Tag: Camaron Cheeseman

Former Washington long snapper Nick Sundberg said Ron Rivera ‘lied’ to him

Washington’s longtime former snapper is not a fan of Ron Rivera.

The Ron Rivera era in Washington will soon be coming to an end. At 26-37-1 in four seasons as head coach, Rivera is expected to finish the season before new owner Josh Harris moves in another direction.

There is at least one former Washington player who will be happy to see Rivera go.

Nick Sundberg was Washington’s long snapper for 11 seasons, from 2010-20, with his final season overlapping Rivera’s first season in Washington. One of the NFL’s best and most reliable long snappers for a decade, Rivera unceremoniously moved on from Sundberg in the 2021 offseason.

As a guest on “Grant and Danny” on 106.7 The Fan this week, Sundberg explained that he was supposed to be in Washington for longer, but Rivera lied to his face.

“Yeah, but I mean, hopefully, I’ll be able to root for the team again in a few weeks,” Sundberg said when asked if it was difficult to see what the 4-10 Commanders have become via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“It’s tough to watch Ron, man. I don’t like him, clearly………I mean, if I got cut in January or just told I wasn’t being brought back in January, but three days before free agency starts is a little frustrating. That aggravated me quite a bit. I could have been rehabbing in Phoenix this whole time, but I was there trying to do what was right for the team and all that sort of thing, and they were and constantly like, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll get it (a contract) done, we’ll talk to your agent,’ just lying to your face type of stuff. So that is annoying.”

Sundberg holds no ill will toward Camaron Cheeseman, who the Commanders drafted to replace him in 2021 and released this week after struggling all season.

Remember, Rivera isn’t just Washington’s head coach; he’s also the head of all football operations. Since assuming that role in 2020, Rivera has made one bad decision after another. Whether it’s bungling the quarterback position, bad free-agent signings, or getting little from his draft classes, Rivera’s time as a GM has been a disaster.

Then, there is the story of Cheeseman. The Commanders moved up into the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft to select Cheeseman. Not only do NFL teams not draft long snappers, they certainly do not trade up for them.

As for Sundberg, there was talk of an injury, but Rivera didn’t see that as a problem when he initially told Sundberg the two sides would get a contract done. And this isn’t a case of Sundberg being out to get Rivera. Sundberg was a beloved member of Washington’s organization and the local DMV community. He was Washington’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee on two separate occasions.

Sundberg will be rooting for the Commanders again:

“Hopefully soon, sooner rather than later,” he said.

 

Commanders sign long snapper Tucker Addington to practice squad

The Commanders will elevate Addington ahead of their final three games.

The Washington Commanders finally moved on from long snapper Camaron Cheeseman on Monday after another disastrous performance in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Cheeseman had at least three errant snaps, one of which cost Washington the extra point on its final touchdown.

But the snap that finally forced head coach Ron Rivera to move on from Cheeseman was the one that almost seriously injured punter Tress Way. Fortunately, Way was fine, but Rivera could no longer ignore Cheeseman’s season-long issues just because he was a former draft pick.

On Tuesday, Washington signed Tucker Addington to the practice squad. Why the practice squad? NFL teams can elevate a player to the active roster three times per season, and with three games remaining, the Commanders will elevate Addington for game days.

If Addington makes it through the remainder of the season with no issues, Washington can sign him to a futures contract, ensuring he remains on the offseason roster.

Addington, 26, played collegiately at Sam Houston State. After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, Addington spent two seasons working at the Texas Long Snapping camp.

In 2022, Addington appeared in 10 games for the Houston Gamblers of the USFL, which earned him an opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys. However, after a week on Dallas’s practice squad, Addington failed to win the job, and the Cowboys released him.

In Dec. 2022, Addington signed with the New England Patriots, where he appeared in three games. He was released the following summer.

He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad in August after his release but was waived nine days later. Addington was one of five long snappers Washington brought in for a workout in September.

Zach Selby of commanders.com had the following information about Addington.

Ron Rivera discusses Commanders moving on from Cheeseman

Rivera discusses having to move on from his former draft pick.

Ron Rivera’s Monday press conference began with his being asked about why they made a move at long snapper.

For those who missed the latest news, on Monday, the Commanders released third-year long snapper Camaron Cheeseman. “Well, its just one of those things that there’s a certain point where it hadn’t been fixed, the way it needs to be fixed to be consistent all the time.”

