Category: Latest Washington News

Commanders have the 6th-most similar roster to last season

The Commanders return much of their roster, and, with improved quarterback play, should be even better in 2023. Right?

The Washington Commanders finalized their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. And that roster looks familiar to the one Washington fielded last season when it went 8-8-1.

Last season’s Washington team almost made the playoffs, if not for an 0-3-1 stretch heading into Week 18. A big reason for the Commanders’ struggles was inconsistency at the quarterback position. That’s a theme in Washington, right?

Well, the Commanders have a new starting quarterback in 2023: Second-year QB Sam Howell. While Howell is unproven with only one career start, there are many reasons to be optimistic that Washington will be much better on offense in 2023. Howell and new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy gave everyone a glimpse of Washington’s new-look offense this preseason.

As for the defense, everyone returns. Additionally, defensive end Chase Young is back, and the Commanders also added first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and second-round jack-of-all-trades Quan Martin.

With NFL rosters mostly finalized, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap analyzed every NFL roster and says the Commanders will return 73.4% of last season’s roster, which is No. 6 in the NFL.

All five of those teams ahead of Washington were playoff teams in 2022.

No, that doesn’t guarantee success for the Commanders this season. And no one can predict Howell will be better than the combination of Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke in 2023, but it feels like a safe assumption, right?

After re-signing defensive tackle Daron Payne to a four-year extension, Washington opted for continuity in 2023. The Commanders believe a young, talented quarterback paired with a respected offensive mind could be what takes the franchise back to the playoffs.

Ron Rivera is high on new linebacker Jabril Cox

Rivera confirms the Commanders really liked Cox coming out of the draft.

The Washington Commanders signed one linebacker in free agency this offseason. Washington signed Cody Barton early in free agency to replace Cole Holcomb. The move was essentially a swap, not one made to improve the overall unit.

Jamin Davis returns, and Washington expects the 2021 first-round pick to take another step forward in 2023. Khaleke Hudson is also a name to watch after having a terrific offseason

On Wednesday, the Commanders filled out their practice squad by signing 15 players with the franchise over the summer. The 16th player comes to Washington from the Dallas Cowboys. Jabril Cox, a fourth-round pick of Dallas in 2021, chose the Commanders’ practice squad over a similar opportunity with the Cowboys.

Why? Cox saw Washington’s depth chart and believed he could be promoted to the main roster and play. That’s a smart bet for Cox to make.

After Washington’s practice Wednesday, head coach Ron Rivera — a former NFL linebacker — was asked what he saw in Cox.

“Well, we remember the young man coming out at LSU,” Rivera said.

“He’s a physical specimen, a young man that can run and can make an impact. And again, it’s one of those things that he’ll have to learn, he’ll have to grow, but he’s got the skillset that you’re looking for as far as that position is concerned. As I said, he’s a guy that we really did like coming out of the draft that year.”

These are the types of players you take a chance on. Washington stole defensive tackle John Ridgeway from the Cowboys one year ago. Cox has a lot of potential and can help the Commanders in coverage.

Of course, right now, he’s on the practice squad, but he’ll have a chance to impress coaches in practice.

Virginia Governor seeking Commanders stadium in Virginia?

The Virginia Governor has made it clear he wants a new stadium in the Commonwealth.

Josh Harris is in a win-win situation right now.

According to A.J. Perez of Front Office Sports, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin scheduled a special session of the General Assembly for next Wednesday where an amendment to study a new Commanders stadium could be on the budget.

Plainly speaking, public perception was so bad under the ownership of Daniel Snyder that new owner Josh Harris is reaping the benefits of a honeymoon period and then some.

Harris is loved by fans; players and coaches have spoken their praise. Ticket sales for the 2023 season have increased. Excitement is in the air.

Daniel Snyder was blocked in his efforts for a new stadium by the city of Washington, Virginia and Maryland. He was not going to be able to do business to get a new stadium.

With Snyder out of the way, those seeking to do business with the Commanders are going out of their way to consider the possibilities of doing business with Harris and his ownership group.

