Category: Latest Washington News

Sunday is a homecoming for Titans DC Dennard Wilson

Dennard Wilson grew up near Northwest Stadium and began his NFL journey with Washington.

One name that should be on the radar of NFL teams needing a head coach is Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. In his first season as a DC, Wilson has the Titans ranked second in total defense, first in pass defense, and eighth in run defense.

Not bad for a 42-year-old first-time coordinator.

On Sunday, Wilson returns home as the Titans travel to Landover, Maryland, to face the Washington Commanders. Wilson was born and raised near the Commanders’ Northwest Stadium in Prince George’s County, Maryland. He played collegiately at the University of Maryland and signed with the then-Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2004.

An injury ended Wilson’s playing career before it began, but he quickly made an impact as a coach.

“It’s not about me; all I care about is going back to Washington and getting a win,” Wilson said on Thursday. “All I care about is this defense having success.”

Wilson then reflected on growing up in the Washington area.

“Obviously, I love being from the East Coast, being from the Maryland/DMV area,” he said. “A majority of my family is there. I have great memories. High school was right down the road; my grandmother lived right across the street from the stadium. I grew up probably 10 minutes away from it. Being from there is a helluva thing, and I represent it well.”

The Titans have struggled to pick up victories in 2024, but you can’t blame Tennessee’s defense, which is why you’ll start hearing Wilson’s name when the offseason hiring cycle kicks off.

What Jayden Daniels, Kliff Kingsbury said about targeting Terry McLaurin

It’s clear: Terry McLaurin needs the football more.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is off to the best start of his NFL career. A young franchise quarterback (Jayden Daniels) and a creative offensive coordinator (Kliff Kingsbury) have done wonders for McLaurin.

McLaurin has already tied a career-high with seven touchdown receptions and the Commanders have five games left to play.

However, one problem from the past seems to be coming back. Washington hasn’t targeted McLaurin enough, especially earlier in games. The Commanders’ offense operates at a much higher level when McLaurin is involved.

McLaurin is fourth in the NFL in receiving yards. Yet, 27 players have more targets than McLaurin. Over the last four games, Noah Brown, Zach Ertz and Austin Ekeler each have more targets than McLaurin for the Commanders.

That needs to change.

Daniels and Kingsbury understand McLaurin’s importance to the offense.

“I mean, I want to get the guys the ball as much as possible,” Daniels said. “Terry’s a dynamic player, but the defense dictates where the football goes. So, I gotta go out there and do my job.”

Daniels is right. The lack of a surefire No. 2 receiver continues to plague Washington. While Noah and Dyami Brown, rookie Luke McCaffrey and Olamide Zaccheaus are nice offensive pieces, none demand the type of coverage to force defenses to stop double-teaming McLaurin.

“I mean, it’s a fine line,” Daniels reiterated about the balance of forcing the ball to McLaurin or taking what the defense gives him. “If they give me an opportunity, we take it, but if not, we don’t want to put the ball in harm’s way for the defense to be able to make plays on it.”

Kingsbury didn’t dive deep into the subject but made it clear that McLaurin needs the ball more.

“Terry’s the guy we have to get the ball to more, get more targets to throughout the game,” Kingsbury said. “There’s no doubt about that.”

The Commanders are trying to snap a three-game losing streak and face an excellent Tennessee Titans defense on Sunday. Will Kingsbury make it a point to get McLaurin involved early?

 

Commanders DC Joe Whitt sums up his unit’s performance in Week 12 loss

Joe Whitt Jr. evaluated his team’s defensive performance vs. Dallas.

Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt was not happy with his unit’s performance Sunday against Dallas.

“It wasn’t a winning one,” Whitt said.

“I mean, we’re here to win. I sound sort like a broken record from the week before. I thought we played three really good quarters. And I don’t think we played a really poor fourth quarter. We had the third-down touchdown that happened. And it was a situation that shouldn’t have happened, but it did. And again, it gave them the life that they needed. But we’re looking to play 60 minutes of disciplined football and we’re starting every game, really, the right way. Like I said, I think we’re top three or four in the league in the first quarter with points, but when it gets to the fourth quarter, we’re giving up too many points. And so, we have to make sure we sure that up.”

Whitt has been around long enough to know that if he doesn’t address the issues, they will not correct themselves. He also knows the Titans will spend time in the film room, attempting to reproduce what Dallas did to Washington.

