Category: Coaching Hires

Commanders’ Tyler Biadasz bonding with his new teammates

The new Commanders center discusses coming together with his teammates.

Tyler Biadasz says the Commanders are really jelling, coming together as a team.

Biadasz (center) met with the local media following Friday’s training camp workout. Other players have referred to head coach Dan Quinn putting players together in a room to talk and get to know one another, so Biadasz spoke of growing together with fellow players.

“Camp’s been great… Obviously, camp, you spend a good amount of hours in the building. Obviously, having practice first thing in the morning and getting out late at night or if you’re having extra meetings or whatever that may be. But no, we’re doing a hell of a job of just becoming the best team we can be as a unit.”

Naturally, offensive players will have more opportunities to meet with defensive players.

“I’m on offense, so I’m more in those meetings and everything like that. We’re all coming from different places and we’re starting to gel in regards of the timing and the chemistry and even the bonding outside the building. That’s a huge asset to us and we’re doing a heck of a job with that.”

Michael Deiter (guard/center) was a college teammate at Wisconsin. Deiter came to the NFL in 2019, while Biadasz was drafted in 2020. Deiter has played for the Dolphins and Texans, while Biadasz was with Quinn in Dallas.

“It’s definitely great. Shoot, we played for four years together in Madison in college. So, just knowing where he’s at, but also again, we’re coming from different backgrounds, and he’s been on two other football teams in the league.”

Also drafted in 2019 out of Big Ten rival, Illinois, was Nick Allegretti.

“Yeah, it’s been great, man,” Biadasz said of the projecting starting left guard. “For real, we definitely have talked about the rivalry that we had in college and stuff like that. It’s like how we said before, the chemistry in the room, we’re always talking, we’re always building, but we’re having fun doing it for sure.”

The first Ron Rivera draft pick released by Commanders’ Dan Quinn

Others could soon follow.

On Wednesday, receiver Dax Milne became the first player Dan Quinn released who had been drafted by Ron Rivera.

Milne was actually the last player Rivera drafted in the 2021 class in the 7th round, No. 258 overall.

All eight of the 2020 Rivera draft class have already departed. Chase Young was traded to the 49ers last year. Antonio Gibson, Saahdiq Charles, Khaleke Hudson, Kam Curl, and James Smith-Williams were all allowed to look elsewhere for employment in the off-=season. Antonio Gandy-Golden played a grand total of ten NFL games, and Keith Ismael lasted two seasons in Washington.

Without question, the best player drafted by Rivera was guard Sam Cosmi. Others still around from that 2021 draft class are LB/DE Jamin Davis, CB Benjamin St-Juste, WR Dyami Brown, TE John Bates and S Darrick Forrest. Davis and Brown have largely been disappointments. Davis is being given some reps at defensive end by Quinn. If he does not shine in preseason, it’s very conceivable the 2021 first-round choice will not make the 53-man roster.

Of the 2022 Rivera draft class, only WR Jahan Dotson and RB Brian Robinson are guaranteed for the active roster. Sam Howell was traded, and Phidarian Mathis simply hasn’t been healthy enough to see the field. Percy Butler, Cole Turner, Chris Paul and Christian Holmes all need to prove themselves in preseason.

Finally, Rivera’s 2023 class only exhibited two players to produce last season (S Quan Martin and RB Chris Rodriguez). Both played hard and well on special teams and when given the opportunity at their respective positions.  Braeden Daniels looked like he was drafted entirely too early to play tackle last preseason. He has been taking some work at guard, and it may already be his last chance. C/G Ricky Stromberg was injured in 2023, while Andre Jones and KJ Henry watched Adam Peters sign multiple defensive ends.

This leaves the 2023 first-round selection, CB Emmanuel Forbes. Rivera raved about Forbes on draft day, even before selecting him. Forbes struggled horribly and says he has gained over 15 pounds in preparation for 2024.

How many former Rivera draft picks will make the Quinn 53-man roster?

