Tag: Art Monk

Commanders’ WR Terry McLaurin makes NFL history

Further proof of McLaurin’s greatness.

Quickly, name the only four NFL receivers in history to accomplish a milestone of 50 catches and 900 receiving yards in each of their first six seasons.

Well, first, let’s settle the matter of Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin becoming the fourth NFL player to reach these receiving statistics on Sunday against the Saints.

That’s right. Only four receivers have accomplished these plateaus in NFL history for various reasons. Injury is a major reason, as players get injured occasionally.

In the last 30 years, the game has changed to much more of a passing game, yet still, only four receivers in the previous 30 years have caught 50 passes and accumulated 900 receiving years in their first six NFL seasons.

When you consider the quarterbacks who have started for Washington during his six seasons, McLaurin’s accomplishments become even more noteworthy. Here are the quarterbacks who were passing to McLaurin:

  • 2019: Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins, Colt McCoy
  • 2020: Dwayne Haskins, Kyle Allen, Alex Smith, Taylor Heinicke
  • 2021: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Allen, Garrett Gilbert
  • 2022: Carson Wentz, Taylor Heinicke, Sam Howell
  • 2023: Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett
  • 2024: Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota

Going through the list leaves one shaking their head, wondering how it is that McLaurin accomplished this.

OK, who are the other three NFL receivers in modern history who have accomplished these statistics in their first six NFL seasons?

Remarkably, no, not even Jerry Rice. Rice had 49 receptions in his rookie season and began his Hall of Fame credentials.

No, not Art Monk. The NFL season was cut to nine games in his third season due to the players’ strike.

Gary Clark? No. In his fourth season, Clark accumulated 892 receiving yards, falling short by a mere eight yards.

Randy Moss? Yes, you are correct. Further, Moss was, in fact, the very first NFL receiver to reach these heights in each of his first six NFL seasons. In his seventh NFL season, he had only 49 receptions, falling a single reception short of reaching these levels in his first seven seasons.

A.J. Green? Yes, Green accomplished these numbers for his first seven NFL seasons, all with the Bengals. Thus, Green was the first to have 50 receptions and 900 receiving yards in his first seven seasons.

Mike Evans? Evans lives on a planet different from other wide receivers. He has accomplished these numbers for each of his first ten NFL seasons. Of course, he is the only receiver in NFL history to accomplish this in his first ten seasons. In addition, though he missed three games this season, he is on track to again reach these marks in 2024 for his 11th consecutive season!

*In fairness to great receivers like Moss, Rice, Monk, and Clark, none of those guys had the opportunity to play in a 17-game NFL season. From 1978-2020, the NFL played 16-game regular seasons, beginning 17-game schedules in 2021.

Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves wins prestigious award

It’s the latest honor for the beloved Reaves.

Tuesday, the Commanders announced their 2024 Ed Block Courage Award recipient is veteran safety Jeremy Reaves.

Each December, NFL teams vote for the player from their team who is a role model in courage, inspiration and sportsmanship.

Reaves, 28, played his college ball at South Alabama and went undrafted by all 32 NFL teams.

Although he has been released several times during his career, he illustrates what can happen when a player works hard, keeps coming back, and contributes to Washington. He has played in 60 NFL games, starting 11.

Block was an athletic trainer for the old Baltimore Colts from the 1954-1977 seasons after serving as a U.S. Army officer in World War II. He was also a physical therapist for disabled children in Baltimore.

Next March, the recipient from each of the 32 teams will receive their award at a banquet in Baltimore. Reaves and the other award winners will receive a helmet engraved with his name, team, and season. The helmet also included the team’s logo.

The NFL began presenting the award during the 1984 season, and the Redskins’ first recipient was offensive tackle Mark May. Last year, the Commanders voted offensive lineman Tyler Larsen as the winner.

