Category: NFL PRESEASON

Commanders QB Carson Wentz realistic about game against the Chiefs

Carson Wentz was encouraged by some things in Washington’s second preseason game but realizes there is plenty of work to be done.

Carson Wentz saw some positive things in Kansas City but he was certainly not satisfied.

Wentz completed 6 of 9 passes for 64 yards, his best being an 18-yard completion between the numbers to Terry McLaurin. His worst of the day was perhaps taking a sack on third down, eliminating a scoring opportunity.

The Commanders quarterback praised some of his teammates and was quick to take personal responsibility. “I definitely left some plays out there, definitely wish we could’ve sustained some drives a little bit more. That’s the biggest thing, the biggest takeaway for me, early. Especially those third downs, there’s a couple that I wish I could have back.”

At 7:42 remaining in the first half, the Commanders faced a 3rd &10 from the Chiefs 34. An incompletion would have resulted in a 51-yard field goal attempt. However, the pass rush pushed Wentz to his right, therefore away from the check down (Antonio Gibson). He then attempted to extend the play and was sacked, knocking the offense out of field goal range.

“Yeah, I’ve got to make a better play and a better decision there because we were in field goal range. That’s a decision I’ve got to be smarter on. They had it covered well, and I tried to make a play, but I’ve got to be aware of the situation there and not take that sack.”

Wentz wasted no time in getting the ball to Jahan Dotson (on the Commanders’ second offensive play), “Yeah, it was good to see. We see him do it in practice every day, making plays. I don’t know how many targets or practice he’s had in preseason so far, but we love what we’ve been seeing in camp from him, and it was good to see a couple out there today to get him more and more comfortable.”

The top three guards were missing for the Commanders Saturday, yet Wentz sent praise to the offensive line. “I thought they did a great job. I think it shows the depth we have and guys stepping up. We’ve got a lot of confidence in what they bring to the table.”

The Commanders were awfully thin at tight end, yet Wentz liked how Eli Wolf and Armani Rogers stepped up to the plate. “Yeah, it’s pretty crazy out there. I feel bad for those guys. They got lots of work in today. They’ve got to be gassed and more exhausted than anybody, probably. They’ve done a great job.”

One thing Wentz liked seeing was Antonio Gibson getting the ball in space, using his abilities in the open field. “He’s tough to bring down. Not only with his size, but he’s athletic. I thought he did a good job. Most of the plays were with Taylor (Heinicke) today, but seeing him from the sideline, he’s big and elusive, so it was fun to see him out there.”

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Commanders captain Jonathan Allen looking forward

Jonathan Allen was not pleased with Washington’s defense in Saturday’s loss to the Chiefs.

Jonathan Allen was true to form Saturday night postgame; he said little.

Allen was not happy with the Commanders starting defense permitting two lengthy Kansas City scoring drives in the first half. The Chiefs drove 87 yards in 12 plays for a first-quarter touchdown. Then turned around and completed another 12-play drive, this time for 82 yards, finalized by Patrick Mahomes’ second touchdown pass.

Allen was recently voted by NFL players as one of the top 100 performers, coming in at number 88. But Allen is typically letting his play do his talking and is already looking forward to next week and then the season opener against the Jaguars, September 11.

“For the Ravens, it’s a great opportunity for the young guys to show what they can do to help make this team better. For us getting ready for the Jags, I got to watch the film. It’s hard for me to identify that right after a game.”

Allen is thinking big picture. He is looking each preseason week at how he can best prepare for when the games start to count.

“I use it (preseason games) as reps up here. Got to get ready for week one. I came out of here healthy. There’s some things I want to do better, and we’ll do that.”

On the following play, Allen was double-teamed. He also appears to be gassed, with it being the 12th play of the drive. Montez Sweat nearly made the sack on Mahomes. It was third-down, and a sack would have meant a field goal attempt. Notice also Casey Toolhill goes too wide continuing up the field, not setting the edge, and Mahomes steps right into the vacated area, avoids the sack, completing the touchdown pass.