Rivera, uninterrupted, elaborated a bit further, “It’s unfortunate because, for two solid years, we got some real good stuff from him. And unfortunately, this year was not as consistent as it needed to be.”

Cheeseman, the former Michigan Wolverine (who incidentally played his high school ball in Lincoln, OH), was selected by Washington in the sixth round (225 overall) in the 2021 NFL draft.

Instantly for some of us covering the team, it was a head-scratcher because long snappers are most often signed as undrafted free agents. The Commanders had now used a draft choice on a long snapper. Even more, not a seventh-rounder but a sixth-round choice.

Thus, there was an instant pressure on Cheeseman because the Commanders selecting him in the sixth round of that draft instantly raised questions and yes, some criticism.

For those who might not recall, the Commanders had already reached on Jamin Davis, selecting the Kentucky linebacker in the first round, 19th overall, catching draft analysts by surprise, seeing he was projected to go later.

When the draft reached the sixth round, the Commanders surprisingly made a trade — and even more, the trade was made with division-rival Philadelphia. The Commanders traded the Eagles, their fifth-round choice in the next year’s (2022) draft, for two Eagles 2021 choices (one in round six and one in round seven).

With those two 2021 choices, the Commanders selected Cheeseman and Will Bradley-King.

Earlier in the season, with Cheeseman struggling, Rivera actually stated, “We’ll just continue to have Camaron snap until, unfortunately, something happens, then we’ll decide from there.”

Sunday, something happened, and Tress Way was put in danger and an extra point attempt was delayed, giving the Rams time to block it.

Following the game, Cheeseman expressed the most surprising quote of the day, “I’ve been worried all year. Most places I wouldn’t be around still, so I’m taking every week as it is.”

Was that a compliment to Ron Rivera or more an admission of surprise?

Commanders release long snapper Camaron Cheeseman

The Commanders finally make a change at long snapper.

Apparently, Washington head coach Ron Rivera completed his evaluation of long snapper Camaron Cheeseman. On Monday, the Commanders released Cheeseman, one day after he had three errant snaps in a 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

After Sunday’s loss, Rivera was asked about Cheeseman, and he said his performance was not good enough and he would evaluate.

For his part, Cheeseman also spoke to the media, where he was asked if he was worried about his job, and his answer was eye-opening.

“I mean, I’ve been worried all year,” Cheeseman said, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “I haven’t been performing the way I’ve been wanting to. Most places, I probably wouldn’t be around still.”

Cheeseman is around no more. A sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Cheeseman is one of many failed draft picks during Ron Rivera’s four years in Washington. The Commanders not only spent a draft pick on a long snapper but also moved up to select Cheeseman.

He’s struggled all season, dating back to training camp. In September, the Commanders brought in multiple veteran long snappers for a workout, but it was clear Rivera was never serious about challenging Cheeseman.

After Sunday’s game, in which punter Tress Way was almost seriously injured, Rivera had no choice but to move on from Cheeseman.

Washington will likely bring long snappers in on Tuesday unless they sign one of the players who visited in September. Rivera will speak to the media later on Monday.

 

Ron Rivera on Camaron Cheeseman: ‘We’re going to evaluate it’

It doesn’t sound like Rivera has much of a choice but to make a move at this point.

Will Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera finally move on from long snapper Camaron Cheeseman?

Since training camp, Rivera has flirted with disaster, keeping the struggling snapper. Throughout the season, Cheeseman had errant snaps, but punter/holder Tress Way often saved him.

On Sunday, Cheeseman had at least three bad snaps, two of which cost Washington points. One of those, a bad snap on a punt, almost seriously injured Way. Fortunately, Way was fine and returned to the game, but it gave the Rams excellent field position.

Cheeseman spoke to reporters after the game and was asked if he was worried about his job.

“I mean, I’ve been worried all year,” Cheeseman said, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “I haven’t been performing the way I’ve been wanting to. Most places, I probably wouldn’t be around still.”

That’s a very telling statement, especially the final sentence.

What did Rivera say about Cheeseman’s status?

“That’s not good enough, and we’re going to evaluate that,” Rivera said when asked about Cheeseman’s snaps.

Rivera moved up in the 2021 NFL draft to select Cheeseman in the sixth round. He has refused to even entertain moving on from Cheeseman. While he did bring in some long snappers for workouts in September, Rivera didn’t seem to think Cheeseman’s issues were an actual concern.

After Sunday, it would be hard to justify bringing Cheeseman back for another week, something even the player would understand.

Commanders postgame quotes following their 10th loss of 2023

Some postgame quotes from players, coaches and analysts.

