Tag: Darrell Green

Washington holds a new record after Lions’ NFL playoff win

Another ugly record for Washington.

With the Detroit Lions’ win on Sunday, the Washington franchise was again in the news, but not for good reasons.

On Sunday, in the NFC Divisional playoff round, the Detroit Lions defeated the Tampa Bay Bucs 31-23, advancing to next Sunday’s NFC Championship game. It is the first time the Lions have earned a trip to the game in 32 seasons.

It now means the Cowboys have the second-longest drought of 28 seasons, and unfortunately, yes, Washington now has the NFL’s longest drought of 32 seasons since playing in a conference championship game.

It was the magical 1991 season when the Lions defeated the Cowboys in Detroit of the Divisional round earning a trip to face the Redskins at RFK, who had defeated the Falcons 24-7 in the mud during the seat-cushion game.

In that NFC Championship game, the Lions had future Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders, but Washington had their own Hall of Famers (Art Monk, Darrell Green, and Russ Grimm, who was injured) and several big-time players making big-time plays like Wilber Marshall with his three sacks.

Charles Mann’s sack and forced fumble on the Lions’ initial series was recovered by Fred Stokes, setting the tone for the day. Mark Rypien completed 12 of 17 passes for 228 yards, two touchdowns and a 152.2 passer rating.

Washington held Sanders to 44 yards in his 11 carries, and Monk and Gary Clark both had second-half touchdown receptions from Rypien, while Green’s interception return for a 32-yard touchdown raised the final score to 41-10.

So now, it is Washington who has the longest streak in the NFL of not playing in a conference championship game since 1991 (32 seasons). It is no coincidence that the former owner began his era in 1999, and it ended as recently as this past July.

Now we hope the new Josh Harris ownership group, general manager Adam Peters, and the next head coach will be the ones to end this three-decades-long drought.

Darrell Green on Emmanuel Forbes: ‘He’s not getting the help he should get’

The Washington legend doesn’t believe Emmanuel Forbes is receiving the help he needs.

Sunday was a big day for Washington legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green. For the first time in 20 years, Green returned to FedEx Field. Back in July, when Josh Harris and his ownership group took over the Commanders, one of the first calls they made was to Green.

Green is happy to be back with the franchise where he played for 20 years and became one of the best cornerbacks in NFL history.

As far as the current team, Green pays close attention, specifically to rookie first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes. Forbes has struggled since Week 4, and he has played sparingly in recent weeks.

Green believes he could help Forbes.

“I’ve had conversations about him, not with him,” Green said of Forbes. “Truthfully, I could help him in 10 minutes, 20 minutes. I’m gonna cross a line I don’t normally cross; he’s not getting the help he should get. That’s all I’m going to say about that. I like him, but I don’t know him. I believe in him and……when I say he’s not getting the help he should need, everybody doesn’t need……I didn’t get any help. Richie Petitbon didn’t help me learn how to play. And everybody don’t get that help, and everybody don’t need that help. I think, humbly, he needs some help because I was concerned with how he approached cornerback.”

Wow.

That’s an indictment on this defensive coaching staff. Green isn’t the type of person to say these things. If he’s built a relationship with owners Harris, Mitchell Rales and Magic Johnson, don’t you think he’s shared his thoughts on Forbes and how he’s been coached?

 

Josh Harris called Darrell Green after being approved as Commanders owner

Josh Harris is making all the right moves.

Darrell Green is among the greatest players in the Washington NFL franchise’s 91-year history. After a 20-year playing career — all in the burgundy and gold — Green was a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2008.

Since Green retired, fans have yearned to see him a part of the organization in some manner. Yet, in over 20 years since he last played, Green has primarily remained away from the organization.

Green played his final four seasons in Washington under former owner Daniel Snyder. From all accounts, Snyder was good to Green. Since his retirement, we haven’t heard Green blast Snyder. Green has always seemingly remained on good terms with the organization but at arm’s length.

With Snyder no longer Washington’s owner, could we see Green around the franchise more in the future?

When Josh Harris was approved as the Commanders new owner last week, one of his first moves was to call Green, according to JP Finlay of 106.7 The Fan and NBC Washington.

“I feel there’s a genuineness there,” Finlay tweeted per his conversation with the legendary Green. “These are business people, but there’s a human side. We were the heart of the region, and that heart had a heart attack. We need to take our place again.”

That’s an excellent analogy from Green.

The good news is one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history was present for Harris’ introductory press conference at FedEx Field on Friday. Green sat next to his former head coach, Joe Gibbs, at the press conference and mingled with the ownership group, including Magic Johnson, and current players and other legends afterward.

Green looked happy to be there.

Harris has mentioned how important it is for the alumni to be involved in Washington’s present and future. He’s making good on that promise already.

It’s always a good day when Darrell Green is in town to support burgundy and gold.

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.

Cowboys legends Tony Dorsett, Drew Pearson team with Washington rival for special HS practice

From @ToddBrock24f7: The Cowboys icons partnered with Washington Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green to lead a special high school practice in New Mexico.

Albuquerque, New Mexico is just six hours from Glendale, where the Arizona Cardinals play. It’s about the same distance to Denver, home of the Broncos. But a recent poll shows that most of the Land of Enchantment actually roots for the NFL team that resides 650 miles to the east.

No surprise, then, that past Cowboys icons Tony Dorsett and Drew Pearson would be treated like royalty during a stop in Albuquerque. And even though the former rival who brought them there to serve as their teammate for a day may feel like an odd mismatch, it was all for a great cause.

Seven-time Pro Bowler and Washington football icon Darrell Green hosted a special football practice last week for the city’s Highland High School team. The three Pro Football Hall of Famers and the University of New Mexico Lobos coaching staff not only led the Hornets squad through drills on the field at UNM’s University Stadium, they also spent time with the youngsters to focus on the importance of physical and mental health, higher education, and suicide prevention.