“I was with [Tennessee Titans RB] Tony [Pollard] in Dallas. He can run the ball really well,” Whitt said.

“He can make people miss with not necessarily just running through him, but he can make his feet disappear, he can get on the edge. They’re doing a very nice job with the quarterback [Will Levis], moving him, sending his reads a certain way, giving him the ability to get the ball out outside and vertical. He has some vertical threats. They have a receiving tight end that’s pretty good. And [Tennessee Titans WR] Calvin [Ridley], he’s a guy that is as good as anybody in the league. So, when you have him and Tony Pollard, the screen game comes to life with both of those players. So, they did a nice job this last game.”

The Titans may be 3-8, but they upset the Houston Texans on the road last week.

Commanders DC has interesting comments about cornerbacks

The defensive coordinator had some interesting comments about Washington’s cornerbacks.

The Washington Commanders still need help at cornerback. They hope that help comes soon in the form of Marshon Lattimore. In the meantime, rookie Mike Sainristil, Benjamin St-Juste, Noah Igbinoghene and veteran Michael Davis continue to hold things down.

Did you notice a missing name?

In the past two weeks, Davis has played 49 total defensive snaps after only playing a combined nine snaps since Week. Since Week 8, 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes has played a total of eight defensive snaps. He did not play in three of those five games.

Forbes’ lack of development and St-Juste’s struggles are a major reason why GM Adam Peters traded for Lattimore at the NFL trade deadline.

In recent weeks, Sainristil has been making his case that he should remain on the outside once Lattimore is healthy enough to play. The second-round pick was initially selected to be the slot cornerback, but Washington’s struggles have led him to play more outside. He’s thrived. His best performance came in Week 11 against the Eagles, where he took turns defending A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, limiting their impact.

On Thursday, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was asked about Washington’s cornerback rotation.

“What we’re doing is less about what Ben’s [CB Benjamin St-Juste] doing and more about what I’ve seen from [CB] Mike [Davis] and want to see more of him,” Whitt said.

Those are interesting comments for multiple reasons. First, it’s not like Davis has stood out. Secondly, he said a lot about St-Juste without saying he’d been struggling. Finally, no mention of Forbes.

“And so, [CB] Mikey [Sainristil] has done a really nice job,” Whitt continued. “We have Ben and Mike into the boundaries, and we have them rotating every two series. And because I think he’s deserving, he’s practiced really well, and so I wanted to see more of him. So, it’s less about what Ben hasn’t done. It’s about more about what Mike has done.”

What happens when Lattimore returns? Who sits? Incredibly, the Commanders believed Forbes and St-Juste would start for them on the outside this season, with Sainristil manning the slot. While St-Juste has done some good things at times, he continues to give up big plays, including one last week at the end of the first half that handed Dallas three points.

Whitt, head coach Dan Quinn, and others can’t wait for Lattimore to debut.

Commanders vs. Titans injury report: Latest updates, news for Thursday

The latest on Brian Robinson Jr. and Marshon Lattimore.

The Washington Commanders were back on the practice field Thursday, preparing for their Week 13 matchup with the Tennessee Titans.

For the second consecutive day, cornerback Marshon Lattimore practice. While he remained limited, the Commanders have increased his work. It will be interesting to see his practice participation on Friday, which could determine his status for Sunday.

Running back Brian Robinson Jr. remained limited, but said he felt good despite spraining his ankle on Sunday. His status will likely go up until gametime, which has happened a few times this season.

Here’s Washington’s complete injury report for Thursday.

Did not participate: RB Austin Ekeler (concussion), WR Noah Brown (knee)

Limited participants: RB Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle), CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee/rest),  T Andrew Wylie (concussion), Dante Fowler Jr. (hip)

Full participants: G Nick Allegretti (ankle),  CB Noah Igbinoghene (thumb), LB Jordan Magee (elbow)

Here’s Tennessee’s Thursday injury report.

Did not participate: OT Leroy Watson (back),  LB Luke Gifford (hamstring)

Limited participants: CB Chidobe Awuzie (groin), DB Justin Hardee (groin), CB Roger McCreary (knee)

Full participants: S Amani Hooker (illness), DT Jeffery Simmons (NIR/rest), OLB Arden Key (back), WR Calvin Ridley (ankle), RB Tyjae Spears (concussion), CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (ribs), OLB Harold Landry (NIR/rest)

Commanders’ Dan Quinn on coaching through struggles

Quinn discusses coaching through the difficult moments.