“I know there are a lot of people out there that want to bash Eric (Bieniemy) for this offense. This offense works. You have to go through the reads and make the quick decision. Jacoby Brissett came in tonight and showed you how a veteran guy runs this offense. And by no stretch am I trying to knock Sam.”  Brian Mitchell

“The defense did some great things today at moments, but I still don’t know how the hell [Rams WR] Cooper Kupp runs with nobody around him. That’s baffling to me. That is not a coach’s thing. I look at the players; they have to come through more.” Brian Mitchell

“We used to be mad at Dan (Snyder) then everybody was mad at Ron (Rivera). I don’t think the coaches are doing their job at a high level, either. But these players? I don’t see enough ownership. Because when you are a true competitor, you get pissed off, and you stop the bleeding. Who has stopped the bleeding?”  Brian Mitchell

“I am not getting on Sam, but when you see the performance we saw from our backup quarterback, that is going to have everybody scratching their heads.”  Santana Moss

“Really, just really trying to take care of him a little bit. In that situation, they had their ears pinned back like that, and didn’t want to see anything crazy happen. Yes, he is, because I decided he is our starting quarterback.”  Ron Rivera on benching Sam Howell and moving forward with Howell.

“I mean, I’ve been worried all year. I haven’t been performing the way I’ve been wanting to. Most places, I probably wouldn’t be around still.” Camaron Cheeseman, if he’s worried there will be a change at long snapper.

“That’s not good enough, and we’re going to evaluate that.”  Ron Rivera on Camaron Cheeseman’s long snapping

“I got to play better, I’ve got to execute better. It is what it is. I know I am not defined by this one game.” Sam Howell on being benched

“It’s hard to say. If we knew what the issue was, we would fix it. I think what it comes down to is we have to execute better and that kinda starts with me.” Sam Howell

“All we can control is how we move on from this point and how we finish the year.” Sam Howell

I’ve got to do a better job with my eyes, making sure I am looking at the right places…I’ve got to find a way to execute better.” Sam Howell

Two things from Sunday’s loss to the Rams sums up Ron Rivera’s tenure with the Commanders

Two things from Sunday’s game sums up Rivera’s era in Washington.

When Ron Rivera was hired as Washington’s head coach in Jan. 2020, he assumed complete control of the entire organization from the football side. In addition to being the coach, he was Washington’s general manager.

Rivera had control of everything, letting go of Kyle Smith in 2021 to hire his handpicked front office, led by Martin Mayhew, Marty Hurney and Eric Stokes.

Without going into much detail, it hasn’t worked out. Yes, Rivera has faced obstacles most other coaches will never see, but he failed in the little things he could control repeatedly.

There have been failed draft picks, lots of them, and bad free-agent signings — most of them. There have also been head-scratching moves on the sideline.

In Washington’s latest loss, a 28-20 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, we witnessed a little bit of everything.

First, there was long snapper Camaron Cheeseman. Remember, Washington traded up in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft to take Cheeseman. It’s rare NFL teams draft a long snapper in the first place, much less trade up for one. Cheeseman had a day to forget on Sunday.

He had at least three bad snaps in the loss, one of which almost saw punter Tress Way suffer a serious injury. Cheeseman skipped the ball back to Way, who had no choice but to cover it, leading to excellent field position for the Rams. Unfortunately, he took a hard hit and left to undergo evaluation for a possible concussion.

Fortunately, Way was fine and returned. However, on two point-after attempts, Cheeseman snapped the ball low each time. Way was able to save one, allowing kicker Joey Slye to convert. On the final PAT, the Rams blocked it as the entire timing of the play was off due to the snap.

It was bad. And to make matters worse, this has been happening since training camp. Players defended Cheeseman, saying he was working with a new grip. Rivera always defended Cheeseman, insisting last month things were fine.

When Cheeseman struggled in the summer, the coach refused to bring in competition.

Why? Because Rivera, the coach, was defending Rivera, the GM. That’s always a problem when the head coach also has the final say on personnel.

As if the Cheeseman situation wasn’t enough, there was a sequence late in the fourth quarter where the Commanders couldn’t seem to get out of their own way.

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett connected with Terry McLaurin for a 49-yard completion. Officials initially ruled McLaurin scored but later overturned the call. Instead, Washington would have the ball at the one-yard line with around 4:47 remaining in the game with a chance to cut the Rams’ lead to 28-21.

