Tag: 2024 Commanders defense

How are Commanders proceeding with Marshon Lattimore’s injury?

How are the Commanders proceeding with Marshon Lattimore’s injury?

Marshon Lattimore was considered a can’t-miss draft choice, being taken 11th overall by the Saints in 2017.

In addition, he has been a Pro-Bowler for four seasons; however, Lattimore only played seven games in 2022 and ten games in 2023 and has missed two of nine games this season.

Consequently, how did Lattimore’s injury affect an assessment by Adam Peters and Dan Quinn?

“He has a hamstring injury right now and just got in today. So, we’re just evaluating that.”

Peters then disclosed that before a deal was made, his medical team was permitted access to Lattimore’s injury history and records with the Saints.

“In terms of due diligence, when you’re doing a trade like this and there is a player that could be injured, our trainer will talk to their trainer, they’ll allow us to get the medical records and all that, so we understand the full picture, the full scope of the injury or just their injury history really.”

Apparently, there were no alarms scaring off the Commanders, as the deal was completed on Tuesday. So, when will Lattimore be on the field practicing and playing for the Burgundy and Gold?

“We got all that information and really (are) just taking it day-to-day and he won’t practice today, so you won’t see him out there today. But we’ll just take it day-by-day and put him out there when he is ready.”

Could Lattimore be making his debut with the Commanders in a Thursday Night divisional game in Philadelphia?

Commanders DC understands challenge of facing Caleb Williams

Commanders DC knows Caleb Williams presents a big challenge.

Joe Whitt Jr. is aware that Caleb Williams’s play is improving.

It was no secret that the Chicago Bears rookie quarterback struggled the first two weeks of the season. However, after seven weeks (six games), Williams has gotten more comfortable and gained confidence, and the Bears are now 4-2.

“Caleb, he’s a very talented young man,” Whitt said. “You see why he was regarded the way that he’s regarded coming out. I have the same respect for him.”

Last week, the Washington defense could dial up blitzes and come after the Panthers’ Andy Dalton and pretty much know where he was going to be. Dalton simply does not possess the mobility of Williams. Whitt knows his challenge is much greater this week.

“He can throw the ball from the pocket; he can throw it on a move. His arm contortion, where he can get the ball out from different angles, is really impressive. He can escape inside and outside. When he sets his feet, he can make any throw in the book. So, he’s a talented young player that’s going to be good for a long time in this league.”

The Bears certainly have the weapons for Williams and the offense to excel. The receivers group is loaded with DJ Moore, Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze. Also, Whitt knows what running back D’Andre Swift is accomplishing, averaging rushing for 54 yards per game and receiving 32 yards a game.

“Well, every game you’re going to have eligibles that are premium players, and they have a number of them…a lot of respect for those eligibles. And so, we have to just do a good job…they run the screens as good as anybody in football. So, we have to make sure that we do a great job of leveraging the screens play by 11 men. We have to set the edges inside, out.”

Seeing the Washington offense will most likely be without Jayden Daniels, if Whitt’s defense could generate two or three turnovers that would be very helpful as well.

 

Commanders activate rookie linebacker Jordan Magee

The Commanders activate rookie linebacker from IR.

Jordan Magee is planning on making his NFL regular season debut on Sunday.

Wednesday afternoon, the Commanders made the decision: they have activated the rookie linebacker out of Temple.

Unfortunately, Magee injured his knee in the first week of the preseason against the Jets. At the time, the Commanders announced that he would need a procedure, but his injury was not season-ending.

So, Magee is brought on to the roster in preparation for the Week 8 home contest against the Bears. To make room for Magee, the Commanders released Jamin Davis, who was in his fourth season with Washington.

Upon watching Magee’s highlight film prior to the draft, analyst Daniel Jeremiah summed up his analysis of Magee with, “He’s instinctive, twitchy and tough.”

The NFL permits a 21-day workout window for players returning from the Injured Reserve list. Magee’s 21-day window was coming to a conclusion. The Commanders determined to work out Magee testing the knee as often as they could. Had the Commanders chosen not to activate Magee on Wednesday, the league rules state Magee would have been out the remainder of the regular season.

The Commanders list Magee as 6-foot-3, 226 pounds. He was clocked with 4.55 speed and was selected 139th overall in the 2024 NFL draft. He will wear No. 58.

Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner have been the starting linebackers this season. Magee now joins Nick Ballore, Dante Fowler Jr (listed as LB) and Mykal Walker in the linebackers group on the active roster.

