Bieniemy: Commanders offense learning to finish

Bieniemy gives an update on QB Sam Howell’s progress.

New assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was pleased with the effort from his offensive unit Monday night.

Though the Ravens were repeatedly sending six or seven rushers on that final Washington scoring drive, quarterback Jake Fromm was moving the offense down the field, providing Joey Slye the opportunity to kick the game-winning field goal.

“I thought our guys did a heck of a job just finishing the game, and the thing that I loved, that stood out, our guys are learning to strain to finish,” Bieniemy said. “That was impressive. Now it is on to the next one.”

Is the offense progressing as Bieniemy wants it to thus far in his first preseason in Washington?

“I think we are taking the necessary steps, but we still have a long way to go. There’s a lot of things that we can clean up and continue coaching through.”

For a second time, Bieniemy stated how the offensive unit was learning to fight to win, to go the extra mile. What does Bieniemy intend to communicate? Doesn’t he think the offensive players were learning to fight under Ron Rivera?

“Our guys are finding creative ways to drag themselves across the finish line. When you have the resilience, it’s something you can build upon. I’m starting to see the second effort.”

Was Bieniemy implying the offensive players were not giving a second effort previously?

“On top of that, I’m seeing guys play faster. So, all those things are just coming to light. We have to continue to clean up the little stuff. That is going to help us become the better team.”

Bieniemy likes where his quarterback is in the process.

“I have thought Sam’s progression is right where you want it to be. I think he has just stayed the course. He’s learned a lot just being out there each and every day.”

Bieniemy also pointed to backup quarterback veteran Jacoby Brissett, and how he has modeled some things well on the field for Howell. In the room, Brissett is what Bieniemy referred to as “an outspoken individual in that room who has helped Sam tremendously.”

The former Chiefs OC said he loves that Howell autocorrects, takes his job responsibly, takes work home, “and loves to walk through all the little detailed nuances of the game.”

Bieniemy has praised Howell’s performances this preseason.

“I think he is right where he needs to be. He’s done a heck of a job in the practices (against the Ravens), and he did a heck of a job in the game (Monday).

Why Commanders vs. Ravens is so important for rookie defensive ends

Monday presents a massive opportunity for rookie defensive ends Andre Jones Jr. and K.J. Henry.

Monday’s preseason game for two defensive players could be huge.

The Commanders will host Baltimore Ravens in the preseason contest. For the Commanders, they have two rookie defensive ends for whom this game could be very large.

Though drafted in the fifth round at 137 overall, K.J. Henry, a defensive end out of Clemson, was expected to push and make the team. Unexpected was seventh-round choice (and 233 overall) defensive end Andre Jones out of Louisiana.

Jones has, honestly, looked better in camp thus far. With only three preseason games, Monday’s against the Ravens could play a large role in the future of both players.

The Commanders can only keep so many defensive ends on a 53-man roster. NFL teams must trim their rosters from 90 to 53 players before the NFL league-wide deadline of August 29 at 4 pm.

Everyone knows the Commanders plan to start Montez Sweat and Chase Young at the defensive end spots. Next, come the primary backups. At the beginning of camp, there was no doubt those two were James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill.

How many defensive ends are the Commanders going to keep on their 53-man roster? If there are five defensive ends, this would indicate room for only one more.

Thus far, Efe Obada has been working primarily on the inside, and the Commanders have listed Obada on the depth chart at defensive tackle, but he does possess position flex; thus, he could play both tackle and end.

Is the final defensive end spot up for grabs between Henry and Jones? Both rookie ends are going to be watched closely Monday as the defensive coaches are looking for evidence regarding whom they should keep on the roster.

If the Commanders keep ten defensive linemen, the ability to play both end and tackle will be huge for guys like Smith-Williams and Obada. Those smaller and, thus, not asked to play inside at tackle, need to display both the ability to set the edge against the run and rush the passer.

Something coaches are not going to ignore is that Sweat, Young, Smith-Williams, Toohill and Obada are all entering the final season of their contracts.

