Category: Around the NFC East

Commanders’ Dan Quinn not changing the process ahead of big game

Dan Quinn wants the Commanders to embrace this opportunity.

Dan Quinn knows this is his biggest game thus far this season.

Quinn took over a program hemorrhaging badly, finishing 4-13 in 2023, getting blown out often, and not being competitive.

His first-year Commanders are 7-3 and have been a big surprise in the NFL this season. Yet, he doesn’t want them to think this game Thursday night in Philadelphia is beyond them. He does want them to feel the weight of it and enjoy the opportunity.

“Yeah, I want us to feel comfortable in these environments. That’s the only reason. I want us to enjoy the buildup and knowing that the process of getting ready is like all the other ones.”

Once again, the end result is not doing what you can to win a game but rather working the process to do the best you can to improve yourself. Again, Quinn is correctly process-oriented.

“So, I wouldn’t say I’m treating it differently. I would say the process of us getting ready to play will be exactly the same going into this one, going into the next one, the following one.”

“I just want them to know in these big moments and big games, that’s where guys like Jayden is honestly at his very best. In these crucial moments and these big plays to go. And I want us to feel very comfortable in this spot.”

Quinn doesn’t want his teams to be overconfident, but he also doesn’t want them to back off from these opportunities.

“I’d rather embrace it than shy away from it, but it has no different process to it. I want to make sure I’m clear with you on that.”

Process, process, process.

Watch: Rich Eisen reacts as Commanders trade news broke

Eisen loves this move for the Commanders.

“Oh my goodness!”

That was Rich Eisen’s immediate reaction on the “Rich Eisen Show” when the news of an NFL trade broke on Tuesday.

Eisen continued reading as the details were provided, “Saints get a third, a fourth, a sixth, and the Commanders get Marshon Lattimore and a fifth? Wow, that is a big-time move to add to this team! Good Lo__.”

Knowing how the fan base is already so excited that the team has turned things around so quickly, Eisen then suggested, “The Commanders fans have got to be out of their minds… they are loading up for it (the NFC East).”

Aware of the Eagles being the Commanders’ competition this season in the division, Eisen pointed to A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as two capable receivers that the Commanders saw they didn’t match up well with and that this move for Lattimore certainly helps Washington.

Suzy Schuster (Eisen’s wife) and a sportscaster herself then declared, “I defy you to tell me a more exciting team right now to watch than the Commanders.”

“They are incredibly exciting to watch,” responded Eisen. “Because they have that kid (Jayden Daniels), And I think it is awesome that they are saying the Saints are down and out. We have an opportunity to get better with a premium player on the back end.”

Eisen then reminded his viewers that the Commanders have “my guy” Mike Sainristil and that the deal was done before they play the Steelers and Eagles.

The longtime host then lauded the organization because they are not satisfied that Jayden Daniels and the offense have been surprisingly good, but that they now go get a better corner as well, saying it sends a message to the NFC that the Commanders are really going to try to win it.

“I mean, what a holy heck of a dumpster fire mess this franchise was for such a long time, and Commanders fans never thought they would get rid of Dan Snyder in their wildest dreams.”

Eisen concluded that it was as if when Snyder sold, they walked out of the house, and there was the yellow brick road, and they said, “Let’s follow it.”

“Follow the burgundy and yellow (ok, it’s gold) brick road; that is what is happening right now.”

Commanders’ DC Joe Whitt says game should not have come down to Hail Mary

Joe Whitt Jr. explains what was going on in his mind during the Hail Mary.

Did you hear what Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt’s reaction was to the “Hail Mary” on Sunday?

Jayden Daniels connected with Noah Brown via a tipped pass and a blown assignment by the Bears defense, and the result was a 52-yard game-winning touchdown for an 18-15 Commanders win over the Bears.

How did defensive coordinator Joe Whitt feel about it?


“To be honest with you, I didn’t see much of it because I was pissed,” Whitt told the media at his weekly Thursday press conference.

