Tag: Brian Johnson

Where does Commanders coach Dan Quinn’s big-game resume rank among NFL coaches?

What is Dan Quinn’s track record in big games compared to others?

In just his second year as a head coach, Dan Quinn led the Atlanta Falcons to the Super Bowl. Quinn would’ve reached legendary status in Atlanta if he had led the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory, but the Falcons blew a 28-3 lead to Tom Brady and the Patriots and haven’t been close since.

That loss sticks with Quinn, who would coach the Falcons from 2015-20 before he was fired and spent the past three seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. During Quinn’s time in Dallas, he quickly turned the Cowboys into a top-five defense and led the NFL in forced turnovers.

During Quinn’s time away from being a head coach, he has focused on finding ways to get back to the Super Bowl and not repeat some of the mistakes he made during his six seasons in Atlanta.

After Quinn led the Falcons to the Super Bowl in the 2016 season, he returned to the playoffs the following season but lost in the NFC Divisional round. Quinn never took Atlanta back to the playoffs.

Now, Quinn is the head coach of the Washington Commanders and has a different challenge in front of him. How long will it take for him to lead his new team to the playoffs?

CBS Sports recently ranked all NFL head coaches based on their big-game resumes. Eighteen of the 32 coaches didn’t make the cut because they were inexperienced on the big stage. Quinn came in at No. 14—last among the ranked coaches—with the following explanation.

Quinn is revered for his defensive mind, fresh off a nice run with the Dallas Cowboys, but as a head man, he hasn’t overseen a playoff appearance since 2017. His Atlanta Falcons went a combined 14-23 from 2018-2020, and his one Super Bowl appearance included an infamous blown lead.

Those are certainly fair criticisms. As a defensive coordinator, Quinn is better than anyone right now. Can he repeat his early success from Atlanta in Washington? If so, can he maintain that success?

Quinn has a few things going for him. First, he has a general manager (Adam Peters) who hired him. They came in together and picked the quarterback (Jayden Daniels) together. They will all have time.

If Daniels hits, there’s a good chance Quinn will be around a long time. One of the biggest questions facing Quinn was what type of offensive staff he would hire. He responded by hiring former Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator and former Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson as the pass game coordinator.

Everything Quinn has done in Washington in a short time has been smart. But so much of his success depends on the quarterback. If the quarterback position is solved, you can bet Quinn will win some big games in the future and move up these types of lists.

2024 record prediction: Detroit Lions

We take a look at the Detroit Lions and attempt to predict where they may end up at the end of the season.

The Detroit Lions are coming off one of their best seasons in franchise history and walk into 2024 looking like real Super Bowl contenders given how they have smashed the team building process. Quarterback Jared Goff has experienced a revival under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and recent draft picks have helped turn this team into one of the youngest and most talented groups in the entirety of the NFC. Head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes have turned this team around, and are expecting big things once again in 2024.

The addition of Kevin Zeitler in free agency is going to help sure up what already might be the best offensive line in all of football with stud tackles Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell anchoring either side of the line. On defense Detroit snagged two young potential starters with back to back picks in the draft in cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, who will immediately bolster a impressive and young secondary.

With young stars emerging on both sides of the ball, a quarterback that might be the best in his conference, one of the most underrated defensive lines in the league, offensive weapons everywhere, and one of the best coaching staffs in the league, the Detroit Lions enter 2024 as favorites to win a tough division and make a deep playoff push. Quarterback Jared Goff has taken his game over the top and if he can continue to further his game this team could find themselves in the Super Bowl.

Record prediction: 12-5

QB Jayden Daniels is the Commanders’ biggest reason for optimism in 2024

The Commanders have reasons for optimism and none are bigger than QB Jayden Daniels.

The Washington Commanders have many reasons to be excited about the future: A new owner, a new general manager, a new head coach, over 20 new free agents and a highly-touted draft class led by a dynamic quarterback.

All of those reasons should excite fans. But quarterback Jayden Daniels is the greatest reason for optimism in 2024 and beyond.

The No. 2 overall pick comes to a franchise with a solid nucleus of talent and a coaching staff built to aid in his development. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is a former college quarterback and college and NFL head coach. New assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Brian Johnson is a former college quarterback and NFL offensive coordinator. Quarterback coach Tavita Pritchard and assistant quarterback coach David Blough each started at quarterback in college.

