Tag: 106.7 the Fan DC

Commanders’ Allen understands fans perspective, but he is an NFL player

Allen talks fans rooting for a higher position in the 2024 NFL draft and the quarterbacks.

Did the close loss to the Jets ruin Christmas for Jonathan Allen?

That was one of the early questions, asked of Allen on his weekly appearance on the “Sports Junkies” Tuesday.

“No, and here’s why. The amount of work I put in this week leading up to the Jets is probably some of the most I have done in my entire career. The way I was able to go out there and play hard, I can go to sleep knowing I left it all out there on the field.” Allen finished with four tackles and three of the four Commanders quarterback hits.

Allen said he has learned how fans look at it from their perspective of how can the team win over the next ten years. But he has also learned that as an NFL player, the only right way for him to look at it, is he is trying to win right now (this day, this game).

Allen then confirmed that a younger version of himself would have been upset with local fans and local media, wanting the team to lose for a better draft position, etc., but now that he has matured, having been in the NFL since the 2017 NFL draft, those things don’t bother him. He understands the fan base has their perspective, and they need to understand he has a player has his perspective.

As for the Commanders’ two quarterbacks and which should play against the 49ers next Sunday? “Obviously, Sam Howell is struggling, and Jacoby is playing great. Thank God, I don’t get paid to make those decisions. I just focus on what I have to do. Do you move on from him or do you continue to try to work with him (Howell)? I don’t know. That’s a tough question. I don’t think that is really a question I can answer.”

Allen was not being avoidant, he simply is mature and knows there is a time and place for everything.

 

Rick ‘Doc’ Walker on Commanders: It ‘is a manhood issue now’

Walker names the things he’s looking for in the final four games and it’s not necessarily wins.

“It’s like we are flat-lining now. This is where you have got to have that captain, that person on the staff, whomever, that doesn’t allow you to let go of the rope.”

Rick Doc Walker visited with the “Sports Junkies” Tuesday, and he didn’t hold back in saying how he feels about this Commanders team. In fact, Walker said it is now a manhood issue for this team.

“When guys start giving up on you and they’ve given up on the program, I’m trying to find how do I motivate myself now?” Walker was referring to the fact the Commanders still have four remaining games on their schedule.

The Commanders have fallen apart, losing six of their last seven games after starting the season 2-0.

“Now, I am looking for competitors. What would I be looking for now? Who doesn’t quit? Because if you quit on me, I quit on you. I can dump the whole roster because it’s a last-place operation. I am going scorched earth if the guys don’t prove to me that they are competitors.”

Walker was asked, “Who on this team would you choose to build around?”

“It’s easy. Who do you win with? (Pause) Nobody.”

Walker then elaborated, “In other words, I am going into expansion mode if I have to. These guys are going to prove to me now if they are competitors. Clearly, you need more competitive people on this team.”

“Why would I anoint anybody anything? That is our problem. We give away too many awards before they are earned.”

“You saw the Niners, the Cowboys. Hell, the Rams are going to be ferocious. They are turning the corner. Other people (teams) aren’t giving up. So, this is a manhood issue now. Let’s find out how many competitors we have. Talk is cheap. I want to see effort.”

“The bottom line is that everyone makes money; win, lose, or draw. So guys aren’t playing for the money. They already make the money. You got to find a way to get some incentive.”

Walker was asked if Sam Howell is the guy for next season.

“Oh, he’s going to compete. He ain’t the guy; he’s going to compete. Sam Howell is going to compete to be on my team. I am not holding any slots for anybody on a last-place team!”

“Everything is going to be open the way it ought to be. You got to earn the right to start.”

“What am I doing reserving a spot for a guy I can’t win with?”

Doc Walker would like Commanders next coach to be Jim Harbaugh

But Doc believes a GM is the more important hire. And on Sam Howell: he has “it.”

Rick “Doc” Walker found one positive out of the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day massacre of the Commanders.

Washington embarrassingly lost 45-10 to Dallas, but Walker stated on the “Sports Junkies” 106.7 The Fan that one thing was positive. He pointed out that QB Sam Howell was under duress all day, but “the guy doesn’t collapse. You can’t break him. He’s unflappable.”