“We had just gave up the touchdown, so I got up and was walking out of the press box, and then I turned around, and I was a little surprised about the play before the play. I thought they gave us a sideline, so we are going to have a chance at this, the Hail Mary”

Whitt said he then looked at the time and realized they were going to have a chance at a Hail Mary. He turned and watched a TV, not the field, and saw the ball was caught. He said he at first stood there because he “was still pissed.”

Whitt said he “went ballistic” and ran down the hall to the elevator. “So I really didn’t get to see the fans’ reactions until later seeing the pictures (replay) of it.”

“I am glad we have J5 (Jayden Daniels). He does an excellent job. But, we shouldn’t put him in that situation as a defense. We should close the game and finish the game in those winning moments.”

More than the defense not making the plays to keep the Bears out of the end zone, Whitt clarified, “I blame myself because we were in a solid (pause) but a better call I should have gotten to, and I didn’t. That is not acceptable.”

Whitt said he knew his defense didn’t come through, putting Daniels in the position of needing to pull off a Hail Mary.

There is a guy who knows not to bask too much in the miraculous.

 

Commanders’ Dan Quinn praises Jamin Davis

Dan Quinn has nothing but good things to say about Jamin Davis.

Think back to when a Washington coach was fed up with a player and finally cut him.

It’s happened more than a few times, and for good reason. Of course, these circumstances do not occur exclusively with Washington. Players sometimes have attitudes, don’t receive coaching well, or don’t accept their role well, and it can lead to trouble.

But not so with Jamin Davis, according to Dan Quinn during his Wednesday press conference. Davis was released Tuesday, and Quinn was asked about it Wednesday.

“We activated Jordan Magee,” Quinn said. “So, just from a roster spot and, man, what a good teammate, Jamin. So, like yesterday, getting a chance to visit with him definitely left a strong impression. And sometimes there’s good that comes after the hard stuff, and he’s somebody that we’ll definitely be watching and pulling for. He really worked hard during his time here.”

It should not be overlooked that Davis went along with the coaches, attempting to learn a new position (DE) in training camp and the preseason. It is not easy to make a transition like that when your college and NFL years have been spent at another position (LB).

Quinn went out of his way to convey that attitude was not the issue with Jamin Davis. Quinn continued that it actually was not an easy decision to release Davis midseason. However, rookie LB Magee has been on IR since getting injured against the Jets in the first weekend of the preseason. So, Quinn is ready to get Magee some game reps and see what he can add to this roster the second half of the season.

“So, at the end, just, it’s always this puzzle you’re trying to put together. And there’s always hard decisions and those are ones that come up. But they’re really hard and this one was hard.”

Will Adam Peters and Quinn bring Davis back to the practice squad, where he can work on developing the skills needed to play defensive end? His final comment concerning Davis did not lead one to that conclusion.

“So, when guys move on from here, I’m hopeful wherever they go, they find the right combination, the right things to allow them to do their thing. So that’s my hope for anybody that goes on from here.”

A stark contrast between the Commanders and Panthers

The Commanders and Panthers are in totally different places — a good thing for Washington.

The Panthers organization is in bad shape.

Not only are the Panthers 1-5, but they also have the NFL’s worst point differential this season. And it is not even close. How bad is it? Well, after only six games, the Panthers have already been outscored by 100 points, and the closest to them (Jaguars) are a -65.

Therefore, in only six games, the Panthers are averaging not only being the worst team but the worst team by a touchdown more than anyone else.

Their new head coach, Dave Canales, is in his first season as an NFL head coach. Is it perhaps more telling that Canales got the job after only one season as an NFL coordinator?

Which brings us to majority owner David Tepper. Tepper took over the Panthers in 2019, fired Ron Rivera midseason, and has since kept the revolving door busy.

Tepper fired Rivera and appointed Perry Fewell to finish out 2019. Tepper then hired Matt Rhule in 2020, but during the 2022 season, Rhule was given the pink slip, and Steve Wilks was tabbed as interim head coach to conclude 2022.

Frank Reich was Tepper’s next choice as head coach in 2023. However, after only 11 games, Reich was fired, leaving Chris Tabor to finish the season.

