Tag: Jack Del Rio

5 takeaways from Commanders’ 26-6 win over the Cowboys

Here are five takeaways from the Commanders’ season-ending win over the Cowboys.

The Washington Commanders ended the season on a positive note with Sunday’s 26-6 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

In rookie quarterback Sam Howell’s first career start, he completed 11 of 19 passes for 169 yards with one touchdown and one interception. However, Howell also impacted the game with his legs, rushing five times for 35 yards and another score.

While Howell was the story of the game for Washington, it was the defense who were the MVPs. The Commanders held the high-powered Cowboys to 182 total yards, including just 64 yards rushing on 24 attempts. And Washington did it without Jonathan Allen, Kam Curl, Jamin Davis and Benjamin St-Juste.

The Commanders finish the season with an 8-8-1 record.

Here are five takeaways from Sunday’s game.

Commanders Del Rio competes, doesn’t make excuses

Jack Del Rio talks about what he expects in Week 18, doesn’t make excuses for the injuries and talks about looking ahead.

Like him or don’t like him, Jack Del Rio is a good leader for the Commanders.

Del Rio’s mindset is good for the culture of your team. He is not playing the victim, not an excuse maker, not a weak-minded person.

Thursday, chatting with the media these good qualities were readily on display.

“You play the season. You do the best you can to prepare each week, go out and compete and you have to live with the results. That’s what it is.”

So Del Rio presses on this week toward the final game, asking his players to
“be professional, showing up every day, being strong, doing the right thing for your teammates, for your team, looking to compete no matter what we’re doing, no matter who we’re playing, looking to compete. So, those are the things that, that I focus on.”

When Del Rio was asked if there’s anyone, in particular, he is looking to evaluate, calmly but assuredly, he responded, “Everybody gets evaluated. There may be a few guys that are forced into duty with some of the injuries we’ve had. So, we’ll expect those guys to go in and give us their best, see how they’ve developed during the year and what they’ve learned and let them express themselves. Put your best foot forward and show us what you got.”

One reporter asked if he could give the big picture of the defense this season:
“I really appreciate, respect, love the guys, the effort, the, the commitment to this organization. Preparing hard every week, going out and giving us what they have each week. Sticking together, through adversity and things. I think it’s been outstanding. I think there have been a lot of real positives. So ultimately, as a team, we wanted more out of this year, but I’m proud of the effort that the guys gave.”

Does Del Rio worry about if he will be back next year?

“I’m not a worrier. I’m a guy that brings the best I can each day, enjoys the moment. I don’t look at it that way. This is a time of year that can be the other part. This is not the best part, but I enjoy competing and working and doing the best I can to help the organization I’m with. And that’s how I look at it.”

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Jack Del Rio discusses how he’ll use Chase Young when he returns

Jack Del Rio discusses Chase Young’s health and the plan for him upon his return.

When the Washington Commanders activated defensive end Chase Young from the reserve/physically unable to perform list last month, many thought it would be a matter of days before Young was active for a game.

Head coach Ron Rivera initially sounded positive Young would be on the field soon. However, it was defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio who pumped the breaks on a speedy Young return.

“He’s able to do some things,” Del Rio said last month. “I wouldn’t call him full speed at this point in everything he’s doing, but he’s working at it. He’s giving it everything he has, and when he is right, we’re going to play him. But until he is right, we’re not going to play him.”

Those comments were made on Nov. 10. How does Del Rio think Young is progressing now?

“He’s been pretty steady with me,” Del Rio said when asked if he’d seen a different approach from Young in the past few weeks. “We have a good relationship. We communicate often and I just want him to approach it like we’re talking about, and not really concern himself with the clutter, the outside noise. Any of that. Don’t feel any of that. Just work hard every day. Get the conditioning right. Make sure you’re on top of things and when it’s time, we’ll go.”

Earlier this week, Rivera felt good about Young’s chances for Sunday. Of course, we’ve heard that before, but some believe Young’s return always made more sense after the bye week.

Washington’s defensive line has been outstanding this season. All of the pieces have finally come together to form the dominant unit many believed when the Commanders spent four consecutive picks on the defensive line.

