Tag: Commanders OC Scott Turner

Logan Paulsen: ‘Daniel Jones better than Taylor Heinicke right now’

Logan Paulsen breaks down why the Commanders lost in Week 15.

 

Logan Paulsen, a guest on the Kevin Sheehan Show podcast, Monday was asked directly to start the dialog, “Why did they (Commanders) lose last night?”

“Obviously, a question like that is multi-factorial, but I am going to start off with Scott (Turner), and the offensive staff got away from who they wanted to be and what they have been offensively.”

Paulsen felt the staff had watched film of how the Eagles scored big in their easy win over the Giants the previous week and attempted to incorporate that into the Commanders offense Sunday.

“I think it was a travesty in some ways that Brian Robinson only ended up with 17 carries.” Sheehan quickly countered, “12 carries, 12 carries.”

“The running game was being super-efficient, and I feel like they outsmarted themselves… that was one thing that really stuck out to me offensively. Obviously, the two turnovers were gigantic.” Paulsen distinguished between the two fumbles stating the first one was certainly not on Taylor Heinicke, but the last one certainly is.

“It felt like the offense had regressed back to what they were before Minnesota. A lot of dropbacks, a lot of off-gun runs, as opposed to a down hill attacking style, which they have become so good at the last few weeks, and the offensive line has gotten good at…It surprised me they came out departing from that.”

Paulsen illustrated by pointing to a 3rd & 3 in the red zone in which the call was a toss to Curtis Samuel. “I thought, man, you have one of the most efficient power runners in the NFL; why is he not on the field in this situation?… Give it to your best back, and let him make the play for you.”

“It’s easy for me to be a Monday morning quarterback and I am sure Scott had some good intel on why he wanted to call that in that situation.” But Paulsen continued that he thought that play call hurt more then helped.

“I think Washington is the more talented team, and that is one of the reasons why this is so frustrating. You want this team to make the playoffs, make a push. This is the game they had to win against a team they should have beaten.”

A determining factor right now is Daniel Jones is playing a little better than Taylor Heinicke right now. I think it was schematics and them (Giants) making plays when they needed to make them quite frankly.”

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Ron Rivera understandably concerned about Commanders QB production.

Was Ron Rivera sending a message to the offense?

Ron Rivera’s comments Monday regarding the Washington Commanders quarterback position have folks scratching their heads?

When asked if after the loss to the Giants there would be a switch at quarterback, Rivera said he was sticking with Heinicke, but then he stated, “It is something you know, to be quite frank as I do have to think about at some point.”

Rivera also mentioned, “if we can get back on track.” Message sent. The Commanders are not on track offensively, and Rivera does realize Taylor Heinicke is struggling. Secondly, Rivera has already contemplated a change but is not yet willing to make the call for a change.

Heinicke is a fan favorite and understandably so. He won over thousands of hearts the moment his outstretched body touched that front left pylon against Tampa Bay in the 2020 playoffs.

There have been some tremendous moments in late-game situations. In 2021 he led the team on late drives in defeating the Giants and the Falcons. He played his best games in wins over the Bucs and Panthers. But then in the big December games, he regressed.

In this 2022 season, he had great moments leading to victories over the Packers, Colts and Eagles. However, Heinicke has struggled the last two games a tie and a loss to a New York Giants team that was heading sharply south until they found the Commanders offense to be the remedy they needed.

It is not like Rivera to use the media to talk to his players. He earns their respect because he is open, direct and empathetic with his players. So perhaps Rivera was being transparent in the moment that yes, he is frustrated. Secondly, yes, he has already thought about a move but is determined for now not to make a move at quarterback.

Fans love to be very critical of Rivera, Scott Turner and Jack Del Rio. Frankly, I find so much of their criticism simplistic. Honestly, the Commanders have not had good enough quarterback play from Carson Wentz or Heinicke this season.

The bottom line, as a result, they are still the bottom team in the NFC East.

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Commanders offense continues to amaze Chris Cooley

Chris Cooley previews the game against the Giants and talks about some of Washington’s odd offensive stats.

Chris Cooley was a guest Friday on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast and pointed out that Washington is now fourth in total offensive plays run in the 2022 NFL season.

Cooley talked of how unbelievable it is that the Commanders are 21st in offensive yards yet 4th in offensive plays. “They have to wear New York down, and that is how Washington is going to win a lot of these games.”