Canales accepted the offer, resulting in Tepper being his boss while Canales took on his first NFL head coaching position. By the way, Washington had not yet hired Dan Quinn.

Tepper wanted QB Bryce Young (Alabama) and traded entirely too much, moving from the No. 9 position in the 2023 draft to the top position. C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) was certainly available, but Tepper got his choice.

The Texans rebounded to a winning season in 2023, while the Panthers finished an NFL-worst 2-15. They are still without the top pick in the 2024 draft because Tepper gave it up to get Young in 2023.

How might Panthers fans feel Sunday when watching the Panthers face Jayden Daniels, who could have been their choice this year if Tepper had not traded up for Young?

All week, the Commanders have heard from the DMV fan base, NFL media, and local media that Washington is now the favorite to win the NFC East.

But that is not solely because Washington is invincible. No, the Commanders have several roster needs that will be addressed next offseason.

Yet, for now, Commanders fans can be very thankful that their owner is Josh Harris, not David Tepper, their GM is Adam Peters, their head coach is Dan Quinn, and their quarterback is Jayden Daniels.

 

Commanders introduce the Darrell Green suite at Northwest Stadium

Darrell Green has a huge weekend ahead and deserves every second of it.

Darrell Green has had some pretty big weekends, but this may be one of the most emotional.

Green has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, won three NFC Championship games, played in three Super Bowls, winning two Super Bowls (XXII, XXVI) all with the Washington Redskins.

This week, the Commanders invited Green to come see the new Darrell Green suite at Northwest Stadium. The suite features memorabilia from Green’s 20-year career with the Redskins, as well as a wall documenting his NFL career achievements.

Green was a seven-time Pro Bowler, voted to the 1990s Decade Team, voted the 1996 Walter Payton Man of the Year, Inducted into the HOF Class of 2008, and won the NFL Fastest Man competition four times. His 295 games are the most played by an NFL defensive player, and he holds the record for an interception in 19 consecutive NFL seasons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4rgAR1Z3CQ

But having been out of the sports headlines for decades, this upcoming weekend could be very emotional for Green. Green was caught by surprise this summer when the Commanders had him read on camera the announcement that they would retire his No.28.

Sunday in Landover, at Northwest Stadium, the Commanders will give Green the honor of joining Sammy Baugh (33), Sonny Jurgensen (9), Bobby Mitchell (49), and Sean Taylor (21) as those in Redskins history to have their jerseys officially retired. No one has worn No.28 since Green played his last Redskins game in 2002, so this day has been expected for two decades.

“For 20 years, Darrell Green gave everything he had to this organization and fan base. Even after retiring from the burgundy and gold, he remained committed to giving back to this community, which to this day holds him in the highest regard,” said Josh Harris, of the Walter Payton Man of the Year recipient. “No one on our team will ever again wear No. 28. Thank you, Darrell, for embodying what it means to be a Washington football player, both on and off the field.”

Green, now 64, will also be presented with a key to the city by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser on Saturday, October 19, at 10 AM in Franklin Park. So, this weekend’s events could be moving and touching for Green.

Why not?

It will bring back so many good memories for so many of us old enough that we, too, might become a little sentimental, remembering Green running down Tony Dorsett and Eric Dickerson, returning a punt for a touchdown in Chicago to help the Redskins beat the Bears in the 1987 playoffs on their way to winning Super Bowl XXII.

Yes, we too might become a bit sentimental, thank you for the memories, Darrell Green.

How does Jayden Daniels’ passing stats stack up against the rest of the NFL?

Looking at where Commanders QB Jayden Daniels stacks up statistically against all NFL quarterbacks.

Jayden Daniels’ Week 3 game in Cincinnati has everyone’s attention now.

Daniels set an all-time NFL high completion percentage for a rookie quarterback, completing 91.3% (21-23) against the Bengals.

What type of season is Daniels having compared with the other starting quarterbacks in the NFL? Commanders Wire takes our weekly look at the NFL passing statistics and finds Daniels trending upward after last week.