Three weeks ago, the Commanders were 7-2.

Practice must have been more fun; watching the film and seeing the successful wins was more enjoyable.

That was then and now is now.

Three weeks later, the Commanders have lost three consecutive games, bringing their record to 7-5. The film must not be enjoyable to watch. Seeing the missed opportunities and practicing is about correcting what is now on your next opponent’s film.

Dan Quinn was asked Wednesday if his week-by-week plan changes based on the recent struggles.

“For myself there’s always a bigger picture of things, what’s a trend and where do you want to go,” said Quinn. “I’ll express that to the staff and to the team. But you do dig into the team, and then you emphasize the things that you want to work on this time right now.”

Having lost three consecutive games, there could be a multitude of things a coaching staff observes needing lots of work. Yet, you can’t address each one of those concepts within a practice.

“And so, you don’t pick 15 different things to work in one week of practice. ‘This is something you want to improve on, let’s put the work in to do that.’ So, after three losses, it’s challenging. It’s the most challenged we’ve been so far. It’s confusing, frustrating, all of those things. That’s also part of competing and knowing how to handle those emotions and dig in on the things that you need to dig in on and that’s what we intend to do.”

Commanders’ Dan Quinn says what he’s thankful for

Dan Quinn expresses what he’s thankful for.

He had his opportunity to be an NFL head coach, and feared he may never get the opportunity again.

Dan Quinn worked for so long, for so many seasons, in so many locations. He coached college football at William & Mary, VMI, Hofstra, and Florida. His NFL stops were the 49ers, Dolphins, Jets, and Seahawks, and finally, he was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

In only his second season, the Falcons won the NFC championship and led the Patriots 28-3 before losing in overtime 34-28. Four seasons later, he was fired from the Falcons at 0-5.

Quinn was then the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator for three seasons. Adam Peters and Josh Harris hired him as the Commanders’ head coach.

Wednesday with the media, Quinn was asked what he is thankful for this year.

“A lot, honestly,” replied Quinn. “And being here with this group at this time in my life is, I have a lot of gratitude for because those moments that you get to share in a locker room, a meeting room on the field, already in a short time, we’ve built a really strong bond.”

Hearing various players this season refer to their “brotherhood,” Quinn certainly has them playing for one another. Even more, racing off to a 7-2 start certainly didn’t hurt team bonding either.

Coming to a new city, a new team, a new franchise, for one more opportunity to be an NFL head coach was huge for Quinn.

“And so, for me to have all these new relationships from February to now has been really cool and I love seeing those grow and get even stronger as we’re hitting it. So, having this chance to be here in this city with this team, A number one.”

We all have things for which we can be thankful this Thanksgiving. Here’s hoping the Commanders’ players, coaches, and staff will take time to reflect on their many blessings.

May they find joy in counting their blessings from God and living to be a blessing to others.

Jayden Daniels, Dan Quinn remember Sean Taylor

Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels remember Sean Taylor on the 17th anniversary of his passing.

Nov. 27, 2007, is one of the darkest days in the history of the Washington NFL franchise. That’s the day legendary former Redskins safety Sean Taylor died after being shot in his home protecting his family.

While faces and names have changed over the years, the team has always honored Taylor. Recently, the Commanders teamed up with his daughter to create the Sean Taylor Legacy Project.

Regardless of who coaches or plays for the now-Commanders, Taylor’s name is always mentioned around the anniversary of his tragic passing.

On Wednesday, it marked 17 years since Taylor’s tragic death. Washington head coach Dan Quinn remembered Taylor:

“I’m really glad that you brought that up, and I did,” Quinn said about watching Taylor play. “[I] was not aware of 17 years for that. A presence, I think, is one of the first things that you think about even from entering into, like what a defender can be and look like and  the impact that a ball player can make on a team, and the energy that they can provide. And so, that’s the first thing, kind of gives me chills just on my arms right now thinking about what presence can mean to a team and to a group. And Sean had that in abundance.”

When Taylor died, Quinn was in his first year as the New York Jets defensive line coach.

Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was also asked about his memories of Taylor.

