Tag: Art Monk

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.

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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.

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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.

 

1991: The greatest season in Washington Football history, Week 6

Ivan focuses on Washington’s Week 6 win over the Bears in that magical 1991 season.

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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 6—Washington 20, Chicago 7— October 6, 1991

Mark Rypien and Art Monk connected for two touchdown passes, as Washington won their fifth straight game, defeating the Chicago Bears 20-7 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Leading 3-0, Rypien found Monk for a 26-yard TD, enlarging the Washington lead to 10-0 at the half. Rypien and Monk teamed up again in the final quarter from five yards out, providing Washington with a 17-7 lead.

Washington kicker Chip Lohmiller was successful on two field goal attempts from 47 yards (first quarter) and 23 yards (fourth quarter).

The Bears actually moved the chains 19 times to Washington’s 12, as Chicago out-gained Washington on the ground (120-75) and passing (199-168).

Yet the Washington defense created big plays, forcing three Bears turnovers. Wilber Marshall, Kurt Gouveia and Fred Stokes all intercepted Bears’ QB Jim Harbaugh. And Washington linebacker Andre Collins also recorded the lone QB sack of the game.

Rypien concluded his day completing 18-31 for 168 yards, two touchdowns and 1 interception. Monk led Washington receivers with six receptions for 69 yards and his two TDs, while Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders contributed five receptions for 44 yards and four receptions for 38 yards.

Neal Anderson led the Bears with 73 yards on his 18 carries including his one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Harbaugh struggled at times completing only 17 of his 41 attempts for 206 yards and his three interceptions, for a paltry QB rating of 27.1.

The win elevated Washington’s record to 5-0, while the Bears fell to 4-2.

 

Tress Way’s 4th Player of the Week award puts him in elite Washington company

Tress Way is well on his way to another Pro Bowl nomination, and his 4th Player of the Week award puts him in a tier with Washington greats.

Early on Wednesday morning, the NFL announced that Washington’s Pro-Bowl punter Tress Way was being honored with the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award after his performance against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. It is the second time that Way has earned the award this season, and the second straight week that a Washington player has held onto the honor, with K Dustin Hopkins being named the POW a week ago.

With 8 total punts traveling an average of 48 yards downfield, Way absolutely is deserving of the award, as he singlehandedly played a huge part in the defense’s success by flipping the field constantly after the offense struggled through the day. Now, with his 4th career POW award, Way has entered some absolute elite company in Washington history.

Art Monk, Darrell Green, Mark Rypien, Kirk Cousins, and now Tress Way. People don’t often think of a punter as being that important to a team’s success, but anyone who knows Washington football will tell you that Way is easily one of the team’s best players, even if he doesn’t get the credit that he deserves for it. According to coach Ron Rivera, his value to the team is immeasurable, and he should be well on his way to another Pro Bowl nomination.

If Way continues to put on performances like he did this past week, then his nomination shouldn’t even be a question.

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