“I don’t think it’s realistic that Washington is going to hit a lot of big plays down the field. But I do think they need to have 20 more plays than the Giants. Cooley elaborated how the quick short yardage plays of the Commanders are not wearing down the defensive secondaries. He also asserted he thinks they need to run some tempo in order to better wear down the Giants defense.”

I could be wrong but do Ron Rivera and Scott Turner want to run tempo unless it is absolutely necessary?

Sheehan pointed out how one of the Commanders’ second-half drives consisted of 11 plays while gaining only 38 yards, resulting in a Tress Way punt.  The Commanders coaches want to shorten the game, lean on their defense and ask Heinicke to manage the rest.

Sure enough, the Commanders ran 82 offensive plays to only 65 for the Giants two weeks ago. The time of possession was Washington 41:11 to 28:49 for New York.

Sheehan was assertive that the Commanders only converting 3 of 14 third downs and winning the time of possession and number of plays as well is not going to happen often and was an aberration.

The two were in no way hating on the Commanders offense or Taylor Heinicke. They were simply pointing out they are going to have to generate more big plays if they are going to win against better defenses.

Here is the entire Kevin Sheehan podcast from Friday.

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Commanders assistant Jim Hostler busy behind the scenes

Washington senior offensive assistant Jim Hostler explains his role on the coaching staff. And he loves Washington’s wide receivers.

Commanders senior offensive assistant Jim Hostler constantly has himself involved in two projects.

“I spend a little bit more time on game planning ahead of the teams we play. That allows [OC] Scotty [Turner] obviously to be in the moment of the game he’s calling that week, and I’m just a little bit ahead of him when we start on Monday and Tuesday with the game planning.

Secondly, Hostler helps out with the wide receivers helping coach the routes, and the concepts if they have any questions. He is glad to free up Turner in both ways.

Hostler likes the depth that’s developed at the wide receiver position.

“I feel good about it. I think we’ve done a good job of bringing the players in, drafting the young players that we have, and defining what they could do before we got ’em here. Then the ability for us to try to use ’em in their capacities. We’ve got a group that any of ’em can play. Even the young down-the-line guys. We don’t have any fear right now of putting ’em in the games.”

Hostler was asked about his scouting teams in advance.

“I’m not really looking at numbers or anything like that. I’m just looking at them as a defense. What do they do? How we’re gonna attack it. Obviously, when you start game planning next week, Scotty’s window of preparation for the game planning is a lot smaller than mine is because I can spend two or three days from the previous week working on the next opponent.”

Hostler is comfortable in this role, having much NFL experience doing the same type of activity.

I’ve done this several times. I did it in Buffalo for [Broncos Head Coach] Nathaniel [Hackett]. That’s where I first started doing it. It’s the same role, and I did it in Green Bay. When I was in Green Bay that was my role there, so that’s kind of the reason why we sort of did what we did. Obviously, we did what we did because we loved [wide receivers coach] Drew [Terrell] and know how good of a coach Drew is as a young coach.”

The role means, for Hostler, forcing himself to move on to the next opponent by midweek.

“We spend Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and then obviously you’re practicing Wednesday, early down kinds of things. Then you’re practicing situational offense on Thursday and Friday and usually that’s all done by Wednesday night. There’s a little bit of stuff done on Thursday, but usually after Wednesday nights the meetings are over, and I’m on to the next opponent.”

Commanders OC Scott Turner likes his offensive skill position leaders

Scott Turner is pleased with several of his offensive playmakers.

Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner told the press Thursday, he likes how quarterback Taylor Heinicke can bounce back after a bad play or bad series.

“I think he just has a short memory. I mean, he’s a confident guy. He understands like a lot of good players that, you make a mistake, you move on, don’t let it affect you. And he does the same when he has a big play positively. You move on to the next play. You never get too high, never get too low.”

Turner even alluded to Heinicke’s key interception when Washington led the Vikings in the fourth quarter before losing 20-17.

“Like I’ve said about him after the Vikings game when obviously it was negative or anything that happens, he’s gonna walk that line, and I don’t want him to lose his stinger, and you want him to be aggressive, and that’s why everyone loves him. We coach around the other stuff and you want him to be a good decision-maker, but I want him to play confident and loose, and that’s what you’re gonna get from him sometimes.”

Turner was asked regarding Heinicke being given advice concerning the starter at times being undecided.

“I don’t worry about that. I mean, Taylor’s been through a lot in his career, so he doesn’t really take much for granted. He’s an ultimate team player, so he’s ready to go whatever his role is. Obviously, he’s a competitor, and he wants to play. He’s gonna be starting this week and coach will obviously make those decisions as we go down the road. I don’t worry about him with that stuff. He’s good to go.”

