Tag: 2022 Washington Commanders

Commanders at 6-5: How often have you said that?

It’s not often Washington has been over .500 at this point of the season.

With Sunday’s win in Houston, the Commanders rose above the .500 mark and now are sitting at 6-5 with six games to play.

You may recall last year’s team (2021) was 2-6, won four straight to get to 6-6 but then lost four straight before winning the season finale.

Usually at this stage of the season after the 11th game, the season is pretty much over for Washington fans. Sadly, in the last 30 seasons, it has not been often that at this stage of the season, Washington even had a winning record.

The 2018 team was the last Washington team to be 6-5 or better. However, they had actually been 6-3 but lost to Houston when they lost Alex Smith for a year and a half. That team lost four straight as both Smith, and his backup Colt McCoy suffered a broken leg. The 2018 team, having to play Josh Johnson and Mark Sanchez off the street at quarterback, actually lost six of their final seven games, finishing 7-9.

The 2016 team was 6-5-1 but heading the wrong way, having been 6-3-1 when suddenly Trent Williams tested positive again, letting down the team, and being suspended the next four games.

The 2015 team, with Kirk Cousins in his first full season as a starter, was 5-7 before winning their final four games to capture the NFC East title at 9-7. Similarly, yet, even more, the 2012 team in Robert Griffin’s rookie season was 3-6, rebounded, and won their final seven regular season games to finish 10-6 atop the NFC East.

Of note, the 2005 team was 5-6 before winning their final five games to finish 10-6 and win the NFC East.

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NFC East goes 3-1 in Week 11

It was yet another strong week for the NFC East.

The NFC East (29-12) continued its run of having the best record of the divisions in the NFL, winning three of four in Week 11.

The AFC East (26-14) also has each of its teams with a winning record. However, with the Eagles being two games better than the Dolphins and Bills, the NFC East still holds the edge.

Dallas was super impressive going to Minnesota and kicking the Vikings 40-3. It was hands down the most impressive victory by an NFL team thus far in 2022.

The Eagles scored late to escape Indianapolis with a 17-16 win, while Washington went to Houston and shut down the Texans 23-10.

However, the Giants were disappointing, losing at home to the Lions 31-18.

  • Eagles 9-1
  • Cowboys 7-3
  • Giants 7-3
  • Commanders 6-5

Commanders will attempt to run over the Texans

Expect a similar game plan from Monday night for the Commanders in Week 11 vs. the Texans.

Washington ran the ball 49 times against the Eagles, so I wonder what they will attempt to do Sunday against the Texans?

The Texans tied the Colts their first game, lost three consecutively, defeated the Jaguars, and have now managed to lose four straight.

Now, back to the question, What will the Commanders attempt to accomplish offensively Sunday in Houston?

At first thought you might reply, “The Texans coaches and players saw the Monday night game against the Eagles. Therefore, they will plan to load up and stop the run. So Washington should be prepared to mostly pass against the Texans.”

But a closer look will reveal something surprising. It seems each NFL team the Texans have faced this year, have attempted to mostly run the ball with the one exception being the Chargers. The Chargers only rushed for 81 yards against the Texans, while all other eight opponents have rushed for over 100 yards.

Zoom in a bit closer and you won’t help but notice, the Texans, though knowing their opponents are going to attempt to run the ball, have yielded over 140 yards rushing in seven of their nine games.

It gets even worse. The Texans have given up 177 rushing yards to the Colts, 149 to the Broncos, 281 to the Bears, 136 to the Jaguars, 164 to the Raiders, 314 to the Titans, 143 to the Eagles, and 176 to the Giants.

So, yes, of course the Texans are going to load up the box to stop the Washington run. Yet, seeing the huge results of other opponents, Washington must attempt to run the ball anyway because apparently, the Texans run defense has been that under performing all season.

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Commanders assistant Jim Hostler busy behind the scenes

Washington senior offensive assistant Jim Hostler explains his role on the coaching staff. And he loves Washington’s wide receivers.

Commanders senior offensive assistant Jim Hostler constantly has himself involved in two projects.

“I spend a little bit more time on game planning ahead of the teams we play. That allows [OC] Scotty [Turner] obviously to be in the moment of the game he’s calling that week, and I’m just a little bit ahead of him when we start on Monday and Tuesday with the game planning.

Secondly, Hostler helps out with the wide receivers helping coach the routes, and the concepts if they have any questions. He is glad to free up Turner in both ways.

Hostler likes the depth that’s developed at the wide receiver position.

“I feel good about it. I think we’ve done a good job of bringing the players in, drafting the young players that we have, and defining what they could do before we got ’em here. Then the ability for us to try to use ’em in their capacities. We’ve got a group that any of ’em can play. Even the young down-the-line guys. We don’t have any fear right now of putting ’em in the games.”

Hostler was asked about his scouting teams in advance.