Some other notable Washington Redskins / Commanders to have been voted to receive the award were:

  • Doug Williams 1988
  • Joe Jacoby 1990
  • Don Warren 1991
  • Art Monk 1993
  • Mark Schlereth 1994
  • Darrell Green 1998
  • Chris Samuels 2002
  • Marcus Washington 2007
  • Robert Griffin 2013
  • DeAngelo Hall 2017
  • Alex Smith 2019
  • Brandon Scherff 2020
  • Brian Robinson Jr 2022

Commanders Terry McLaurin increasing production in recent games

Terry McLaurin on the verge of setting a new franchise record. And all signs point to a strong finish this season.

Terry McLaurin is again the receiving leader for Washington this season.

Through nine games, McLaurin has started and played in all nine, has received the most targets (70), the most receptions (47),  receiving yards (568), most receptions per game (5.2) and receiving yards per game (63.1).

With the Commanders pass protection improving, as well as Sam Howell’s reading of the defenses, McLaurin has increased his production considerably in recent games.

For instance, in the season’s first three games, McLaurin had receiving totals of 31, 54 and 41 yards. In his last six games, the receiving yards have increased to 86, 49, 81, 90, 63 and 73 yards. Consequently, the former Ohio State Buckeye averaged 42 receiving yards in his first three games but now is averaging 73.7 yards over the last six games.

McLaurin, in his rookie season, was limited to 14 games yet totaled 919 receiving yards. In his three following seasons, McLaurin’s receiving yardage totals were 1,118 (2020), 1,053 (2021), 1,191 (2022).

If McLaurin again exceeds 1,000 receiving yards this season (2023), he would become the first in Washington NFL franchise history to have accumulated 1,000 receiving yards in four consecutive seasons.

Gary Clark produced three consecutive 1,000 yards receiving seasons 1989-1991 and five in total (1986-1987). Art Monk also produced five 1,000-yard receiving seasons, including three consecutively from 1984-86. Santana Moss also generated three 1,000-yard seasons for Washington (2005, 2008, 2010). Many have forgotten, but Henry Ellard had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (1994-96).

Charley Taylor, playing in only 14-game regular seasons, collected 1,119 receiving yards in 1966 from Hall-of-Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen.

From a historical perspective, it is worth remembering Ellard, Monk, Clark and Moss played in 16-game regular seasons.

Best NFL player to wear each jersey number: How many Washington players were picked?

Five former Washington players were named the greatest ever to wear their respective jersey number.

[anyclip pubname=”2103″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8036″]

When you think of the greatest players in Washington’s NFL franchise history, which dates back to 1932, which players first come to your mind?

Sammy Baugh is arguably the greatest player in franchise history. He played 16 NFL seasons, all with Washington. He was the quarterback, punter and safety, a two-time NFL champion, and won numerous individual awards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.

Unfortunately for Baugh, he last played in 1952, so many casual fans have never heard of Baugh. However, most know Baugh from his iconic jersey number: No. 33. For years, Baugh’s No. 33 jersey was the only one retired by Washington.

How popular was Baugh’s jersey? Check out hip-hop icon Jay-Z wearing Baugh’s No. 33 jersey back in 2001 in the music video for his hit song, “Girls, Girls, Girls.”

Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire recently named the best NFL player to wear each jersey number. Baugh won the title for No. 33.

What other Washington icons made the cut?

Of course, No. 44 belongs to John “Diesel” Riggins, the Hall of Fame running back who played nine seasons for Washington and was the MVP of Super Bowl XVII.

Former Washington running back Stephen Davis was named the best to ever wear No. 48. While the pickings were slimmer for No. 48, Davis did have a solid career, playing seven of his 11 NFL seasons with Washington.

The No. 49 pick was easy. Bobby Mitchell is one of only four Washington players to have his jersey retired by the franchise. Unfortunately, it took far too long for that to happen. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983 and also enjoyed a long career as a front-office executive for Washington. Mitchell is a true Washington icon.

Bruce Smith made his name with the Buffalo Bills, but he broke the NFL sack record when he was a member of the Washington franchise. He spent the final four seasons of his NFL career with Washington.