Recently Youngkin attended the Commander’s training camp. In addition, Younkin recently said,  “I do believe that Virginia would be a great place for the Commanders to not just have training camp, not just have their headquarters, but in fact to play all their games.”

These reports on Wednesday might actually be premature. It is not known what adjustments are being proposed for the budget by Youngkin, and it is also not known what the details will be for a study provision in the budget regarding a new Commanders stadium in Virginia.

The team’s facilities and practice fields are already in Virginia. The property is currently in Ashburn, and previously the team facilities were in Herndon. Northern Virginia, in the past, was Redskins country just as much as Maryland. The number of fans attending games who reside in Virginia is no doubt more than those actually living in the city.

However, wherever the stadium is being considered, one thing that is altogether certain is that the other two locations in the DMV will complain, declaring it should be in their area.

With ongoing investigations by both the NFL and legal authorities into the conduct of the former owner, Snyder increasingly found it difficult to have ongoing discussions regarding a new stadium.

The future is unknown regarding a new Commanders stadium, but aren’t things trending upward for Josh Harris?

 

Commanders season opener in 10 days: Washington’s best No. 10

10 days until the Commanders open the 2023 NFL season. A lot of players have worn the No. 10 jersey.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 10 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 10?

Those who wore No. 10 for Washington were primarily quarterbacks and receivers.

After nine NFL seasons, Jabar Gaffney came to Washington for one season (2011), catching 68 passes for 947 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Paul Richardson (2018-19), after four seasons in Seattle, came to Washington collecting 48 receptions and four touchdown receptions. These two seasons turned out to be his last in the NFL.

Curtis Samuel (2021- current) has caught 70 passes for 683 yards, 4 touchdowns and 40 first downs.

There have been backup quarterbacks such as Kent Graham (2001) and Jeff Rutledge (1990-92). It was Rutledge who was called into action in a 1990 game at Detroit. Mark Rypien was injured, and when Stan Humphries threw three interceptions, Joe Gibbs called on Rutledge. Washington trailed 35-14, but Rutledge had his career day, completing 30 passes for 363 yards and Washington defeated the Lions 41-38 in overtime.

Trent Green (1997-98) had overtaken Gus Frerotte as the Washington starter, but with uncertainty looming regarding ownership, determined to depart via free agency to the Rams. Later he was a Pro Bowler twice with the Chiefs.

Jay Schroeder (1985-87) only started one game at UCLA, gave minor league baseball a serious attempt, and was drafted by the Redskins 83rd overall in 1984. In a 1985 home game against the NY Giants, Joe Theismann’s career was abruptly ended, and Schroeder was called into action, and surprisingly completed 13 passes for 221 yards (11.05 yards per attempt), leading Washington to a 23-21 victory on MNF. Starting the last six games, the Redskins won five of six to finish 10-6 in 1985.

In 1986, Schroeder passed for 4,109 yards, was a Pro Bowler, and Washington finished 12-4 and won two playoff games before losing at the Giants in the NFC Championship game. In 1987, Schroeder was 8-2 in games he started but lost the job to Doug Williams in the last game of the season. Williams then led the team to their Super Bowl XXII victory over Denver. Schroeder wanted out and was traded to the Raiders in 1988.

Robert Griffin (2012-2015) was the second overall selection by Washington in the 2012 draft. Griffin had many spectacular moments his 2012 season leading the Redskins to seven straight wins and a 10-6 finish before losing to Seattle in the playoffs. Griffin rushed for 815 yards, averaged 6.8 yards a carry, opened up passing lanes, and threw for 20 touchdowns against only 5 interceptions.

Griffin had torn his ACL in the playoff loss to Seattle but worked extremely hard in the offseason and was ready to go in Week 1. However, Griffin had refused in the offseason to continue to run the zone-read offense. The team struggled mightily in 2013, finishing a woeful 3-13. Griffin had become a polarizing figure going to the owner to get support vs. the offensive coaches. By 2014 Griffin was on the field following a game, blamed his offensive line for his performance, and lost his teammates as well.

Washington released Griffin, he signed with the Browns, but they released him after only one season. With no teams interested, Griffin had to sit out 2017. The Ravens then signed him in 2018. Griffin never developed as a passer and was released following the 2020 season.