Through Week 2 Games

https://Twitter.com/NFL_DF/status/1839326488312901731

Above Average

  • Completion Percentage 1st (80.3 percent) Daniels is atop the entire NFL, displaying he is a very accurate passer and is also displaying discernment in where he passes.
  • Interceptions: 1st (0)  There are four quarterbacks who have started / played three games and have yet to throw an interception: Daniels, Joe Burrow, Jacoby Brissett, Josh Allen.
  • Passing Success Rate: 3rd  (51.8 percent). This reveals how successful a QB gains yardage needed on the four downs, divided by their passing attempts and times they are sacked. In one week he vaulted from 12th to 3rd.
  • Yards gained per pass attempt: 4th (8.7) This is most often a very important statistic in the NFL. It points to accuracy and decision making. Daniels was 10th last week.
  • Adjusted Yards gained per pass attempt: 4th (9.26) This also includes passing touchdowns and passing interceptions into the equation. Daniels moved up from 9th last week.
  • Adjusted Net Yards per Pass Attempt: 4th (9.28) This takes the above and then accounts for passing touchdowns and interceptions.
  • Passer Rating: 4th (111.8)  Remember, Daniels has only played three NFL games.
  • Net Yards Gained per Pass Attempt: 5th (7.28)  Having only two incompletions in his 23 attempts, Daniels vaulted upward from 15th last week. This metric includes subtracting your sack yards from your completion yards.
  • QBR 7th (67.9) This ESPN stat is graded on a 100-point scale. Daniels was 20th at 46.8 just last week! What a huge jump with his spectacular game at Cincinnati.
  • Yards Gained per Completion: 11th (10.9) Completions of 55 yards (McLaurin), 30 yards (McCaffrey) and 27 yards (McLaurin) last week boosted Daniels average.
  • Passing Yards Gained per Game: 12th (221.3) Daniels was 19th last week at 205 ypg.
  • Longest completed pass 13th (55 yards). Daniels is tied with C.J. Stroud and Justin Fields. Only thrown deep a few times in three games; some of this is design as Kliff Kingsbury is attempting to protect Daniels, having him often get rid of the ball early.

The Average

  • First Downs Passing: 15th  Daniels has 31 passing first downs, tying him with Josh Allen.

Below Average

  • QB Sacked: Tied for 9th most (9) Deshaun Watson has been sacked the most (16). Brock Purdy, Jacoby Brissett and Dak Prescott have also been sacked 9 times.
  • Sack Percentage 6th highest (10.69) Daniels was 3rd highest before the Cincinnati game. He will most likely improve in this statistic throughout the season.

*16th is the exact middle of a 32-team league.

* Average: Ranking 14-18 in the NFL

* Above Average: Ranking 1-13 in the NFL

*Below Average: Ranking 19-32 in the NFL

Kingsbury discusses Terry McLaurin, Commanders’ passing game

The offensive coordinator understands the passing game must improve and it starts with him.

“Defensive coordinators are smart; they’re going to try to take him away, there’s no doubt.”

That was how Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury responded during his press conference when asked about Terry McLaurin’s lack of production thus far in 2024.

Thirty-nine receiving yards in two games for McLaurin is tough to imagine, even more to swallow. It has come on eight receptions, which means McLaurin is averaging a paltry 4.9 yards a reception. Re-read that: 4.9 yards is not a carry but a reception.

Kingsbury responded, “That’s my job to find ways to answer that. So far, I haven’t done a great job of it. For me and the staff we have to be better moving forward.”

That was Kingsbury in public, taking the blame on himself. In private, you know he has shown Daniels how he has missed McLaurin being open for some big plays as these two shown here.

Who would have thought that through the first two games, and McLaurin has played the majority of the games, his longest reception would be for only 12 yards?

Since coming to Washington in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft, McLaurin has not only led Washington in receiving but has also gained 1,000 receiving yards in each of his last four NFL seasons (2020-23).

