to force that fumble nor intercept that pass that would produce a touchdown this season.

Jamison Crowder did produce an exciting 61-yard punt return against the Falcons in Atlanta, but he was caught from behind, keeping the Commanders’ return units unable to score a touchdown thus far in 2023.

Looking back at one of the most significant wins in Washington history

Looking back to one of the most memorable wins in franchise history.

This weekend marks the 40-year anniversary of one of the most significant Washington Redskins-Dallas Cowboys games in the rivalry’s storied history.

Both teams were at the top of the NFL. Washington was the defending Super Bowl champion. Dallas had been to the NFC championship game three consecutive seasons (1980-82), losing to Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington.

The Redskins had defeated the Cowboys at RFK Stadium 31-17 in the 1982 NFC title game before defeating the Dolphins in Super Bowl XVII 27-17.

The 1983 season opener pitted Dallas against Washington in a rematch of the NFC championship game. Washington raced out to a 23-3 halftime lead. But Dallas played a near-perfect second half, storming back to shock the Redskins and the RFK fans, winning 31-30.

All season long, Washington had to think about how they had blown a 20-point halftime lead to their most hated rivals. Week 15 came on Dec. 11. The game buildup was huge as both Dallas and Washington were owning the NFC, both sharing 12-2 records. Washington players boarded the plane for Dallas dressed in Army fatigues.

The winner of this game would no doubt be the winner of the NFC East and earn the home-field advantage for the NFC playoffs. The rematch of the season opener would, this time, be played at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. Dallas was made a three-point favorite.

Washington and the Cowboys were dominant that season. It was only the second time since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970 that two teams within the same division had won 12 games. Dallas and Philadelphia had also accomplished the feat in 1980, then met in the NFC championship game in Philadelphia.

Dallas star running back Tony Dorsett had rushed for at least 100 yards in three consecutive games, and when he gained 100 yards at home, Dallas was an astonishing 25-0.

Dallas had been held to 21 points only once all season — until this day. The Washington defense dominated the line of scrimmage, holding Dorsett to only 34 yards on his 14 carries (2.4 YPC). The Cowboys finished with a franchise low in their history 33 yards on 20 rushing attempts (1.65 YPC).

Meanwhile, Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann attempted only 17 passes. But he did complete 11 for 203 yards (11.9 YPA), including touchdown passes of 40 yards (Clint Didier) and 43 yards (Art Monk).

First Half

Second Half

The lopsided outcome was a surprise to all involved. Washington manhandled Dallas 31-10 for their first win at Dallas since the 1976 team coached by George Allen.

John Riggins (27-89) and Joe Washington (8-44) led a running attack that produced 166 yards on 42 carries (3.9 YPC). Washington generated 366 yards and Dallas only 205, and Washington won the turnover battle 4-1.

Greg Williams, filling in for injured starting safety Mark Murphy, came up with two interceptions, and cornerback Darrell Green added another.

The loss shattered the Cowboys’ season. They never recovered, losing in the season finale to San Francisco and then at home to the Rams in the playoffs.

Washington defeated the Giants in the season finale, then the Rams 51-7 at RFK in the divisional round. The Redskins then beat the visiting 49ers 24-21 in the NFC championship game before losing to the Raiders 38-9 in Super Bowl XVIII.

Is this Washington team one of the worst in franchise history?

We look at some of the worst seasons in franchise history over the last 30 years. Which is the worst?

The 2023 season has sadly turned into one of the more disappointing seasons in Washington NFL history since the NFL merger.

Some may ask if this team is one of the worst teams in modern franchise history? There have certainly been other Washington teams that could be considered to be some of the worst teams in franchise history.

Yet, sadly this team losing as it has the last two weeks (45-10, 45-15) can’t help us wonder if this team will lose the remainder of their games, finishing the season at 4-13.

2013

The 2013 team first comes to mind. That team was awful on offense and defense. They were 29th in scoring offense and 30th in scoring defense. They did conclude the season, losing their last eight games, finishing 3-13. That coaching staff was loaded (Mike Shanahan, Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, Mike McDaniel), but the team entirely unraveled largely due to Daniel Snyder and Robert Griffin.

2019

The 2019 team began the season losing their first five games, and head coach Jay Gruden was fired. That team struggled terribly at quarterback, and the offense was dead last in scoring. That team also finished 3-13, earned the second overall draft selection, and chose Chase Young in the 2020 NFL draft.

2009

Jim Zorn’s second and final season as head coach was with the 2009 team. The defense was actually 18th in scoring defense but 26th in scoring offense. The final two home games were the worst of the season. Against the Giants, Zorn attempted the Swinging Gate to end a half as Washington fell embarrassingly 45-12. The following week, they were shut out by Dallas 17-0. That team finished 4-12.

1994

The 1994 team was Norv Turner’s first as an NFL head coach. Though they had the 13th-scoring offense, they were the 28th-scoring defense, finishing 3-13. This team started three quarterbacks (Heath Shuler, Gus Frerotte and John Friesz). The team had a five-game losing streak and another 7-game losing streak.