“I’m not really looking at numbers or anything like that. I’m just looking at them as a defense. What do they do? How we’re gonna attack it. Obviously, when you start game planning next week, Scotty’s window of preparation for the game planning is a lot smaller than mine is because I can spend two or three days from the previous week working on the next opponent.”

Hostler is comfortable in this role, having much NFL experience doing the same type of activity.

I’ve done this several times. I did it in Buffalo for [Broncos Head Coach] Nathaniel [Hackett]. That’s where I first started doing it. It’s the same role, and I did it in Green Bay. When I was in Green Bay that was my role there, so that’s kind of the reason why we sort of did what we did. Obviously, we did what we did because we loved [wide receivers coach] Drew [Terrell] and know how good of a coach Drew is as a young coach.”

The role means, for Hostler, forcing himself to move on to the next opponent by midweek.

“We spend Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and then obviously you’re practicing Wednesday, early down kinds of things. Then you’re practicing situational offense on Thursday and Friday and usually that’s all done by Wednesday night. There’s a little bit of stuff done on Thursday, but usually after Wednesday nights the meetings are over, and I’m on to the next opponent.”

Commanders in 8th place for NFC playoff position

The Commanders are in a good position with seven games remaining, but they must continue to win.

Going through a four-game losing streak to start the season 1-4, it seemed highly unlikely Commanders fans would be talking the team possibly making the playoffs.

In fact, after a Week 5 loss to the Titans at FedEx Field, Twitter was suddenly being populated by Commanders fans talking about tanking the rest of the 2022 season to ensure as high a 2023 first-round selection as possible. There were also others certainly talking about draft position after only five weeks of the season.

Yet, here we are after ten weeks, and the Commanders are 5-5 sitting by themselves in the No. 8 position. The Eagles, Vikings, Seahawks and Bucs have the top four spots in that order. The three wildcard spots, for now, are held by the Giants (7-2), Cowboys (6-3) and 49ers (5-4).

Then the Commanders (5-5) lead the Falcons and Cardinals, both at 4-6. The Packers, having lost at home to the Titans Thursday night, fell back to 4-7.

This week’s schedule for the teams currently in wild card positions (5 through 7), the Giants are hosting the Lions (3-6), the Cowboys go to the Vikings (8-1) and the 49ers travel to the Cardinals (4-6).

The Commanders take to the road to play the Texans (1-7-1), while the Falcons, one game back of the Commanders, host the Bears (3-7).

In the last decade, Washington has won the NFC East three times (2012, 2015, 2020). Washington has not earned a wild card spot since the 2007 season.

NFC East continues to have best record in NFL

It was another banner week for the NFC East, led by the Commanders’ upset over the Eagles.

The NFC East has each team at .500 or better. Incidentally, in the AFC East, each team has a winning record. However, seeing both Philadelphia and New York have better records than all AFC East teams, the NFC East still has the best overall record through Week 10.

Dallas led Green Bay at Lambeau 28-14 in the second half, but the Cowboys were outscored 17-0 down the stretch, falling to the Packers 31-28.

Washington went up to Philly and surprised the undefeated Eagles 32-21, while the Giants took over second place in the division with their 24-16 win over the Texans.

  • Eagles 8-1
  • Giants 7-2
  • Cowboys 6-3
  • Commanders 5-5

 

Commanders Ron Rivera: ‘Well, don’t ask the question, then’

Ron Rivera knew he would be asked about more off-field stuff when he spoke to the media Thursday.

Ron Rivera met with the press Thursday and knew a particular question would be asked.

On Wednesday, the Commanders (referenced Brian Robinson being shot) in a press release responding to a civil suit that was going to be announced the following day against Daniel Snyder and the NFL, by DC Attorney General Karl Racine.

“Jason came out and made a statement last night and talked about it. Just going forward, as far as we are concerned it’s interesting. I’m being sincere.”

“We are trying to focus on what’s on the field. We can’t control that portion (off-field) of it again. What we control is the football aspect of it. What our players do, what our team does on the football field. We are going to remain focused on that.”

Rivera was understandably frustrated and admitted as much. “Yes, because it will be talked about; that’s the honest truth. To me, it’s a moot point because we control what’s on the football field. That’s what I told the players. ‘Let’s just focus on what we do, on what’s important for what we do and how we handle things’.”

“I know you guys are going to ask the question and somebody is going to ask me, ‘Well what do you think about the distractions’? Well, don’t ask the question, then. Leave him alone. You guys know how everybody feels and you know everybody is putting it out there. So let’s just focus on playing the game.”

When asked how the players reacted to Robinson being used in the statement, “When I talked to the players, the players seem to understand and be in a good place. I have an open-door policy if they want to come speak to me. I urge them to come talk to me. To date, nobody has talked to me.”

