Tag: Commanders training camp

Ron Rivera likes the Commanders depth at defensive end

Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio like Washington’s defensive end depth.

The Washington Commanders arguably have the NFL’s most talented defensive line. Defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat, combined with defensive tackles Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and Phidarian Mathis, give Washington an outstanding tor group.

However, with Young still recovering from knee surgery, there were concerns about Washington’s youthful depth at defensive end this offseason. It led the Commanders to sign veteran Efe Obada to serve in a backup role for 2022.

But what about some of Washington’s young pass rushers?

Head coach Ron Rivera spoke to the media Wednesday and offered high praise for some of the Commanders’ young pass rushers.

“[William] Bradley King has done a really nice job,” Rivera said of the second-year defensive end. “He’s a heavy-handed guy that’s physical.”

Bradley-King has been consistent throughout training camp and flashed multiple times in last week’s preseason opener. Rivera also praised Bunmi Rotimi and Shaka Toney. Toney, along with Bradley-King, were fellow seventh-round picks in 2021.

“You look at Shaka [Toney], Shaka is a situation pass-rusher type,” Rivera said. “Very explosive off the ball. We saw that in the game. He was getting around the corner and dipping stuff like that. So, we got a mix of young guys.”

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio also spoke on some of Washington’s defensive ends, naming James Smith-Williams and Casey Toohill.

“I think James Smith-Williams is the first guy that comes to my mind,” Del Rio said. “He is running with the ones. I think he is a guy that is rugged. He has played a little bit inside and has moved outside full-time. He is doing a great job with it. Really happy with him.”

We know Young is out for at least Week 1. Perhaps he will miss a few games. Washington certainly isn’t going to rush his return. So the extra reps for players like Smith-Williams, Toohill, Bradley-King and Toney are critical in the preseason.

It’s clear that Commanders’ coaches believe in some of the young players and Obada, regardless of how long they must wait on Young. That’s something the Commanders were less confident about one year ago.

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Commanders Bobby McCain conveys the point of emphasis

Bobby McCain talks Washington’s improved communication in the secondary.

Commanders safety Bobby McCain visited with the press Wednesday, and he was certainly preaching better communication.

McCain relayed communication has certainly been coached.  “It’s just the point of emphasis we made from the start of camp. As long as we are all on the same page, not too many people can beat us athletically. So understanding that it’s got to be all across the back end. Everybody’s got to communicate.”

When asked how that is different from 2021, the seven-year veteran responded, “Teams lose more games than they win in this league and that one thing starts with communication, especially in the back seven, because if you’re not on the same page, you have no chance.”

The former Miami Dolphin believes Kansas City will be a good test, Saturday. “It’ll definitely be good for us. We know what kind of offensive firepower they have. So having a good strong defensive stand will be nice.”

A fifth-round draft choice (145) in 2015, McCain is impressed with some of the younger players developing in the secondary. “One thing I see out of Percy (Butler) and I told him from the first day, you’ll be in this league a long time, as long as you don’t make the same mistakes twice. And he really hasn’t made the same mistake twice. He’s playing a lot faster. The game’s slowing down to him, and he’s understanding the defense really well.”

The former Memphis Tiger believes the Commanders are having a good training camp and will need to “Build off of it and start fast. Understand that just because you’re out here and it’s happening out here, it doesn’t mean it’s going to happen every Sunday. ”

With the poor performance in 2021, especially on third downs, he stated, “We try to let you guys worry about that, and we just got to worry about going out, playing football…We’ve been talking about it all OTAs all ever since last year. Really just making sure because situational football is all that wins games in this league.”

McCain is seeing second-year safety Darrick Forrest progress as well. “He is so much smarter. You can see the jump, you can see the year-two jump. He’s out there communicating with me and Kam (Curl). He understands, he knows where he needs to fit. He knows his role and he’s been a good ball player, but now you can see he’s playing really fast.”

Asked a second time about third-down defense, “It’s the most important down in football, to be honest with you. Because it’s going to get you off the field and it’s going to keep the guys fresh.”