Walker expanded a bit, declaring that there have been NFL quarterbacks who were beat up early in their careers but fought through it, becoming premier players. He then stated, “This kid has it, whatever ‘it’ is. Now, what would it be like if he had an offensive line? What if he had a defense that could get him the ball?”

Walker pointed out how the Thanksgiving massacre had huge ratings. “41 million, one of the largest crowds ever to watch THAT?”

He feels the Commanders must respond. “You have to come out and avenge yourself. If not, I wouldn’t want them on my team next year.”

He declared the linebackers can’t cover anyone, asked, “What happened to Benjamin St-Juste? I thought he was promising. Regarding the defensive line, Walker said, “I thought it was an area of strength. Obviously, it is not.”

Regarding the defense as a whole, Walker summed up his observations, saying, “Somebody has to be responsible for it.”

When asked what type of coach he might like to see come, replacing Ron Rivera, Walker pointed to Jim Harbaugh, “he’s won more than our whole group here now.”

But he was quick to clarify, “I do believe in the general manager being the dog in the group, the real K9, not the (head) coach. The coach has too many relationships with the players. That’s why some players play hard for a coach. But someone over there has to be the bearer of bad news. What strikes me is they have nobody that can deliver bad news.”

Walker also pointed to a problem he sees in today’s players. “The object used to be to win. Now, it’s to get rich.”

“I get it; it’s the end of an era. Eventually, they’ll be playing flag (football) from across the board, the way I see it. In the meantime, I’m just trying to enjoy the remains of pro football.”

Commanders’ DT Allen: ‘Growing up here, it is more personal’

Allen defends Del Rio, while acknowledging football is a production-based business.

How does Jonathan Allen feel about this being another losing season for the Washington Commanders?

The Commanders defensive tackle made it clear to the “Sports Junkies” at 106.7 the Fan, Monday, “Growing up here and being a fan of the team, long before I played here, it’s even more personal.”

Allen continued, stating that most players get drafted and want that team to do well, but “growing up in this area, going to the training camps, following them, supporting them, rooting for them for five to ten years before I even came on this team, it sucks, because I want to win.”

“But even more importantly, I want to win here. If winning was all, I wouldn’t have signed a contract for here. I would have gone free agency and gone to the best team. Winning somewhere else wouldn’t feel the same for me.”

“The idea of winning here is something I am going to achieve before I exit this league, God willing. It is tough, but it gives me the resolve to come back year and year with even more optimism. Because I truly believe we found our quarterback…”

The “Sports Junkies” cast then asked about defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio being fired, and Allen offered some heartfelt thoughts.

“We live and play in a production-based world and a production-based league, and when the defense has played like we have played, heads are going to roll. That’s only natural,” said Allen.

“I do not think Coach Del Rio was the entirety or sole reason why we are where we are. But as the leader and the guy who leads the group, you are always going to get the blame. Like when the offense doesn’t play well, the quarterback gets the blame.”

“It’s part of the blame. It sucks. But at the end of the day, we get paid to perform. Changes are going to be made.”

“There’s nothing he did that I largely disagree with…As players, I think we could have performed better.”

“I’ve never seen a pencil win a game. It’s a coach’s job to try to put you in the best position to make plays. At the end of the day, the coach is not the one out there telling you play the double team or to catch the interception, or react fast and hustle to the ball.”

“It’s not Del Rio’s fault a guy doesn’t win his pass rush rep, or a guy loses his one-on-one man-to-man rep. I’m always going to lean more to the players could have done a better job.”

“I can point out a lot of things as to why we are not playing well. It’s a year-to-year league even when you have the same personnel.”

“I reached out to him and told him I appreciate him for everything he’s done, and I wish him and his family nothing but the best. He sent a nice message back, telling me to continue to lead and be true to who I am. We had a good relationship.”

There is more. Here is the video link to the entire conversation with Jonathan Allen.

Commanders Jonathan Allen: ‘We’re playing for our pride’

Jonathan Allen understands the Commanders are playing for their jobs the remainder of this season.