Allen was clearly the best defensive player for the Commanders in 2021. Starting all 17 regular season games, Allen produced 31 solo tackles and 31 assisted tackles while often seeing double teams. He also produced 10 tackles for a loss, 9 quarterback sacks and an additional 30 quarterback hits.

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Commanders Jahan Dotson secures first preseason receptions

Jahan Dotson caught the first two passes of his NFL career on Saturday.

Jahan Dotson wanted this week to be different than last week.

In his second NFL preseason action, Saturday against the Kansas City Chiefs, Dotson was a target two times from Carson Wentz. On both occasions, Dotson made the reception for a total of 23 yards.

As opposed to his initial NFL preseason action last week, when at FedEx Field against the Panthers, Dotson made no catches as he was not even the target on any Washington quarterback passes.

Saturday it was clear that Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner wanted to get the ball into Dotson’s hands as soon as possible. On Washington’s first possession starting from its own 23, Brian Robinson went off right guard for three yards. On 2nd & 7 from the 26, Wentz faked a handoff to Robinson off left guard, looked left and passed a wide receiver screen to Dotson.

Dotson had lined up just outside Curtis Samuel (in the left slot). The faked hand-off permitted left guard Saahdiq Charles to run down the line toward Dotson and send a crushing block, freeing Dotson to head upfield.

Then it was great to see center Chase Roullier back from fracturing a fibula against Denver last October, get downfield enough into the second level cutting off the pursuit of his man.

Samuel also provided enough push downfield on a Kansas City defensive back that Dotson picked up 12 yards up to the 38-yard line for a first down. Here is the play on video.

Immediately following the 2-minute warning, Washington had a 1st & 10 at their own 42. Dotson lined up in the slot left, inside of Cam Sims. As Taylor Heinicke took the snap, Sims ran a vertical route up the left side. Tight end Armani Rogers lined up tight right, went into the middle of the field making contact with a second-level linebacker. Dotson broke right, directly off the shield provided by Rogers and was wide open. Heinicke completed the pass to Dotson who gained 11 yards for a first down to the Kansas City 47.

Dotson commented this week how he had not played a game in a long time where he did not catch a pass. His Carolina defender was called for holding on one pattern Dotson ran last week. The rookie from Penn State commented to JP Finlay, “I could have used better technique just to get open and avoid him holding me for that split second to get the ball.”

If Dotson keeps setting such high standards for himself, he is going to be receiving a lot of targets and receptions in the upcoming 2022 regular season.

Commanders experienced good and bad in Kansas City

In some good news for the Commanders, Chase Roullier returned to action vs. the Chiefs.

The Washington Commanders had some positives and some negative elements in Saturday’s 24-14 loss at Kansas City.

Washington center Chase Roullier was making his return from a fractured fibula. “It was really good.  We went out there under fire a little bit with crowd noise.  We had to start with silent count, right off the bat.  That’s some of the toughest stuff we have to go through with the center and the quarterback.  Starting that off, right away, and handling it well, I think we did well.”

It was test for Roullier to see if he was ready for the increased intensity a game brings, as he continues his preparation working his way back toward the regular season opener September 11 at home against the Jaguars. “The rust needs to be knocked off a little bit, but it was good to be back out there with the guys and start making the calls again. “I think this game just built my confidence more and my ability to do that week one and barring any setbacks I think we are going to be good to go.”

The Commanders were down several offensive lineman and tight ends Saturday. Yet Roullier felt the players getting the reps Saturday played fairly well. “It is not ideal when guys are out, but we have some solid guys behind them that are able to step in and play pretty well today.  We hope everyone can get healthy, but it was good to get out there and get reps with guys that we are going to have moving forward.”

On the other side of the coin, Washington linebacker Cole Holcomb was not shy to point out where the defense came up short. The Commanders defense permitted the Chiefs to drive 87 yards in 12 plays on their first possession, and then 82 yards in 12 plays the next time the Chiefs touched the ball, both for touchdowns.

