Tag: Andrew Norwell

Commanders make surprising roster move

The Commanders made some roster moves Tuesday.

The Washington Commanders began their second week of OTAs Tuesday and made a surprising roster move.

Despite claiming cornerback Cameron Dantzler off waivers earlier in this 2023 offseason, Tuesday, the Commanders, following last week’s OTAs, have already determined to move on from him.

Another notable roster move was the Commanders placed guard Andrew Norwell on the Physically Unable to Perform List. Norwell started 16 games in 2022 for the Commanders after being signed in the offseason to come in and replace 2021 starter Ereck Flowers, who had been released.

Dantzler was a 2020 third-round pick out of Mississippi State who had 149 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries while playing for the Vikings (2020-22)

Once Norwell is able to pass a physical, the expectation is that the Commanders will release him. Prior to coming to Washington in 2023, Norwell played his first four NFL seasons with the Panthers, followed by four seasons with the Jaguars.

With two roster spots now open, the Commanders then signed S Terrell Burgess and TE Brandon Dillon. In essence, the Commanders are choosing to proceed toward training camp with Burgess over Dantzler, while Dillon was added due to TE Armani Rogers tearing his Achilles tendon last week.

Rogers was an athletic quarterback at UNLV and Ohio. Not being drafted, Washington signed him because he moved well and had size (6-5, 225), thinking he could be converted to a tight end (think Logan Thomas). He had 5 receptions, 4 for first downs, and also had a rushing attempt for 24 yards in his rookie season in 2022.

Burgess played his college ball at Utah, was drafted 104th overall by the Rams in the 2020 draft, and has primarily been a special teams performer, starting only 3 games in his three seasons (2020-22). Burgess also played for the Giants in 2022.

Dillon is age 26, played at Marion, went undrafted, and had one reception with the Vikings in his three seasons in Minnesota (2019-21).

 

 

Will the Commanders keep or release Andrew Norwell?

Could we see news involving Norwell soon?

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Wasn’t it strange recently how Commanders head coach Ron Rivera completely omitted a 2022 starter when asked about who will move forward on the 2023 offensive line?

Recently when Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was asked about his offensive line, Rivera openly mentioned how at left guard second-year guard out of Tulsa Chris Paul and fourth-year lineman out of LSU, Saahdiq Charles will battle it out for the starting job.

What was amazing to those paying attention was that Rivera completely overlooked starter Andrew Norwell, not including him in the mix, though he remains on the current roster.

It is no secret to any close follower of the Commanders that the 2022 season was one in which the offensive line’s play took a downward slide from a fine 2021 season. Norwell certainly at times had his struggles.

In the previous off season, Washington had lost starting guards Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers. Scherff chose to leave for more money in Jacksonville, and the Commanders determined to release Flowers.

The Commanders then chose to bring in free agents Norwell and Trai Turner. These two however did not perform up to the level of play of Scherff and Flowers and the Washington offense struggled at times.

The Commanders released center Chase Roullier designating it a post-June 1 release which will save the Commanders more cap space. For months, many have expected the release of Norwell. Perhaps the Commanders will release Norwell after June 1. The release of Roullier and Norwell would save the Commanders around $12 million.

Norwell also managed apparently to not give any time to the media last season. Perhaps he was not actually pleased with his play in 2022? There is no mistaking that Coach Ron certainly appears to have moved on in his own mind from Norwell.

Ron Rivera very comfortable with Commanders offensive line

It also sounds like Washington’s next offensive line coach is already in the building.

Ron Rivera feels much better about his offensive line now.

The Commanders went out aggressively during the first week of free agency addressing their offensive line woes. As a result they made two quick additions, signing G/T Andrew Wylie and G/C Nick Gates.

Rivera, speaking with the local media at the owners meeting, Tuesday expressed, “I feel very comfortable with it, I really do. We made a concerted effort during free agency to go out and fortify the line. Add some depth to the line. Add some competition. We have some guys that are also position flex guys so it’ll give us an opportunity to see the best places to have these guys and integrate them with the guys that are currently on the roster.”