Bills will be without star pass rusher Von Miller when they play the Commanders

The Commanders catch a bit of a break in Week 3.

The Washington Commanders open the 2023 NFL season at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Now, Washington doesn’t know who Arizona will start at quarterback for the opener after cutting Colt McCoy this week.

While that feels like a very winnable game for the Commanders, nothing is ever easy for Washington.

Things get tougher for the Commanders in Week 2 as they travel across the country to face the Denver Broncos. But business really picks up in Week 3 when a legit Super Bowl contender comes to FedEx Field.

The Commanders host Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. The last time these two teams met, in Week 3 of the 2021 season, Buffalo won 43-21. However, the Bills will be without one of their top players, linebacker Von Miller.

Miller, who tore his ACL late last season, will miss the first four games of the 2023 season after Buffalo placed him on the physically unable to perform list this week.

The Bills are a top team without Miller because of an offense led by Allen and Stefon Diggs. But Miller, who is No. 19 on the NFL’s all-time sacks list with 123.5 sacks, is a significant loss for Buffalo’s defense.

The Bills will still be favored to beat the Commanders, but being without an elite pass rusher like Miller should make things a bit more comfortable for Washington’s new-look offensive line.

Social media reacts to Commanders adding ex-Cowboys linebacker to the practice squad

It appears to be a popular move.

Washington fans have been begging for help at linebacker almost since the moment Ron Rivera took over as head coach before the 2020 season.

It’s odd, considering Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio were both former standout linebackers in the NFL for a combined 19 seasons. However, in today’s pass-happy NFL, the Commanders have almost de-emphasized the linebacker position to a degree. Washington isn’t the only team.

The Commanders often play with just two linebackers on the field, opting instead for five defensive backs or five defensive linemen. When Washington announced its initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, it had only four linebackers.

So it was unsurprising when the Commanders re-signed De’Jon Harris to the practice squad. However, the Commanders weren’t done, later adding former Dallas fourth-round pick Jabril Cox to the practice squad. Cox chose Washington’s offer to join its practice squad over re-joining the Cowboys.

Why? Because he probably saw a clearer path to eventually playing.

Regardless of what eventually happens with Cox and the Commanders, it was a smart gamble by Washington to take a shot on the athletic 6-foot-3 linebacker.

We took to Twitter for some of the best reactions to the Commanders adding Cox to the practice squad, and it appears to be a popular move — and rightfully so.

 

Jason Wright says bringing back Washington’s old name ‘is not being considered, period’

Wright shuts down any possibility of Washington going back to its old name.

For those fans holding out hope that new owner Josh Harris would change the Washington Commanders name back to an old, familiar one, that’s not happening, according to team president Jason Wright.

During an appearance on “BMitch and Finlay,” on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., Wright was asked about a potential, specifically the former name, “Redskins.”

“It is not being considered. Period,” Wright said bluntly, per Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

A potential name change has been on the radar since Harris and his team took over on July 20. Minority owner Magic Johnson said during an interview on the TODAY Show that “everything is on the table” when asked about a name change.

When Harris was asked about the name, he didn’t mention changing the name, but he was noncommital in discussing the name, citing other areas the team was focused on, such as improving FedEx Field and the fan experience.

There was also the petition from the Native American Guardians Association (NAGA), which has over 125,000 signatures.

Finlay then asked if a rebrand was being considered at all.

“We have three big priorities for new ownership: building a championship-caliber team on the field and investing in amenities we need to do so, improving the guest experience, and re-engaging with the community,” Wright said. “Josh and the limited partners will be in the community leading up to game day, including a big kickoff party at Franklin Park on Sept. 8, so we’ll see what happens.”

Wright’s answer aligns with what Harris has said. If a rebrand is being considered, it’s not happening anytime soon.

Many fans want to see a complete rebranding. However, other fans are happy to see Daniel Snyder gone and just want to win.

Wright touted Washington’s newfound business success since Harris took over in July. He mentioned the Commanders’ new corporate partnerships, attendance at training camp and what is expected to be a sold-out FedEx Field for Week 1 in less than two weeks.