If the Commanders determine to only keep four linebackers they could stash one or perhaps two linebackers on the practice squad. They could also keep an extra defensive end on the roster because they are quick enough to play well on the special teams. If they do keep an extra defensive end, could it mean they keep both Henry and Jones on the roster, utilizing both on coverage teams?

Speaking of defensive ends, this game against the Ravens could thus loom very large for the other defensive ends, underdogs looking for a roster spot, such as Joshua Pryor and Will Bradley-King.

5 Commanders to watch in preseason Week 2 vs. Ravens

Here are five Commanders who need a strong performance on Monday night.

The Washington Commanders wrap up Week 2 of the preseason with a Monday night clash against the Baltimore Ravens. The game will be the first home game for the Commanders under new owner Josh Harris.

While the game represents just another preseason game on the calendar, it means a little more for the Ravens, who enter Monday night winners of 24 straight preseason games. Baltimore hasn’t lost a preseason game since 2015. Washington right guard Sam Cosmi let his feelings be known on the Ravens’ preseason winning streak.

The game may not mean anything in the standings for Washington, but for several players for the Commanders — and every NFL team — these games do matter. Players are fighting for their NFL futures, and strong performances in the preseason are the difference between landing on a roster or practice squad or having their NFL dreams end.

We pick five Commanders you should pay special attention to on Monday night.

Logan Paulsen: ‘Sam Howell has earned this’

Howell deserved the opportunity—and he earned it.

“Sam Howell has looked pretty gosh-darn good.”

That is how former NFL tight end Logan Paulsen started his conversation Friday morning as a guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” on The Team 980.

Paulsen quickly clarified, of course, Howell has been far from perfect, but he is, in Paulsen’s view trending upward. Pointing to the “team blitz” part of the workout against the Ravens, Paulsen expressed that though Howell had struggled earlier in blitz sessions. But against the Ravens, he was “very solid.”

While it is certainly not a surprise that Howell was named the starter, Paulsen was quick to add, “This is something he has earned; this is something he deserves.”

Pointing to the Cleveland game, Paulsen liked what he saw in Sam extending a few plays for positive yardage, feeling it adds value to Howell’s game and shows he continues to be improving.

Paulsen feels with Howell; his upside is always part of the equation that cannot be ignored. “He is a little more physically talented than Jacoby…So they are hoping that develops into something more. It is something you are always navigating and negotiating as a coach. This guy (Brissett) is ready, but this guy (Howell) behind him will be a better player long term.”

During the offseason workouts, the preseason game in Cleveland, and workouts against the Ravens, the coaches feel Howell “has shown you enough positive flashes of that tremendous upside.” So the coaches are saying they are “going to bet on his potential because they believe he can get there.”

Explaining to Sheehan through his NFL experience with veteran quarterbacks, Paulsen believes Howell has also exhibited a quiet confidence to his offensive teammates. He also pointed to the skirmishes that transpired with the Ravens that Howell was out there leading, reminding teammates of their task, their focus.

There will be ups and downs for Sam Howell, no doubt. Joe Theismann certainly experienced them for Washington in the 1976 and 1977 seasons. He was even benched as George Allen went back to Billy Kilmer in both seasons. But Theismann developed into a fine quarterback and capable leader in time.

Washington coaches are going to provide Sam Howell with the same opportunity.

Kendall Fuller says Commanders came and competed with Ravens

Kendall Fuller sees the talent in Washington’s secondary but understands nothing matters until you prove it in the season. He’s also seen growth in QB Sam Howell.

Washington cornerback Kendall Fuller spoke with the media Wednesday following the Commanders’ practice against the Ravens.

Fuller said the last two days of practice were fun.

“We had fun. We came out here, competed, put some good film out there to learn from. Made some mistakes out there that we can learn from. So overall, I felt like it was a good week.”

Fuller spoke of how there are ups and downs for defensive backs.

“So just for the guys to come out and compete, guys make plays, you make plays and you just keep on lining up with that confidence and to see young guys consistently step up and just make plays.”

Fuller spoke of how the practice is good to challenge the players.

“You just play what you see. And even that, that’s a little bit different from a game because, from a game, you got film that you can go out there and watch and stuff like that. But just from a technique standpoint, there’s no film, no knowledge of what they do. You just line up, play your technique and trust that your technique is gonna allow you to make plays.”

