Category: Latest Washington News

Rivera ‘very encouraged’ by QB Sam Howell’s preseason debut vs. Browns

The head coach loved what he saw from Howell in the preseason opener.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell’s first two drives didn’t go as expected in Friday’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns.

It wasn’t as if Howell was bad; he wasn’t. But Washington’s offense was out of sync on those first two drives, primarily due to holding penalties by right tackle Andrew Wylie.

On the Commanders’ first possession, Howell kept the drive alive by scrambling for eight yards on third down. Shortly afterward, Howell would throw a strike to tight end John Bates that would’ve gone for a big gain, but Bates dropped the ball. It wouldn’t have mattered as Wylie was called for holding.

On Washington’s next drive, which began inside its own five-yard line, Wylie was called for holding in the end zone, resulting in a penalty.

While the offense was initially expected to play two series, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy wasn’t pleased. He wanted to see more. So, the Commanders’ starters were back for a third series, and it went much better. Howell led an 80-yard drive that ended with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Jahan Dotson.

A good way to end the night for Howell, who completed nine of 12 passes for 77 yards and a touchdown.

What did head coach Ron Rivera see from Howell?

“Very encouraged,” Rivera said when asked about Howell after Friday’s game. “A lot of good things. I thought he threw some really good balls. I thought his decision-making was what you want. He looked to have command of things. It was good to see him get into a rhythm. Again, a good positive start for our guys.”

Rivera should be encouraged by Howell’s performance. The young quarterback could’ve fallen apart after the second holding penalty. He didn’t. He bounced back to have his best drive of the night.

Check out this excellent breakdown of Howell’s processing on this short completion.

What Washington is looking for from Howell is the little things in the preseason. This is one of those little things — and it’s encouraging.

Chase Young ‘in a different space’ this summer compared to past years

Young’s pressure of Deshaun Watson was impressive on multiple levels.

Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young is finally healthy. After missing the final seven games of the 2021 season and the first 14 games of 2022, Young reported to training camp this summer, ready for a huge 2023 season.

Young shed the bulky knee brace and has looked like his former explosive self in one-on-one drills throughout camp. In Friday’s preseason opener, Young logged four snaps before departing the game in what head coach Ron Rivera called “a little bit of a stinger.”

But before Young departed, he certainly looked like the player who was selected as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

Check out this pass rush against Cleveland Browns left tackle Jedrick Wills — also a top-10 pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

We know of Young’s size, power and athleticism, but watch his leverage and hands on this rush. If that’s a sign of things to come, Young should post big sack numbers in 2023.

That’s some elite stuff.

Former Washington tight end Logan Paulsen, now an outstanding analyst for the team and local media, has watched Young since he was drafted. Paulsen has noticed a major difference this summer.

“I’ve wanted to see some maturation from Chase Young since he arrived,” Paulsen said on Friday’s episode of “Grant and Danny” via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“Because I had such a high evaluation of him, so I was waiting for him to ascend to the elite level – and since camp began, he has shown that he is in a different space physically and mentally than he has been in quite some time.”

Yes, that’s one rep, but Paulsen said this before Friday’s game. He’s watched Young closely and sees big things for the former NFL defensive rookie of the year in 2023.

Commanders season opener in 29 days: Washington’s best No. 29

29 days until Week 1. Who is the greatest Washington player to don the No. 29?

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 29 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 29?

Three players deserve mention of those in Washington history wearing No. 29.

Sam Shade (1999-2002) came to Washington following his first four seasons in Cincinnati, who drafted him No. 102 overall in the 1995 draft. The safety out of Alabama started 48 of his 57 games played for Washington. He intercepted 6 passes, defended 24 passes, forced one fumble and recovered 6 fumbles. He registered 331 tackles (269 solo, 62 assisted) with 10 tackles for a loss and 3.5 quarterback sacks. His last NFL season was in 2002.

Kendall Fuller (2016-17, 2020- current) was drafted by Washington No. 84 overall in the 2016 draft. The cornerback out of Virginia Tech is amazingly one of four brothers to play in the NFL (Corey, Kyle, Vincent). After two seasons in Washington, Fuller was part of the 2018 trade that brought Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith to Washington. He returned in 2020 as an unrestricted free-agent signee. Fuller led the NFL in 2022 with two interception returns for touchdowns. In his five Washington seasons, Fuller has started 59 of his 76 games, intercepted 12 passes (two touchdowns), defended 52 passes and forced one fumble. He has registered 276 tackles (213 solo, 63 assisted), including 8 tackles for a loss, 5 QB hits and 1.0 QB sacks.

