Tag: 2022 Commanders Training Camp

Commanders coach Ron Rivera optimistic and realistic

Ron Rivera is optimistic about the 2022 NFL season.

Coach Ron Rivera sat down with Julie Donaldson Friday expressing he is both optimistic but also realistic about his 2022 Washington Commanders team.

This is Rivera’s third season leading Washington, and though there are setbacks (injuries), he is pleased thus far preparing for Jacksonville. “I think that things have gone well. There’s been a lot of pluses that we are building on and getting better.”

Rivera spoke of the youth of this team, the energy and enthusiasm. “We have a guy who we think can be our quarterback for a while. When you look at the skill positions, that is where you truly do see the youth. At running back the veteran guy is J.D. (McKissic). At tight end, the veteran guy is Logan (Thomas). Wide receiver the veteran guy is Terry (McLaurin). Terry is only going into his fourth season.”

The former Panthers head coach (2011-19) is optimistic about some of his older veterans as well. “Where you really see the anchor though is our front. Our front five is a group of guys we feel very comfortable about and really think these guys can help protect Carson to give him time to get the ball to those talented young players.”

Rivera is realistic. He knows the line is beat up right now as well as the tight ends. The only one that has been healthy is Armani (Rogers). He is the only one able to be out there. The best part of him, he is such an athletic football player, that he makes plays.”

“We won’t have everybody out on the field Saturday. But once we get back together the following week, we will start to get all our guys out there and start prepping as we get ready for the opener (Sept.11).”

He has not been able to see a healthy unit thus far, “What you really want to be able to do is once we know (who is healthy) that group has to work together over and over in preparation for Jacksonville.”

A former linebacker, linebacker’s coach and defensive coordinator, Rivera was open about his disappointment in the third-down defense against Kansas City. “Those are things we can do better. First and foremost we coaches got to make sure that these guys understand what the important significance of third down is. And the significance of who that quarterback is. When Patrick Mahomes is out on the field, there is a certain discipline you have to rush with.”

We dialed up a couple of pressures, and we didn’t run them the way we needed to. Because of that, the pressure got there a step too late. So you look at those things, and you say, ‘That’s disappointing first and foremost, but that is correctable.”

There was much more, so see the link above for the full interview.

 

 

Commanders J.D. McKissic feels great to be back playing

J.D. McKissic is happy to be back healthy and understands his role for the Commanders.

J.D. McKissic is back and feels great about being with the Commanders.

After injuring his neck against Seattle on MNF on November 29, McKissic was out the remaining six games of the season. Washington proceeded to go 2-4 in those final six games.

“I was very excited to get back out there again and to actually make a play too, said McKissic to the media Tuesday. “It felt great.”

Being healthy and back again is not enough for the seven-year veteran. He is pushing himself. “Just be better. Make guys miss, get freaky with the ball basically, and just be better than what I was the last two years.”

Commenting on his reception Saturday against the Panthers, “…The O-line blocked it up great, and Carson [Wentz] made a great pass. It was easy. But just to stand up and feel good about it, I’m blessed. God took care of me through the whole thing (neck injury) and finally get a chance to get on the field again. It was a lot of excitement.”

Entering his third season in Washington, McKissic is supportive of Antonio Gibson. “Antonio is a motivated young man. It happens; sometimes they get the ball out. It was a crazy play. The defender made a great play. But he’s focused; he came back in the game, he came back in and ran extremely hard.”

He likes what he sees in rookie RB Brian Robinson, “He went to Alabama, he’s prepared well. He can run the football; that’s what he does. He got out and showed that. We’re excited about it. He did a fantastic job.”

A former receiver at Arkansas State, McKissic has had to make adjustments to running back. He was with Atlanta, Seattle and Detroit prior to Washington. “I was a receiver. But I was moved to a running back, so it was very hard, and I got the chance to keep getting better at it now that I’m here.”

