Tag: DB Quan Martin

Adam Peters said the Commanders have a ‘few cornerstone pieces.’ Who are they?

Adam Peters said the Commanders had a few cornerstone players. Who are they?

“I believe there’s a few cornerstone pieces in this roster. I believe we have a lot of work to do.”

That is how new Commanders GM Adam Peters replied when asked what he thought of the current roster.

So, who does Peters feel are the “few cornerstone pieces”?

On offense, it would have been great if Sam Howell had developed enough this past season, but that did not occur, as Howell led the NFL in sacks taken and interceptions thrown.

Brian Robinson accumulated 733 rushing yards and 368 receiving yards totaling 1,101 yards from scrimmage. But Robinson is a running back. So Peters may not feel it necessary to pay Robinson a second contract, but we can cross that bridge in a couple of seasons.

Much was made of Terry McLaurin accomplishing a fourth consecutive season of 1,000 yards receiving. Frankly, wasn’t too much made of this? In today’s NFL, the rules and officiating favor the offense much more than the defense. Thus, there is more passing in today’s game. In addition, the NFL regular season is now 17 games. He is a fine, hardworking player and is a team leader. Yet, one would be hard-pressed to persuade us that McLaurin is an elite receiver. But his contract may keep other teams from trading for him. Is he really worth his $24.1 million cap hit in 2024?

This leaves the only real offensive cornerstone piece upon which the Commanders must build around, and that is right guard Sam Cosmi. Cosmi’s 2024 cap hit will only be $2,108,135. His last contract year is 2024, so Peters will want to re-sign Cosmi to that second contract.

Defensively, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne have been sturdy and energetic inside forces, but that did fall off some this past season. Allen and Payne will have cap hits of $23 million and $26.17 million in 2025. Allen and Payne were drafted in the first round by Washington in 2017 and 2018, respectively. If Peters wants to receive the highest possible value back in a trade, he may want to trade one or both this offseason.

A few young players who have shown a toughness that Peters may keep around include safeties Darrick Forrest and Kam Curl. Curl is a free agent, however, and may want to hit the open market. A third is Quan Martin, a second-round choice who flashed at times in the later games of the season.

Three other players on the offense could be nice developmental pieces. Chris Rodriguez Jr. exhibited a real toughness on special teams and in running the ball. Jahan Dotson has had his moments where he looks like he really belongs. Another is Curtis Samuel. However, Samuel is a free agent, and Peters may not want to give him a third contract.

Armani Rogers, the most athletic of the tight ends, missed this entire season with a torn Achilles tendon. But he is an athlete Peters will want to keep, as he most likely does not bring back Logan Thomas.

Peters was absolutely correct. He has a lot of work to do.

 

 

Commanders get a win: Hold on for 20-17 victory over Patriots

The Commanders hold on for their first win over the Patriots since Steve Spurrier was the head coach.

With the game on the line, the Patriots had driven 50 yards in nine plays.

With 38 seconds remaining, on 2nd & 8 at the Commanders 41, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones dropped back and passed toward receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Smith-Schuster reached for the pass, it went off of his hands, and rookie defensive back Quan Martin executed the old “tip drill” wonderfully, securing the interception.

The Commanders had held on defeating the Patriots 20-17 for their first victory over New England since 2003. On that day, Steve Spurrier was the Washington head coach, Tom Brady threw three interceptions, and the Washington team was still the “Redskins.”

Commanders quarterback Sam Howell forced a second-quarter pass in the last minute of the first half, resulting in an interception in the end zone, costing them dearly with no score on the drive.

Yet, Howell played well enough that the Commanders converted 9 of 17 third downs, with Howell coming up with several clutch passes. Also, the Commanders defense held the Patriots to a mere three of 12 on third downs.

Washington out-gained New England 432-327 as Howell was 29 of 45 for 325 yards. The Commanders also out-rushed the Patriots 124-107, and the good guys held the ball for 37:10 to the Patriots 22:50.

The game also featured perhaps the first time in NFL history a quarterback was sacked with the ball in his hand, and yet Commanders defensive end KJ Henry was called for “roughing the passer.” It was a huge, terrible call by officials as Jones’ fumble recovered by Efe Obada was overruled, gifting the Patriots a first down, and they subsequently also kicked a field goal.

Terry McLaurin led Washington with 73 receiving yards on five receptions, while Jahan Dotson added 69 yards, Byron Pringle 55 yards, Antonio Gibson 42, Dyami Brown 33, Logan Thomas 31 and Jamison Crowder 23.

With the win, the Commanders are now 4-5, while the Patriots fell to 2-7.