Category: Washington Rookies

Bill Belichick praises Commanders’ Daniels and Kingsbury

The legendary coach has high praise for Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury.

Bill Belichick knows something about NFL quarterbacks and offenses.

He made a career of being a defensive coordinator, and it provided him the opportunity to be a head coach in Cleveland and New England.

During a broadcast of his television show, “Coach,” with guest Michael Lombardi (ML), Belichick gave glowing praise for the Commanders 2024 season, particularly Jayden Daniels and Kliff Kingsbury.

Here is a portion of the dialog.

ML: “It just shows you the magic of a young quarterback who’s willing to do the time and work hard.”

BB: “Which we all know he is a hard-working kid.”

BB: “You have to give a lot of credit to Kliff Kingsbury. He’s done a good job with that offense, run the ball, a bit more patient with the running game, maybe than what he was in Arizona.”

BB: “And Daniels has made some plays on his own. He still throws the ball outside the numbers a lot, he still scrambles and can make plays with his legs. I think the teams that are playing him, have to figure out, ‘This isn’t just another quarterback, we gotta play him the right way’. ”

BB: “But so far, he has done a lot of damage in the National Football League.”

Here is a video clip of the segment.

Belichick began coaching in the NFL at the age of 23, was a member of the NY Giants defensive coaching staff from 1979-90, the Cleveland Browns head coach 1991-95, the New York Jets defensive coordinator 1997-99, and the New England Patriots head coach 2000-23.

Commanders’ win was a roller coaster and a rescue

Jayden Daniels rescued the Commanders on Sunday.

The Commanders were in deep trouble and needed to be rescued.

In their Week 17 home finale, the Commanders were down 17-7 at the half to the Falcons on Sunday night. The Falcons were the more intense team and had earned their ten-point lead.

The Falcons convincingly outplayed the Commanders in the first half. The Falcons led in first downs 16-8, rushing yards 101-47, passing yards 98-69, total yards 199-116, and penalty yards 10 to Washington’s 50.

Washington’s only points had come when Quan Martin’s interception and return left the Commanders a short field of only 38 yards.

Dan Quinn’s halftime speech must have been good. The Commanders emerged a completely different team. In the third quarter, Washington drove 69 yards for a touchdown and then 70 yards for a touchdown, while the Falcons’ offense did not produce a first down.

Leading 21-17, Washington drove another 52 yards, but the drive ended in Zane Gonzalez’s field goal when a holding call on G Sam Cosmi nullified a touchdown pass from Daniels to Olamide Zaccheaus. The game was most likely settled if the Commanders had gone up 28-17.

However, only trailing 24-17, the Falcons felt they had new life, and as a result, they drove 68 yards for a touchdown on the 12th play, tying the score at 24-24.

Zaccheaus had a first down in his hands from Daniels but unfortunately let the ball zip right through his hands, forcing a Tress Way punt.

What followed was a pure gift to Washington. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris inexplicably froze, permitting all sorts of time to melt away, robbing the Falcons of two to three passing attempts, which could have easily resulted in a much shorter field goal than the 56-yard attempt Riley Patterson missed.

Yes, NFL head coaches know much more than NFL fans can imagine. Nevertheless, even many fans know you don’t leave two timeouts on the scoreboard, robbing your team of an opportunity to run a few more plays to get into more effective field goal range.

The overtime was mostly Jayden Daniels. He reminded me of how Michael Jordan or Larry Bird used to take the crucial shots or how Kareem Abdul Jabbar, so many times, was unstoppable with basketball’s all-time most lethal weapon…his sky hook.

In the overtime’s only possession, Daniels ran the ball six times for 42 yards and completed all five passes for 32 yards with the game-winning touchdown pass to tight end Zach Ertz.

The Commanders were dead at the half, dominant and in control, but couldn’t put away the Falcons. Next, they were gifted with inexcusable time management, allowing Jayden Daniels to slam shut the door on Atlanta.

In the end, Jayden Daniels came to the rescue.

How is Commanders’ Jayden Daniels ahead of schedule?

Comparing Jayden Daniels to other recent highly-drafted quarterbacks.

Jayden Daniels is ahead of schedule in more ways than one.

Daniels led an overtime drive in which he told the Commanders offensive unit to jump on his back, leading Washington to a 30-24 win Sunday night at Northwest Stadium.

The walk-off win occurred when Daniels found tight end Zach Ertz in the end zone. This clinched the game and the Commanders’ playoff birth, improving their 2024 record to 11-5 going into the season finale at Dallas.

The Commanders’ rookie quarterback is also ahead of Bears’ rookie and 2024 first-overall selection Caleb Williams. You recall Williams went to the Bears, who actually won seven games in 2023, but had the first overall draft pick because the Carolina Panthers had given up the farm to the Bears in a 2022 trade.