Mark Murphy (1977-84) was undrafted out of Colgate. The free safety collected 6 interceptions in 1980, 7 in 1981 and led the NFL with 9 in 1983, when he was 1st team All-Pro. He started 74 of his 109 games, intercepted 27 passes and recovered 6 fumbles, along with recording 2.0 quarterback sacks. He started on two of Washington’s Super Bowl teams (1982, 1983). Murphy was voted one of the 70 Greatest Redskins in 2002. Murphy is currently the Green Bay Packers President and Chief Executive Officer.

 

 

WATCH: Commanders give Josh Harris the game ball from Friday’s win

Harris received his first game ball as an NFL owner.

It was just a preseason game. But it was also the start of a new era. The Washington Commanders defeated the Cleveland Browns 17-15 in Friday’s preseason opener.

It was the first Washington game without Daniel Snyder as the owner since Dec. 27, 1998. Friday’s game represented the debut of new owner Josh Harris. Harris arrived with his son, joining minority partners Mitchell Rales and Mark Ein, who were also at the game.

Harris watched the game from the bench behind Commanders’ sideline — not in the press box. At one point during the game, Harris joined the NBC local broadcast of the game for a quick interview, making it all about the team and the fans — not himself or his fellow owners.

After the Commanders won the game, head coach Ron Rivera gave a postgame locker-room speech to his team, and he gave out the game ball.

Who was the recipient? Harris, of course.

Harris was humbled.

“I’m proud to be a part of this family, man,” Harris said. “Thank you for delivering the win. Love you guys.”

 

LOOK: The top photos from the Commanders’ preseason win over the Browns

Some of the best photos from the Commanders’ win over the Browns.

The Washington Commanders kicked off the preseason with a 17-15 win over the Cleveland Browns Friday night.

Washington’s offense got off to a slow start due to a pair of holding penalties on back-to-back drives by right tackle Andrew Wylie. However, head coach Ron Rivera brought his first-team offense back for a third series and quarterback Sam Howell led the Commanders on an 11-play, 80-yard drive in just over four minutes, finding Jahan Dotson for a 26-yard touchdown.

The Commanders defense also started slowly, allowing the Browns to drive the length of the field. However, back-to-back stops from cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and defensive end Montez Sweat kept Cleveland out of the end zone and forced a turnover on downs.

Here are some of the top photos from Friday’s preseason battle between Washington and Cleveland.

How was Sam Howell’s night for Commanders?

Overall, it was a good night for the young Washington quarterback.

Sam Howell had some really good moments Friday night in the preseason opener.

Howell started against the Browns in Cleveland and proceeded to complete 9 of his 12 passing attempts for 77 yards and a touchdown for a 119.1 passer rating.

Howell also carried once, gaining eight yards, on a play in which he displayed good feet. He was also sacked once for a loss of -8 yards and a holding call resulted in a safety for Cleveland’s two first-half points.

On Washington’s first possession, facing a 3rd and 6 at the 25 yard line, Howell was forced left but was swift enough, gaining 8 yards for the first down to the 33.

A sack losing eight yards and a holding call and Howell faced a 3rd & 30, resulting in a punt.

The second Commanders possession began deep in the hole at their own 5. Right tackle Andrew Wylie was guilty of holding in the end zone, resulting in a safety.

Howell’s third drive was a beauty, with 10 plays and 80 yards for a touchdown. Howell found Cole Turner for 7 yards, Terry McLaurin for 7 yards, and Turner again for 4 yards.

Perhaps his most significant play of the night was a 4th & 3 at the Browns 39. Why punt when it is preseason? Give your quarterback and offensive unit the opportunity to convert, meaning more offensive plays. Howell rolled right and found Turner for 13 yards to the Browns’ 26.

On the next play, Howell dropped back, looked left and connected with Dotson on the 26-yard touchdown.

 

 

Commanders season opener in 30 days: Washington’s best No. 30

30 Brian Mitchell days until the Commanders open the 2023 NFL season.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 30 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 30?

Two players deserve mention of those in Washington history wearing No. 30.

