Tag: Jamin Davis

Commanders LB Khaleke Hudson again showing his value

When Khaleke Hudson gets an opportunity, he usually delivers, and that’s again the case.

Khaleke Hudson has been down this road previously.

The former Michigan Wolverine linebacker has played hard for four seasons on special teams but has gotten little chance to play on the defensive side of the ball.

Last week against the Jets, Hudson was graded by Pro Football Focus (PFF) to have recorded an 82.5. The significance of this was it meant Hudson graded out as the highest Commanders defensive player for the game.

Following Hudson was Kendall Fuller (78.0), Jonathan Allen (76.0), Percy Butler (73.5), Emmanuel Forbes (70.2) and David Mayo (69.7).

While Ron Rivera’s linebackers have struggled for much of the season, Hudson’s defensive snaps have remained peculiarly quite low.

Cody Barton was brought in to replace free agent Cole Holcomb who signed with Pittsburgh. But Barton often struggled. Several of us asked at various times this season why was Hudson again being relegated to special teams primarily?

Most often, the Commanders coaches determined to not play the two most athletic linebackers. So Hudson again found himself not even seeing a single defensive snap in four games. And then, in three other games, he saw only 1, 8 and 6 defensive snaps.

This is the same Hudson who coaches limited to a grand total of five defensive snaps in 2022 going into the season finale against Dallas. That day he was permitted to play all 67 defensive snaps making 7 tackles.

With two games remaining, Hudson is playing more now, being given six defensive starts. He has made 50 tackles, 2 quarterback hits, 1 quarterback sack and 2 tackles for a loss.

Hudson enjoyed a big game last week against the Jets with 8 solo tackles and two passes defended. He was also in on 7 assisted tackles.

Commanders vs. Rams: Week 15 injury report for Wednesday

No Brian Robinson Jr. on Wednesday, but Emmanuel Forbes is back.

The Washington Commanders returned to the practice field Wednesday in preparation for their Week 15 game against the Los Angeles Rams. The 4-9 Commanders are coming off a much-needed bye week.

These two teams are heading in completely opposite directions as the Rams are battling for the NFC’s final Wild-Card spot, while Washington is competing to land the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

The week off seemed to help the Commanders with some of their injuries. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes returned to practice after missing the last two games.

Here’s a look at Washington’s injury situation from Wednesday’s practice.

  • LB Jamin Davis (shoulder): DNP
  • TE Curtis Hodges (back): DNP
  • RB Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring): DNP
  • DE James Smith-Williams (hamstring): DNP
  • C Tyler Larsen (knee): Limited
  • G Saahdiq Charles (calf): Full
  • CB Emmanuel Forbes (elbow): Full

Here is the Rams’ injury report for Wednesday:

  • OT Rob Havenstein (groin): DNP
  • WR Tutu Atwell (concussion): DNP
  • TE Tyler Higbee (neck): Limited
  • WR Ben Skowronek (ankle): Limited
  • LB Michael Hoecht (knee): Limited
  • DB Quentin Lake (hamstring): Full

Commanders place LB Jamin Davis on season-ending IR

Commanders sign rookie defensive end Joshua Pryor from practice squad to replace Davis on the roster.

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera announced Monday that linebacker Jamin Davis would need season-ending shoulder surgery and miss the final four games of the 2023 season.

Rivera revealed that Davis injured his shoulder in the Week 13 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He briefly left the game but quickly returned. Davis played 55 of 61 snaps in the game.

On Wednesday, the Commanders returned to practice and officially placed Davis on injured reserve. He finishes his third season with 89 tackles, including eight for loss, three sacks, one interception and two forced fumbles in 13 games.

Davis was 16 tackles away from establishing a new career high and statistically improved in other categories from 2022 to 2023.

In a corresponding move, Washington signed undrafted rookie defensive end Joshua Pryor from the practice squad.

The 6-foot-4, 280-pound Pryor was signed after the 2023 NFL draft after a standout college career at Bowie State. The rookie has appeared in three games for the Commanders this season, playing on special teams. He has recorded one tackle in limited duty.

Commanders LB Jamin Davis to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery

The third-year linebacker will miss Washington’s final four games.

The Washington Commanders will be without starting linebacker for the final four games of the 2023 season, head coach Ron Rivera revealed on Monday.

Davis injured his shoulder in the Week 13 loss to the Miami Dolphins. It’s unclear at what point in that game Davis injured his shoulder, as he played 55 of Washington’s 61 defensive snaps.

Davis started all 13 games and recorded 89 tackles, including eight for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception. His lone interception — the first of his NFL career — clinched Washington’s Week 6 win at Atlanta.

The No. 19 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Davis struggled as a rookie. He’s shown tremendous improvement over the past two seasons but still battles consistency issues.