“We’re not playing anymore,” Green said. “We use the memories- the nostalgia, whatever you want to call it, we use that- to come and stand before young people and tell them all the knots, bumps, and scars that we have on our lives so that you don’t get the knots and bumps and scars on your life. That’s what this is really all about.”

Green helped establish the Strong Youth, Strong Communities initiative alongside the Pro Football Hall of Fame and managed care company Centene Corporation several years ago to equip and assist youth and youth-serving organizations across America.

He travels the country for events like last Wednesday’s practice session, using connections he made during his playing days and as a Hall of Fame member to bring a little added star power to each stop.

For the team from Highland High, an under-served Title 1 school, it was important to hear from the visiting Super Bowl legends that it’s not where they start out that determines the impact they can have, it’s where they choose to go.

“They need to understand [for] themselves,” Dorsett said, “the fact that they have leadership qualities, that they can lead what’s going on and make a difference in what’s happening in their schools. Take this platform and make it a positive thing.”

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Highland High was chosen for the event, organized by Western Sky Community Care, because of the Hornets’ performance both on the field and in the classroom, with the team’s players reaching 100% eligibility for the upcoming football season.

Dorsett, Green, and Pearson shared some of their own stories of overcoming adversity, in lessons that they hope will stick with the young players long after they unlace their cleats.

“We all know football’s a tough game,” Pearson told the group. “And that’s why the people that come out of the game, whether you’re in the Pro Football Hall of Fame or not, when you come out on the other side of playing this game, you become a better person.”

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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.

 

WATCH: Commanders fan gives Emmanuel Forbes some advice

She wants Forbes to watch plenty of Darrell Green.

Washington Commanders rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes has been the talk of the offseason since being selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft. Forbes shined in rookie minicamp and throughout the first two weeks of OTAs, as he matched up with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson this week and held his own.

Forbes has also been popular with Washington fans, who love that the former Mississippi State Bulldog set the FBS record with six interceptions returned for touchdowns during his three-year college career.

Recently, one Commanders fan met Forbes at an event and offered him some advice: He should begin studying tape of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Washington legend Darrell Green.

Check it out:

The fan was playful with Forbes, who was polite and kept a smile on his face throughout the interaction, even hugging the longtime fan.

Forbes was the first cornerback the Commanders selected in the first round since Carlos Rogers in 2005. Green was a first-round pick in 1983 and would enjoy a 20-year career — all with Washington.

The Commanders can only hope Forbes follows in Green’s large footsteps.

The top 5 Washington draft choices for Ron Rivera: No. 4

Counting down Rivera’s top five draft picks in Washington. Today, we look at No. 4.

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This week (Monday-Friday) Commanders Wire will reveal in ascending order the top-five draft choices Ron Rivera has made in his three earlier drafts. Consequently, none of the 2023 NFL draft will be eligible for this list, seeing they have yet to play in the NFL.

Further, initially keep in mind that it is still much too early to know what Jahan Dotson, Phidarian Mathis, Percy Butler and Sam Howell are going to provide from the 2022 class.

Honorable Mention:

Chase Young also does not make our top five list because of virtually no productivity from the 2021 and 2022 seasons. But because of his high productivity in 2020, he nearly made the list and deserves an honorable mention.

Other honorable mention draftees during the Rivera era: Darrick Forrest and John Bates.

So here goes the list of the top five draft choices by Ron Rivera during his three seasons here in Washington (2020-22).

No. 5: Brian Robinson Jr., RB Alabama, 2022

No. 4:  Benjamin St-Juste, CB, Minnesota, 2021

St-Juste was selected by Washington in the 3rd round (74th overall) in the 2021 draft.

Starting and playing in 12 games in 2022, St-Juste began to display a physical ability to track with wide receivers on the outside in an effective manner. In his 2021 rookie season, he was most often covering in the slot, but in 2022, the former Minnesota Gopher proved to himself and coaches he can defend the top opposition on the outside (421 outside snaps in 2022 and 168 in the slot).

At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, St-Juste is long and physical on the outside for the Commanders. St-Juste exhibited great progress last season, and now in his third season, Washington defensive coaches may look to match up St-Juste against the opponents’ number one wide receiver. This will challenge the more experienced St-Juste and also permit 2023 rookie Emmanuel Forbes to not be matched against the No. 1 receivers.

It has been 32 years since Washington had a first-team All-Pro corner in Darrell Green (1991). Though St-Juste may not make All-Pro, his progress at times displayed in 2022 had to be encouraging for Commanders coaches looking toward the 2023 regular season.

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.

Allen, McLaurin and Way honored on Thursday

The Washington Commanders held their annual Welcome Home Luncheon Thursday.

The Washington Commanders held their annual Welcome Home Luncheon on Thursday at MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

The purpose of the luncheon is to kick off a new season while honoring the previous season. The entire team and coaches are in attendance, as are some of the greatest players in franchise history.

On Thursday, Washington announced players of the year for the 2021 season. And the winners were no surprise.

On offense, it was wide receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin caught 77 passes for 1,053 yards and five touchdowns, despite more inconsistent play at quarterback. The offensive player of the year is named after the legendary Bobby Mitchell.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen took home the hardware for defensive player of the year. Allen received a contract extension last July and then went on to have the best season of his NFL career. Allen recorded 62 tackles, nine sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 30 quarterback hits.

Washington punter Tress Way was named the franchise’s special teams player of the year for 2021. Way was emotional, speaking of losing his father before last season.

The legendary Darrell Green was also honored with a legacy award.

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