“I think I played pretty good this game, but at the end of the day, we didn’t make the plays we needed to make, to win the game, and that’s what ultimately matters.”

That was how Jonathan Allen opened his weekly appearance on the “Sports Junkies” of 106.7 The Fan.

The Commanders recorded nine quarterback sacks Sunday against the Giants. Allen quickly praised his defensive coordinator.

“I’m gonna give Coach Del Rio a lot of credit with some great blitzes to give (Tommy) Devito a lot of different looks to confuse him a little bit, make him unsure what he was seeing at times.”

Del Rio had the defensive unit focused on stopping the run, and indeed the Commanders at halftime held a 72-0 advantage in rushing yards. It continued through the third quarter as Washington rushed for 145 yards limiting the Giants to only 36.

“Our main goal was to stop the run, put the ball in his (Devito’s) hands, and when he does have the ball in his hands, you get after him and try to make him uncomfortable.”

But Saquon Barkley did get loose a few times late, finishing with 83 yards on 14 carries. “You give a guy like Saquon an inch of room; he is going to take advantage of it,” confirmed Allen.

When Allen was asked regarding the secondary giving up many big pass plays Sunday, he responded, “I would assume it’s miscommunication. To be honest, I try to stay out of it. The thing that’s tough about a defensive back is when they make a mistake, it is a touchdown, or it is 40 yards. When a defensive lineman makes a mistake, there is a 50-50 chance nobody will ever know.”

Now 4-7 and losers of four of their last five games, Allen was very openly honest when he said, “Some guys might pack it in. It’s a real fact that we are all human. Obviously, we are not eliminated from the playoffs, but we aren’t going to worry about that right now. We’re going to try to take it one game at a time.”

“We’re playing for our pride; we’re playing for our jobs. For a lot of guys, legacy is a big thing that they’re playing for. For me, I know the record we have is not going to change my approach to the game. It’s not going to change my outlook in what I’m trying to do week in and week out.”

The Commanders fly to Dallas on Wednesday for the annual NFL home game that Dallas always gets to play on Thanksgiving Day.

Commanders Jonathan Allen: ‘I’m still pissed off like I was yesterday’

Allen: Everyone needs to play better and “that starts with me.”

“I’m still pissed off as much as I was yesterday.”

That’s how Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen began his weekly segment Monday, with the “Sports Junkies” on 106.7 The Fan.

Allen then continued there are still games to be played, but it is time to turn it around right now, “there is no more time to waste.”

When the defensive tackle was asked if he still believed in Jack Del Rio, without hesitation Allen said with conviction, “I do. I truly, wholeheartedly do.”

Jason Bishop inquired as to what Allen was referring to when he went off Sunday in the locker room following the 14-7 loss to the Giants.

“I would say the inconsistency,” began Allen. “You cannot win games in this league playing inconsistently. Some weeks, the offense shows up, and the defense doesn’t. Some weeks, the defense shows up, and the offense doesn’t.”

“It would be different if we didn’t have enough talent,” expressed Allen. He continued with how he has one Seltzer in the hot tub with his wife and vents, and when he gets out, it’s on to the next week. Allen even revealed he loves the “Truly” brands of Seltzer drinks, explicitly mentioning Fruit Punch, Pineapple and Lemonade.

Allen talked of the first 15 plays that an opponent plans and practices all week in preparation, and he feels the Commanders need to do a better job early against those plays. “We can’t keep putting ourselves in these holes and expect to come back every game.”

When asked to comment on the offensive line surrendering five quarterback sacks to a team that had only generated five in six games, all Allen would say was, “It definitely was not their best game.” He also quickly added, “The only way this season is going to work is if we circle the wagons.”

“I understand the (fans) frustration; trust me, I am frustrated too. But that frustration has to be used in a positive way. Again, there is so much left for us to play for; now is not the time to abandon ship, start turning on one another. We are going to get this thing fixed.”

Allen said the defense could blame the offense and vice versa, but as for himself, the defense needs to play better, “and that starts with me.”

 

Jonathan Allen glad Commanders got the win

Allen is not surprised by Casey Toohill’s success.