The Commanders (4-13) chose Daniels second overall, and not a single NFL analyst declared Daniels had a better supporting talent on the offense than the Bears did for Williams. Yet, the Commanders are 11-5, and the Bears have lost ten straight, never recovering from their ‘Hail Mary’ loss to the Commanders.

Even more, did you know that looking at each of the other quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall since 2016, Daniels has earned a playoff birth faster than every single one of them? Yes, not a single one of the seven rookie quarterbacks drafted first overall made the playoffs in their rookie season.

Now, of course, it might be argued that the first overall pick went to the worst team. It is true in cases, but it is also not true in cases where there was a trade (Caleb Williams, Bryce Young, Jared Goff).

Keep in mind Daniels was chosen by a Washington team that had not had a winning record since the 2016 season, and finished 2023 4-13, losing their last nine games, several in embarrassing blowouts.

  • 2016  Jared Goff: (Playoffs year 2)
  • 2018  Baker Mayfield: (Playoffs year 3)
  • 2019 Kyler Murray: (Playoffs year 3)
  • 2020 Joe Burrow: (Playoffs year 2)
  • 2021 Trevor Lawrence: Playoffs year 2)
  • 2023 Bryce Young: (Playoffs year ??)
  • 2024 Caleb Williams: (Playoffs year ??)

The good and bad of Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels

Daniels made some plays Sunday that only a few quarterbacks in the NFL could dream of making.

Sunday’s Commanders’ win was about as ugly a win as you can imagine, so how did rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels play?

Let’s be real, shall we?

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was sacked eight times. Eight times! I re-watched the eight sacks. Honestly, on four of the eight, Daniels appeared to freeze, hold the ball, not see an open receiver, and, like Sam Howell last year, ended up eating the ball for a sack.

Yet, on the other hand, there could have been another four or five sacks, where Daniels used his foot quickness to escape. At times, Daniels was a magician weaving in and out of trouble, keeping his feet.

On the first touchdown to Terry McLaurin, Daniels fell, fumbled the ball, recovered it, got up, and found McLaurin in the end zone. It was remarkable, and only a handful of NFL quarterbacks could have made that play.

What I am saying is for as bad as Daniels was taking sacks, he was also nothing short of magical on some plays.

For example, in the third quarter, facing a third and 14, Daniels took off on a beautiful run, gaining 24 yards and sliding to avoid being hit. Yes, Daniels was bad, but he was also good and spectacular on some plays!

Yes, Daniels missed Terry McLaurin twice deep in the second half. It occurred on two separate possessions, and McLaurin would have unquestionably scored on both plays. Therefore, that should have been 14 Commanders’ points.

Yet, on the other hand, Daniels also completed 25 of 31 passes for 226 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions, and a passer rating of 118.5. This was another game in which Daniels had no turnovers.

Yes, Daniels looked like a rookie regressing in some areas, but it is also just as true: Daniels made plays most NFL quarterbacks cannot make.

Jayden Daniels will sometimes disappoint and frustrate Commanders fans. But at other times, he is not only good but also one of the better quarterbacks in terms of his ability to manage the ball, his completion percentage, his QBR, and his running ability.

Enjoy his “growth and development.” It looks like he will be a really good addition to Washington.

 

Commanders’ Kingsbury: ‘McCaffrey has done everything we’ve asked’

Someone needs to step up. Does Kliff Kingsbury think it will be Luke McCaffrey?

Do you remember the show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”

The show was a smash television hit, and Thursday, Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury referred to the million-dollar question.

He talked of the Commanders’ offense now needing to find extra offense, and it was the million-dollar question of from where it was going to be produced.

Listening to Kingsbury, he suddenly presented some of the options that have been running through his head, but he certainly was broad enough, he didn’t actually give away anything to the Saints or Eagles.

“Do we need to have different sets and run the ball more, or can we take more shots now? Is that something that’s going to help us get those yards back and maximize the guys who will be playing. And that’s what we gotta figure out over this next couple game stretch is where does that come from?”

Kingsbury was also correct, noting that Noah Brown and Austin Ekeler both have very physical, aggressive styles in their play.

“It’s hard to replace two guys like that, the production they had and just the type of teammates and the effort they played with. But young guys get the opportunity, and we kind of see where it fits.”

Kingsbury was asked about the Commanders’ third-round selection (100 overall) in the 2024 draft, Luke McCaffrey. “Yeah, I mean he’s a talented young man, we’ve asked him to play inside and outside because he can handle it. And that’s a lot on a young player.”

Kingsbury praised the other receivers, Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown, saying, “It’s a loaded receiver room that there’s a bunch of guys that can do a bunch. I know they don’t get the notoriety that some people talk about, but the way they play, the way they perform, it’s been a good group for us.”