Turner likes that not only is wide receiver Terry McLaurin fast and athletic but also a physical player.

“He might get hit as soon as the ball gets on him. But, there’s a high level of confidence that I have that he’s going to end up with the ball at the end of it. That’s a physical route where guys, a lot of times they try to sit inside or they play it, and with his speed, toughness, and competitiveness, he finds a way.”

“Obviously Terry does a nice job on it (slant), but you want to mix up stuff with the route tree. Obviously, the slant we ran, the go routes complement those. If you’re going to just sit inside, you’re going to get run by, you know what I mean? So, Terry’s obviously done a nice job with those over the course of the year. He had caught a great one in the third quarter of this past game. So, Terry can do it all.”

The depth at wide receiver is something on which Turner feels he can rely.

“I think you feel good that everyone can make plays and we designed stuff for certain guys, but if it gets a second and third read, you still feel good that the play’s going to be made. [WR] Dyami [Brown] had that unbelievable catch that set up [K] Joey [Slye]’s career-long kick before the half. [WR] Jahan [Dotson] had the big catch that got us down inside the five and I think that was their only catches of the game. And you know, you like to get those guys the ball more. ”

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Commanders Scott Turner rational regarding run game

Scott Turner liked the running game Monday night but realizes there is room to improve.

Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner understands the success Washington had running the ball Monday night in Philadelphia. Yet, Turner does understand the Commanders will need to continue to evaluate their running game.

“Obviously, yards per carry weren’t great, but we had 49 attempts. A lot of those were short yardage attempts where certain ones, we get a yard, that’s good enough in that situation. Some of those runs down on the goal line, so your average is going to be a little bit lower. We knew it was gonna be that type of game. We wanted to grind it out. We wanted to get in third and short and convert. We were able to do that.”

Turner acknowledges the Commanders conversions on third down was encouraging in the first half.

“Obviously, the first half set the tempo with going nine for 12 on third down. We didn’t have a great start to start the game and then we scored on five straight drives. The yards per carry wasn’t great, but as far as the run game, it was effective because we had a lot of ’em and we were able to stay on the field.”

Turner was asked if the running game was starting to ascend. Yet Turner was wise to simply comment on that game’s running game.

“It’s a week-to-week league. I mean, that’s a pretty good defense that we did that against. So if we can do it against them, I mean, we might as well. The biggest thing is just like I’ve told the guys, I love to run the ball. We gotta convert third downs in order to get those calls. So as long as we can continue to do that when we’re in those third and shorts, we have a better opportunity to convert. Every game’s different.”

Thus far in 2022, the Bears (36.0), Giants (34.4) and Eagles (32.9) average the most running attempts per game. Of note is that their quarterbacks run the ball several times each game as well. Monday the Commanders ran the ball 49 times, though one notices they only average 28.8 a game.

“49, I think that’s the most runs that I’ve ever had calling a game. Probably not gonna get that many, but we’ve got 42 before, we’ve gotten up to those numbers. If you’re doing that, you’re probably doing some good things. So, like I said, every game could play out differently. I am happy we’re getting some of those guys back. I just think a lot of our guys are getting better too. We got some young players that are getting more experience and they’re getting more comfortable and confident and they’re getting better as the season goes on, which is what you wanna see.”

Turner didn’t realize Brian Robinson had run the ball as much as the statistics later revealed. Yet, he was encouraged and thinks Robinson will elevate his game.

“Yeah, that was really cool. I didn’t realize it was 26 carries until after the game. You’re kind of in the middle of it. Like I said earlier, there wasn’t anything flashy about it. Obviously got in the end zone, was a hell of a run and effort. Talked to those guys about being physical and setting the tone. He really led the charge with that, so that was good to see. I think as he keeps running the ball the way he does, I think his vision will keep getting better and better and you’re gonna see some bigger runs come out of that.”

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Frustrated Chris Cooley has some harsh words for the Commanders

Chris Cooley was frustrated in his review of the Commanders’ 24-8 loss to the Eagles, even using the word “idiots” at one point.

Former Washington tight end Chris Cooley actually said some Commanders’ coaches were idiots.

As a guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast Thursday, Cooley was describing what he had observed while watching the film of the Commanders’ 24-8 loss to the Eagles.

Now, in fairness to Cooley, it is not altogether certain to whom he was referring. Was he referring to offensive coordinator Scott Turner? Or head coach Ron Rivera?