If you notice legendary Washington players, such as Darrell Green and Art Monk, missing, they made the honorable mention list for their respective jersey numbers.

The following Washington players received honorable mention for their jersey numbers:

Chris Hanburger, Green, London Fletcher, Adrian Peterson, Russ Grimm, Mark Schlereth, Trent Williams, Monk, Gary Clark, Santana Moss, Clinton Portis and Ryan Kerrigan.

Commanders season opener in 81 days: Washington’s best No. 81?

As if there was any doubt for No. 81.

[anyclip pubname=”2103″ widgetname=”0016M00002U0B1kQAF_M8036″]

Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 81 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 81?

Any serious Washington football fan already knows the best No. 81 in franchise history is Hall of Fame wide receiver James Arthur Monk.

On a MNF game at RFK, October 12, 1992, against the Denver Broncos, Mark Rypien took a short quarterback drop, looked to his right, and connected with Monk on a quick-out pattern for a first down.

The RFK sell-out crowd instantly erupted. Fellow Redskins teammates immediately ran to Monk to congratulate him on becoming the all-time NFL leader in pass receptions. Here is the video of the historic moment.

In six NFL seasons, Monk collected over 70 receptions. In the 1985 season, Monk had 91 receptions. Even better, in the 1984 season, Monk broke Charlie Hennigan’s 1964 record of 101 receptions in an NFL season.

In the season finale, a thrilling home game at RFK against the then NFC East rival St Louis Cardinals, Monk set a then NFL all-time record with 106 receptions in the season.

Monk wasn’t finished being an NFL leader. The very next season (1985), he was the NFL leader in receptions yards per game at 81.7.

The former Syracuse Orangeman was physically tough, having played running back before converting to receiver his senior season. As a sophomore, Monk averaged 5.1 yards a carry in his 110 rushing attempts and then 4.2 yards per carry in his 136 rushing attempts as a junior.

In his senior season, Monk caught 40 passes for 716 yards averaging 17.9 yards a reception. It was enough to convince Redskins General Manager Bobby Beathard to make Monk Washington’s 1st round choice (18th overall) in the 1980 draft.

In his 14 years in Washington, Monk collected 888 receptions, gaining 12,026 (13.5 ypr) scoring on 65 reception touchdowns. Monk then played one season for the Jets (46 receptions) and Eagles (6 receptions) before retiring.

Monk was voted to the 1980s All-Decade Team. He was a three-time Super Bowl Champion with Washington and was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the 2008 Class, along with long-time teammate Darrell Green.

Who could forget the reception Monk received in Canton when he was introduced? In addition, his speech further revealed the mature, sober-minded man that Art Monk had become.

 

LOOK: It’s Art Monk week at the Pro Football Hall of Fame

Art Monk is on special display at the Pro Football Hall of Fame this week.

Remember when, foolishly, voters kept former Washington wide receiver Art Monk out of the Pro Football of Fame? During that time, we heard the excuses as to why Monk hadn’t been voted into the Hall of Fame.

Monk finally made it in 2008. He joined former teammate Darrell Green in the 2008 class that ranks as one of the more special nights in franchise history since Dan Snyder bought the team in 1999.

Since retirement, Monk has maintained the same low profile as when he played. He did make a trip to Ashburn during the 2022 NFL season, along with fellow “Posse” members Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders, to spend time and have dinner with Washington’s current wideouts.

This week, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Oh., is honoring Monk with a special display celebrating his career during its “Gold Jacket Spotlight.”

It’s good to see Monk receiving some love. Fans these days will never know how great of a player Monk was. And he did it much like current Washington star Terry McLaurin.

Monk was unassuming, hard-working and the ultimate teammate. When he retired, he was the NFL’s career leader in receptions, a record since surpassed by multiple players. However, considering the era Monk played in, his 940 career receptions were an outstanding achievement. He also held the record for most consecutive games with a reception, which has also been surpassed.

Records are meant to be broken, but Monk’s greatness will forever be on display in Canton.