“There are some plays that I feel like I could have done better.  I feel like we could have done better of taking opportunities of getting off of the field.  We didn’t capitalize on them.”

The defense looked lost at times during the drives, unable to enforce pressure on Patrick Mahomes nor cover receivers that were often open. Asked what the defense can do to translate it better into the games, Holcomb replied, “I don’t know.  Go back, study the film and learn from the mistakes.  That’s all we can do. “

Holcomb appeared to imply the defensive unit did not execute together at times during those two Kansas City touchdown drives. “We have to put it all together.  You can’t have a rush without coverage, and you can’t cover without a rush.  We have to learn how to play off each other.”

Holcomb praised Mahomes; yet spoke of the defense taking responsibility to bounce back during a drive and get a stop. “You have to take a next play mentality.  He is a top tier quarterback.  He is going to make his plays.  You have to try to limit it as much as possible, but you can’t let it get you frustrated.  You gotta keep going with a next play mentality.”

Best Twitter reactions from Commanders’ preseason loss to Chiefs

Carson Wentz? Jack Del Rio? Washington’s defense? Some of the best Twitter reactions from Washington’s loss to the Chiefs.

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Washington Commanders 24-14 in week two of NFL preseason action. When Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes departed the game midway through the second quarter, the Chiefs led the Commanders 14-0.

Washington didn’t get on the scoreboard until seconds were left in the first half when backup quarterback Taylor Heinicke led an impressive 11-play, 84-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Cam Sims.

Washington’s first-team offense did some good things with quarterback Carson Wentz but couldn’t sustain drives. One specific play — his last — will haunt Wentz and led to plenty of “I told you so’s” on Twitter from all of the social media GMs.

Speaking of Twitter, there were plenty of jokes on Washington’s defense and coordinator Jack Del Rio. Here are some of the best Twitter reactions from Washington’s loss to the Chiefs.

Chiefs defeat Commanders: Everything we know

Here is everything we know after the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Washington Commanders in the second preseason game.

The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Washington Commanders 24-14 on Saturday in NFL preseason action.

The Chiefs jumped out to a fast start as quarterback Patrick Mahomes led a 12-play, 87-yard drive before finding Jody Fortson for a touchdown to give Kansas City a 7-0 lead.

The Commanders and quarterback Carson Wentz struggled to sustain offensive success early in the game, giving Mahomes and the Chiefs the football again.

Mahomes led another impressive drive, this time going for 12 plays and 82 yards, before again finding Fortson for a short touchdown reception. Kansas City went up 14-0, and head coach Andy Reid pulled his starters.

The Commanders ended the first half with a touchdown as quarterback Taylor Heinicke found Cam Sims to cut Kansas City’s lead to 14-7.

Washington rookie quarterback Sam Howell played most of the second half, leading the Commanders to one touchdown drive.

Here is everything we know from Washington’s preseason loss to the Chiefs.

Chiefs defeat Commanders 24-14 in NFL preseason action

The Commanders fall to the Chiefs, 24-14, in their second preseason game.

The Washington Commanders fell to 0-2 in the preseason after Saturday’s 24-14 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

While the Commanders opened the game with the football, they couldn’t sustain a drive. Enter Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes led the Chiefs on a relatively easy 12-play, 87-yard drive that lasted over five minutes to give the Chiefs a 7-0 lead.

After another Washington punt, Mahomes led the Chiefs on another scoring drive early in the second quarter.

Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz had the chance to answer, but as Washington moved across midfield, back-to-back negative plays led to another punt. Head coach Ron Rivera decided he’d seen enough from his first-team offense.

On Washington’s final series of the first half, Taylor Heinicke entered the game at quarterback. Heinicke led an impressive 11-play, 84-yard drive, ending with a touchdown pass to Cam Sims. Heinicke completed eight of 10 passes for 78 yards on the drive.

After playing one series in the second half, Heinicke departed for rookie Sam Howell.