There are still young players who have yet to prove themselves. Apparently the plan is for two of them to compete at left guard. Rivera explained, “Our left guard will truly be a competition in terms of watching Saahdiq [Charles] and Chris Paul compete for that. I think both of those guys are young guys that have to play. Saahdiq is an explosive guy, very powerful. You watch Chris Paul in practice and the tape from some of the snaps he had in the Dallas game for sure, you see his play strength and his athleticism.”

There has been much speculation that both starting guards from last year Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell would not return. However, Rivera says that is not the case. “Andrew is going to be there as we go through the process and finish up all of our evaluations. We have to get through the draft as well.”

The Commanders also re-signed center Tyler Larsen and still have Chase Roullier. Rouiller was solid and dependable through the 2020 season. Unfortunately his last two seasons, he suffered bad injuries.

Who will be the next offensive line coach, replacing long-time veteran coach John Matsko?

“Well, we haven’t had an opportunity to finish the announcements and everything with everything that is going on. We will take care of that first opportunity very quickly, but we have a guy that is on staff, and we feel very comfortable with him.”

Travelle Wharton has been the assistant offensive line coach, even assisting Matsko back in Carolina as well. He played with the Panthers (2004-2013) starting 111 of the 115 games he played.

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Commanders initially address offensive line in 2023 free agency

What does Washington’s OL moves Monday mean for others, such as Chase Roullier, Wes Schweitzer and Andrew Norwell?

Commanders fans should be pleased with Washington’s front office addressing their offensive line play, which substantially dropped off in 2022.

On the first day of the 2023 free agency tampering period, the Commanders have already announced they will be signing Andrew Wylie (OT) and Nick Gates (OL).

Wylie’s deal is for three years and up to $24 million for the former Kansas City Chief. No doubt, the addition of new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy played into this decision.

Early speculation would lead us to believe Wylie will be the projected starter at right tackle. This would enable the Commanders to move right tackle Sam Cosmi inside to right guard, replacing Trai Turner. On the surface, the move appears to improve the Commanders at both positions.

Wylie is mobile at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, and also durable. In his five seasons in the NFL, he has been available in 71 of his possible 82 games. Wylie has not been an All-Pro or a Pro Bowl-caliber player. Yet, he may still be developing and maturing as a player, as he arguably accomplished his best pass-blocking season in 2022.

Gates comes from the division rival New York Giants, and his deal is reportedly for three years at a maximum value of $18 million, and $8 million is guaranteed. Gates has been in the league for four seasons (2019-22). The 6-foot-5, 307-pounder was undrafted out of Nebraska.

Gates broke his left fibula and tibia against Washington in 2021. Seven surgeries later, he was back in the lineup, playing ten games (starting 8) in 2022.

What does this decision signify for the interior of the Commanders line? Frankly, Gates was not overly impressive in 2022. Jonathan Allen pushed him around more than a few times. Perhaps the Commanders are banking on Gates being stronger a second year following his very serious leg injuries?

Are the Commanders planning on parting ways with Chase Roullier? Wes Schweitzer? Tyler Larsen? Andrew Norwell?

What roster or cap moves might the Commanders make next?

The Commanders have plenty of options to create more cap space ahead of free agency.

Having released Carson Wentz and Bobby McCain, the Commanders have gained salary cap space. Whom might they release next?

The release of Wentz alone opened up over $26 million in salary cap space for 2023. The move to release McCain created $2.2 million in cap space.

There are likely a few more moves to come soon. The Commanders could release a few players. They could also be frank with some players who are making much more than they produced. The Commanders would have the leverage toward restructuring some contracts, opening up more cap space.

A likely candidate for restructuring is tight end Logan Thomas. Coming off of his ACL injury late in 2021, Thomas struggled in 2022. His 2023 cap number being $8,675,000, can’t be ignored. Some have speculated Thomas could even be released.

Other candidates for restructuring or possible release are left tackle Charles Leno ($12,500,000), Chase Roullier ($12,420,000), left guard Andrew Norwell ($5,080,000), offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas ($4,350,000 and running back J.D. McKissic ($3,230,000).

Leno, Norwell and Lucas all struggled at times in 2022, decreasing the offensive line’s effectiveness in 2022 from the fine season the unit accomplished in 2021.

Roullier, unfortunately, suffered another major leg injury for the second consecutive season. He has been a very effective center in the past, but it could be the Commanders may not want to risk three consecutive years on Roullier or may work toward restructuring his deal.