So Rivera, Del Rio and Young all understand, there is less pressure on Young once he does return, allowing coaches to ease him back in a specific role.

What’s Del Rio’s vision for Young when he returns?

“Yeah, I think we’ll wanna be wise about that,” Del Rio said. “We’ll address that when it’s time. But right now we’re just working. Again, when we get that green light, we’ll unleash him.”

For once, Washington’s training staff, coaching staff and the player all appear to be on the same page as it pertains to a return from serious injury.

Commanders DC Jack Del Rio pleased with Ryan Kerrigan’s role as assistant coach

Ryan Kerrigan’s coaching career is off to a fast start.

It’s rare to see NFL teams make coaching changes in training camp. However, the Washington Commanders made a notable over the summer, firing defensive line coach Sam Mills III and promoting assistant defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina to defensive line coach.

By promoting Zgonina, the Commanders had an opening for an assistant defensive line coach. Would head coach Ron Rivera backfill that position, and who would he hire just one month ahead of a new season?

As it turns out, the answer was right in front of Rivera. Recently retired Washington legend Ryan Kerrigan, who had been shadowing coaches over the summer to see if full-time coaching may be in his future, was promoted to fill Zgonina’s old role.

The move went over well with Washington’s players, most of whom played with Kerrigan and held him in high regard.

It’s not a coincidence that Washington’s defensive line is playing at an elite after Zgonina and Kerrigan’s promotions. The former players relate well to the Commanders’ current group of defensive linemen.

Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was recently asked how Kerrigan has helped the defensive line this season.

“Yeah, he is doing his job as a coach, looking to help guys,” Del Rio said. “I think him having a different perspective, especially with the defensive ends and creating awareness as pass rushers and looking to attack different things that we identify throughout the week, that’s part of his job, help us put that rush plan together. I think he’s done a great job with it.”

Coach Kerrigan’s second career has gotten off to a fast start.

Commanders DC Jack Del Rio appreciates his defensive linemen

Jack Del Rio was all smiles Wednesday when talking about his defensive linemen.

Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was generous with the compliments to his defensive line Wednesday when talking with the press.

Daron Payne: “He was a man on a mission throughout the off-season. It was tremendous, the way he approached it. Very much kept the team first. He’s been excellent.”

When asked about Payne getting ready for his first big contract, Del Rio humorously replied, “He got paid pretty good when he came out. I think he has handled it beautifully. He’s been all business from the get-go. I appreciate him as a man, as a player on our defense; I appreciate what he brings and how he goes about his business. We just want it to continue right now… He’s a younger player. He’s maturing and developing. I think he is a really good player. I’m glad we have him.”

Asked concerning Payne’s sack numbers being up this season, Del Rio noted,

“The thing that I’ve seen is that his ability to finish has been at a higher level. He has been disruptive the entire time. It was kind of one of those things where his numbers haven’t come yet; they’re starting to come. His disruption has always been there.”

Del Rio kindly challenged the suggestion that Payne’s numbers are up because of his playing time being increased. Del Rio pointed to the unit, playing within the scheme, helping all of them be productive.

“You have to look at the numbers to see if that would hold up. I’m not sure that would. I think he’s playing a lot which he always has. Obviously, the room has changed but I like the way the room has changed. We have a good group and they’re working hard every day. The guys have learned how to hunt together. Individual contractors have a hard time but when we work as a group, we all get to eat.”

What role and amount of playing time will there be for Chase Young?
“Right now we are just getting him into practice, getting him involved, trying to work up his conditioning, his comfort level, his trust and belief in his own body and how it is healed and ready to go. All of those things are underway. I know we aren’t going to play him 70 plays on day one, but we will move him in when we can and get him involved. I am excited to get him out there.”

Who the credit goes to for the defensive line performance?
“I’d credit the guys for deciding that it is important enough for them. [Defensive Line Coach Jeff Zgonina] Z obviously works with them every day, so you have to give him credit. I would give them credit, Z and the group for executing what we need them to do.”

Why have Payne, Allen and Sweat been given career-high snap percentages?
Del Rio simply smiled and replied, “We are better when they’re on the field?”

Del Rio let out a hearty laugh, concluding his press conference.

NFL Week 11 picks: Who the experts are taking in Commanders vs. Texans

This time around, the experts overwhelmingly favor the Commanders. Is that a good thing?

The Washington Commanders were the big-time underdog one week ago. The Commanders were 4-5, heading on the road in prime time to face the unbeaten Philadelphia Eagles — a team that dominated them two months before.

Everyone picked Philadelphia to win. Well, except former Washington quarterback Alex Smith.

As you know, the Commanders dominated the Eagles, winning 32-21. The Eagles still had a chance to win late, but Washington’s defense kept coming up with big stops, and a defensive penalty aided the Commanders to seal the victory.

The Commanders are favored against the Texans in Week 11. And the experts agree, with 90% of the expert pickers going with Washington to defeat Houston, per NFL Pick Watch. It’s not often the Commanders are favored.

How will they respond?

Both head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio have preached the message all week not to overlook the Texans. Del Rio noted how the Commanders were disrespected last week, and you see how they responded. He cautioned that it is the Texans this week.

This is a major test for Washington. The playoff-hopeful Commanders cannot afford to lose in Week 11.

Commanders DE Chase Young will not make his debut in Week 11 vs. Texans

The Commanders have until Wednesday to activate Young or he will miss the remainder of the 2022 season.

It certainly sounded positive for Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young to make his 2022 debut against the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football.

When that didn’t happen, many felt Young would make his debut in Week 11 against the Houston Texans. That’s not happening either.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Commanders will not activate Young to the 53-man roster by Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline, meaning he will not play against the Texans.

While head coach Ron Rivera has said things are going well in Young’s recovery, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio wasn’t as optimistic. Del Rio didn’t say Young had any setbacks but hasn’t sounded as certain that Young would be ready in either of the last two weeks.

It doesn’t sound as if Young has suffered any setbacks. Rivera and the Commanders have maintained all along they were being cautious with Young’s return. Washington now has until Wednesday to either activate Young to the 53-man roster or he will miss the remainder of the 2022 season.

Ron Rivera on Jamin Davis: ‘Jack jumped his —‘

Ron Rivera gushed about linebacker Jamin Davis’ improvement Friday, saying he and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio found the right way to get through to him.

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is pushing all the right buttons these days. Washington’s defense is among the best in the NFL and that improvement began during the second half of the Commanders’ first game against the Philadelphia Eagles back in Week 3.

There are lots of reasons to point at for Washington’s improvement. Getting safety Kam Curl back in Week 3, the rapid improvement of young players Benjamin St-Juste, Darrick Forrest and Jamin Davis. And the defensive line, which has been good for years, is now playing collectively at an elite level.

In the offseason, Washington was criticized for not aggressively pursuing a linebacker. Most felt there was no way the Commanders could go into the 2022 season with Cole Holcomb and Davis as the top options, considering how badly Davis’ firsr season went.

Rivera and Del Rio were confident in Holcomb and Davis. They felt that Davis was far too talented not to improve in his second NFL season.

That confidence has paid off, as Davis seems to improve weekly. And he’s been without Holcomb by his side over the last three games. Holcomb is currently dealing with a foot injury. Yet, Davis continues to get better.

How far removed are we from Week 1? Remember, the week after that game, Del Rio was asked about Davis, and he didn’t exactly praise him.

It led to plenty of speculation, but as it turns out, it was all a part of the plan.

Rivera and Del Rio found a way to get through to Davis.

“We talked about it,” Rivera said of him and Del Rio discussing Davis. “I got on him a little bit, but Jack jumped his ass. I mean, he really got after him; he got after him in the press too. And all of a sudden, the realization that crap, that’s what we should have been doing because he grew up with two military parents. So he’s used to being pushed or at least that’s what I felt. And so I said that Jack, we missed early. This is a kid that needs to be pushed, that needs to be challenged, needs to be gotten after because he’s used to it. That’s kind of how we feel like, okay, we’ve gotten a lot out of him and just get after him, and he stays with him. So you learned a little bit about how to deal with the personality.”

That is good coaching. When you have 53 players on a roster, every player is different. What motivates some doesn’t motivate others. Davis is smart, athletic and possesses a terrific work ethic, but Rivera and Del Rio knew there was another way to get through to him. And it’s worked.

For the first time in his career, Davis wore the green dot against the Eagles in Week 10. The green dot is usually worn by one defensive player who is in contact with the coaching staff between plays. Essentially, that means he’s the leader on the field.

That is usually reserved for Holcomb, but Curl was that player against Minnesota. It was during that game that the coaches felt Davis was ready for the added responsibility.

“After the Minnesota game, just thinking about, hey, you know what, his role’s expanded,” Rivera said. “It’s time, and so we did.”

How big of a step is this in Davis’ development?

“Huge,” Rivera answered. “It really is. Not only just handling the huddle, but getting the calls out and setting everything up. He’s really grown in probably the last six, seven weeks. You’ve really seen the growth.”

Rivera went on to praise Davis further.

“I think the biggest thing more anything else is just listening to him, not just in the meeting rooms, but what he does out on the field,” he said.  “And it’s interesting the one thing I told you guys about this is that [Defensive Coordinator] Jack [Del Rio]’s confidence in this just really been growing, and that’s big.”

It’s no coincidence the growth of some of Washington’s players has coincided with the team’s defensive improvement this season.

 

Chase Young will not play in Week 10 vs. Eagles

It does sound like Young is on track to return next week.

Washington Commanders fans will have to wait at least one more week for defensive end Chase Young.

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported Monday morning that Young would not play in Washington’s Week 10 Monday night game at Philadelphia.

There are no setbacks with Young. The Commanders have preached patience throughout the year regarding Young, and that’s what’s happening here. The Commanders have a quick turnaround after Monday’s game. Washington is back on the road in Week 11 at Houston, so activating ahead of that game makes sense for the Commanders.

Head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio spoke at length about Young over the weekend. Rivera was optimistic but said the Commanders would not activate Young until everyone agreed he was ready.

Del Rio appeared slightly pessimistic that Young could play Monday vs. the Eagles.

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Commanders midseason grades: Linebacker

What grade would you give Washington’s linebackers thus far in 2022?

Heading into the 2022 NFL offseason, anyone who followed the Washington Commanders would tell you that adding a linebacker was a priority.

In 2021, third-year linebacker Cole Holcomb played almost every snap for Washington and did an adequate job. No one would consider Holcomb a star, but he was certainly a capable player who was still improving.

The Commanders had also spent a 2021 first-round pick on Jamin Davis. Washington envisioned Davis as a middle linebacker, but the team quickly realized the speedy rookie was better on the outside. Still, Davis struggled as a rookie and some were mistakingly already calling him a bust.

So, in the offseason, head coach Ron Rivera decided to move Holcomb to the middle and play Davis strictly on the outside. The coaches felt Holcomb had improved to the point he was ready to be the full-time “mike” linebacker and that Davis would naturally improve in his second season.

The Commanders didn’t spend on another linebacker because the team only uses two linebackers on the field because they spent a lot of time in nickel.

So, how have Holcomb and Davis performed in 2022? Let’s give Washington’s linebackers a midseason review, followed by a grade.

Holcomb has missed the last two games with a foot injury. It does appear he is close to a return. In his first season as the full-time middle linebacker, Holcomb has played well. Washington’s defensive line has been outstanding and Holcomb is off to the best start of his career.

How good is Holcomb? Only Washington knows the answer to that question, but overall, the former North Carolina Tar Heel has adjusted well to playing inside.

As for Davis, his season didn’t begin on the best note. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio openly criticized him after Week 1. However, since that time, Davis has continued to improve week after week.

In last week’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Davis had, arguably, the best game of his young NFL career. Davis didn’t fill up the stat sheet, but if you go back and watch that game, he was everywhere. He was impacting the passing game and the run game. He was quick to diagnose his run fits and was playing instead of reacting. He’s been playing this way for several weeks, but really stood out vs. Minnesota.

Considering how Washington’s linebackers were viewed ahead of the season and how they’ve played through the first half of the season, the position has been a pleasant surprise for the Commanders.

Grade: B-