Remember, GM Adam Peters drafted McCaffrey based on his athleticism and intelligence, believing that McCaffrey, who only played the position his last two years in college, was going to grow and develop.

Kingsbury declared he is pleased with McCaffrey thus far, saying, “…he’s done everything we could have asked from him, but other guys have made plays and it’s just a crowded room right now.”

McCaffrey will certainly be getting more snaps this week, so perhaps he will see more targets and receptions against the Saints in New Orleans.

What do the Commanders love the most about CB Mike Sainristil?

The Commanders found a star in Mike Sainristil.

On Thursday, Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. was asked what has impressed him the most about rookie cornerback Mike Sainristil.

Whitt didn’t waste anytime answering the question.
“Mikey is just a high-level competitor. That’s what’s impressed me the most. He doesn’t shy away from anybody that’s in front of him.”


Sure enough, Sainristil was lined up outside against the likes of A.J. Brown in Washington’s 26-18 loss to Philadelphia in their Week 11 contest.

In the game, Sainristil not only provided good coverage on most of his assignments but also, for the first game this season, knocked down two passes intended for the receiver to whom he was assigned.

Whitt likes the former Michigan Wolverine’s flexibility and desire to adapt to whatever circumstances the Commanders need that week.

“We ask the young man to play inside and outside early and for the betterment of the defense and say, ‘Okay, we’re going to put you to the field, all right, and you’re going to stay there.’ And he’s made it at home.”

Coaches are always concerned with how well a rookie will adapt to the pro game. Some adapt well, and some seem to have difficulty with the upgrade in talent and complexity of schemes each week.

Whitt is confident in Sainristil’s ability to listen carefully and communicate clearly. Whitt likes Sainristil’s maturity.

“He’s not playing like a rookie, and he doesn’t communicate like a rookie. If you’ve talked to the young man, he’s very polished, he’s very mature. And so, but just the way his competitive spirit is what I’m most impressed with.”

Commanders’ Quinn offers encouraging words for two rookies

Dan Quinn praises a pair of rookies outside of Jayden Daniels and Mike Sainristil.

With the Commanders worn down in the final quarter against the Eagles, the media asked Dan Quinn on Monday if some of his rookies were ready to contribute and get more snaps.

He talked of tight end Ben Sinnott and linebacker Jordan Magee.

“He’s (Magee) certainly working hard at it, and he and [TE] Ben Sinnott are two that are absolutely putting it in. And the guys at the position are also performing well, ” Quinn offered.

Zach Ertz and John Bates have indeed looked good in recent games, which means that if Sinnott gets snaps, it will take them away from Ertz and Bates. Do you really want Quinn to do that right now, this season?

Even more true regarding Magee. From whom is he taking snaps, Bobby Wagner or Frankie Luvu?

“I tried to take Wags out in the Carolina game, he gave me a side eye for like two weeks after that. So, I do love the progress that Jordan’s making, and he is developing on special teams.”

Magee has seen the playing field on special teams since coming off of the injured reserve list .”So, I guess it was maybe in his second week, Jordan had a good tackle on a kickoff, and you could see the guys jumping off the sideline to go find them and congratulate him. So, that’s a good sign.”

Quinn chose to reveal Monday that Magee is not on the scout team in practice. No, Magee is getting some good reps in practice.

“He gets reps in practice, he gets reps into that space, not just on the carded scout team, but in the actual reps, as well. So, he’s making progress. And I would say we’re trending up with him and with Ben. I’d love to get them some more reps, and we’ll see by package and how does it work. But he’s definitely, I feel his speed and his tackling ability. I’m excited about Jordan.”

 

Commanders’ Dan Quinn praises Jamin Davis

Dan Quinn has nothing but good things to say about Jamin Davis.

Think back to when a Washington coach was fed up with a player and finally cut him.

It’s happened more than a few times, and for good reason. Of course, these circumstances do not occur exclusively with Washington. Players sometimes have attitudes, don’t receive coaching well, or don’t accept their role well, and it can lead to trouble.

But not so with Jamin Davis, according to Dan Quinn during his Wednesday press conference. Davis was released Tuesday, and Quinn was asked about it Wednesday.

“We activated Jordan Magee,” Quinn said. “So, just from a roster spot and, man, what a good teammate, Jamin. So, like yesterday, getting a chance to visit with him definitely left a strong impression. And sometimes there’s good that comes after the hard stuff, and he’s somebody that we’ll definitely be watching and pulling for. He really worked hard during his time here.”

It should not be overlooked that Davis went along with the coaches, attempting to learn a new position (DE) in training camp and the preseason. It is not easy to make a transition like that when your college and NFL years have been spent at another position (LB).