McKissic, for the second consecutive season, injured his neck. The neck is never something to be taken as lightly as many other injuries. The Commanders may choose to use Samuel or Antonio Gibson more on third downs where McKissic was so effective in 2021.

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Logan Paulsen: Commanders top priority should be O-Line

The Commanders’ top priority should be upgrading the offensive line in 2023.

Question: What is the first thing the Commanders need to do regarding their roster?

Answer: Upgrade their offensive line.

Logan Paulsen, former Washington tight end, and current analyst regarding the Washington Commanders, certainly believes that is the case.

Paulsen stated Tuesday as a guest on the Ben Standig podcast, “Standig Room Only,” he felt the first roster priority should be to upgrade the offensive line.

“They need to find an offensive tackle; probably move Sam Cosmi into right guard. Do you draft a center? Do you bring in a free-agent center? Do you feel good about Chris Paul being your left guard for the 2023 season?”

“I think he has a lot of growing to do, still,” said Paulsen, but he added he thinks he is capable.

It is no secret the offensive line saw major moves after 2021. Chase Roullier was rehabbing a broken leg, Brandon Scherff departed for Jacksonville via free agency and Ereck Flowers was released.

It is also no secret Roullier was seriously injured again in 2022, missing the final 15 games.  In addition, neither Scherff nor Flowers were replaced this past season. Paulsen brought up the fact that the Commanders brought in Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell, bigger players, so maybe they were planning early to run the ball more.

“They are big dudes, who can move people off of the ball,” expressed Paulsen. “But they are not great pass protectors anymore. They have perhaps lost that twitchy athleticism that makes for good pass protectors. Maybe that is an indication to me of where they wanted to go (run more).”

“I do think as much as people want to crush the offensive line, I do think the clash of philosophy, apparently between Scott (Turner) and Ron (Rivera), shows up in that personnel decision.”

These personnel decisions along the offensive line kind of fit the philosophy that you are going to run the ball first, second and third. So why was there this discrepancy, this wire crossing with Scott in how they came out the first two games against Jacksonville and Detroit passing the ball all over the place?”

“What about the Jahan Dotson pick? I am always of the impression you look to improve your skill positions. You look, the year before, with Curtis Samuel injured, they literally had Terry McLaurin and Cam Sims.”

“As much as I like Cam Sims and respect his game, he is not a number two receiver in the NFL. They needed to address that issue, so why not with a fine receiver like Jahan Dotson?”

But for this year, Paulsen seems to be all in on the Commanders addressing the offensive line in both free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Counting down the Commanders’ 20 biggest cap hits in 2023: Beginning with No. 15

Here are the next five Commanders’ biggest cap hits for 2022 (No. 11-15).

Which Washington Commanders players will count the largest cap hit for the 2023 NFL season?

This week, Commanders Wire is counting down the top 20 Washington Commanders with the largest cap hit for 2023.

Thus far, we have learned those Commanders who will be the largest cap hits from No. 20 to No. 16.

Now, we look at Washington’s next five biggest cap hits for 2023, beginning at No. 15.

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All salary cap numbers are courtesy of Spotrac.

The Commanders had one of the oldest offenses in the NFL in 2022

More proof the Commanders will likely target the offensive line in the 2023 NFL draft.

The Washington Commanders took one step forward and two steps back on offense in 2022. There was the trade for quarterback Carson Wentz that failed. However, what head coach Ron Rivera did — or didn’t do — on the offensive line wrecked Washington’s offense.

The Commanders lost right guard Brandon Scherff. That’s not Rivera’s fault. No matter how many times Scherff said he wanted to remain in Washington, it was never genuine. Then, just as free agency began, the Commanders released left guard Ereck Flowers in a salary-cap move.

Washington replaced Scherff and Flowers with Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell, respectively. While both players had their moments last season, there’s no doubt the entire offensive line took a step back in 2022.

What was most troubling for the Commanders, they seemed to hit two of their draft choices in wide receiver Jahan Dotson and running back Brian Robinson Jr. However, quarterback and offensive line play plagued Washington all season.