What happened? The Commanders scored a touchdown, but not until there was 1:46 remaining in the game. That’s right, it took Washington three minutes and 10 plays, beginning at the one-yard line, to score a touchdown.

In that sequence, after two railed runs, Los Angeles was called for pass interference, giving the Commanders another chance. When tight end Logan Thomas seemingly caught a touchdown pass, officials correctly called him for offensive pass interference.

The playcalling was questionable, the clock management was poor, and the execution was terrible. And when Washington eventually did score, Cheeseman’s snap led to a missed PAT. While not all of that is Rivera’s fault, it’s his team and his coaching staff. Who knows what would’ve happened if the Commanders had scored much sooner?

That sums up Rivera’s tenure to a tee. That sums up another miserable season for the Commanders.

 

Social media reacts to Commanders’ latest loss

Social media reacts to Rivera’s QB move, Cheeseman’s issues and that weird series late in the game where it took forever to score.

The Washington Commanders fell to 4-10 on the season after Sunday’s 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. It was an eventful second half for Washington, which trailed 13-0 at halftime.

Quarterback Sam Howell led the Commanders on their first scoring drive, finding Curtis Samuel for a 19-yard touchdown with 6:25 remaining in the third quarter. However, after a couple of ineffective drives and his first turnover of the day, head coach Ron Rivera pulled Howell for veteran Jacoby Brissett.

Brissett threw two late touchdowns to make theh game interesting, but the result was never in doubt. The Rams would hold onto the win, but after the game, Rivera faced tough questions on Brissett/Howell, long snapper Camaron Cheeseman and more.

How did X — or Twitter — respond?

We go through some of the best responses from another Commanders’ loss.

 

Commanders LS Camaron Cheeseman admits most teams would’ve cut him by now

Cheeseman acknowledges he’s been worried about his job all season and most teams would have already cut him.

The end may finally be near for Washington Commanders long snapper Camaron Cheeseman. The 2021 sixth-round pick had three more bad snaps in Sunday’s 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The first errant snap came on a punt when Cheeseman skipped the ball back to punter Tress Way. Way’s only option was to dive on the ball to prevent a possible Rams touchdown. In doing so, Way was injured and left the field to be evaluated for a concussion.

He returned.

After the Commanders scored their first touchdown, Way had another low snap that Way saved, allowing kicker Joey Slye to convert on the point after.

Finally, after Washington’s third and final touchdown, another errant snap to Los Angeles blocking the PAT and costing the Commanders a point. The earlier snap cost Washington three points.

In the locker room after the game, Cheeseman was asked if he was worried about his job. His answer was telling.

That last sentence sums up the Ron Rivera era. Remember, it was Rivera and his handpicked front office that moved up in the draft to select Cheeseman in 2021. Teams rarely draft long snappers, much less move up for them. And Rivera’s outright refusal to bring in real competition for Cheeseman throughout this season is just another bad decision in a long line of bad decisions.

Washington worked out long snappers in September, but it was more of a way to have someone on standby in case Cheeseman continued to struggle. He did continue to struggle, and Rivera stayed with him.

Cheeseman has struggled since training camp, and everyone, outside of apparently Rivera, was concerned.

You have to appreciate Cheeseman’s humility here. He was honest and spoke to the media after what was a dreadful and perhaps career-changing day for him.

Commanders P Tress Way evaluated for concussion after another bad snap

Fortunately, Way was cleared to return, but the bad snaps remain an issue.

The Washington Commanders looked like they were in business on offense late in the second quarter when they recovered a Rams’ fumble. Unfortunately, Washington’s offense wasn’t up for the challenge, going three-and-out for the second time after a turnover in Sunday’s game.

That led to Washington punter Tress Way, arguably the best player on the team, coming on the field for his fourth punt of the game. However, long snapper Camaron Cheeseman skipped the ball back to Way, who had to land on it to prevent further disaster. In doing so, a Los Angeles defender landed on Way. He lay on the field for several minutes before being helped off the field.

Just before halftime, Way entered Washington’s locker room, where he was checked for a concussion.

The Rams took possession of the ball deep in Washington territory at the 25-yard line. Fortunately for the Commanders, they held the Rams to another field goal, making it 13-0.

The bad snaps remain an issue for Cheeseman. Yet, head coach Ron Rivera never seems too concerned when questioned about it and refuses to bring in competition.

Cheeseman was a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Not only was it a surprise that Washington drafted a long snapper, but that it traded up in the draft to select Cheeseman.

It hasn’t worked out.

In some good news, Way has been cleared to return. The Commanders will certainly need him.