Cooley marveled that the Eagles played a 3-man defensive front many times in the game. “I don’t know how teams could play this in the NFL. You are just counting on teams throwing the ball on first down…It’s a 3-4 front as  they can bail the two ends like linebackers. It’s a 3-4 front with only one linebacker. Which makes it a 3-3.”

Sheehan reacted, “Then, why didn’t they (Commanders) run against this?” To which Cooley responded, “Because they’re idiots. I don’t know. They actually ran the ball ok, when they ran the ball. (But) they could never commit to it.”

You could hear in Cooley; it was in exasperation he called them idiots. Because he quickly countered, “I don’t know.”

After explaining the defensive alignment and its basic coverage Cooley said “I don’t know if he ever really saw it. And I don’t know why they kept calling play-action against it. I don’t know if Wentz saw it, I don’t know if Turner saw it.”

Cooley sounded passionate that they repeatedly attempted play-action passes when he pointed to a particular play where the offensive line did not sell run at all. He said they should initially have low helmets, low pads, but didn’t, so the Eagles knew it was a pass right away. He then said, “If that’s the case they should abort the fake because it only takes Wentz’s eyes off of the field.”

Sheehan then asked, “If Scott Turner (offensive coordinator) had adjusted, he would have adjusted to what?”

Cooley succinctly replied, “I am fine with some short-pass stuff.” Then he pointed out a play early where Terry McLaurin was in a single coverage by the Eagles. Yet, Wentz ate the ball and thus the sack. “McLaurin was open; just throw him the ball…That is what you want, one-on-one with Terry.”

There is much, much more here is the full show link.

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Doc Walker shocked by Commanders’ weak performance

Doc Walker puts a lot of blame for Sunday’s loss on Ron Rivera and Scott Turner.

Former Washington tight end for two Super Bowl teams, Rick “Doc” Walker, was shocked Sunday watching the Commanders lose 24-8 to the Eagles.

Walker was the scheduled guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast Monday. Here are some of Walker’s observations and opinions of Sunday’s game.

During the conversation, Walker questioned the offensive line, Carson Wentz, Scott Turner and Ron Rivera. He praised the three pass breakups by Benjamin St-Juste.

“I was in shock. I couldn’t believe what was going on because the Commanders were manhandled.”

“We really got manhandled; I felt bad for them… I was embarrassed; that’s all I can say about it.  I am hopeful we can get somebody who can block this kid number 11 (Micah Parsons) for Dallas and see if we have a chance.”

“They (Scott Turner, Ron Rivera) didn’t sense that Carson was out of sync, that he couldn’t handle the immediate pressure. He held on to the ball instead of throwing it away. It was a jailbreak on him.”

“One of our best guys 82 (Logan Thomas); it was like he was not even in the game plan. We were out of sync and didn’t recover. With Turner on the sidelines, you’ve got to feel it. You’ve got to see that something is not happening, and how do we fix it?”

“When you got two big horses, 320 pounds in front of you, you don’t expect them to get beat like a turnstile. It was inexcusable. You cannot be beaten that way after the defense gives you a couple of stops (early).”

“Oh, by the way, the game is Sunday. All week you are supposed to peak on Sunday, not Monday. Not at the podium; you are supposed to peak on the field, on game day.”

“Why would it change? The same guy is making the decisions (Dan Snyder). I don’t have to ‘think’ anything (about Ron Rivera). Everybody has a record; it’s documented.”

Sheehan mentioned how an NFL team can’t be outscored 46-0 two consecutive weeks in the first half. Walker responded by asking, And he (Rivera) got pi**** off because he was asked about Jimmy Garappolo?”

“It’s ironic that both guys we got up front (Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner) are once again from Carolina. So clearly there is a soft spot for people who have been in Ron’s past. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is best for the program.  And right now it is blowing up in his face because they are not.”

“As bad as it looks and feels you still got a shot. But you are not going to be able to talk your way out of this one. The people you train are going to have to look like they have been coached.”

Walker called for Chris Paul to be inserted into getting playing time. He stressed the jury is out on the guys up front. “You drafted him (Paul). He made your team; coach him up! Get him in there. It can’t be worse.”

“That’s the problem; we get stuck on people here as if you have no alternative. If you have no alternative, that is your fault (referring to Rivera who has control of player personnel).

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Chris Cooley: Commanders miss Matt Ioannidis and Tim Settle

Washington fans can certainly relate to Chris Cooley’s film review.