Howell led the Commanders on one scoring drive with several outstanding throws that culminated with a Jaret Patterson touchdown. Unfortunately, Howell was intercepted on his next series, and the Chiefs scored a touchdown a few plays later to take a decisive 10-point lead.

The Commanders finish the preseason next week with a trip to Baltimore to face the Ravens.

Wentz completed six of nine passes for 64 yards, while Heinicke completed nine of 12 for 83 yards and a touchdown. Howell completed 10 of 18 attempts with 118 yards and one interception.

WATCH: Taylor Heinicke finds Cam Sims for Commanders’ touchdown

Watch Taylor Heinicke find Cam Sims for Washington’s first score of the game.

The Kansas City Chiefs dominated the Washington Commanders throughout the first half of Saturday’s preseason game. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs on two touchdown drives to open up a 14-0 lead.

Washington quarterback Carson Wentz failed to get anything going for the Commanders. Washington’s best drive happened late in the second quarter when Wentz found tight end Armani Rogers for a first down into Kansas City territory.

The Commanders punted a few plays later after Wentz was sacked.

Enter Taylor Heinicke.

As Washington fans know, Heinicke plays with no fear and led the Commanders on an 11-play, 84-yard drive, finding wide receiver Cam Sims for a touchdown just before halftime to trim KC’s lead to 14-7.

Check it out:

How long will Heinicke play before the Commanders bring rookie Sam Howell in?

Chiefs lead the Commanders 14-7 at halftime

Patrick Mahomes leads the Chiefs on two scoring drives before departing.

The Kansas City Chiefs lead the Washington Commanders 14-7 at halftime in the second preseason game for both teams.

The Commanders opened the game on offense, as rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. got the start in the backfield. Quarterback Carson Wentz found wide receiver Terry McLaurin for one big play before Tress Way punted.

Kansas City and quarterback Patrick Mahomes took the field and led the Chiefs on a 12-play, 87-yard drive that ended with a five-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jody Fortson.

The Commanders’ defense allowed the Chiefs to convert on all three third downs on the opening drive.

Washington’s offense couldn’t answer, as it could get little going on offense outside of Robinson, leading to another possession for the Chiefs and more trouble on third down for the Commanders.

Mahomes led the Chiefs on another scoring drive, this time finding Fortson again from seven yards out to give the Chiefs a 14-0 lead.

Wentz appeared to be gaining some momentum with completions to McLaurin and tight end Armani Rogers before a false start on third and 5 put Washington in a third and 10. On the next play, Wentz took a sack and Washington punted again.

Taylor Heinicke replaced Wentz on the next drive, spreading the ball around before eventually finding wide receiver Cam Sims for a touchdown to trim KC’s lead to 14-7.

Wentz ended the day by completing six of nine passes for 64 yards. Heinicke completed eight of 10 passes for 78 yards and a touchdown on his lone drive. Robinson rushed for 31 yards, while Antonio Gibson caught three passes for 37 yards in the first half.

McLaurin caught two passes for 27 yards, while Jahan Dotson and Sims each caught two passes for 23 yards.

Mahomes ended his day by completing 12 of 19 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns.

 

Center Chase Roullier returns for Commanders vs. Chiefs

Chase Roullier returns to action.

The Washington Commanders get starting center Chase Roullier back for their second preseason game on Saturday vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.

Roullier, who broke his fibula in Week 8 last season vs. Denver, began training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list but was activated shortly thereafter.

Roullier’s return has been gradual as he did not play in Washington’s first preseason game last week against the Carolina Panthers. Roullier discussed his rehab process earlier this summer.

Roullier will be back in the startling lineup at center against the Chiefs. Joining him for this game will be left tackle Cornelius Lucas (who recently returned to practice), left guard Saahdiq Charles, right guard Aaron Monteiro and right tackle Sam Cosmi. Only Roullier and Cosmi are projected starters for the Commanders in 2022.

Roullier will likely only see limited snaps in his return.

Washington’s top three guards, Andrew Norwell, Trai Turner, and Wes Schweitzer, are battling nagging injuries.