On his fourth NFL team, McKissic likes what he sees in Carson Wentz. “He’s a great QB. We just talked about it. I’m trying to remind guys that he was an MVP candidate that year when they went to the Super Bowl. So, we’re excited about him. He looks great, and he’s doing great.”

In working against the defense every day, “Jamin (Davis) looks good. He’s flying around; he’s block shedding. When those guys go up against me, they, you know, they take it upon themselves to do the best they can. I got to kind of remind myself to not let them win sometimes. Cause once they win, I got to hear it.”

Of course, players want the ball more often, but McKissic now age 29, is accepting his role. “I’m a team player…  And I’m gonna be there when my number is called, that’s how my job has been my whole life. When my number is called, I’m ready to make the play. And that’s how we all got to do. You got to be happy for the next man and go eat, you know? It’s third down. If, my number is called, hey, let’s go.”

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

WATCH: Commanders’ CB Danny Johnson’s one-handed interception in practice

Washington cornerback Danny Johnson with an impressive interception during Tuesday’s practice.

The Washington Commanders were back in pads for another competitive practice on Tuesday. It was a good day for some receivers, such as Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin, but overall, it was another impressive effort by Washington’s defense.

And one of the most impressive plays in camp occurred on Tuesday when cornerback Danny Johnson went up high for a one-handed interception on a pass intended for wide receiver Dax Milne during red-zone drills.

Check it out:

Washington’s top three cornerbacks spots are locked up with Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste and William Jackson III. Johnson appears to have the fourth spot locked up.

Entering his fifth season in the NFL — all with Washington — Johnson is coming off his best season as a pro in 2021.

The Commanders face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 of the preseason on Saturday.

Commanders Updates from Tuesday’s practice and roster Moves

Lots of news and notes from Commanders’ training camp on Tuesday.

Tuesday’s Washington Commanders news provided some raised eyebrows.

Washington head coach Ron Rivera was not pleased with some aspects of Tuesday’s practice. Per John Keim, Rivera had players take a knee on a side field, talking to them for five to six minutes. Following practice, when Keim asked Rivera about it, he would only say he was not happy with some things.

It would not be surprising to find running backs Jaret Patterson, Jonathan Williams or Brian Robinson Jr taking some reps in punt coverage as the protection back. But Antonio Gibson? That certainly grabbed everyone’s attention. Will Saturday’s fumble impact Gibson’s status?

Washington made some roster moves getting down to the NFL 85-man limit for August 16. Troy Apke a fourth-round pick in 2018 (Penn State) was limited to only special teams duty in 2021, making him expendable. Also, tight end Sammis Reyes was placed on the Reserve/Injured list.

Wes Schweitzer (guard/center) injured a hip Tuesday. Schweitzer is a strong beast and coaches would certainly like to keep him healthy along the offensive line, especially with his experience and versatility to play all three inside positions.

Rookie guard Chris Paul (Tulsa) performed well at times Saturday. Rivera even described him as “stout” following Saturday’s game. With Schweitzer going down, it was Paul who took his place Tuesday and reportedly performed admirably.

Jamin Davis pleased running backs coach Randy Jordan with his coverage against J.D. McKissic. Davis disappointed in his rookie season (2021), but Jordan liked what he saw Tuesday from Davis, verbalized it to Davis, and slapped hands as well with Davis on the play.

Citing Keim again, he stated for this defense to step up in 2022, Davis is one player who will “need to get it.” Keim reported Davis did make three consecutive plays Tuesday that were encouraging, pointing to his improvement thus far in camp.

Scott Turner called plays from the sideline Saturday, providing more effective communication with his quarterbacks, and apparently will continue the new approach this season. Offensive assistant Jim Hostler who was with Rivera and Turner in Carolina and came to Washington in 2020 moves to the booth this season.

Cornerback Danny Johnson made a stellar interception in the red zone while covering wide receiver Dax Milne. Taylor Heinicke passed toward Milne but Johnson reaching up with one arm, picked off the pass, and took off down the field.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

PFF gives Commanders QB Sam Howell mixed reviews after preseason opener

How did PFF view Sam Howell’s first NFL game?