Additionally, Daniels’ expected backup is a former No. 2 overall pick himself: Marcus Mariota.

Pro Football Focus recently a reason for optimism for all 32 NFL teams. PFF picked Daniels for the Commanders:

Washington selected LSU’s Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in this year’s draft. He’s the face of a new regime that has overhauled its roster with hopes of competing sooner rather than later.

Daniels enters the NFL as one of the best athletes at the quarterback position. He led all FBS quarterbacks in overall grade and rushing yards last season while finishing second in passing grade. He also holds the Power Five record with a career 1.6% turnover-worthy play rate (minimum of 600 dropbacks). The Commanders finally have a franchise quarterback.

That last line: The Commanders finally have a franchise quarterback. That statement alone is enough to create genuine excitement for long-suffering fans. However, most fans also proceed with caution. They’ve seen others who were supposed to be the franchise savior.

This time, it’s different, though. Sure, there is no guarantee of success for Daniels. But it will not be because the organization set him up to fail. And with his talent and work ethic combined with the organization doing everything possible to support his development, you like your chances.

Marcus Mariota discusses what attracted him to the Commanders

Marcus Mariota discussed Kingsbury’s offense and why he came to Washington.

Marcus Mariota is now training for his fifth NFL team.

Mariota, the second overall selection of the 2015 NFL draft, spoke with the media, Wednesday after the Commanders OTA workout.

Immediately, he was asked not about himself but Jayden Daniels, the second overall selection of the 2024 NFL Draft. “He looks good,” began Mariota. “I think he really moves well and throws the ball well. For a young guy that comes in, he seems to really like to command the offense, and I think that is really important.”

I think it is important to stand in front of these guys, especially older players, nail it, and say, “I got this, I got it figured out,” added Mariota.

He transitioned to saying that it is important for each quarterback to be competitive, which will strengthen the quarterback room as a unit.

Mariota worked under Brian Johnson in 2023, then on the Eagles staff. “Oh, he is awesome,” said the former Oregon Duck quarterback. He had spoken of checking his ego at the door years ago.

When asked about it in a follow-up, Mariota replied, “I think this game humbles you. I was humbled very early on in my career in Tennessee (Titans).

“I love ball; I love being around it. So, regardless of what my situation entails, I put a smile on my face, and I just love coming to work.”

Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is known for running the “Air Raid” offense in the past. However, Mariota, when asked about the offense, quickly denied the label. “I don’t think you can put labels on it. I think that is a beautiful thing. I wouldn’t want to limit what it looks like.”

Many have voiced things are upbeat in Ashburn this offseason. “There’s a lot of factors that led to me coming here,” explained Mariota. “To be part of a new regime, a new owner, a new staff, new players. It’s a great opportunity to set the trajectory for a franchise. That opportunity itself was something I was excited to be a part of.”

Whether it be the Titans, Raiders, Falcons, Eagles, or now Commanders. Mariota seems to understand you only get so many opportunities in the NFL, and he really seems to want to enjoy this one, and make the most of it.

 

Commanders sign WR Olamide Zaccheaus

The Commanders add their first wide receiver of the offseason.

Not only were the Commanders meeting with Drake Maye at the UNC pro day on Thursday, but they also signed wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus.

The former Virginia Cavalier was undrafted in 2019 but signed by the Falcons. During his four seasons with the Falcons (2019-2022), he started 23 games, contributing 94 receptions for 1,328 yards (14.1), 8 touchdowns, and 65 first downs. Here are some NFL highlights of Zaccheaus.

Zaccheaus’s signing with the Commanders might not be that much of a surprise, seeing as he spent the 2023 season with the Eagles. Brian Johnson, the Commanders’ passing game coordinator/assistant head coach, served as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator last season and must have developed a relationship with Zaccheaus.

Last season as an Eagle, Zaccheaus made one start and caught 10 passes for 164 yards (16.4), resulting in 2 touchdowns and 7 first downs. Following his 2022 season with the Falcons, he filed for free agency in March of 2023 and one month later signed with the Eagles.