Quinn went out of his way to convey that attitude was not the issue with Jamin Davis. Quinn continued that it actually was not an easy decision to release Davis midseason. However, rookie LB Magee has been on IR since getting injured against the Jets in the first weekend of the preseason. So, Quinn is ready to get Magee some game reps and see what he can add to this roster the second half of the season.

“So, at the end, just, it’s always this puzzle you’re trying to put together. And there’s always hard decisions and those are ones that come up. But they’re really hard and this one was hard.”

Will Adam Peters and Quinn bring Davis back to the practice squad, where he can work on developing the skills needed to play defensive end? His final comment concerning Davis did not lead one to that conclusion.

“So, when guys move on from here, I’m hopeful wherever they go, they find the right combination, the right things to allow them to do their thing. So that’s my hope for anybody that goes on from here.”

Commanders activate rookie linebacker Jordan Magee

The Commanders activate rookie linebacker from IR.

Jordan Magee is planning on making his NFL regular season debut on Sunday.

Wednesday afternoon, the Commanders made the decision: they have activated the rookie linebacker out of Temple.

Unfortunately, Magee injured his knee in the first week of the preseason against the Jets. At the time, the Commanders announced that he would need a procedure, but his injury was not season-ending.

So, Magee is brought on to the roster in preparation for the Week 8 home contest against the Bears. To make room for Magee, the Commanders released Jamin Davis, who was in his fourth season with Washington.

Upon watching Magee’s highlight film prior to the draft, analyst Daniel Jeremiah summed up his analysis of Magee with, “He’s instinctive, twitchy and tough.”

The NFL permits a 21-day workout window for players returning from the Injured Reserve list. Magee’s 21-day window was coming to a conclusion. The Commanders determined to work out Magee testing the knee as often as they could. Had the Commanders chosen not to activate Magee on Wednesday, the league rules state Magee would have been out the remainder of the regular season.

The Commanders list Magee as 6-foot-3, 226 pounds. He was clocked with 4.55 speed and was selected 139th overall in the 2024 NFL draft. He will wear No. 58.

Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner have been the starting linebackers this season. Magee now joins Nick Ballore, Dante Fowler Jr (listed as LB) and Mykal Walker in the linebackers group on the active roster.

There is not currently a linebacker listed on the practice squad. With Magee leaving the injured reserve, those remaining on Injured Reserve are DT Jonathan Allen, WR Jamison Crowder, DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste and DT Norell Pollard.

A stark contrast between the Commanders and Panthers

The Commanders and Panthers are in totally different places — a good thing for Washington.

The Panthers organization is in bad shape.

Not only are the Panthers 1-5, but they also have the NFL’s worst point differential this season. And it is not even close. How bad is it? Well, after only six games, the Panthers have already been outscored by 100 points, and the closest to them (Jaguars) are a -65.

Therefore, in only six games, the Panthers are averaging not only being the worst team but the worst team by a touchdown more than anyone else.

Their new head coach, Dave Canales, is in his first season as an NFL head coach. Is it perhaps more telling that Canales got the job after only one season as an NFL coordinator?

Which brings us to majority owner David Tepper. Tepper took over the Panthers in 2019, fired Ron Rivera midseason, and has since kept the revolving door busy.

Tepper fired Rivera and appointed Perry Fewell to finish out 2019. Tepper then hired Matt Rhule in 2020, but during the 2022 season, Rhule was given the pink slip, and Steve Wilks was tabbed as interim head coach to conclude 2022.

Frank Reich was Tepper’s next choice as head coach in 2023. However, after only 11 games, Reich was fired, leaving Chris Tabor to finish the season.

Canales accepted the offer, resulting in Tepper being his boss while Canales took on his first NFL head coaching position. By the way, Washington had not yet hired Dan Quinn.

Tepper wanted QB Bryce Young (Alabama) and traded entirely too much, moving from the No. 9 position in the 2023 draft to the top position. C.J. Stroud (Ohio State) was certainly available, but Tepper got his choice.

The Texans rebounded to a winning season in 2023, while the Panthers finished an NFL-worst 2-15. They are still without the top pick in the 2024 draft because Tepper gave it up to get Young in 2023.

How might Panthers fans feel Sunday when watching the Panthers face Jayden Daniels, who could have been their choice this year if Tepper had not traded up for Young?

All week, the Commanders have heard from the DMV fan base, NFL media, and local media that Washington is now the favorite to win the NFC East.

But that is not solely because Washington is invincible. No, the Commanders have several roster needs that will be addressed next offseason.

Yet, for now, Commanders fans can be very thankful that their owner is Josh Harris, not David Tepper, their GM is Adam Peters, their head coach is Dan Quinn, and their quarterback is Jayden Daniels.