Sam Howell entered his first NFL game after halftime in Washington’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. Howell started slowly, likely due to Washington’s plan to give him some easy, high-percentage throws.

However, Washington’s coaches turned Howell loose in the fourth quarter, with the Commanders trailing 20-6. Suddenly, Howell let the ball rip, looking downfield first before scanning the field to find an open receiver. His arm strength was on full display.

After moving the ball downfield with relative ease, Howell finished off consecutive drives with touchdown runs, displaying his athleticism. After the second touchdown run, Howell found wide receiver Alex Erickson for a two-point conversion to give the Commanders a 21-20 lead.

While Washington would eventually lose the game on a last-minute field goal, it was an impressive debut for Howell.

How did the folks at Pro Football Focus view Howell’s performance? In his game recap, Sam Monson says the following about Howell:

Rookie Sam Howell entered in the third quarter and impressed. In addition to his 143 passing yards, he produced two rushing touchdowns and a go-ahead two-point conversion late in the game.

Meanwhile, on Monday, another PFF analyst, Kevin Cole, tweeted a graphic showing each young quarterback’s passing grades and efficiency from Week 1 of the preseason. He saw Howell’s performance differently, which he explained in a follow-up tweet.

His thoughts on Howell’s lower grade:

PFF often sees things differently — and they aren’t wrong. They aren’t always right, either. Howell wasn’t perfect in his first game, but he flashed multiple traits that have Washington fans excited for the future.

All in all, it was a terrific debut for Howell.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Commanders Wes Schweitzer works on the field and the rocks

Wes Schweitzer is one of Washington’s most valuable players. He explains his unique offseason training.

Wes Schweitzer rocks!

The Washington Commanders guard/center really does rock in the weight room. Some may recall a tweet displaying Schweitzer setting a personal best.

But Schweitzer in talking with the media following Monday’s practice, expressed he really loves the rocks, rock climbing that is.

“I was lucky enough to meet a certain trainer and he kind of trains outside the box,” Schweitzer said. “Austin Einhorn, he’s in Santa Cruz, California. Basically, my first couple years I felt super weak. I was one of the strongest people in the weight room, but I had a lot of injuries, hyperextended elbows. And he’s like, ‘Hey, like, why don’t you try some climbing holes, like try some different stuff.'”

Sure enough, the different types of strength training helped Schweitzer immediately. “Literally in five minutes, I felt pain-free, you know, after I’ve been in pain, lots of pain for months. And so it kind of opened my eyes. Okay, maybe there’s something to this.  I went to a gym, I gained 15 pounds of muscle, just starting to climb and it changed my game. So now I could play three spots and feel strong and confident. So, it’s made a huge impact on my career.”

With starting center Chase Roullier recovering from his surgery from his fractured fibula against Denver in the 2021 season, Schweitzer is getting work at center. He is also getting work at guard, as the Commanders must replace both 2021 starting guards Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers. “It’s gone well. In my career I have had 57 starts, 56 are at guard. So to be able to spend a lot of time at center, it’s good for me to get some time in a camp and practice so we can prepare in the season, to be ready to play that spot.”

Entering his sixth NFL season, Schweitzer is not saying it is easy playing multiple positions. “I think it’s very difficult. I mean, you can look at rosters along the league, like how many people can start at all three interior spots and do well. So the Carolina game last year, I’d never started a game at center I’m in the game playing. We played well, and we won the game, you know? So I take a lot of pride in that. I don’t know if there’s anyone that could do that at all three spots, so I took a lot of pride in that.”

Practicing against Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne helps Schweitzer as well. “He’s (Allen) relentless, and he’s a guy that you love to practice against because when I play against him, every day in practice, I got to bring my best. There’s not a day I can just show up and hope to do well, but that makes me better. And hopefully, I’m making him better, but we’re both trying to play at our best every single day.