1993

1993 was a shockingly horrible season. Joe Gibbs had retired following the 1992 season in which there was a road playoff win at Minnesota. Richie Petitbon, Gibb’s long-time defensive coordinator, became Gibbs’s successor. Washington actually defeated Dallas 35-16, opening Monday Night Football, but then lost six straight. Being so spoiled by the Joe Gibbs teams, this season for me might have been the worst because it was so shocking to see the franchise play so poorly, and have such a bad team.

 

 

Legendary Washington coach Joe Gibbs turns 83

The legendary Joe Gibbs turned 83 on Saturday. We look back at his wonderful career.

Washington Redskins football history was forever changed on Jan. 13, 1981.

On that day, the Redskins announced the hiring of the San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator. He was a man who had never yet been a football head coach at any level.

Yet, Joe Jackson Gibbs was prepared and ready for the challenge of being an NFL head coach.

Saturday, Gibbs had another birthday, his 83rd. Nov. 25, 1940, Joe Gibbs was born in Mocksville, N.C.

Jack Kent Cooke, then owner of the Redskins, had never talked previously with Gibbs prior to their interview, which was reported to have lasted 3 and 1/2 hours.

Gibbs got off to a slow start losing his first five NFL games. Once he figured out his personnel’s strengths and weaknesses, Gibbs led a turnaround that saw Washington win 8 of its final 11 games in 1981.

He proceeded to then lead Washington to a Super Bowl championship (1982), another NFC championship and trip to the Super Bowl (1983), and a third consecutive divisional championship (1984).

In 1985, Gibbs lost Joe Theismann to his career-ending injury, but Washington still finished 10-6. A trip to the NFC championship game followed in 1986, and his second Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XXII (1987 season).

Gibbs experienced his only losing season in 1988 (7-9) but recovered well with a 10-6 in 1989 and another 10-6 with a road playoff win at Philadelphia (20-6) which resulted in Eagles head coach Buddy Ryan being fired.

The greatest Redskins team of all time followed in 1991 when Gibbs’ team was 14-2 and won all three playoff games going away (24-7, 41-10, 37-24). Super Bowl XXVI capped the 1991 season as Washington led Buffalo 37-10 before winning 37-24.

After the 1992 season (9-7) and a road playoff win at Minnesota, Gibbs “retired” from coaching. Following 12 years away from the NFL, Gibbs felt empathy for the franchise struggling as it was and returned to Washington in 2004.

After a 6-10 2004 season, Washington, in 2005, finished 10-6 and won a road playoff game in Tampa. His worst season came in 2006 (5-11), and then a 9-7 team that lost at Seattle in the playoffs marked his final season (2007).

Gibbs enjoys a significant unmatched accomplishment in NFL history. The vast majority of coaches who won multiple Super Bowls did so with the same quarterback. Bill Parcells won two with Phil Simms and Jeff Hostetler. George Seifert won with Joe Montana, then Steve Young.

But Gibbs is the only coach in NFL history to have won three Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. In addition, each of those quarterbacks, Joe Theismann, Doug Williams and Mark Rypien, will never be in the Hall of Fame.

Conclusion? Joe Gibbs adapted his offenses to his personnel and won was a unit that was well-coached.

It’s sad to see people age, and Coach Joe is 83. Commanders Wire wishes Coach Joe a Happy 83rd Birthday and thanks him for his voluminous accomplishments, for bringing such joy to the fan base, and honor and success to the organization.

When they last met: Commanders and Cowboys

They last met in January and the Commanders won, 26-6, in Sam Howell’s first NFL start.

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington 26, Dallas 6 – Week 18, January 8, 2023

Sam Howell’s first NFL pass was a 16-yard touchdown to Terry McLaurin, and the Commanders proceeded to handily defeat the Dallas Cowboys 26-6 at FedEx Field in Landover.

Howell saw his first NFL action and made his first start because quarterback Taylor Heinicke apparently made it clear to head coach Ron Rivera that the wisest move to make was to start Heinicke.

Originally during the week, Rivera had announced Heinicke would again start, and Sam Howell would also see his first NFL action. Whatever Heinicke said, Rivera changed his mind, giving Howell the nod.

Kendall Fuller intercepted Dak Prescott, and his 29-yard return for a touchdown gave the Commanders a 13-0 second-quarter lead.

Leading 13-6 in the third quarter, Howell scored from 9 yards out, and the Washington lead was extended to 20-6.

In the final quarter, kicker Joey Slye added two field goals of 29 and 22 yards, providing the final score of 26-6.

With a 12-4 record, compared to the Commanders 7-8-1, the Cowboys were a strong road-team favorite by -7 points.

But the Cowboys seemed largely disinterested and did not play with much emotion at all, watching the scoreboard, seeing the Eagles were wrapping up the division with their final win over the Giants.

Washington out-rushed the Cowboys 151-64, and Howell completed 11 of his 19 attempts for 169 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Jaret Patterson led Washington runners with 78 yards on his 17 carries. McLaurin and Jahan Dotson both had three receptions for 74 and 72 yards, respectively.

Following the game, Rivera communicated to his wife on the way home that he previously had no idea Howell could be that good so quickly. Sure enough, in the offseason, Rivera wasted no time talking up Howell as Washington’s QB1.