There is not currently a linebacker listed on the practice squad. With Magee leaving the injured reserve, those remaining on Injured Reserve are DT Jonathan Allen, WR Jamison Crowder, DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste and DT Norell Pollard.

NFL suspends Commanders cornerback six games

The NFL suspends the Washington cornerback for six games.

The NFL suspended Washington Commanders practice squad cornerback Kevon Seymour.

Seeing Seymour was on the practice squad on the same day that the Commanders released former first-round draft selection (2021) DE Jamin Davis, Seymour’s suspension could go unnoticed by many in the fan base.

Seymour, who has played for the Bills (2016), Panthers (2017), Eagles (2020), and Ravens (2021-23), came to the Commanders and was elevated to the active roster for two games.

Seymour, who turns 31 in November, was suspended by the NFL for six games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy. The league suspension means Seymour (drafted 218 overall by the Bills in 2016) will not be paid during the six weeks.

It also means Seymour is strictly prohibited from practicing with the team until the suspension concludes. Consequently, the cornerback from the USC Trojans is ineligible to return to the Commanders until following the contest against the Tennessee Titans in Week 13, scheduled for Sunday, December 1.

This means that had Seymour been elevated or signed to the active roster, he would have been certain to miss games against the Bears (WK 8), the Giants (WK 9), the Steelers (WK 10), the Eagles (WK 11), the Cowboys (WK 12), and the Titans (WK 13).

If the Commanders were to keep Seymour, he would first be available for game action in their Week 15 road game against the Saints in New Orleans.

At this time, the NFL has not elaborated, making no additional comments other than the simple fact that Seymour has been officially suspended. This is not unusual, as the NFL usually doesn’t disclose details regarding the PED violations or the substances discovered in the testing.

 

Commanders need more from DT Daron Payne

With Jonathan Allen out, Commanders need Daron Payne more than ever.

Daron Payne is not having one of his better seasons.

The former Alabama defensive tackle taken first round in the 2018 NFL draft had his biggest season in 2021, earned himself a big contract and hasn’t been as productive this season.

Payne thus far, through six games played, has contributed eight tackles (6 solo, 2 Assists). However, Payne has only produced two QB hits, 0.5 QB sacks, and zero tackles for a loss.

On Thursday, before the media, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was asked about last Sunday’s game in which Payne did not record a defensive statistic.

“Sometimes that’s going to happen. I’m not going to just dive into stats totally. He’s given us what we want. For the run game, alright, they ran for yards. It wasn’t because of him, alright. It was some other issues that they ran for. So, he’s one of our leaders and he’s doing the things that he needs to do.”

On Sunday, against the Panthers, Payne will have to begin playing without long-time partner Jonathan Allen, also from Alabama. Allen tore a pectoral muscle against the Ravens last week, requiring surgery. Allen will miss the remainder of 2024.

Thus, Payne will now start alongside rookie Johnny Newton (Illinois). Not only will Newton receive more snaps, but also reserve tackle Phidarian Mathis will be called upon more often. DT Sheldon Day was elevated to the active roster and DT Jalyn Holmes was signed. The Commanders also signed DT Carl Davis to the practice squad.

Commanders’ Jonathan Allen: ‘It is unfortunate, but God has a plan’

Jonathan Allen maintaining a positive attitude despite setback. Wants to help Johnny Newton.

Jonathan Allen again Tuesday showed himself to be a strong, dependable man.

Allen, for eight seasons, has been a leader for the Redskins/Commanders and very much a leader in taking accountability, being direct, and responsible.

Having torn a pectoral muscle Sunday and being declared out for the season, Allen, wanting to fulfill his obligation to the Sports Junkies (106.7 The Fan) Allen was faithful to his weekly appearance on their show.

Even more, to get in the fulfillment, Allen telephoned the Junkies while driving…driving to his scheduled surgery. Allen expressed this is his fifth surgery, having previously endured surgery and rehab on his shoulder (twice), neck, knee, and now pectoral muscle.

“People only see the good parts about playing in the league,” said Allen. “They see the money, the fame, the title that goes with it. But there are a lot of other things that come with it as well. If you’re motivated by money, eventually you’re going to look at it and be like, ‘it’s not worth it’.”