Commanders Johnny Newton says Jonathan Allen is ‘like a big brother’ to him

Jonathan Allen has been helping Johnny Newton.

Johnny Newton is back on the field.

The rookie defensive tackle drafted 36th overall by the Commanders met with the media Tuesday, expressing he is happy to be active again, following his foot surgery this Spring.

“They’ve been giving me great support—everybody in the locker room, everybody in the building, really. So, just to get out there and compete, it felt really good to get off.”

Choosing to have the surgery right away, Newton said he really didn’t have a long-term goal. Rather, he just tried to do the right recovery things day by day.

Newton was surprised when the X-rays revealed the problem, seeing he insists he never had discomfort in that foot. Having been through this already with one foot, he felt like he knew what to expect in the rehab, so he just got to it.

“Great training staff in there, great coaching staff. Everybody always came to check on me, definitely right after I had surgery. So it was comfortable for me and I knew what my goal was and what I had to do to get back, so I just did exactly that.”

Being drafted to a team that starts Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne at your position might bother many rookies, but not Newton.

“I’ve been watching them for years now. Back when they were in college at Alabama I used to watch them, but actually getting to know them, great people outside of the football field. They’re honestly like big brothers. Whenever I mess up with something, they’ll tell me. Just the smallest things on the field, they always help me out, always encouraging me.”

When asked how long it would take the former Illinois tackle to regain his quickness, Newton responded, “Rome wasn’t built overnight, so I’m not expecting to get back to 100 percent on the first day of practice. I’m just getting my feet. Honestly, this is my first NFL practice, getting up to speed, and hopefully, eventually, for sure soon, I’ll be back to 100 percent and back to my old self.”

Newton didn’t like missing minicamp but is thankful for the support he received. He expressed it was hard on him to miss, but “everybody in the building was always encouraging me.

“Jon’s my locker mate, so always talking to Jon, he’s like, ‘Bro, you’re going to be alright.’ He is like, ‘I can’t wait for you to get on the field.’ And just hearing that from Jon was great encouragement to me because I look up to Jon. He is like a big brother to me.. and, DQ (Dan Quinn), AP (Adam Peters) always came to check up on me, and that meant the most to me. So, I knew what I had to do, and that always gave me an extra boost.”

Daniels and Commanders are actually scaring others to death?

The Daniels talk is exciting, but it’s important to remember he’s still a rookie.

It’s that time of year again, and everyone’s favorite NFL team is going to be much better than they were in 2023.

All of the draft selections your team made in April have tremendous upside. Your fan base is busy projecting how good they are going to be in 2024.

I remember how George Allen was always acquiring a couple of new veterans every off season. “The future is now,” Allen would proclaim, firing up the fan base. The Redskins were going to be even better next year.

That was 50 years ago, and I’ve been watching this phenomenon ever since.

But this offseason, may take the cake regarding the Commanders.

Three weeks ago, ESPN’s Louis Riddick declared Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was “going to take the town by storm.” After three weeks, Riddick has had more than enough time to calm down and become more realistic, right?

After the latest workouts Riddick talked of how the ball rarely hits the ground, Jayden Daniels is that good. Not to be outdone, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler last week exclaimed that others around the NFL are saying, ” I am kinda scared to death of what Washington could be with Jayden Daniels.”

But “Scared to death of Washington…” People, they were 4-13 last year, and Daniels is going to be so great in his rookie season. Are other NFL insiders already scared to death of Washington?

If Daniels and the Commanders are already scaring them to death, what is Washington’s record going to be this season? Scared to death? Does that mean 12-5?  13-4?

Excuse me, did you forget about the offensive tackles? How about the defense that was absolutely last in several categories last year? Noticed how Ron Rivera’s four first-round choices have performed?

Of course, Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have worked hard to improve the roster, and Daniels will make exciting plays, but do you remember great NFL quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen who struggled at times as rookies?

Have those guys forgotten Justin Herbert still hasn’t won a playoff game?

We here at Commanders Wire want very much for Daniels to have a productive rookie season, but lets’ have some realistic expectations, shall we?