40 Years ago the NFL MVP resided in Washington

Mark Moseley is the only kicker in NFL history win MVP.

Washington Redskins 1982 History for $300 please.

Answer, “He played 13 seasons for Washington, was a two-time Pro Bowler, once an All-Pro and the 1982 NFL MVP.”

Contestant #1: “Who is Joe Theismann?”

Jeopardy Host: “No”

Contestant #2: “Who is John Riggins?”

Jeopardy Host: “No”

Question: “Who is Art Monk?”

Jeopardy Host: “No, I’m sorry contestants, those are all good responses, but they are not the correct response.”

Theismann was also a two-time Pro Bowler and once All-Pro. He also finished fourth in the Associated Press MVP balloting in this 1982 season. Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts was second, Raiders running back Marcus Allen third and Cowboys quarterback Danny White was fifth.

Riggins was an All-Pro once and Pro Bowler once (hard to believe only once with several very good seasons). He was also the Super Bowl XVII MVP and the following season set a then NFL record rushing for 24 touchdowns.

Monk was a three-time Super Bowl champ and three-time Pro-Bowler. He set an NFL single-season record of 106 receptions in 1984 and led the NFL in 1985 with 81.7 receiving yards per game. He retired the all-time receptions leader in NFL history.

The correct response we are looking for is kicker Mark Moseley. Yes, a kicker was voted NFL MVP.

How is that AP writers voted the Washington kicker the NFL MVP for the 1982 season?

For starters, Washington was the No. 1 seed in the NFC finishing 8-1 in the regular season shortened by strike. In addition, it was also the manner in which they won games.

In the opener at Philadelphia, Moseley connected from 48 yards, sending the game into overtime and then his field goal won the game.

In the December cold at St Louis, Washington couldn’t get the ball in the end zone, but Moseley came through on all four field goal attempts for a 12-7 victory over the Cardinals.

The following week at RFK Moseley was accurate on all three field goal attempts in a 15-14 win over the Giants. His last field goal came with only four seconds remaining as snow was falling on the muddy grass field. It also broke the then NFL record of 20 consecutive field goals made, giving Moseley 21 for the new record.

Moseley would make his next two attempts in New Orleans the following week, extending his consecutive streak to 23 (dating back to the end of the ’81 season) before missing in the season home finale against the Cardinals. Moseley would finish the ’82 season making 20 of 21 field goals for a 95.2% conversion rate.

40 years ago the 1982 Washington Redskins provided us the launching of the “Hogs,” Riggins SB XVII MVP, Washington finishing 12-1 in the strike-shortened season, Washington Super Bowl XVII champs, defeating Miami 27-17 and yes, their kicker, Mark Moseley was voted NFL MVP.

Terry McLaurin pays homage to Art Monk after Commanders’ win over Eagles

Remember when Eagles coach Nick Sirianni took a shot at Art Monk back in September? Terry McLaurin had the last laugh on Monday night.

Does anyone remember after the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Washington Commanders back in Week 3, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni came into his postgame presser wearing a Mike Quick No. 82 jersey?

Quick, of course, is a Philadelphia legend, playing nine years with the Eagles. He is now a member of Philadelphia’s radio broadcast team.

Sirianni, all smiles after that win, had the following to say about Quick while throwing shade at Washington legends Art Monk and Darrell Green.

“Always was a Quick fan,” Sirianni said. “He had some great success here in Washington against, I think it was, I talked to him today, it was against Darrell Green. So, and then, uh, I am taking Mike Quick over Art Monk any day.”

Some nice brown-nosing there by Sirianni.

Anyhow, when Washington wide receiver Terry McLaurin stepped up to the podium after Monday’s win over Sirianni’s Eagles, he was asked if it was fair to say he’d take Art Monk over Mike Quick.

“Yeah, you got the insider,” McLaurin said while laughing, clearly knowing the backstory of why he was asked that question. “Shoutout to Art Monk.”