“They have a ton to correct,” said former Washington tight end Chris Cooley.

Cooley was a guest on Kevin Sheehan’s Wednesday podcast providing a film review of the Commanders’ 36-27 loss to Detroit. He disagreed with Ron Rivera that the defense missed a few explosive plays, feeling Detroit could have made even more big plays. The defense was a mess.

Sheehan pointed out that under Ron Rivera, Washington has been down 25 of the 35 games and in most of those have been down double digits in the first half.

Cooley felt an issue early was Carson Wentz took too long to get into a passing rhythm. He faulted Scott Turner for not providing quick rhythm throws, the offensive line for not protecting well, and Wentz for taking too deep of drops, moving too much in the pocket, and didn’t see the couple of receivers he did have open. He praised Wentz for bouncing back in having a good second half and Terry McLaurin for his effort in chasing down a long pass reception from Wentz.

“I didn’t feel like Turner got any of the first four drives going. I didn’t love the lack of balance I thought he had going early against Jacksonville…I don’t think they had balance to get into 3rd & 2. I still feel like they are going to struggle to run the football, don’t feel like they are good enough up front. I don’t feel like they are committed enough to run the football.”

Defensively, Cooley was flabbergasted at how badly the Commanders played the fly sweep which St. Brown ran for 58 yards with Washington having narrowed the 22-point lead to 22-15. He called out Jamin Davis, Darrick Forrest and William Jackson as simply clueless as to what was transpiring on the play. Cooley was aghast that St. Brown was uncontested, declaring this is not a new play in the NFL.

The D’Andre Swift 3rd & 15 touchdown play? Cooley clearly questioned why Washington was rushing six and dropping only five when the Lions needed 15 for a first down. He called out how Swift could fall down, pick himself up and still easily score, citing that William “Jackson was loafing.” Cooley said the Commanders’ defense on that play made Swift look like he was Barry Sanders.

Cooley said the zone run by Swift early was an embarrassing display of defense. “Their linebackers are terrible in terms of reacting and instinct. There were actually more big plays out there.”

“They don’t talk well, they don’t communicate well, they are not good enough at the line of scrimmage and they are not covering well on both levels.

“I don’t think they are as good up front as they have been in the past.” Then he pointed out how the backers are not filling gaps, and they are getting gashed in the run defense.

“I think Matt Ioannidis and Tim Settle were good players and they were consistent run-stop players. Why don’t you keep those guys? When you get 5th and 6th round picks that develop, just keep them. From what was an unbelievably built defensive line, they are now not that.”

Cooley pointed out the defense had zero tackles for loss in the run game. He added the game film was not fun to watch.

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Opener encouraged Commanders coach Ron Rivera

Ron Rivera was pleased with his team’s effort and preparation in Week 1 win.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was really upbeat today while talking with the media.

Wouldn’t you be upbeat when you realized you had a stretch of the game where you were outscored 19-0 and yet came away with the win?

Quickly here are some items on the offensive side of the ball that has Rivera feeling good right now.

Brian Robinson: “It was good to see him out there. He is progressing very well. Each week he gets to see the doctors and the trainers. They felt now is a good time to see how he does outside. We will see how he reacts to everything tomorrow morning.”

OC Scott Turner:
“Just watching him go through what coordinators do on a daily basis in terms of talking with him on Monday and Tuesday. You see the growth and you see the development. Just understanding how to attack people and how to create those matchups that you’re looking for. Using what you have. I think that has been very good. I think it has been very strong in terms of development.”

On how the offense handled blitzes Sunday:
“I thought they handled them pretty well. A big part of it obviously is getting a degree of comfort and trust with your offensive line and with the receivers knowing that they are going to get where they need to be when they see a blitz. That is probably the biggest thing that you saw. There were some really good things that happened. He got pressured, but not as much as he could’ve.”

Commanders Blitz Preparation Paying Dividends:
“We do a blitz period every day. It’s an opportunity for him to see it every day. That’s what we did through training camp and we do that now. We work on the opponents blitzes and what we can anticipate. It’s not just him that benefits from it, but the rest of the offense that benefits from it as well just working on it every day.”

Coach Rivera knows the team has a much different momentum after Sunday’s win.

“It’s the vibe more so than anything else. It was fun to watch how the guys came in on Monday and the excitement when we went through the tape in the team meeting. It is one of those things now that as you go forward you want to continue to work hard and keep the energy level up. That’s big.”