Thirty-nine receiving yards for Terry McLaurin? It’s not like the quarterback is injured and unable to throw. Jayden Daniels has completed 40 passes for 410 yards, which averages 20 completions for 205 passing yards a game.

McLaurin really showed himself to be a team leader in his days with the Commanders. But even more, he has arrived on stage at some of the big Washington games and had productive performances.

Interestingly enough, when rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels met with the press on Thursday, Daniels acknowledged McLaurin has been a team leader and that this team needs to get him the ball more often. Yet he surprisingly added the comment that if they didn’t, “we are going to keep playing our game, keep moving forward, and just go from there.”

 

Commanders’ Jayden Daniels continues to focus on the right things

Jayden Daniels continues to focus on the things that matter.

Jayden Daniels came from one of the better football schools in the SEC.

After transferring from Arizona State, Daniels landed at LSU. The Tigers are accustomed to having one of the more talented teams in the SEC. Therefore, for years, they often finish in the top two or three teams in the SEC West division (Yes, Commanders Wire is aware that the SEC, starting in 2024, has eliminated its two-division format).

So Daniels was asked Wednesday, during his time with the media, what it is like for him to come to a team like the Washington Commanders, which has not been among the top teams in the NFL for some time now.

Daniels has been following the NFL since he was a kid. He obviously learned some time ago that the worst teams select higher in the annual NFL draft. Being drafted second, Daniels knew from the start he was coming to a team with needs… a lot of needs.

“Man, I am just focused on getting better each and every day, responded Daniels. “You know, I trust DQ and AP in the direction that they’re going with this organization. But for me, it’s how can I show up every day and be the best version of myself?”

Daniels is correct. An NFL team has 53 men on its active roster, with another 16 or 17 on its practice squad. He doesn’t need to worry about all the personnel decisions that Peters and Quinn will make throughout the season.

Even more, quarterback is the most complex position in the NFL. He had a couple of big opportunities in the opener in Tampa, but he failed to make the big play. It was his first game; it happened.

There is so much to learn, so much to read pre-snap, so much to read once the play begins. Daniels like all other quarterbacks in the NFL has enough to worry about, that he need not get involved at all thinking too much about things of which he has absolutely no control.

Daniels is correct, the best thing he can do, is work hard at the things he can control, and that is learning how to get better as an NFL quarterback.

 

‘Commanders’ brand not growing on QB Mark Rypien

Mark Rypien fully supports the new direction of the franchise, but not the name.

Mark Rypien cares a lot about the current state of the franchise for whom he once quarterbacked to a Super Bowl title.

Rypien was in town Monday for a golf charity event for Heroes and Legends benefiting wounded American military warriors. At the event hosting their weekday afternoon show (106.7 The Fan) were Grant Paulsen and Danny Rouhier. Here is their discussion with Rypien.

The former Super Bowl XXVI MVP expressed his love for seeing the team move back and play its games at the old RFK site. He spoke of how playing at the site would bring back memories for grandfathers, who could then share them with their sons and grandsons at the new stadium.

“It almost hurt ten years ago to come back to the stadium to a Cowboys vs. Redskins game and see more Cowboy fans in the stadium,” said Rypien. “It’s embarrassing. That’s not what we were all about.”

Rypien is certainly aware that “we need to put a product out there that wins week-in and week-out and be consistent.”

Paulsen expressed he was still trying to get used to the name (Commanders) and asked Rypien, “Is it growing on you at all?”

“No,” responded Rypien.

“It never will. I never played for the Commanders.”

Rypien then elaborated in a very respectful manner, “I absolutely support the Commanders and what they’re doing now. But, I never played for them. It’s just this day and age now that we have to deal with.”

“I just hope they don’t lose the fact that we were ‘Redskins.’ That’s all I played for. That’s what I knew, and that’s all we remember.”

“We are going to support these guys because that’s the era we are in.”

“I am not a Commanders’ legend. I am a Redskin. I love my guys.”

“I want to support these guys, this team, and get this Commanders football team back to playing the type of football the Redskins played back in our era.”