Why are the Commanders and Eugene Shen parting ways?

A closer look at why the Commanders and Shen amicably parted ways.

Last week, Commanders general manager Adam Peters continued his overhaul of the front office. It was surprising to read Eugene Shen was leaving the Commanders.

If Dan Snyder still owned the franchise and had hired Eugene Shen only eight months ago, only to announce now that he is leaving, wouldn’t you say this was simply another example of the franchise’s dysfunction and brokenness?

Josh Harris surprisingly hired Shen in October during the then-current Ron Rivera administration. The graduate of Harvard, who also earned an MBA from MIT, was hired, and a few days later, Montez Sweat and Chase Young were traded.

Shen had been announced as the overseer of all analytics and software development for the football operations. Why, after only eight months, is Shen now gone?

Didn’t you raise your eyebrows a bit when Shen was hired in October, prior to Harris hiring his new general manager (Adam Peters)? Since Peters was hired he has brought on Lance Newmark from the Detroit Lions as his new assistant general manager. Brandon Sosna, also of Detroit, was recently hired by Peters as the new senior vice president of football operations, who will lead the analytics department.

Shen was brought on to help Harris make some important decisions for the future of the team, which frankly reveals that Harris needed leadership he would not receive from Rivera’s administration.

In April, Harris made a very significant hire, bringing in Dave Gardi as Washington’s new senior vice president of football initiatives. Gardi came from the NFL league office after 21 years of experience. This was seen universally in the NFL circles as a very keen, sharp move by Harris, as Gardi is highly respected.

Shen was probably feeling pushed out because his role was being reduced, and his ability to influence was greatly reduced, so the Commanders and Shen parted ways.

However, it does appear that Harris and Shen have remained on good terms, as he is said to be taking on another role for Harris Blitzer Sports Entertainment.

Thus, this is much more than a negative headline announcing a front office employee is out after only eight months. Might this be more about Harris being really impressed with Peters and providing Peters with increasing levels of power and influence over the football operations?

Cornerback Michael Davis honored to be part of Commanders

Michael Davis could be one of Washington’s starting corners this season.

Cornerback Michael Davis spent seven seasons with the Chargers, so why would he leave the West Coast and come all the way to Ashburn?

That was Bryan Colbert Jr’s opening question to Davis on “Command Center” Friday.

“It’s just the opportunity,” expressed Davis. Everything is through God, so I know that God put me in this for a reason. I think it was my time to leave Cali. It was my time to be on the East Coast, for me to be here with you guys, the Commanders.”

Why did Davis want to play for Dan Quinn?

“He’s a leader. He’s what you want in a head coach. He’s super energetic. He’s genuine. You don’t want a leader that’s fake. I feel like DQ’s a real dog. I am honored to be a part of his team. I am honored for him to coach me.”

There will be new coaching relationships on the defense as well. “I am excited to go work with Joe Whitt. I know he can develop corners. I know I am eight years in but I know that I have an extra level to go to. I know that he is able to tap into that potential for me. I know I can skyrocket by game with him.”

While playing college ball at BYU, Davis was undrafted, yet he has made it for seven NFL seasons. Coming to Washington, Davis said he feels again undrafted. “I know I am going to have to prove myself again, prove I am still that dog.”

It was good to hear Davis express that he does not feel entitled. He stated, “Nothing is given to me; everything has to be earned.”

Davis also said that having been raised by his mother; he feels he owes her a lot and that she instilled many traits in him.

The former Charger corner said he realizes he has had some good spurts, but he’s also been up and down and certainly realizes he needs to become more consistent.

Commanders rookie Hampton wanted to play for Dan Quinn

The rookie safety always admired Dan Quinn’s defense and wanted to play for him.

Rookies need to learn everything in the rookie minicamp.

Commanders safety Dominique Hampton said this is exactly what he did in hopes of helping himself in next week’s OTA workouts.

Hampton sat down with Bryan Colbert Jr. for an interview on “Command Center” regarding his efforts to make the team.

