Tag: 2023 Commanders Preseason

Commanders HC Ron Rivera debuts ‘The Game Plan’

Which offensive players stood out this summer? What about the defensive players who stood out?

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera and former Washington tight end Logan Paulsen debuted “The Game Plan“ Sunday.

The episode is available on YouTube. This is the first of a weekly show the two will generate throughout the season.

Paulsen, at the outset, asked Rivera if going 3-0 in the preseason really meant anything.

“It does,” Rivera answered. “Because of the attitude you create, because of the tone you set. Winning begets winning. Learning to do things the right way is probably one of the most important things you want to do during training camp, and I felt like we did a lot of good things.”

Rivera declared that quarterback Sam Howell needed to show during the offseason that he was growing and headed in the right direction. Rivera feels Howell arrived at training camp and exhibited growth in his two preseason games and the two scrimmages against the Ravens.

Roster building is something Rivera has mentioned in the past that is very important in his job.

“If you can draft well and develop your guys, you’re going to have guys fit what you are doing. You’ll have a period of time with them…I’m excited to see if we are right.”

Paulsen expressed three players on the offense had stood out to him in this preseason and training camp: TE Cole Turner, QB Sam Howell and WR Jahan Dotson.

As for the defense, Rivera explained, “Defense is technically react, but your design has to be that if they react, we have an answer for whatever they do.”

He noted that he learned this playing for Buddy Ryan, who was the Bears defensive coordinator Rivera’s first couple of NFL seasons.

As for rookie CB Emmanuel Forbes, Rivera expressed, “I think people underestimate who he is. When you watch the way he practices and plays, this is a young man who is constantly putting himself in position to make plays.”

Paulsen then pointed out three defensive players he felt impressed with during camp and the preseason: CB Emmanuel Forbes, LB Khaleke Hudson and S Percy Butler.

As the coaches do their last week of preparing the team, Rivera stressed, “You want to go into this first game with the guys playing fast, confident and comfortable. A lot of the things we did this week, we are going to take and use going forward.”

“Command Center Game Day Live” will be the only Commanders’ pregame show providing live camera action down on the field one hour before kickoff with Brian Mitchell and Santana Moss.

Following the game, Paulsen will join Mitchell for the “Commanders Post Game Show” with a recap of the game’s big moments and going live to Coach Rivera at the podium.

Commanders Sam Howell praised by Rich Eisen

Eisen also discusses the expectations of Washington fans.

Who were the top five performers of the NFL Week 2 in this 2023 preseason?

NFL Network anchor Rich Eisen presented his top five Tuesday. Although in typical Eisen fashion, he was having fun.

Eisen felt the best performances for this past weekends preseason games were Giants receiver Jalin Hyatt, Packers quarterback Jordan Love, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell, and Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

“Holy Cow, Sam Howell, we see you!” began Eisen. “I will say, this is how crazy he has Washington Commander football fans (pause). I’m gonna out him.”

Eisen proceeded to declare he had been texted during Monday’s game by Ryan Hayden, a die-hard Washington football fan. Eisen then read the text, “Everyone will laugh, but this is a franchise-turning game for us. As sad as that is.”

Eisen then commented to his television audience, “I don’t know what is sadder, that you believe it, or that you know it’s sad and you still text it. But this is how it is for Washington football fans.”

Eisen began to wax confidently and humorously as he has often over the years, “Is Sam Howell it? Can he be it?”

Eisen then wondered aloud if previous owner Dan Snyder had played a role in the 2022 NFL draft when the Commanders selected Howell with the first selection of the fifth round.

“We see you, Sam Howell, and we will see you Week 1 against Arizona, a winnable game; everyone thinks the Commanders are going to win. And you came out like that wingin’ it.”

It’s preseason, yes, but it is also good to see the Commanders getting some positive press about something they have actually done on the field.

We can only hope the same will be said for the Commanders and Howell during the regular season.

Commanders’ QB Sam Howell impressive in the preseason win

Sam Howell with another strong preseason performance.

If you wanted Sam Howell to get some work on Monday night, you got your wish.

Howell, playing the first half against the Ravens in the Commanders’ second preseason game, attempted 25 first-half passes.