“Money doesn’t motivate me,” continued Allen. “I’m going to be just as hungry now as I was coming back to my work year. I’m looking forward to it. Does it suck? Yes, but everyone has a job, and everyone has a part of that job that sucks. This (injury needing surgery) happens to be my part.”

https://Twitter.com/NickiJhabvala/status/1845905040717824390

Allen was asked how it feels that the Commanders finally got a good quarterback (Jayden Daniels), and now he (Allen) suffers a season-ending injury.

“Yeah, it is unfortunate, but God has a plan, and his plan is never wrong. When you’re in the midst of it, it is easy to say, ‘Woe is me,’ and want everybody to feel bad for you. But at the end of the day, he has a plan that I’m going to be faithful to and see it through.”

“Trust me, the good thing about our situation is as long as we have Jayden, we have a chance. So I highly doubt this is going to be the only year that we’re going to have an opportunity to play some good football late in the season.”

Allen plans to remain in the building and do all he can to help rookie Johnny Newton, who suddenly finds himself having much more expected of him with Allen out for the remainder of the season.

Will Commanders change defensive strategy to stop Ravens?

Will Commanders’ change defensive strategy vs. Ravens?

The Ravens repeatedly pound the ball, so will the Commanders make alignment and personnel changes on Sunday?

In the first five weeks, the Commanders have started with an alignment of utilizing five defensive backs, often referred to as “Nickel.” If you are not aware, back in the ’60s, legendary former Washington coach George Allen, a defensive coordinator, invented the “Nickel.” He figured if he removed a linebacker, he could insert a quicker defensive back when the offense was more likely to pass.

Fast-forward to 2024, and the Commanders have started five defensive backs each game. However, on Sunday, they face a Ravens team that leads the NFL in rushing yards, uses a terrific running quarterback (Lamar Jackson), and has a huge full back (Patrick Ricard) who weighs 300 pounds. Last but certainly not least is the NFL’s leading rusher through five games, Derrick Henry.

Will Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt actually come out in their nickel (five DBs) attempting to stop that Ravens offense? I certainly wouldn’t recommend it. If the Commanders do change, what might they change?

Would Washington remove a corner in favor of a linebacker? Mykal Walker, at 230 pounds, might be a better fit than a fifth defensive back. Another candidate that was thought a possibility was rookie linebacker Jordan Magee. At 226 pounds and very mobile, he might have been a candidate to help shadow the speeding quarterback Jackson. However, on Saturday afternoon, the Commanders announced Magee was out for Sunday, still not activated.

Another option might have been to go with a third safety instead of a third corner. However, rookie, Tyler Owens (215 pounds) is injured and already declared out. Might they go with safety Darrick Forrest (200 pounds) as the fifth defensive back?

These would have been both bigger and more mobile options. With Magee and Owens out of the game, perhaps another option might be playing five defensive lineman instead of four.. The Commanders could remove a corner and go with either a much bigger defensive tackle (Johnny Newton) or perhaps a third defensive end, such as Dante Fowler. This would likely mean more snaps in the rotations for tackles Phidarian Mathis and Newton. It could also mean more for defensive ends such as Andre Jones, Jamin Davis, or Javontae Jean-Baptiste.

Whatever Quinn and Whitt have determined this week, it will most likely mean two corners rather than three. It will also include an extra linebacker or defensive lineman on the field attempting to stop the league’s best running offense.

 

Commanders’ Whitt makes it clear that only one thing matters

The Commanders’ defensive coordinator made it clear that only one thing matters.

In the last four weeks, the sports media world has repeatedly talked about Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders’ offense.

Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was asked about this Thursday at his press conference.

“Oh, I’m not necessarily looking for any type of attention,” Whitt said. “I’m looking for better play. Jayden, he’s getting all the attention that he’s getting because he’s played outstanding and that’s what comes with it. So, the only thing I care about is winning football games and I’m glad he’s our quarterback, and so we’re trending the right way the last couple weeks.

Whitt likes that the Commanders’ defense has played better the last two weeks, limiting the Cardinals to 14 points and the Browns to 13.

“And it’s going to keep going that way for the defense. We’re going to start making a little bit more splash, getting this ball. The physicality is definitely there, but I don’t care about being in darkness or light, I just care about winning. That’s the only thing I really care about.”

But this game is certainly a big one. It’s the top CBS game this week, with Jim Nantz and Tony Romo calling the game in Baltimore against the Ravens (3-2).

Dan Quinn clearly stated the game was not a measuring stick for his team, and on Thursday, Whitt did the same.