Hampton was drafted No. 161 overall out of the University of Washington. He expressed to Colbert that defensive coaches have Hampton learning two positions (safety and dime back). For those wondering, a nickel back is the 5th defensive back, and the dime back is the 6th defensive back on the field.

“I’ve been watching Dan Quinn’s defense and how he runs it, and I just feel like I fit what my position says because I am going to glove up tight ends, and I’m going to be physical in the run game.”

Hampton stated that prior to the draft, he told his mom if he could go to the Commanders, he felt like it would be a good fit for him. When he received the phone call on Day 3 of the draft, his phone screen read “Ashburn Virginia,” and he thought, “Ain’t no way!”

When the phone call was completed, the first person he told was his mom. He praised his mom for working two jobs while his dad was in the military. His mom, proud of Dominique, began crying as they embraced.

Hampton is not naive. Being drafted 161 overall, he said, “This is going to be a trip, but we are going to do it…I’m learning the new ropes…just competing as Dan Quinn preaches competing all the time.”

He has his feet on the floor, evidenced by his statement to Colbert that he knows special teams will be his way to the field. He also mentioned that while in the state of Washington, he had the opportunity to train with former Seattle Seahawk linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Hampton realizes it won’t be easy to make it in the NFL, declaring, “Hard work doesn’t skip anybody. If you want to get where you want to go, hard work is going to be the tool to get you there.”

Chris Cooley: Commanders rookie OL Brandon Coleman ‘a project’

What does the former Washington star think about the potential new left tackle?

“I don’t know what I see.”

That was how Chris Cooley began his discussion with Kevin Sheehan, Thursday, during his film review of Commanders’ rookie offensive tackle, Brandon Coleman.

Here are some selected quotes from Cooley’s film review:

“He looks very athletic on the field.”

“34-inch vertical leap at the Combine. That is pretty amazing for a dude that weighs 350 pounds.”

“I see him as a really adequate pass protector…Good hands, good punch. He is hard to get around. He gets his arms extended. He has good feet, does a good job keeping his feet square at the line of scrimmage.”

“He has great range as a puller. He is explosive; he can run.”

“He played a lot of guard at the Senior Bowl. So many have projected him as a guard…Good thing is he can do both in a pinch (guard and tackle).”

“I think he plays high, really upright, tall. He has a tendency to bend at the waist. I think this is where he gets in the most trouble. It hurts him with his change of direction.”

“He is a position blocker in the run game. He is not a physical run-game blocker. He is not Trent Williams. He is going to try to get in, get his hands on you, and get his ___ where he doesn’t want the defender to go. He is going to try to quick and turn. I hate that.”

“He stops his feet on contact; he is not a physical power-driving guy…and he gets beat a lot in the run game.”

“I’d like to see him do a better job of finishing blocks…I’m concerned about his ability to sustain blocks, especially in space.”

“So, Coleman is a project.”

“He’s an athlete. He has a ton of innate athletic ability. He is a very good understanding of how to pass protect. But in terms of being an every down, get-it-done type of guy, there are going to be a lot of positions they put him in, and he is going to struggle.”

“You can’t put him at left tackle and run behind him. That is not a thing that is going to happen…I think he has some situations he has to improve in quite a bit.”

Chris Cooley film review of Commanders’ WR Luke McCaffrey

Cooley on McCaffrey: “He’s going to be a good player.”

“He is super fast.”

That’s how former Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley began his film review of Commanders third-round selection (100) Luke McCaffrey.

A guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast this week, Cooley mocked those who have already stereotyped McCaffrey as a receiver who won’t be able to work downfield. Cooley asked, “Why? Because he is a white receiver?”

Cooley continued, “He tracks the ball incredibly well, and he is able to go up and get it. He has great ball skills.” He then alluded to McCaffrey’s one-handed, all-hands catches.