“The Posse,” Washington’s famous trio of wide receivers during its glory years, featured Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders. That trio recently paid a visit to team headquarters and visited with McLaurin and the rest of the Commanders’ wide receivers.

Quick was a terrific player, but he’s not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Monk and Green are. Monk’s 940 career receptions and three Super Bowl rings far surpass Quick’s 363 career receptions and zero championships. Monk is also a member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team.

Green and Quick did have some epic battles in the 1980s with Green winning some and Quick winning some.

‘The Posse’ present at Commanders practice Friday

Art Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders were at practice Friday.

It’s alumni weekend for the Washington Commanders as the franchise adds 10 legends to the “90 greatest” list during Sunday’s game. One franchise legend who was honored, former tight end Chris Cooley, will not be attending.

Others who are being honored, such as current team broadcaster London Fletcher and assistant defensive line coach Ryan Kerrigan, will obviously be in town.

Another familiar face in town this weekend is Pro Football of Famer Art Monk. Monk, who was the NFL’s all-time leader in reception when he retired, joined the Hall of Fame in 2008 after a ridiculous wait.

Monk wasn’t the only great Washington receiver in town for alumni weekend. His old teammates, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders were also at practice. Even better, “The Posse” spent time with Washington’s current group of wide receivers at dinner.

This is terrific. In a time for fans where it feels like there isn’t a lot to cheer about, seeing Terry McLaurin — the current fan favorite — embracing and talking with Monk, Clark and Sanders was a feel-good moment. When Washington was the model franchise of the NFL in the 1980s and early 1990s, “The Posse” was critical to the team’s success. All three receivers brought something different to the field.

The team should continue to hold alumni events to bring these players back. Fans believe in and still respect some of the greats from Washington’s past.

1991: The greatest season in Washington Football history, Week 9

We could use some good news. Ivan has the latest in his series, looking back at Week 9 of the 1991 season — the greatest season in Washington’s franchise history.

This 2021 NFL season reminds us that 30 years ago Washington assembled its greatest team in franchise history, going 14-2 and racing through the playoffs to the Super Bowl XXVI championship and Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Week 9—Washington 17, NY Giants 13— October 27, 1991

Washington overcame a 13-point halftime deficit, coming back to defeat the NY Giants 17-13, before a Sunday night national TV audience and a sold-out Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Coming into the game undefeated (7-0) Washington was dominated in the first half by the Giants, who limited the Redskins to 26 passing yards and 9 rushing yards in only 16 offensive snaps. On the other hand, the Giants in 36 offensive snaps, had gained 119 passing yards and 88 rushing.

Adding salt to the wound was Gary Clark dropping what should have been a touchdown pass from QB Mark Rypien, permitting the Giants to keep their 13-0 lead at the half.

Rypien came back to Clark on a quick in-pattern, from seven yards out in the third quarter, reducing the Giants’ lead to 13-7.

The duo connected again in the final quarter, Rypien rolling out to his left, then looking across the field to his right and throwing deep, to Clark who had gotten behind the defense for a 54-yard touchdown pass, providing Washington their first lead 14-13.

Chip Lohmiller added a 35-yard field goal, and the Washington defense shut out the Giants in the second half, pushing Washington’s record to 8-0.

Rypien finished his night completing 12 of 25 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Earnest Byner limited, playing through an injury gained only 11 yards in 10 carries. However, Ricky Ervins’ 82 rushing yards on 20 carries led Washington.

“The Posse” of Art Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders each collected three receptions on the night. Clark led in receiving yardage with 70 yards, Monk supplied 42 yards and Sanders 33.

Rodney Hampton led the Giants’ rushing attack with 83 yards in his 21 rushing attempts. Hampton enjoyed a very busy night, also leading Giant receivers with six receptions (39 yards), while Stephen Baker’s three receptions produced 77 yards.

Wilber Marshall intercepted a Jeff Hostetler pass, as the defending Super Bowl champion Giants fell to 4-4 for 1991.

Here is the second half of that game.