Wright’s definitive answer on the name isn’t likely to endear him to the portion of Washington’s fan base hungry for a return to the past.

Commanders announced 15 players signed to the practice squad

Jake Fromm, Mason Brooks and Kazmeir Allen are among those back.

The Washington Commanders wasted no time in formulating their practice squad Wednesday, announcing they had signed 15 players. Teams can have 16 players on the practice squad, so the Commanders have an open spot. However, that opening is expected to go to linebacker Jabril Cox, formerly of the Dallas Cowboys, per Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network.

For those worrying about Washington losing quarterback Jake Fromm or rookie wide receiver Kazmeir Allen, both are back on the practice squad. Fromm had an excellent preseason and will be Washington’s third quarterback.

Allen, an undrafted rookie from UCLA, was a running back in college before moving to wide receiver in his final season. He proved to be an electric kick returner in college but had no experience returning punts. Washington tried him at returning punts, and while he showed promise, he muffed a punt in the preseason finale.

Of the 15 players announced, all were with the Commanders in training camp and the preseason.

Here is the complete list:

  • QB Jake Fromm
  • RB Derrick Gore
  • RB/TE Alex Armah
  • WR Kazmeir Allen
  • WR Brycen Tremayne
  • G Mason Brooks
  • G/C Nolan Laufenberg
  • T Alex Akingbulu
  • T Jaryd Jones-Smith
  • DE William Bradley-King
  • DT Benning Potoa’e
  • LB De’Jon Harris
  • CB Nick Whiteside
  • CB Tariq Castro-Fields
  • S Terrell Burgess

Commanders place DT Phidarian Mathis on short-term IR

And Tyler Larsen is back.

Shortly after the Washington Commanders finalized their initial 53-man roster yesterday, general manager Martin Mayhew called it “very fluid.”

On separate questions about center Tyler Larsen and fullback/tight end Alex Armah, head coach Ron Rivera and Mayhew hinted at bringing both released players back.

As it turns out, the Commanders had a plan all along. On Wednesday, Washington placed second-year defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis on the short-term reserved/injured list, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the 2023 season.

In a corresponding move, the Commanders re-signed Larsen. Armah was among the players Washington signed to its practice squad on Wednesday.

It’s another tough break for Mathis, Washington’s second-round pick in 2022. Mathis injured his knee in Week 1 last season after playing only a few snaps and was lost for the season. In the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns, Mathis injured his calf on the same play that defensive end Chase Young suffered a stinger.

The Commanders have arguably the NFL’s best defensive tackle duo in Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, backed up by promising second-year DT John Ridgeway. Veterans Efe Obada and James Smith-Williams can also play inside, and the Commanders re-signed Benning Potoa’e to the practice squad.

Larsen is Washington’s third center on the roster, joining Nick Gates and Ricky Stromberg. All three can also play guard. Larsen has started games for Washington the last two seasons.

Commanders sign former Cowboys LB Jabril Cox to practice squad

Commanders sign a linebacker they liked in the 2021 NFL draft.

The Washington Commanders finalized their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Commanders turned to filling out their practice squad.

While most of the players Washington has signed to its practice squad thus far were with the team in the offseason and in training camp, Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network reported a new face is coming aboard.

Third-year linebacker Jabril Cox, a fourth-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys in the 2021 NFL draft, is signing with the Commanders instead of returning to the Cowboys’ practice squad.

Washington was high on Cox in the 2021 draft, and he brings depth and upside to the linebacking corps. The Commanders kept only four linebackers on the active roster: Jamin Davis, Cody Barton, David Mayo and Khaleke Hudson. De’Jon Harris was also re-signed to the practice squad.

At 6-foot-3, 234 pounds, Cox has good size. He is also a good athlete. Before spending his final season at LSU in 2020, Cox played four years for North Dakota State, where he won three FCS national championships and was a two-time All-American. He was one of the lone bright spots on that 2020 LSU team that struggled after winning the national championship in 2019.

In two years with the Cowboys, Cox has appeared in 16 games. He tore his ACL in Nov. 2021, missing the second half of his rookie season. One of Cox’s strengths coming out of college was his athleticism and ability in coverage.