Zaccheaus will turn 27 in July and has also spent considerable time on special teams. In the 2019 season, he recovered a fumble for a touchdown. He also achieved the longest reception during the 2019 season of 93 yards.

Eagles officially announce the signing of TE Albert Okwuegbunam to a contract extension

After playing a limited amount of snaps in 2023, Albert Okweugbunam has signed a new 1-year contract extension to remain with the Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are signing tight end Albert Okweugbunam to a one-year contract extension ahead of NFL free agency the team announced.

Philadelphia acquired Okwuegbunam from Denver after a preseason finale that saw the versatile tight end catch seven passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. But the Broncos didn’t have room for him on their roster, so they made a deal with the Eagles.

Philadelphia traded a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-rounder to the Broncos last August and decided not to utilize the pass catcher at all the previous seasons under offensive coordinator Brian Johnson.

In his first season with the Eagles, Okwuegbunam played 57 offensive snaps and spent most of the season buried on the depth chart behind Goedert, Jack Stoll, and Grant Calcaterra.

A fourth-round pick out of Missouri, Okweugbunam was targeted just once in four games of action last season and did not have a catch.

He’ll return under first-year offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and should find a role with the innovative play-caller.

4 takeaways from Eagles signing TE Albert Okwuegbunam to a one-year deal

We’re looking at four takeaways from the Philadelphia Eagles signing Albert Okweugbunam to a one-year deal

The Eagles are signing tight end Albert Okweugbunam to a one-year contract ahead of NFL free agency.

Philadelphia acquired Okwuegbunam from Denver after a preseason finale that saw the versatile tight end catch seven passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. But the Broncos didn’t have room for him on their roster, so they made a deal with the Eagles.

Philadelphia traded a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-rounder to the Broncos last August and decided not to utilize the pass catcher at all the previous seasons under offensive coordinator Brian Johnson.

A fourth-round pick out of Missouri, Okweugbunam was targeted just once in four games of action last season and did not have a catch.

He’ll return under first-year offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and should find a role with the innovative play-caller.

With the move yet to be made official, here are four takeaways from the puzzling decision.

Eagles sign TE Albert Okwuegbunam to a one-year deal

After playing a limited amount of snaps in 2023, Albert Okweugbunam has signed a new one-year deal to return to the Philadelphia Eagles

In a move that can only be described as puzzling, the Eagles are signing tight end Albert Okweugbunam to a one-year contract ahead of NFL free agency.

Philadelphia acquired Okwuegbunam from Denver after a preseason finale that saw the versatile tight end catch seven passes for 109 yards and a touchdown. But the Broncos didn’t have room for him on their roster, so they made a deal with the Eagles.

Philadelphia traded a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-rounder to the Broncos last August and decided not to utilize the pass catcher at all the previous seasons under offensive coordinator Brian Johnson.

In his first season with the Eagles, Okwuegbunam played 57 offensive snaps and spent most of the season buried on the depth chart behind Goedert, Jack Stoll, and Grant Calcaterra.

A fourth-round pick out of Missouri, Okweugbunam was targeted just once in four games of action last season and did not have a catch.

He’ll return under first-year offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and should find a role with the innovative play-caller.

New Commanders assistant QB coach David Blough goes straight from playing to coaching

Everyone sees big things for David Blough as an NFL coach.

The Washington Commanders announced their new coaching staff on Thursday led by head coach Dan Quinn. It’s an experienced group with two former head coaches and four former coordinators on staff.

Offensively, Washington looks prepared to fully support a young quarterback. The Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and are widely expected to select a quarterback among Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.

A big emphasis for Quinn and new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was to give the quarterback position, whether it was a rookie, Sam Howell, a veteran, or a mix of the above options, the required support.

Quinn hired four former quarterbacks as a part of his staff:

  • Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury: 43 college games played, over 12,000 passing yards. Drafted by the Patriots and spent four seasons on NFL rosters or practice squads.
  • Offensive pass game coordinator/assistant head coach Brian Johnson: 44 college games played, 7,853 passing yards and 57 touchdowns.
  • Quarterback coach Tavita Pritchard: 31 college games played, 2,865 passing yards.
  • Assistant quarterback coach David Blough: 44 games played, 9,734 passing yards and 69 touchdowns. Undrafted in 2019, but spent time with the Browns, Lions, Cardinals and Vikings.