When asked about rookie defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis, he replied, “He’s a big, strong guy. He’s a young guy. He tries hard every day; that’s what you want. You don’t want people who are high draft picks to show up and just expect they’re going to make it. I like his attitude. I like his work ethic.”

If Schweitzer has a good year, you can bet he will continue on the rocks.
“I’m constantly doing this all the time (grip strength, grip positions). “Rock climbing is that, but in really hard positions. So it has a huge transfer. It’s unbelievable what it’s done for me.”

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Phidarian Mathis learning in the NFL and the DMV

Phidarian Mathis has the right attitude about working hard and waiting his turn.

Phidarian Mathis is glad to be a Washington Commander.

The rookie from Alabama enjoyed his first training camp. “It was very exciting to be out there with the guys. It was a dream come true for me. It was amazing just being out there with my defensive linemen and just playing the game that I love.”

Admittedly, there was some surprise the first preseason game.
“The game is fast. That’s something that was very surprising to me. Just going into the game I knew it was going to be fast, but to get to actually see it. That was one of the things that I felt the difference from college ball.”

Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen are being good models for Mathis. “I’m just really learning how to be a pro. Just watching how those guys come to practice, how they work hard, how they take the game seriously, just watching their leadership, just falling in line, being right behind those guys, and just trying to learn from them every day.”

Mathis realizes it will take time to be a starter. “I’m not a selfish guy, I had to wait my time in Alabama. I was there five years, so I understand what it means to wait. But you can’t look at it like that. You got to look at it like, just come to practice, get better every day, and just be ready when your time comes.”

Phidarian and his family had to be informed on what the DMV means.
“Yeah, they are all caught up. I’m from the country, so nobody knows too much about the DMV. So I had to learn it myself, but everybody is on track now.”

The rookie enjoys watching the film of former ‘Bama defensive linemen now in the NFL. “We got so many guys in the NFL that I can lean on, especially defensive tackle-wise. I got Jon (Allen) and Payne (Daron) here. I got Quinnen Williams (Jets) and  (Christian) Barmore (Patriots). There are so many guys I can name. Just really watching their film and just seeing how they do things.”

There is one thing Mathis really enjoys about NFL training camp.
“Not going to school. You get to just play football. You can be around football all day. I think that’s kind of the (most fun) thing, just coming out here, playing football, knowing that you don’t have to stay up late to study for a test, or anything like that.”

 

Commanders WR Curtis Samuel: ‘I will be out there Week 1’

Curtis Samuel sets the record straight about his health and Week 1 status.

When Washington wide receiver Curtis Samuel was sidelined toward the end of the team’s offseason program, fans began to worry. There was a “here we go again” feeling with Samuel, who appeared in only five games last season.

But the Commanders had a plan to ensure they had a healthy Samuel for Week 1 and the entire 2022 season. Early in training camp, head coach Ron Rivera spoke of Washington wanting to take it easy with Samuel by gradually ramping up his activity throughout the summer. As Rivera said, this was all about conditioning.

Over the past week, Samuel has practiced, including making an impressive touchdown reception in Washington’s practice at FedEx Field on Saturday. He was back at practice this week.

Now, Samuel wants to set the record straight.

In an interview with Scott Abraham of ABC 7 in Washington, D.C., Samuel spoke to directly to fans — or anyone listening — about his health and availability for Week 1.

“Everybody, don’t worry about anything,” Samuel says smiling looking directly into the camera. “We have a plan, and it’s working. I feel good, I’m confident, the coaches are confident, we got a plan, and we’re sticking to it.”

And finally, Samuel offered the following declaration:

“I will be out there Week 1,” he said. “Trust me when I tell you, I’m taking care of myself.”

The Commanders host the Jaguars in Week 1 of the 2022 season.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Commanders WR Jahan Dotson: ‘I feel like I’m progressing really well’

Jahan Dotson continues to prove he has the right attitude entering his rookie season.