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Don’t count out Cam Sims in 2022

Washington has a potentially outstanding group of wide receivers. You shouldn’t forget about Cam Sims, either.

There is a lot of hype surrounding the Washington Commanders’ wide receivers in 2022. Top wide receiver Terry McLaurin got paid, the Commanders spent a first-round pick on Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel is finally healthy.

That’s a potentially outstanding trio. Then, you have Dyami Brown, who is quietly having a terrific training camp in year two of his career.

Then, there is Cam Sims. Did you forget about him?

Sims is entering his fifth NFL season in 2022 — all with Washington. Every offseason, we’ve been promised more of Sims. Unfortunately, something happens, whether it’s an injury or quarterback issues, and the expected breakout from Sims never happens.

Sims appeared on the verge of that breakout in 2020 when Alex Smith was under center. Sims had his first career 100-yard game in the regular season and came up big in Washington’s playoff loss to Tampa Bay, going over 100 yards again and leading Washington in receiving.

The Commanders placed a tender on Sims in 2021, retaining his services for another season. There was hope he’d be Washington’s third receiver in 2021 behind McLaurin and Samuel. Nothing worked out as planned for Washington’s wide receivers in 2021, including Sims, who missed three games and battled a nagging hamstring injury for several weeks.

What should we expect in 2022?

There is no question the Commanders have their top three wideouts. And Brown is likely also in that mix, but Sims is showing everyone in training camp why you shouldn’t forget about him.

Sims catches everything. And at 6-foot-5, he has the size none of Washington’s other receivers possess. Check out this catch from Wednesday:

New quarterback Carson Wentz loves throwing to big targets. While Sims will not start in 2022, barring injury, there is a role for him. Sims would be outstanding in the red zone, paired with McLaurin, Logan Thomas and Cole Turner in some big sub-packages.

The point is that you find a role for him outside of special teams, where he is outstanding. That is the good news for Sims. Due to his work on special teams, he is always active. So even if he isn’t among the team’s top receivers on game day, he will always be active, meaning the Commanders don’t have to sit someone else for Sims to be active.

On Wednesday, Sims reminded everyone why he’s still around.

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Commanders Jack Del Rio mindful and precise with media

Jack Del Rio spoke only about football on Wednesday.

Jack Del Rio did not take the bait.

Washington’s defensive coordinator was fined $100,000 by head coach Ron Rivera in June. When he met with the media Wednesday, the very first question he was asked was what he learned from the fine. Del Rio calmly replied, “Happy to be in camp right now. The team is doing a great job working on preparing for the season. Everything that I like to talk about should have to do with football and playing good defense.”

When John Keim inquired what all went into Del Rio’s departure from tweeting on Twitter, Jack simply responded, “Personal decision.”

A third question came; even offering it was unfair he was fined. But Del Rio was laser-focused, responding, “I have nothing to add.”

One reporter clearly not listening well, repeated a question Del Rio had earlier more than satisfactorily answered. He calmly responded, “I touched on that a little before.” Which Del Rio certainly had. But for the record, Del Rio did go ahead and offer some more of an answer in kindness to the reporter.

Some members of the media probably interpreted Del Rio as stingy with answers Wednesday. Yet, on the other side of the coin, in his first statement, he made it clear he was only going to talk football, and yet he was asked twice more about the events this past June.

Del Rio even was conscientious not to provide his opinion of Coach Rivera’s firing of defensive line coach Sam Mills III or the promotion of Jeff Zgonina. “I’d have to defer to coach (Rivera) on any reasoning. I think he spelled that out with you guys. I have nothing to add.”

When asked a second time about Rivera’s decision, Del Rio again was judicious. “Like I said, anything you want to talk about in terms of that, I just defer to coach.”