“I’m excited every time we step on the field, we’re not using Baltimore or anybody necessarily as a measuring stick. It’s the next game, you know what I’m saying? So, whenever we get out there on the field, we’re excited because it’s the next game, because anybody in this league can beat you, so you can’t get high or low. We try to stay even keel, prepare for the next opponent, and that’s the biggest game that we have because it’s the next game. So, it doesn’t really change because there’s a dynamic player in Lamar Jackson who we have a ton of respect for…”

Through 4 games, how good are the Commanders?

A look at the numbers explain the Commanders’ fast start.

How good are the Washington Commanders through four games?

No NFL analyst or Commander fan saw this team post the numbers it has in the first four weeks.

  • The Commanders lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 10. When they get in the red zone, they effectively run the ball via their running backs and quarterback. It is harder to defend 11 than to defend 10.
  • The Commanders are fifth, averaging 5.1 yards per rushing attempt. What a startling contrast to last year’s team, rushing the ball.
  • Who would have thought the Commanders would be averaging 169.3 rushing yards a game, third best in the league?
  • The passing completion percentage is the best in the NFL at 82.1. Of course, it will be coming down, but no one else is this efficient through four games.
  • 8.5 yards per passing attempt is good for third overall in the league.
  • Jayden Daniels’s passer rating of 107.4 is fourth-highest in the NFL.
  • Net yards gained per passing attempt, the Commanders are tied for third at 7.4.
  • 30.3 points scored per game? Who saw that coming?  (3rd highest)
  • Commanders are tops in the NFL in 3rd Down conversion percentage 53.5% and 4th Down conversions at 100%

YES, these numbers are also just as true:

  • 6.2 yards allowed per play, 31st in the NFL
  • Passing touchdowns surrendered (10) dead last in the NFL
  • Net yards allowed per passing attempt (7.0) 28th
  • First downs allowed (87) 27th
  • Passing first downs allowed (49) 26th
  • Rushing yards allowed per attempt (5.3) 31st
  • Percentage of drives ending in scores allowed (56.3) 32nd
  • Only 8 QB sacks, tied for 25th
  • QB Hurries 14 (15th)
  • Completion Percentage Allowed (72.0) 27th
  • Passer Rating Allowed (123.3) 32nd
  • Points Allowed per game (25.5) 25th
  • 3rd Down Conversion percentage allowed (54.8%) 32nd
  • 4th Down Conversion percentage (66.7) 27th

Final Considerations:

  • 6 NFC teams have three wins, 4 in the AFC.
  • Each of the three Commanders wins are against team that still only has one win (Bengals, Giants, Cardinals).
  • The Week 5 opponent (Browns) is another one-win team.

 

 

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. is still not satisfied with his defense

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. wants more from his defense.

Commnaders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. liked the progress he saw Sunday in the 42-14 win over the Cardinals. But he is certainly not happy with his defense thus far.

Whitt didn’t praise his guys for long, choosing to criticize them as well.

“I thought Benjamin St-Juste did a good job of covering even when we were in some of our man looks and spinning out the cover two…So, they were stickier. And we just have to continue that. Our completion percentage against us is higher than I’m used to, so we have to get that down.”

Asked specifically about CB Emmanuel Forbes’ performance against the Cardinals, Whitt didn’t criticize Forbes. But he didn’t exactly praise him either.

“I thought he was in that same group with Mike and Noah. And like I said, Forbes, they all played about the same. They had about the same number of snaps or he might have had more, I don’t know, I think he had 33 snaps in the game.”

At this moment, Whitt suddenly began to defend his decisions regarding playing time, though he was not challenged. “So each week, we’re gonna put the guys out there that give us the best chance. So, we’re looking at that, working through that right now, and then on Sunday, we’ll deploy the men that gives us the best chance to win.”

Last week, after the win over the Bengals, Whitt volunteered that he was waiting for a couple of corners to step up and be the guy that players and coaches could depend upon weekly.

Thursday, Whitt was asked if this week a corner had stepped up to be that guy. “No, not yet,” replied Whitt.

“I think we’ve played solid at points. I need a consistent flow throughout the game. Get up there and challenge and send the ball where we wanna send it consistently. We’ve had opportunities at some interceptions that where we just knocked it down and we didn’t go aggressively to go get it. So they’re a group of talented young men at the corner position, okay, but talent doesn’t mean that we’re playing at the level that we want to play at.”

“So when we do, I’ll tell you, but we’re not right now. And it’s not because of a lack of ability or anything like that. They have the ability. I just have to do a better job of getting them to do it, and we will.”