And why not? My goodness, Howell has only appeared in one regular-season game. He is learning a new offense with a new offensive coordinator. Howell needed game reps tonight, and he was able to complete 19 of his 25 passing attempts for 188 yards, two passing touchdowns and a 123.4 passer rating.

There were some plays where Howell held the ball too long, yes. They will be addressed, but when he delivered the ball, it visibly has more velocity. Howell also displayed an ability to move and maintain composure, looking downfield and attempting to find his receivers.

In the opening quarter, Howell completed six of seven attempts for 64 yards (9.1 yards per attempt), compiling a 104.8 passer rating.

Howell, in the second quarter, completed 13 of 18 attempts for 124 yards and two touchdowns.

Jahan Dotson led the way with five receptions for 76 yards, and Terry McLaurin caught three receptions for 39 yards, injuring a toe on his last reception and limping to the locker room.

Howell’s two touchdown passes were to Antonio Gibson from nine yards and to Dyami Brown from 11 yards. Gibson’s touchdown concluded a 45-yard drive, and Brown’s concluded a 79-yard drive, providing Washington a 17-14 halftime lead.

A good night of some much-needed work for Washington’s second-year quarterback.

Commanders Jonathan Allen battling Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is not an easy injury to deal with.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said Saturday that Jonathan Allen is battling Plantar fasciitis.

Rivera then added that it is not serious.

Allen has been a Pro Bowler his last two seasons and was also voted by other players into the Top 100 current players in the NFL.

Plantar fasciitis can quickly become very limiting, very painful and become a major issue if not treated properly early enough.

A man of Allen’s weight (300 pounds), and having to push off with his feet every single play, this could quickly become a serious issue if Allen does not get enough physical therapy and rest.

Plantar fasciitis was for a long time thought to be an issue primarily of inflammation. However, in recent years, studies on the tissue of those suffering from Plantar fasciitis have found it to be a matter of actual tissue death.

Certain shoes that have too small of a toe box actually restrict the tendons, muscles and blood circulation in the feet. Biopsies on some patients experiencing bad heel pain have revealed actual dying tissue.

Toe mobility and joint mobility are essential movements in physical therapy, helping the patient to address the actual root of the problem and not merely the symptoms.

The Commanders, of course, do see Allen as vital to their regular season success. It is certainly not essential that Allen continue to play this preseason. Perhaps Allen could simply undergo physical therapy throughout the remainder of the preseason and be permitted to sit out Monday’s contest at FedEx Field against the Ravens.

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 TE John Bates learning and believes in Sam Howell

Bates is a big believer in Sam Howell.

Commanders tight end John Bates spoke with the media Sunday, giving his thoughts on training camp and the team thus far in 2023.

Eric Bieniemy is installing the Kansas City offense during this training camp. Bates is positive thus far.

“I feel like as a group we’ve picked up on things really well and we’re still developing to learn those things, but I feel like we’re doing a really good job so far with this offense.”

Much of the media coverage has included talk of how the defense has been dominating the offense throughout training camp. But Bates understands the offense is new, so there is much to learn.

“You can see after a couple weeks now the timing’s getting there, everyone’s starting to get on the same page and so things are flowing and we’re really excited.”

Not only is Bieniemy teaching a new offense, he is emphasizing game-time situations, while players are still learning. So, of course they are behind a defense that is in the fourth season of Jack Del Rio’s system.

“He throws a lot of different game time situations that you don’t necessarily see all the time or stuff that comes up a lot. He wants to make sure that when we get into those situations that we execute at the highest level.”

Bates is confident in inexperienced quarterback Sam Howell as well. He sang Howell’s praises Sunday.

“I feel like since the day Sam got here, everyone knew what he was about and what he could bring to this team and what he was able to do in the past and what he’s shown to do here. Sam’s been doing a great job, and I’m excited to see what he does for us this year.”

Bates believes he himself is still growing, becoming a more fluid route runner, striving to improve each season.

One thing for certain, Bates is glad the first preseason game is Friday (in Cleveland).

“I mean, we’ve been going up against our defense now for three weeks, and I think everyone’s ready to hit someone else…It really gets fun when you start going up against opponents, and you’re really working together as a complete team trying to accomplish a goal of winning.”