The former Washington tight end and broadcaster likes McCaffrey’s measurables as well: 4.46 (40 yards), 6-foot-2, 198 pounds, 36 inches (vertical). At the NFL Combine, McCaffey’s other measurables were broad jump (121), shuttle (4.02), and 3-cone (6.70).

For quick descriptions, Cooley offered: “Fearless, tough, great run after the catch ability, good at finding open spots, a good, all-around player.”

“He can play in the slot; he can play outside. He will go over the middle and make a catch anywhere.”

“He is in and out of his breaks pretty well. He does need to do a better job setting up those breaks/setting up those routes. But as of now, he is able to create separation.”

“He attacks the ball at its highest point; he makes body adjustments.”

“He is a fearless blocker; he will get after it when he is in the run game. He is a play-every-snap kind of guy.”

“He is going to be a good (NFL) player.”

Remember, Luke only played receiver his last two years at Rice, after first playing quarterback at both Rice and Nebraska. Thus, he is still learning and developing at his “new” position.

Also, Luke’s dad, Ed McCaffrey accumulated 185 NFL games in his career, McCaffrey had 565 receptions for 7,422 yards, including 55 touchdowns. McCaffrey also averaged 13.1 yards per reception.

Luke’s older brother, Christian, followed in Ed’s footsteps, playing in the Pac-12 conference for Stanford. He has enjoyed an illustrious NFL career, already rushing for 6,185 yards and scoring 81 touchdowns in his 91 NFL games.

ESPN’s Mina Kimes: Commanders’ Dan Quinn on the hot seat

This is just silly.

Thursday once again reminded us that those who cover the NFL nationally might see the Commanders much differently than those residing in the DMV.

“The Mina Kimes Show,” featuring Larry (ESPN product) with guest Kevin Clark, found Kimes and Clark discussing whom they felt were the top ten current NFL coaches.

After each produced their top ten and the reasons why, the two transitioned to discussing which five NFL head coaches are “on the hot seat.” These five coaches could very well lose their jobs if they don’t have a successful 2024 season.

Both Kimes and Clark agreed that the top two NFL coaches on the hot seat are Robert Saleh (Jets) and Mike McCarthy (Cowboys). Clark felt Nick Sirianni (Eagles) is his third on the hot seat, declaring the Eagles is a really good job, and therefore, there will be candidates interested, and the ownership will also be interested in those candidates.

Kimes then declared that all four NFC East coaches could be on the hot seat. Interestingly, Clark had already said “three;” however, when Kimes stressed all four, Clark backed down, saying, “I completely agree.”

Well, you didn’t completely agree a minute ago, and she has not even defended her claim, and you now already “completely” agree? It was strange.

“Dan Quinn did not make my top five (list), but he could,” said Kimes. “If there is one coaching hire who might be one and done, it would be him. I cannot believe he was their first choice.”

Clark quickly responded, “What gave that away?”

“I am very nervous about the situation Jayden Daniels is walking into behind that offensive line,” continued Kimes. And if it looks bad, to me, new ownership, I could see him (Quinn) getting the axe.”

Clark added, “The thing about Dan Quinn, he is going to be a victim of his own success, if Jayden Daniels looks good. People are going to want that job in a way they didn’t want it three months ago.”

“There will be people calling Adam Peters, ‘Just saying, I might be available this year,'” added Clark.

Remarkably, Kimes pointed to new ownership (Josh Harris Group) and then explicitly declared she could see the new ownership firing Quinn.

Wait, why?

What about Josh Harris has pointed to him being impatient? What about Josh Harris has she observed that could result in Harris wanting to rid himself of Quinn after only one season?

Remember, Harris is the guy hiring and permitting Adam Peters to hire a new front office.

Consequently, why would you begin to agree with Kimes here? All the evidence points to Harris permitting Peters to execute a long-term plan. Remember several of the free agent signings were only one-year deals?

Both Kimes and Clark are incorrect in their assessment of the Commanders’ direction. Josh Harris is not quick to pull the trigger. Harris has not shown himself to be near-sighted or quick-tempered.

Dan Quinn is not on the hot seat.