“I talked to Brian last night, and talked to him again today. Brian is in a great spot. Brian didn’t understand what the big fuss was. I have to decide whether or not this is going to get back to the players. If it’s something I feel will get back to the players, then I’ve got to address it with the guys. I do wonder about some of the reactions, the perception. So I mention it quickly ‘so you guys know what is out there. It doesn’t affect what we do on the football field, so let’s not be concerned with it. Let’s focus on playing the game’.”

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Commanders midseason Grades: Offensive Line

What grade would you give Washington’s offensive line through nine games?

It’s no secret the Commanders have tremendously missed their 2021 starting guards Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers. Andrew Norwell, Trai Turner and Saahdiq Charles are no doubt tired of hearing about it. I understand. Yet, if the unit’s play was better, the reminders of Scherff and Flowers would be much less frequent.

After scoring 28 and 27 points in the first two games, the Commanders have only scored over 17 points in the win over Green Bay (23-21) over the last seven games.

A reason (not the only reason) the scoring is down has been the inability of the offensive line to protect the quarterbacks. For instance, Washington is ranked 27th in yards lost due to quarterback sacks (179) and 29th in sacks allowed, having yielded 29 in their nine games.

Only seven NFL teams average less than the Commanders in yards per rushing attempt (4.1). The Commanders are 18th in Rushing 1st Down Percentage. Their 1st Down runs have been successful 23.8 percent of the time.

Center Chase Roullier only playing the first two games of the season (28, 27 points) certainly has limited the line’s ability in the middle to run and pass block.

Trai Turner was benched a few weeks ago, yet he has started the last two weeks at right guard. Right tackle Cornelius Lucas had his struggles with pass protection vs Minnesota.

Then comes the screen game, which is virtually non-existent with this offensive line. Sam Cosmi, who tested as one of the more athletic offensive tackles is recovering from a broken hand.

Tress Way has punted more often (50) than any NFL punter through nine games, because the offense simply cannot sustain drives and put points on the board.

Grade: C-

NFC East goes 3-1 in Week 8

It was another banner week for the NFC East.

The NFC East continues to shine, winning three of four games in NFL Week 8.

The Eagles remained undefeated rolling the Steelers, the Cowboys owned the Bears, the Commanders came from behind late in Indianapolis to win, and the Giants lost on the road to NFC West leader Seattle.

  • Eagles 7-0
  • Cowboys 6-2
  • Giants 6-2
  • Commanders 4-4

Jay Gruden: Taylor Heinicke bounced back

Jay Gruden, as always, provides terrific insight into quarterback play and was impressed by Taylor Heinicke’s effort on Sunday.

“I think Taylor played like Taylor; he had his ups and downs.”

That was Jay Gruden, former Washington head coach who appeared as a guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast Wednesday.

Here are some excerpts from Gruden.

“He (Heinicke) started out woefully slow with really bad throws. He had a fumble picked up that would have been for a touchdown if not for a horrible holding call. But he bounced back, typical Heinicke. He keeps grinding, playing hard, made some plays when it counted, some throws when it really mattered, and got the victory. So, got to applaud him.”

“I think you are going to have to live with some of his errant throws from time to time. You are going to get a tough, gritty quarterback who is going to try to find a way to move the chains with his legs, scramble around, make some throws. Tough, mentally tough, physically tough kid.”

“But you are going to have to rely on your defense to play well. I don’t think you are ever going to score 35 points, throw for 350 yards. But, they can win; they can win ugly. He can make enough plays to move the chains and help the team win.”

“Well, I think the issues with Carson is they were 3-22 their last 25 third downs. When you are 3-22, it means you are punting and off the field, your not maintaining any drives, not able to run the ball.”

“If you are converting third downs, you are able to get more plays in, keep your defense fresh. Heinicke gives you a bit more freedom to convert third downs because he can run. If you are not a great pocket passer, you better be able to move. Taylor gives you the ability to run.”

Sheehan inquired to what offensive coordinator Scott Turner would prefer to do when Carson Wentz was the starter.

“You have to adapt to the quarterback you have. You can’t call for deep shots if your quarterback can’t get the ball down the field. His arm isn’t THAT bad. He did throw a good go-ball to Terry McLaurin for a touchdown,. It’s not like he has a pop-gun arm.”

“With Carson, they weren’t able to move the ball 80 yards in 15 plays. With Heinicke, they have that opportunity because he adds the ability to run and convert third down.”

“He is going to get more one-on-one coverage because teams will want to load the box and force him to throw the ball down the field. So he will get more of those opportunities, where Carson saw more two-deep to get him to check it down. Heinicke? They are going to make him throw it over the top. He will have to complete three or four of those a game for this offense to be successful moving forward.”

“You are always in the market for a quarterback when you are making quarterback changes mid-season due to injury or lack of success. It’s hard to find them. To find one in the draft is going to be difficult. Where they are going to pick it’s going to be difficult. You got to have one of the first two (quarterback picks) typically, if great quarterbacks are available. Free Agents? I don’t know who is going to be free. You are always looking for a quarterback. They are hard to find.”

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