‘I mean, I watched Sean Taylor, I used to watch his highlights, so I know, one of my close friends, Jordan Clark, his dad, obviously [Former Washington S] Ryan Clark, they played together here,” Daniels said.

“So, he had a huge impact on Jordan, but just overall in the football world, just who he was and as a human being and the impact that he made on the field, obviously his electrified playing, hits, and making plays on the ball. So, I mean, it’s awesome just to have his remembrance here and try to keep that going.”

Ryan Clark also remembered Taylor this week.

The Commanders retired Taylor’s No. 21 jersey two years ago and remembered him on social media Wednesday.

Commanders RB Brian Robinson Jr. discusses injury and if he’ll play in Week 13

Will Brian Robinson Jr. be able to play in Week 13?

It’s been a trying year for Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr., who was part of a Washington backfield that included him and Austin Ekeler. Robinson looked forward to the 2024 season with Kliff Kingsbury as the offensive coordinator.

Things started well for both backs. Ekeler made multiple big plays throughout the early portion of the season, while Robinson rushed for over 100 yards in two of the first four games.

Then, injuries happened. First, Robinson dealt with a knee injury that cost him the Week 6 game at Baltimore. Unfortunately, Robinson’s hamstring became a problem, too, exacerbated by the fact it was the same leg as the knee injury. That cost him two more games.

Robinson returned for the Week 11 game at Philadelphia, leading the Commanders with 63 rushing yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, in Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys, Robinson injured his ankle on his first carry of the game.

He departed but returned. He would carry the ball two more times before his day was done.

Washington returned to practice Wednesday in preparation for its Week 13 game vs. Tennessee. Robinson was on the practice field, albeit on a limited basis. Still, it was good news, considering he injured his ankle only three days ago.

After practice, Robinson offered an update on his chances of playing Sunday.

“It was a surprising day today, actually,” Robinson said. “I was actually able to go out, put strength on it, and move around. I felt pretty good for what I was doing today. I’m just looking forward to making some great progress this week, which I expect to do. If all goes well, yes, I will play Sunday. I am glad I was able to go out there today and move around and see where I was at. I think I’m in a great spot.”

What did you expect Robinson to say? Players will always push to play. The Commanders need Robinson on Sunday. They will likely be without Ekeler, who suffered his second concussion of the season at the end of Sunday’s game. Also, the Titans possess one of the NFL’s top defenses.

What Micah Parsons said about Jayden Daniels and Commanders’ offense

Micah Parsons believes Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are going to be good for a long time.

Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons discusses everything on his podcast, “The Edge.” Nothing is off-limits with Parsons, from what’s going on with his team to discussing other teams, players, and coaches.

Earlier this season, on his podcast, he discussed his former coach, Dan Quinn, who is now the head coach of the Washington Commanders. On Sunday, Parsons played against his former coach for the first time, shocking Washington with a 34-26 in one of the NFL’s wildest games of the season.

Parsons discussed the game, calling it one of the “craziest games” he’s ever been a part of, full of “highs and lows.”

The wildest part of Sunday’s game occurred with under 30 seconds remaining. Dallas led 27-20, and Washington had the ball at the 14-yard line with no timeouts remaining. While nothing is impossible, especially with the Commanders, considering their “Hail Mary” win over the Bears four weeks earlier, things looked bleak for Washington.

Then, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels found a weak spot in the Cowboys defense, dropping a dime to wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who outraced the Dallas secondary to the end zone for an 86-yard touchdown. All the Commanders needed to do was make the point-after attempt.

They didn’t, preserving a Cowboys’ victory.

After the game, Parsons showed his respect for Daniels and the Commanders.

During his podcast, he had more to say about Daniels.

“I knew he was good, but I didn’t know he was that good,” Parsons said of Daniels.

“And I said this to him during the game, I said, ‘Yo, J, if y’all would’ve played like how y’all played in that fourth quarter, all game, I think you could be unstoppable.’ I think he’s the caliber where you can have a complex system and you can say, ‘Just let him loose.’ It’ll be very interesting to see how they use him in the back half of the season, especially with December football right here and obviously their playoff hopes; I think the hype is real about him. That is a really talented team and they have the ability to be really, really good for a long time with Jayden Daniels at quarterback.”

That’s major praise coming from Parsons, who clearly expects a big-time rivalry between the Cowboys and the Commanders over the next several years.

The two longtime rivals meet again in Week 18, this time in Dallas.