Jonathan Allen wanted to make a big play and got his wish.

“I was glad I was able to be a part of that play and help my team come home with the win yesterday.”

A part of the play? Did you notice what Allen had to do to make the play?

Atlanta had just scored to draw within 24-16 early in the final quarter against the Commanders Sunday in Atlanta. A pass interference call against Benjamin St-Juste put the ball at the one-yard line for a closer two-point attempt.

This time, Allen dug in head up over left guard Matthew Bergeron. At the snap, both fired off into one another, but Allen knocked Bergeron to the inside. Allen now had 240-pound fullback Keith Smith charging forward at him. Allen pushed off Smith to the outside and instantly met running back Tyler Allgeier in the hole; Khaleke Hudson then showed up to help out, ensuring Allgeier was stopped short of the goal line.

Allen was making his weekly appearance Monday with the “Sports Junkies” on 106.7 The Fan.

“We forced turnovers when they got down inside the red zone. I think it was a good (defensive) performance, I won’t say great when you give up 400 yards. But overall, we did what we had to do to get the win.”

“When I first came out of college, I still had the Alabama mindset. Early in my NFL career, even if we won, I wouldn’t be happy unless we dominated. But the NFL is not like college. I’ve learned to really appreciate every win in the NFL because it’s tough.”

Atlanta drove 75 yards in 11 plays for a touchdown in their opening possession. Allen expressed, “The most dangerous part for a defense in the NFL is the first 15 they script. They have a game plan, an idea of how we are going to line up in certain situations. Then they have a precise plan of how to attack us…as a defense, we have to be better in the first 15.”

When asked about Emmanuel Forbes being benched, Allen said he and Kendall Fuller both told Forbes to stay focused and he will be ok. Both talked of how they failed at times early in their career and learned from it.

Allen also expressed he believes in Casey Toohill and was not surprised by the plays Toohill made when getting snaps at defensive end Sunday.

Allen said he told his defensive teammates Sunday to go out there and have fun, to play fast and for your teammates. He clarified by saying, yes, there are several things to still clean up, but he is glad they got the win.

Has the NFL passed by Commanders DC Jack Del Rio?

How much blame should go on Del Rio? How much on the players? Regardless, they all need to be better.

I’m sure you’ve noticed many on Twitter and D.C. radio shows this week wanting Jack Del Rio fired.

In the Commanders’ last game, the Bears (0-4) put up 40 points on the Commanders.

The Commanders allowed five passing plays of 20 or more yards. On the game’s first offensive possession, Justin Fields found D.J. Moore for 58 yards.

Commanders’ corner Benjamin St-Juste confessed, “I’m [mad] about that. That’s on me. … Should’ve just did my job instead of looking for a play when it wasn’t there.”

Fans and even some radio hosts in unison claim the game has passed by Del Rio. It’s as if he only understands the defenses of his playing days (1985-95). Do they know he’s been coaching in the NFL since 1997?

Many portray Del Rio as a blockhead, numbskull, and imbecile.

How quickly critics forget that just last season (2022) the Commanders defense played the key down in the NFL not only quite well, but actually the very best, getting off of the field on third down.

Following Thursday’s game, one Bears player actually called out the Commanders defensive backfield, saying, “They either weren’t aware or they were just being lazy about making the shift, and that led to some really open plays for us.”

Commanders rookie corner Emmanuel Forbes jumped two routes, and whiffed on the tackles, giving the Bears big plays. Forbes thinks he is going to simply make big interceptions. He must show more respect for those who have earned their dues in this league.

This week, the cries have been abundant, “Fire, Jack Del Rio.”  Why do fans do this? You’re not going to like the answer, but the truth is, it is simpler. Fans love the players, so the simplistic, knee-jerk response is to fire the defensive coordinator.

Chase Young, on the Bears game, volunteered, “It’s nothing on Del Rio. He made good calls today. It’s on us as players. [We’ve] just got to start faster and hold each other accountable.”

Yet the fans get on Twitter and radio talk shows expressing that JDR doesn’t blitz enough, doesn’t know defense, and doesn’t know how to put the players in the best position to win.