LaRon Landry (2007-2011) was the 6th overall selection by Washington in the 2007 draft. The former LSU Tiger started all 64 games at safety of those he played with Washington in his five seasons. Landry intercepted four passes, defended 33 passes, forced six fumbles, recovering five. Credited with 383 tackles, Landry collected 291 solo tackles and 92 assisted, including 16 tackles for a loss. He also registered 20 quarterback hits as well as 5.5 quarterback sacks. After Washington, Landry had one season with the Jets, in which he made the Pro Bowl, and two with the Colts.

Brian Mitchell (1990-99) was the greatest player in Washington history to wear No. 30. Mitchell, a college quarterback at Southwestern Louisiana, was drafted 130th overall by Washington in the 1990 draft. Mitchell made an immediate impact when in the first preseason game, Mitchell returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. In the 1991 Super Bowl championship season, Mitchell led the NFL in punt return yardage (600 yards) and touchdown returns (2).

In the 1992 season, Mitchell had a huge playoff game at Minnesota when he rushed 16 times for 109 yards (6.81 ypc), one rushing touchdown and returned three punts for 70 yards averaging 23.3 yards a return. In the 1999 playoffs, Mitchell returned the opening kickoff for the second half 100 yards for a touchdown.

In his ten Washington seasons, Mitchell returned seven punts and two kickoffs for regular season touchdowns, averaging 11.0 yards on punt returns and 22.8 on kickoff returns. Mitchell was the NFL leader in All-Purpose yards four seasons (1994, 1995, 1996, 1998). He was All-Pro 1st team in 1995 and 2nd team in 1991 and 1994.  He led the NFL in punt return average in 1994 with 14.1 yards per return.

For Washington, Mitchell rushed for 1,751 yards averaging 5.0 a carry, scoring 9 touchdowns. He also caught 232 passes for 2,087 yards, three touchdowns and 81 first downs. Mitchell was voted one of the 70 Greatest Washington Redskins in 2002 and into Washington’s Ring of Fame.

Ron Rivera gives injury update on Commanders DE Chase Young

Chase Young departed the game with what Rivera called a “stinger.”

The 2023 season is a big one for Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young. Young is fully healthy this summer and looks ready for a huge season.

Young’s explosiveness was on full display early in Friday’s preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns. Young went around Cleveland left tackle Jedrick Wills, putting his hands on quarterback Deshaun Watson and barely missing a sack.

Unfortunately, it would be his last play, as Young went to the sidelines, where trainer Al Bellamy checked on him.

Fans held their breath when Young went to the sidelines and did not return. It never appeared serious, but with injuries, you just never know.

After the game, Young’s healthy was a primary topic, and head coach Ron Rivera provided an update:

That’s good news. “A little bit of a stinger” is much better than the alternative. While it remains to be seen what Young’s status will be for next week’s joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens, there are no long-term concerns with Young.

Young was only on the field for around four plays, but he made an impact. That’s encouraging for the Commanders.

LOOK: Josh Harris is at the Commanders’ preseason game; in the stands

Washington’s owner had a unique seat for the preseason opener.

In his first game as owner of the Washington Commanders, Josh Harris was in Cleveland to support his team. Harris and minority partners Mitchell Rales and Mark Ein were all in Ohio to support the Commanders in their preseason opener Friday against the Cleveland Browns.

It’s not a surprise that Harris and some of his partners were in town. Harris, flanked by his son, was seen on Washington’s sidelines speaking with team executive Marty Hurney.

Once the game began — after a weather delay of over an hour — you’d expect Harris to take his seat in the press box.

Not Harris.

In no way would the previous owner have sat in the stands amongst the fans, whether it was behind Washington’s bench or not.

In case you missed Rales and Ein, here they are on the field ahead of the game.

WATCH: Sam Howell finds Jahan Dotson for Commanders’ touchdown vs. Browns

A good drive for Sam Howell ends with a TD pass to Jahan Dotson.

It took a while for the Washington Commanders to get something going on offense in the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns. Washington’s first two offensive drives with the first-team offense stalled out, with the second leading to a safety.

So head coach Ron Rivera wanted to see something from his starters before he pulled them for the night.

Quarterback Sam Howell and the starters were back on the field to begin the second quarter, and Howell delivered. The second-year quarterback completed five of seven attempts for 57 yards, ending it with a 26-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jahan Dotson to give the Commanders a 7-2 lead.

Howell didn’t look bad on Washington’s first two drives, but the same can’t be said for the offensive line, specifically right tackle Andrew Wylie. It was a good drive for Howell and the starting offense to finish the night with until next week.