Now Del Rio was more than happy to compliment Zgonina’s coaching, “Jeff is doing a good job. He’s a guy that played 17 years in the league. I like that. I think he brings some intensity. I like that. I think the guys respond well to him and his teaching. I think he brings intensity on the way he coaches the guys. I think there is connectivity. It is important to be able to connect with the guys and I think he does that. Thus far, a short, small sample but I have been happy with the way it has worked out.”

Del Rio did compliment some of his players’ performances thus far in preseason. “I think James Smith-Williams is the first guy that comes to my mind. He is running with the ones. I think he is a guy that is rugged. He is doing a great job with it. Really happy with him. I think Casey Toohill has developed. I think Efe (Obada) is developing. Those guys are giving us some presence on the edge, and of course, Montez Sweat is leading the way with that group.”

“I think Jamin (Davis) is playing with more certainty and more confidence. He understands where he belongs. Talent wise with his abilities, he’s locked in, and mentally he really understands where he belongs. He is having a strong camp for us, and we are going to need him to play well for us.”

“Cole (Holcomb) is really asserting himself in a leadership role. I think he is doing a great job mentoring some of the other linebackers, asserting himself in the huddle, taking charge and making the call, being really strong with it. I think his preparation is very strong. I’m happy with the way he has approached it.”

Del Rio did provide much more, but space does not permit here. Here is the full video.

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WATCH: Carson Wentz connects with Jahan Dotson on beautiful throw and catch

Carson Wentz and Jahan Dotson hook up for a big play during Wednesday’s practice.

We know Washington quarterback Carson Wentz has a big-time arm. The knock on Wentz is accuracy.

During Wednesday’s training camp practice, Wentz’s strong arm was on full display, along with his accuracy, when he connected with rookie wide receiver Jahan Dotson on a beautiful bomb in practice.

Check it out.

That play is one of the many reasons Washington’s coaching staff believes Wentz is a sizeable upgrade under center for the Commanders. Far too often in recent seasons, Washington’s offense didn’t have a deep passing game due to quarterback play.

That all changes with Wentz. And, in Dotson, Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown, the Commanders have the weapons to take advantage of Wentz’s arm strength.

If nothing else, Washington’s offense should be fun to watch in 2022.

 

Antonio Gibson returning kicks in practice on Wednesday

Antonio Gibson, the kick returner?

On Tuesday, the Washington Commanders had starting running back Antonio Gibson working with the first, second and third teams, in addition to working on special teams. Head coach Ron Rivera downplayed it, noting rookie running back Brian Robinson Jr. was doing the same.

This was newsworthy because Gibson, who had a fumbling problem last year, fumbled in Washington’s first preseason game. The turnover led to an easy Carolina touchdown. Meanwhile, Robinson shined in his first NFL action, showing his ability to run between the tackles and impact the passing game.

Would Tuesday’s “message” be a one-time thing for Gibson?

On Wednesday, Gibson worked with the punt and kick returners during practice. Does this mean Gibson is a legit threat to return punts or kicks?

Never say never, but this is likely part of the coaching staff’s plan to have Gibson realize he cannot continue to turn the ball over. Head coach Ron Rivera did remind everyone that Gibson returned kicks in college.

The leash will be shorter for Gibson in 2022 with Robinson on the roster, a luxury the Commanders didn’t have in 2021.

But if Gibson can turn things around, he’s too talented to sit on the bench for long.

Scott Turner on Antonio Gibson: ‘We can’t waste possessions’

Washington’s coaches sent a message to Antonio Gibson on Tuesday.

Did the Washington Commanders send running back Antonio Gibson a warning on Tuesday?

Washington coaches had Gibson practicing with the first, second, and third teams on Tuesday. He also took reps on special teams. It was the same usage as rookie Brian Robinson Jr.

Do we have a situation here?

Gibson entered the offseason as the No. 1 running back, with J.D. McKissic receiving plenty of reps as Washington’s receiving back. Robinson was always going to figure into the mix, likely in goal-line situations.

However, Gibson’s fumble in the preseason opener, coupled with Robinson’s performance, may have changed the dynamic. Remember, Gibson fumbled six times last season. There was hope the fumbling issues were a thing of the past, but it remains an issue.

Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner was asked about Gibson’s fumble after Tuesday’s practice.

“That’s one of the first things that we talk about when we get together as an offense when training camp started is protect the football,” Turner said. “We can’t waste possessions, and obviously, if you fumble the ball, that’s a waste of a possession. That’s a ball carrier’s first job, to protect the ball. We can’t have that.”

It didn’t help that Gibson’s fumble occurred deep in Washington territory and led to a relatively easy Carolina touchdown.

After Saturday’s game, Gibson spoke of the fumble, taking accountability and stressing how he needs to fix it.

As for Gibson working with the third team and on special teams, head coach Ron Rivera downplayed it when asked if there was a competition for the No. 1 job.

“There’s always been a competition for the positions on this team,” Rivera said. 

Make no mistake, Washington’s coaches sent Gibson a clear message Tuesday. The team loves Gibson, but the presence of Robinson gives them an option if Gibson’s fumbling issues remain. That’s not an option Washington had last season.

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WATCH: Commanders’ CB Danny Johnson’s one-handed interception in practice

Washington cornerback Danny Johnson with an impressive interception during Tuesday’s practice.

The Washington Commanders were back in pads for another competitive practice on Tuesday. It was a good day for some receivers, such as Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin, but overall, it was another impressive effort by Washington’s defense.

And one of the most impressive plays in camp occurred on Tuesday when cornerback Danny Johnson went up high for a one-handed interception on a pass intended for wide receiver Dax Milne during red-zone drills.

Check it out:

Washington’s top three cornerbacks spots are locked up with Kendall Fuller, Benjamin St-Juste and William Jackson III. Johnson appears to have the fourth spot locked up.

Entering his fifth season in the NFL — all with Washington — Johnson is coming off his best season as a pro in 2021.

The Commanders face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2 of the preseason on Saturday.

Commanders release defensive back Troy Apke

Troy Apke was a fourth-round pick by Washington in 2018.

The Washington Commanders met the NFL’s deadline to trim rosters to 85 players on Tuesday by releasing two players and placing two more on injured reserve.

Washington’s roster stood at 86 players but received an exemption for defensive lineman David Bada, a member of the International Player Pathway Program.

However, the Commanders weren’t done making moves and released defensive back Troy Apke on Tuesday afternoon.

Releasing Apke doesn’t come as a surprise as he remained on Washington’s roster last season to exclusively play special teams. He did not play one snap on defense last season, despite a slew of injuries in the secondary.

Head coach Ron Rivera often praised Apke for his ability on special teams. Still, with Cam Sims, rookie Percy Butler and others on the roster who offer more versatility, Apke’s position became tenuous.

Apke was a fourth-round pick in 2018 out of Penn State. He was known for his blazing speed, but he struggled when he received opportunities on defense. In four seasons with Washington, Apke appeared in 50 games, making a combined nine starts at safety in 2019 and 2020.

Commanders make roster moves ahead of Tuesday’s deadline

The Washington Commanders made multiple moves ahead of Tuesday’s deadline to trim rosters to 85 players.

Every NFL team has until 4:00 p.m. ET Tuesday to trim their roster to 85 players in the summer’s first round of cuts. The Washington Commanders made multiple moves Tuesday morning to meet the deadline.

First, the Commanders placed tight end Sammis Reyes on season-ending injured reserve. He is now out for the season, but if he reaches an injury settlement with Washington, he could be released and sign with another team or return to the Commanders.

Reyes was a part of the International Player Pathway Program and spent last season on Washington’s roster. Reyes has been battling a hamstring issue and played only two snaps in the preseason opener — both of which were on special teams.

Washington also placed fullback Alex Armah on injured reserve. He appeared in two games for Washington last season.

The Commanders released cornerback De’Vante Bausby, who signed last week, and guard Deion Calhoun. After those moves, Washington’s roster was down to 86 players but receive an exemption due to defensive lineman David Bada being a part of the International Player Pathway Program.