Oh, stop! We all love the team. But to suggest publicly you know more than Jack Del Rio is actually embarrassing for you, revealing just how arrogant, misguided, and full of yourselves you are.

Not one single time do you have to make a decision about these defensive players where you will have to give an account. Not one time. Yet, every single defensive play call by Del Rio is dependent on his players executing it. Every single one.

Sure, the coaching staff might be fired at the conclusion of the season. But Jim Mora was also absolutely correct, we don’t know, and we never will.

Jonathan Allen on Commanders loss to Bills: ‘I put it on the D-Line’

Allen keeping it real as always.

Who gets the most blame for the Commanders embarrassing 37-3 home loss to the Bills?

Jonathan Allen without hesitation responded, “I put it on the D-Line.”

Allen was making his weekly appearance this 2023 season on the “Sports Junkies” Monday mornings on 106.7 the Fan.

Allen told of arriving home Sunday evening around 6 p.m. ET, finding the Cowboys were losing to the Cardinals. Allen then watched the rest of that game and said he went to bed early to get some rest, as he had already turned his attention to Week 4.

Monday is no time for sulking over a tough loss for the former 17th overall pick of the Redskins in the 2017 draft. He has a routine, and he was getting right back to it following his interview Monday morning with the “Sports Junkies.”

Monday afternoon for the defensive tackle was scheduled to include some heavy squatting, a massage, and also a session in the Hyperbaric chamber. This is a room where the air pressure inside is raised to a level that is higher than normal air pressure. The increased air pressure in the chamber helps the lungs collect more oxygen.

The idea behind the chamber is an athlete the size of Allen (over 300 pounds), who has exerted himself so heavily in an NFL game, will recover quicker as increased oxygen reaches the body’s tissues.

Allen blamed the defensive line, expressing they allowed Bills quarterback Josh Allen too much time to get out of the pocket, making it harder on his teammates in pass coverage.

“As a defensive lineman, we have to be better, and I have to be better myself,” emphasized the always-responsible Allen. “I have to make sure I am doing what I need to do in staying in my rush lane, making sure he doesn’t have a place to run.”

“I feel like when you have four first-round picks on the defensive line, we are expected to make some of those plays. Again, we have four first-round picks, so we need to get the job done. The D-Line has to play better, and we are going to play better.”

“I mean, we lost 37-3. I think you can safely say everybody on the team failed.”

DC Radio host declares ‘Howell won’t start in 2024’

A premature declaration after two NFL starts.

Wednesday, I found myself hoping a DC radio host was going to be dead wrong.

“The Sports Junkies” of 106.7 The Fan were disagreeing (rather strongly) regarding Washington Commanders starting quarterback Sam Howell. They couldn’t agree on how well or how badly Howell played in the Week 1 opener against the Cardinals.

Then John-Paul Flaim launched his bold declaration, “I am not changing my opinion at all. He will not be the starting quarterback next year.”

Eric Bickel strongly disagreed, supporting Howell. While “Cakes” simply declared that it is much too early to make such a declaration either way. Jason Bishop felt both positions by Flaim and Bickel were in error and time to play out.

Some of the criticism of Howell from Flaim was that Howell took too many sacks and seemed flat-footed in the pocket. He suggested some sacks were about Howell not pulling the trigger and that his sack rate was high at North Carolina.

Flaim compared Howell to Rex Grossman., expressing that Grossman was a mediocre quarterback who, at times, could make some really nice throws but other times, had acute ups and downs.

Those criticizing Howell similarly point to the context of that first game was against a team like the Cardinals, who are pretty much near or at the bottom of most current NFL power rankings.

It seems Howell showed promise during preseason games that are much slower and less intense. Thus, many were left disappointed in Howell’s Week 1 performance.

But in Week 1 in the NFL, if you had a good week, your fan base most often will exaggerate your accomplishments. If you did not have a good week, your fan base most often will bury you, making you to be much worse than you actually are.

Whatever, the declaration, “Sam Howell will not be the starter next year” is clearly premature. Howell has plenty of time to prove his unbelievers wrong. This Sunday in Denver would be a good time to start.