Now that the season is complete, Bill Barnwell of ESPN analyzed the snap-weighted age rankings for every NFL team on offense, defense and overall. Where Washington landed was a bit of a surprise, especially considering some of the young playmakers on the roster.

On offense, the Commanders had the No. 4 oldest offense in the league, at an average of 28.1 years old. Defensively, things were much more encouraging, with Washington coming in at No. 25, with an average age of 26.3. Overall, the Commanders were ranked as the 11th-oldest team in the NFL for 2022 [27.2].

This leads us back to Wentz and the offensive line. Wentz, 30, will not be back in 2023. Also, Norwell [32 in 2023] and Turner [30 in 2023] may not return. Also on the offensive line was left tackle Charles Leno Jr. [32 in 2023], right tackle Cornelius Lucas [32 in 2023], and guard/center Wes Schweitzer [30 in 2023].

Therein lies a problem. Leno is a good player. He will return — and he should return as the starting left tackle for 2023. However, Lucas is best served in his swing tackle role. Schweitzer is a player who can play all three interior positions and has proven to be a solid guard.

There weren’t enough young offensive linemen on Washington’s roster. Rivera went the cheap, veteran route, and it didn’t work. Turner and Norwell were once Pro Bowl guards, but that time has passed.

Rivera knows the offensive line is a major need this offseason, and the Commanders will likely spend resources on the unit in free agency and the draft.

Washington’s average age should go down next season with an infusion of youth on the offensive line.

 

The Commanders move up in the Week 14 offensive line rankings

Somehow, Washington moved up in the offensive line rankings after Week 13.

In each of Ron Rivera’s first two seasons as head coach of the Washington Commanders, his teams ended the reasons ranked inside the top 10 of Pro Football Focus’ offensive line rankings.

However, Washington lost a big piece of its offensive line last offseason when Brandon Scherff departed as a free agent. Instead of using a high selection in the NFL draft on his replacement, or a high-priced free agent, head coach Ron Rivera chose to go the veteran route in Trai Turner.

In a surprise move ahead of free agency, the Commanders released starting left guard Ereck Flowers and replaced him with another cheaper veteran in Andrew Norwell.

Those moves, along with injuries have seen Washington’s offensive line take a step back in 2022. Center Chase Roullier has missed most of the season, guard/center Wes Schweitzer just returned after missing over two months and Sam Cosmi has missed significant time.

On Sunday against the New York Giants, Tyler Larsen, who had stabilized the center position, left the game on a medical cart and it was determined afterward he suffered a broken kneecap. Cosmi, who made his first career start at right guard, left the game early with an ankle injury.

The game disappointingly ended in a 20-20 tie. However, Washington’s offense outgained the Giants 411-316, but it wasn’t enough to come away with the win.

How did the Commanders offensive line play dispute the injuries?

Well, according to PFF’s weekly offensive line rankings, Washington moved up five spots to No. 20 ahead of Week 14.

20. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (UP 5)

Projected Week 14 Starters:

LT Charles Leno Jr.
LG Andrew Norwell
C Nick Martin
RG Samuel Cosmi
RT Cornelius Lucas

Washington’s line now ranks almost exactly middle of the pack as both a run-blocking and pass-protecting unit.

The line has improved its ranking in each of the past three weeks.

The Commanders rushed for 165 yards and averaged 4.6 yards per rushing attempt. However, the pass-blocking left much to be desired. Quarterback Taylor Heinicke was hit 10 times and sacked five times. And Heinicke avoided multiple other pressures.

The offensive line is something to watch coming out of Washington’s bye. The Commanders play the Giants again, the 49ers, Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns and the NFL’s top pass-rushing team, the Dallas Cowboys over the final four games.

What we learned from the Eagles’ Monday night loss to the Commanders

As we head towards Week 11 at Indianapolis, here’s what we learned from the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss to the Washington Commanders.

The Eagles will return to the practice field Thursday as the team prepares for a critical Sunday matchup on the road against the Colts.

The NFL world is still reacting to the Commanders’ 32-21 upset win on Monday night. Philadelphia will have to adjust after placing Dallas Goedert, Avonte Maddox, and Marlon Tuipulotu on injured reserve with various injuries.

Teams can learn a lot from a loss, and we’ve highlighted four key takeaways and what we learned from Monday night.