Blough was recently on the Detroit Lions practice squad. His contract expired once Detroit’s season ended, and he immediately jumped into coaching.

While the 28-year-old Blough had a successful playing career, many believed he’d always end up coaching.

Blough worked under Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson last season and, in 2022, was in Arizona with Kingsbury — who was the head coach.

Kingsbury praised Blough Thursday.

“Yeah, very, very smart,” Kingsbury said when asked about Blough. “I remember we got him in Arizona for a couple of weeks and he probably knew the offense better than I did after two weeks. I mean, he is one of the brightest quarterbacks I’ve ever been around. Great rapport with the players. I love his temperament. I think whoever the quarterback is, he’ll be great to be around him, and just how he sees the game, how he talks, protections, progressions, because he never gets too high or too low. And I think he’s got a chance to move up really quickly in this profession.”

Kingsbury didn’t give a lot of in-depth answers on Thursday, but he certainly provided one on Blough. That short time they worked together left a lasting impression on Kingsbury who believes Blough can be an excellent coach.

Blough finished playing in January and has an NFL coaching job in February tells you everything you need to know.

Washington’s stacked coaching staff doesn’t guarantee success, but’s set up well to support the quarterback position better than at any time in recent franchise history.

Commanders’ Dan Quinn promised people wanted to come to Washington

Dan Quinn said people want to be in Washington. He’s right.

Dan Quinn wasn’t kidding.

With new coaching staff hires on Wednesday, it reveals Quinn wasn’t exaggerating when last week he promised, “There are people that really want to be here.”

Quinn said in his introductory press conference he learned a lot from his head coaching experience in Atlanta and that if he could get one more shot at an NFL head coach position, he would make the most of what he learned.

Consequently, in this last week, Quinn has retained Ryan Kerrigan, Tavita Pritchard, and Bobby Engram from the staff of the 2023 Commanders. Also added to Quinn’s staff in the last week have been Brian Johnson (offensive pass-game coordinator), Jason Simmons (defensive pass-game coordinator), Larry Izzo (special teams), Bobby Johnson (offensive line), John Pagano (senior defensive assistant), Ken Norton Jr., (linebackers), David Raih (tight ends), Sharrif Floyd (assistant defensive line), Tom Donatell (defensive backs), Darryl Tapp (defensive line), and Anthony Lynn (running backs/offensive run-game coordinator).

Lynn has head coaching experience (Chargers) as does Kliff Kingsbury (Cardinals). Lynn played for and coached under Mike Shanahan and, most recently, was on Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers staff.

Simmons, 47, played defensive back in the NFL for a decade and has coached DBs with the Packers, Panthers, and Raiders.

Donatell played defensive back at Iowa and has served on Pete Carroll’s staff with the Seahawks, worked with Norton for three seasons, and most recently served on Brandon Staley’s staff with the Chargers.

Johnson (Brian) most recently was the Eagles OC employing an innovative run-pass option offense led by Jalen Hurts. Previously, he worked on the Dan Mullen staff at Mississippi State (Dak Prescott) and then Florida (Kyle Trask).

Johnson (Bobby) had the misfortune of the Giants offensive line spending more time in rehab than on the field, thus giving up the most sacks in the NFL. But the previous season, the Giants made the playoffs and won a playoff road game, utilizing an effective running game with Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones.

Do you notice a trend? Both Johnsons have worked with systems utilizing a running quarterback. All three of the top quarterback draft prospects, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye, are dual-threat quarterbacks. Come to think of it, so is Sam Howell.

Add to that, Lynn comes from the 49ers rushing attack as the running backs coach. Don’t make the mistake of thinking Kingsbury will only be throwing the ball in 2024. He is surrounding himself with people who know how to creatively run the ball in their schemes.

This coaching staff is loaded with experience, knowledge and talent.

All of them will not be able to be powerful and the smartest man in the room. It will be up to them to lay aside their egos and accept their assigned roles on Quinn’s staff.

But compared to the Ron Rivera staff of the last four seasons, couldn’t Quinn’s team be a much better-coached team?

Isn’t it fun thinking about how much better this franchise is already trending upward?