Regarding Commanders quarterback Sam Howell said last week in practice Howell showed he has made progress.

“I remember the other day he made an out route on me, which that pisses me off, but like, just to see him be able to put those throws in spots that DBs can’t get it. I think the good NFL quarterbacks, that’s what separates a lot of times college from the NFL.”

Fuller liked getting in work against a talented quarterback Lamar Jackson and wide receiver Odell Beckham.

I’m sure they’re gonna have a good year, both are good players (Jackson and  Beckham Jr). So, it was fun to get out there and go out and compete against them.”

The former VA Tech corner liked what he saw from safety Kam Curl.

“I’ve always been a big fan of Kam, man. He’s just an overall good football player. He can make plays all around the field. So, for me, it was nothing that I haven’t expected from him.”

Might this be the most talented defensive backs Fuller has enjoyed as teammates.

“It is early right now…So, you know, preseason is good to prepare, but you know, nothing matters until you get there every Sunday and make plays.”

 

Commanders season opener in 25 days: Washington’s best No. 25

25 Joe Washington days until the Commanders open the 2023 NFL season.

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to Washington’s season opener for 2023 in 25 days. Who was the team’s best player wearing No. 25?

The franchise has seen players that excelled for short periods of time wearing No. 25.

George Allen brought Eddie Brown to Washington in 1975, a defensive back who couldn’t get playing time in Cleveland or Washington. So Brown returned punts. In 1976 Brown shined, leading the NFL in punt return yards (646), averaging 13.1 a return and making the Pro Bowl. His 71-yard touchdown return on a rain-soaked RFK turf on Monday Night Football against the Cardinals is still one of the best in franchise history. Brown was also a Pro Bowler in 1977 and then followed George Allen out to the Los Angeles Rams.

Chris Thompson (2013-19) was a tremendous receiver out of the backfield who would have accomplished so much more had he been able to stay healthy. 2017 was Thompson’s biggest year as he caught 39 passes for 510 yards averaging 13.1 yards per reception. However, Thompson was limited to only 10 games. In his seven Washington seasons, Thompson rushed for 1,194 yards averaging 4.8 a carry, and caught 212 passes for 1,772 yards averaging 8.4 a reception for 10 touchdowns.

Joe Washington (1981-84) came to Washington for his age-28 season in 1981, part of a draft day trade with the Baltimore Colts. Washington enjoyed a huge 1981 season when he rushed for 916 yards and caught 70 passes for 558 yards. 1983 was another big year for Joe as he rushed for 772 yards averaging 5.3 a carry, and caught 47 passes for 6 TD receptions averaging 9.7 yards a reception. Washington played a significant role on the three consecutive division-winning Redskins teams (1982-84), the Super Bowl Championship team (1982) and the Super Bowl 1983 team.

 

Commanders Terry McLaurin: ‘It was more physical’

McLaurin talked the physical nature of the practicing with the Ravens will only make him and the Commanders better.

Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin spoke with the media following Tuesday’s scrimmage work with the Ravens.

McLaurin praised teammate cornerback Kendall Fuller for preparing him for Tuesday’s work against the Ravens. McLaurin mentioned in particular how working against Fuller; he has noticed Fuller is really patient, which forces Terry to be more efficient in his routes.

Tuesday, facing Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, McLaurin noted it was more physical, forcing Terry to “use technique and be more physical because you know he is going to be more physical at the top of the route, be physical at the line and try to punch the ball out. When going against him I want to match his physicality but also be clean with my feet.”

McLaurin was emphatic that going against these two veteran corners (Fuller and Humphrey) is only going to help him and other Commanders receivers.

“It’s an iron sharpens iron thing, expressed McLaurin, meaning Tuesday’s work was probably good for both receivers and corners in pushing each other.

How did McLaurin respond when asked about the few scuffles that broke out during the practice with the Ravens?

“Yes, they want to make plays; we want to make plays. At the end of the day, we are going to protect our teammates. That is what happens at camp sometimes. Things get a little physical. It didn’t get too bad. Guys are just competing. At the end of the day, we want to look out for each other’s career and make sure we are not doing anything that is too over the line.”