“It happened during the [Miami] game, and he came off for a second; they checked him, and he said he was fine,” Rivera said. “He went back out there, finished the game, but he was still having a little bit of trouble the next morning. So, they examined him, and then they felt that he needed to get an MRI. After getting the MRI, they got a second opinion, and then it went from there. So, it was unfortunate. The young man’s done a great job for us, and I’m really excited about who he was becoming as a football player. Playing the WILL linebacker for us, he’s done a great job. He had to play a little bit of the MIKE [linebacker] in some of the situations when Cody [Barton] was down, but that’s all part of his growth and learning, and he’s done a nice job.”

The Commanders have a big decision to make on Davis. After the 2024 NFL draft, Washington must decide if it will pick up Davis’ fifth-year option. If they decline, it would mean the second consecutive year the Commanders declined a fifth-year option on their first-round pick. Washington declined Chase Young’s fifth-year option and traded him in October.

It’s unlikely Rivera will be deciding on Davis’ fifth-year option as owner Josh Harris is expected to make sweeping changes after the season.

Commanders Week 13 snap counts vs. Dolphins

The results didn’t change with Rivera calling the defense, but some of the personnel did.

The Miami Dolphins sent the Washington Commanders into their bye week with a 45-15 defeat that dropped them to 4-9 on the season. It was Washington’s second consecutive game of allowing 45 points.

Sunday was also the Commanders’ first game without fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. And as you can tell from the score, not much changed. Head coach Ron Rivera took over as Washington’s defensive play-caller, and while Rivera promised some changes, the results remained the same.

Did anything change regarding the personnel with Rivera calling the defense? We did notice one change. Let’s review the snap counts from Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins.

Commanders, Rivera like the return of LB Cody Barton

Barton’s return allows Jamin Davis to return to his more natural position.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera announced Tuesday to the media that LB Cody Barton is returning.

“We’re going to activate Cody tomorrow, just to give you guys a heads up on that. He’s had a good couple of days. He had actually a good week last week, and he’s chomping at the bit; he’s been a pain.”

The former Utah linebacker previously spent four seasons (2019-22) with the Seattle Seahawks before signing with the Commanders in the offseason. Barton played in the first seven Commanders games this season before being injured in the first game against the Giants. It was a 14-7 Commanders loss at MetLife Stadium

Rivera quickly asserted that having Barton back in the lineup would help Jamin Davis and the rest of the defensive unit.

“Well, I think what it does is it puts Jamin [Davis] back at his more natural position that he’s been playing the last couple of years and just kind of settle him back down. That’d be really good for Jamin. And just his overall communication skills as an inside guy. I don’t know if we’ll have to rely on as many different personnel groupings either on defense, but I thought David Mayo came in and did a heck of a job for us.”

Barton has enjoyed posting three double-digit tackles in a game this season. He collected ten in the win at Denver, 13 the next week against Buffalo and 15 in the win at Atlanta.

Though the Commanders lost to the Giants 31-19, they were heavily favored in the game. The Giants are 1-7 against all the other teams they have faced, yet 2-0 against the Commanders. Rivera believes his team will bounce back Thursday in Dallas against the Cowboys.

“I think (the mental condition of the team) has been pretty good. Like I said yesterday, for the most part, the guys came in and were really steady, and really focused in on getting ready for Dallas. So, we feel pretty good about them. I think they had a good day today, brought some energy out at the walkthrough.”

Social media reacts to Commanders’ win over Falcons

The best social media reactions from Washington’s win over Atlanta.

If you’ve ever watched a Washington Commanders’ game while also following along on Twitter, it can sometimes be a fun experience. It can also be brutal — or a mix of both. After all, the Commanders have given fans plenty of reasons not to trust them or believe in them over the years.

On Sunday, the Commanders held on for a 24-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Twitter — or X — weighed in throughout the game, whether it was coaching or the players, Washington fans always keep you entertained.

Here are some of the best social media reactions from Washington’s third victory of the season.

Commanders DC Jack Del Rio defends LB Cody Barton

Let’s discuss Del Rio’s comments on Cody Barton. Let us know what you think.

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio sat in front of the media for his weekly press conference on Thursday. Del Rio has come under heat with his unit allowing 30 points or more in four consecutive games.

Slow starts are a theme for Washington under head coach Ron Rivera and Del Rio. And considering the Commanders’ investments on the defensive side of the ball, it’s inexcusable.

One consistent problem for Washington is its ability to find consistent linebacker play. The Commanders spent a first-round pick on Jamin Davis in 2021. Davis continues to improve, but in retrospect, it’s clear Washington should have gone with an offensive lineman in that draft.

This past offseason, the Commanders allowed Cole Holcomb to walk, choosing to replace him with former Seattle Seahawk Cody Barton. It was clear in the offseason that Barton was still learning the defense, which was expected.

However, through five games this season, Barton continues to look lost on defense. He’s often slow to react, gets blocked completely out of the play and looks lost in coverage. To Washington fans, through the team’s defensive struggles, Barton has almost become a constant GIF.

On Thursday, Del Rio was asked about Barton, and he wasn’t happy with the question.

“What people, who am I answering to?” Del Rio said in reference to a question about Barton’s disappointing play. “Which people and what are they looking at?”

Let me answer that one for you, Coach.