Last week he was called the best receiver on the team.

This week, Commanders rookie wide receiver Jahan Dotson before the media, was clear he is progressing and still needs to be working hard.

“I feel like I’m progressing very well, you know, just getting the playbook down. That’s the biggest thing… Just taking it day by day though, you know, taking it step by step, not looking too far ahead in the future. Just coming in and working every day.”

The Penn State rookie feels wide receivers coach Drew Terrell is helping in his own development. “Working with Coach Terrell has been great. He’s taught me a lot that I didn’t know about as a receiver. Just helping me perfect my craft, helping me be the best receiver possible and putting me in the best situation possible. So, I give a big credit to him. I can’t wait to just go on years with him.”

Strangely he was asked if the offensive line has been consistent. “I honestly couldn’t even answer that for you. I get off the ball and I’m focused on downfield. I barely have time to see what the line does. That’s crazy that you asked that because in walk-throughs yesterday, I’m still trying to get to know everyone and I was asking the guys, who are all the linemen?”

Dotson isn’t naive, knowing he needs to mature and learn all he can about the NFL. “I’m still a 22-year-old kid, you know, just learning the ropes. Just pretty much coming in every day and just learning to be a professional, taking it day by day, step by step and just taking the corrective criticism that I can take from my peers. You can never stop learning. Guys have been in this predicament before. I’m taking it and I’m using it so I can help better myself.”

The 16th overall pick in the draft realizes it is vital to develop a chemistry with the quarterbacks.

“It’s my obligation to catch the football and I feel like that’s what I gotta do. The quarterbacks they’re on a footwork timing basis and we gotta be in that spot at the right time. So, it’s my job to get there and go get the ball. I feel like we’re building a great chemistry with the quarterbacks Taylor (Heinicke), Carson (Wentz), Sam (Howell), The guys are looking great. So, I feel like it’s just gonna keep building every single day as we get these reps out here, practice and we’re gonna be good.”

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste talks moving inside

Benjamin St-Juste’s versatility makes him a good bet to succeed in covering the slot.

Washington cornerback Benjamin St-Juste was the talk of the offseason and training camp last offseason. The rookie third-round pick from Minnesota impressed coaches and teammates, evoking comparisons to former All-Pro cornerback Charles Tillman.

When Washington began the regular season, the secondary struggled. St-Juste didn’t necessarily struggle, but communications issues in the secondary were a major problem through Week 6 last season. Things improved, but St-Juste wasn’t always around for those improvements.

St-Juste missed the Week 4 win at Atlanta with a concussion. He returned to play in Weeks 5-8 before missing Week 9. He returned to play in Washington’s next two games, but only on special teams. Finally, in Week 12, Washington placed St-Juste on season-ending injured reserve, and his rookie season was over.

St-Juste is healthy now and is coming off another strong offseason. Earlier n the offseason, the coaching staff moved St-Juste inside to play the slot, believing his length and athleticism could make him a difference-maker inside.

On Tuesday, St-Juste talked about the move and why it fits.

“I knew I was going to be moved around from last year,” St-Juste said. “That was something that we’ve been talking about since I got drafted, based on my versatility. So I played corner; then, at the end of last year, they told me to learn how to play nickel. I’m still learning until this day how to feel really comfortable out there, but so far, so good. To answer your question, my versatility is a reason why I’m playing inside, and I can do that.”

At 6-foot-3, St-Juste has terrific size for a cornerback. He is also really good athlete, which is why coaches felt he could play inside or outside.

Does St-Juste believe his size will help him inside?

“It is good because traditionally the guys in the slot are smaller guys that are quicker,” St-Juste answered. “But the fact that I’m big, I’m 6′ 3,″ and I’m still as quick as the small guys [which] makes me excel at that position.”

The coaching staff believes St-Juste can be a Pro Bowl corner. He just needs to stay healthy.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=none image=https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]