How did McLaurin think the Commanders offense functioned against Ravens’ opposition?

“I think one thing that was really impressive was offensively; our tempo was really good. It kinda showed why we practice at the high intensity we do. I feel like we got to a place where we were really efficient. But it is still the little details that are coming up for us, the procedural things. EB says those are mental errors. The mental errors we have to cut back on, myself included.”

It is good to hear McLaurin lauding his teammate (Fuller), his coordinator (Bieniemy) and being certain to include himself in those that need to do better. Once again, Terry is displaying his leadership.

Highlights from the first day of Commanders/Ravens joint practice

Some of the top highlights from the first day of joint practices between the Commanders and Ravens.

The Washington Commanders’ first day of joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens will best be remembered for the multiple brawls. Fortunately, nothing got out of hand as things were settled quickly, and the teams got in some good work.

It was a good day for Washington’s offense, particularly quarterback Sam Howell. Howell shined in 11-on-11 work with his accuracy and decision-making.

New Washington owner Josh Harris was in attendance for the first day of practice with the Ravens, and legendary Washington coach Joe Gibbs joined him.

Here is a collection of some of the top videos and photos from the Commanders’ first day of joint practice with the Ravens.

Takeaways from Day 1 of Commanders/Ravens joint practice

Some thoughts and observations after a chippy day of practice between the Ravens and Commanders.

The Washington Commanders headed north to Owings Mills, Md., for the first of two days of practices with the Baltimore Ravens Tuesday.

The biggest highlight from Tuesday’s practice was the number of fights. Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes got into a scuffle with Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace and punches were thrown.

Shortly after, Ravens tight end Mark Andrews picked up Washington cornerback Danny Johnson and tossed him to the ground for no other reason than breaking up a pass intended for Andrews.

Commanders center Nick Gates was also involved in a minor altercation.

In the end, cooler heads prevailed as both coaches talked to their teams and explained to them the point of the practices was for everyone to get better; nothing was personal.

Here are some thoughts and observations from Tuesday’s practice.

Commanders have several receivers fighting for a roster spot

Rivera singled out a pair of young undrafted players.

Each preseason, NFL teams are looking to add new, younger players to their roster.

The Commanders are, of course, no exception, looking to replace a couple of veterans with younger players. It is cheaper, providing you with salary cap space you are going to need once injuries begin to occur. Secondly, the NFL is a brutal game, and players’ bodies, over time, wear down.

When it comes to receivers, the Commanders are looking for that player or two that can make their roster or can be developed during the season on the practice squad. It’s no secret. Every team is trying to be developing some guys that can help you later.

Not only are the wide receivers having to adjust to the talent in the defensive backfield being much better than they faced in college, but they are also having to learn Eric Bieniemy’s offense he has brought from Kansas City.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was asked Sunday about his receivers competing for the final spots. Here are the highlights from Friday.

“I think it’s a very competitive young group of guys. We feel that we’ve got a good young core of guys that are competing for a position. Mitch (Tinsley) has done a really nice job. There’s a number of them that have really come out and done some good things. I think when you look at them as a whole and for what they’ve had to learn this year compared to some of the other things, that group of guys has really done a nice job.”

Another undrafted free agent attempting to make an impression is former UCLA Bruin, 5-8 176-pound Kazmier Allen. When Rivera was asked about Allen’s play Friday, Allen looked interesting. So Rivera responded:

“Interesting. I think that’s a good word; I really do. He’s a young dynamic guy that’s got some explosion to him. He’s got a lot to learn; he really does, because he kind of bounced around positions at UCLA, but the one thing that did stand out, obviously, is he is explosive. But as I said, he’s got a long way to go. He really does. He’s a guy that’s going to take some time, but we do like him and we do find him interesting and intriguing.”

The Commanders are returning Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, Dyami Brown and Dax Milne. Kyric McGowen was in camp last season, is again competing for a spot.

Newcomers at receiver fighting for spots are Tinsley, Allen, Zion Bowens, Marcus Kemp, Byron Pringle, Jalen Sample, and Brycen Tremayne.