This is what these “people,” you know, anyone with eyes, are seeing when watching Barton each week.

Roll the tape, as they’d say.

Is that not enough for you, Coach? Here’s more.

The last version from X user, “CALQ,” is only from the Chicago game. We could go back through each of Washington’s five games and find these examples all over the place. But, we’ll spare you.

More from Del Rio:

“I like the way he prepares and competes,” Del Rio said of Barton. “So, I think he’ll continue to get better and impact us in a positive way.”

OK.

Never mind if he’s actually playing well. Of course, Del Rio, who was dismissive of the question, would tell you he knows more than you, me, or the average fan watching each time Barton is either late, slow, or ran over on a play. After all, that’s why Barton has played 100% of the defensive snaps because Del Rio has all the answers.

Remember all offseason how Del Rio praised reserve linebacker Khaleke Hudson? Where’s Hudson been? He’s only played on special teams.

Let’s look at a time when Del Rio used the media to criticize Davis. Perhaps it was motivation, but you chose the opposite approach with Barton. Why? Because you like the way he prepares and competes? OK, every NFL player, whether he’s a star or an undrafted rookie, competes every week. Some are better than others. Usually, the ones who struggle don’t play 100% of the snaps.

We aren’t picking on Barton. He hasn’t played well, and we’ll leave it at that. If Hudson was so outstanding in the offseason, why not give him a chance now?

If we’ve learned anything through the Rivera/Del Rio regime, it’s that the former NFL linebackers, with a combined 20 years of playing experience, can’t seem to pick linebackers to fit their defense.

Fans are tired of hearing how they’ve de-emphasized the position, and the “Buffalo nickel” spot is more important. Ask the San Francisco 49ers, with Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, if they don’t think linebackers are important.

Del Rio is often dismissive of questions, but this time, he took it to another level. It isn’t as if he’s earned the right not to be questioned about a defense that’s on a pace to be historically inept.

Imagine how much better Washington’s defensive line would be with consistent linebacker player behind them?

Just a reminder, we understand that Pro Football Focus isn’t the only determining factor on whether a player is playing well or not. Are you curious about PFF’s grade for Barton? It’s 37.8 — for the season.

Rivera has mentioned Washington’s PFF offensive line rankings in the past; wonder what he thinks of PFF’s grade on Barton?

 

 

When they last met: Commanders and Eagles

We all remember what happened the last time these two teams played.

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington 32, Philadelphia 21 – Week 10, Nov. 14, 2022

The 4-5 Commanders traveled to Philadelphia for a Monday Night Football contest against the undefeated 8-0 NFC East rival Eagles.

The unexpected occurred as it was the 10.5-point underdog Commanders who actually came out on top with a surprising 32-21 upset over the Eagles before a national television audience.

Here are the game highlights.

Kicker Joey Slye had a career night as he connected on field goals from 44, 58, 32 and 55 yards.

Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner came into the game with a plan to best keep the ball away from the high-scoring Eagles, and the game plan worked tremendously.

As the Commanders continued to move the chains, they determined to keep running the ball. In fact, they ran the ball so much that the Commanders gained 152 yards on 49 carries, while the Eagles accumulated only 46 total offensive plays.

As a result of running the ball continuously, the Commanders maintained possession of the ball 40:24, while the Eagles only managed to have possession for a mere 19:36.

After trailing 7-0 and 14-7, the Commanders took their first lead at 1:39 remaining in the half on Brian Robinson’s 1-yard run. Two Slye field goals extended the Washington lead to 23-14.

Leading 26-21, defensive end Casey Toohill picked up a backward lateral from one yard out for the final 32-21 upset margin.

The Commanders won the turnover battle 4-2, while Robinson finished with 86 yards on his 26 carries. Terry McLaurin contributed 128 receiving yards on his 8 receptions. Jamin Davis was the leading Washington tackler with 9 tackles, including 5 solo and 4 assisted.

NFL fines Jamin Davis more than Kareem Jackson for his hit on Logan Thomas

More proof that the NFL’s fine system is a joke.

Washington Commanders tight end Logan Thomas will miss Sunday’s important Week 3 game against the Buffalo Bills as he remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Late in the second quarter of last week’s win in Denver, Thomas was hit illegally by Denver safety Kareem Jackson in the end zone while making a touchdown catch. Remarkably, Thomas held onto the football, and it was a critical score in Washington’s eventual win.

Unfortunately, Thomas departed the game with a concussion.

It was the second consecutive week in which Jackson was flagged for an illegal hit. Both were egregious and easily avoidable. The NFL should have suspended Jackson but quickly decided there would be no suspension. Instead, the NFL fined Jackson again.

How much? Jackson received a fine of $19,669 — less than the fine Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis received for the following hit on Denver quarterback Russell Wilson, courtesy of Ben Standing of The Athletic:

Yes, we’re serious. More proof that the NFL’s disciplinary system has a long way to go to be taken seriously.

Meanwhile, we’ll leave you with Jackson’s hit on Thomas so you can judge for yourself: