Tag: Joe Gibbs

Voice of Commanders remembers how driven legendary Washington coach Joe Gibbs was

The voice of the Commanders discusses the legendary Joe Gibbs.

Bram Weinstein grew up in the DMV, a big Washington Redskins fan.

Weinstein told John Keim of Ampire Media this week of how he grew up attending games at RFK Stadium, home of the Redskins, and they were one of the three or four best teams in the NFL many seasons.

Joe Gibbs coached Washington from the 1981-1992 seasons, leading them to five NFC Title games, four Super Bowls and winning three Super Bowl championships.

So, when Gibbs returned to coach the Redskins in the 2004 season, there was Weinstein, then an adult, a graduate of American University, and a reporter doing his job covering the Redskins.

Weinstein found Gibbs “to be a genuinely nice person, very giving with his time, with the exception on Fridays, when he turned into ‘Friday Joe.’ The game face came on.”

“He was extremely generous with his time Monday through Thursday then Friday would come along. It was like a light bulb went off. It was like he was ready to go into the ring. He became very short and didn’t have time for you anymore. He was just ready to go, and you could see the competitive nature.”

Weinstein also notes that Gibbs was very good at getting to know the people in the media and giving them some time to do their jobs. However, when it was time to double down and just work, he says, Gibbs took it as seriously as anyone I ever saw. You saw the competitive fire literally come out of him.”

During Gibbs’ second tenure, Weinstein says, “You could see why it burned him out the first time. It meant so much; his emotions went to such a place the results ate at him.”

Indeed in nine of his twelve seasons in his 1.0 tenure, the Redskins won over .600 of their games. In those twelve seasons, only one was a losing season, and that was a 7-9 1988 season.

“That’s who he was, and that’s probably why he was so successful. He knew how to handle personalities, how to delegate authority, knew how to motivate. When Sundays rolled around, it was dead serious to him.”

“I think that is why these guys played for him the way they did, the two times they played for him.”

Clinton Portis outspoken on his time in Washington

He is still not a fan of Jim Zorn. And who was his favorite QB?

Clinton Portis was a beast of a running back.

Portis, a Redskins running back for seven seasons, started 83 of his 84 games and rushed for 6,824 yards, including 46 rushing touchdowns and 345 rushing first downs.

Portis was a more than capable receiver out of the backfield, catching 176 receptions for 1,340 yards (7.6). Even more noticeable was the spirit and intensity with which Portis was a blocker in the passing game. He was truly an all-around, dependable, and fierce NFL running back.

Portis appeared on the “Grant and Danny” show (106.7 The Fan) Thursday and made some striking remarks reminiscing on his playing days with the Redskins (2004-2010).

Portis said in Washington, he had five offensive coordinators in his seven seasons, who all wanted to do something different. That’s understandable, as Portis did have four offensive coordinators (Don Breaux, Al Saunders, Sherman Smith and Kyle Shanahan).

But Portis then claimed he “might have played for nine or ten quarterbacks.”  Actually it was only six (Patrick Ramsey, Mark Brunell, Jason Campbell, Todd Collins, Donovan McNabb, Rex Grossman).

The former Washington running back said, “I left the DMV so upset because I felt like for years I was the savior, and I turned into the problem. That left a bitter taste in my mouth before I came back to broadcast, where I fell in love with the city.”

When Grant Paulsen asked Portis who his favorite Washington quarterback to play with was, Portis actually had no answer, pausing and then saying, “That’s crazy.”

Paulsen then supplied him with names of quarterbacks, to which Portis replied, “But I think Donovan (McNabb) had something going on. It was different. He was at the end.”

Indeed, McNabb did have some career lows that 2009 season in Washington, as his TD rate and QBR were his lowest, and his interception rate was his highest. He was traded after only one season to Minnesota and released during his lone season with the Vikings, never playing again.

Back to Portis’ favorite quarterback in Washington. He asked who they got from Kansas City. Grant Paulsen had to provide Portis with the name: Todd Collins. Portis then said Collins was his favorite. How strange is it that Collins was his favorite, yet he didn’t remember his name?

Portis then strangely blamed the coaches for Jason Campbell’s play, saying they told him where to throw it and then blamed Campbell. When pressed which coach, Portis quickly responded, “Of course, I am not talking about Gibbs. I love Coach Gibbs, I love Coach Shanahan.”

Again, on Campbell, “Jason didn’t have that fair chance to go out and be a ball player,” added Portis. However, many fans might recall Campbell often did successfully move the Redskins up and down the field, only to then struggle often inside the red zone.

Following his four seasons with the Redskins, Campbell continued to have his struggles, never catching on nor finding success in any of his other NFL stops with the Raiders, Bears, Browns, and Bengals.

Not to be overlooked is Portis rushed for an amazing 1,508 and 1,591 in his first two seasons in the NFL in Denver, rushing for 29 touchdowns and leading the NFL by averaging 5.5 yards a rushing attempt. Portis was a stud, no doubt.

Remember the last time Washington opened the season against the Buccaneers?

Remembering the last time Washington opened a season vs. the Buccaneers. What a time.

If one game could’ve defined an era, the opening game of the 2004 season for the then-Washington Redskins would’ve kicked off another 1980s-like run.

It was the first game in legendary head coach Joe Gibbs’ return to the sidelines for Washington after 12 years away. On the first play from scrimmage, new running back Clinton Portis takes the Mark Brunell handoff and scampers 64 yards untouched for the touchdown.

FedEx Field came unglued. Message boards — yes, they existed long before Twitter and Facebook — were proclaiming a return to prominence for the struggling franchise. The beloved hero was back to fix his franchise, while the new star showed why Gibbs traded for him.

The Commanders remembered that play via “Touchdown Tuesday” on X.

Washington would go on to win the game, 16-10, and Portis rushed for 148 yards. However, the Redskins would lose their next four games and finished the season with a 6-10 mark. That wasn’t bad, considering Washington had won just five games the year before Gibbs and Portis arrived.

This year, the Commanders open the 2024 NFL season vs. Tampa Bay. Only this time, it’s on the road. But much like 2004, the 2024 opener will feature some long-awaited debuts for Washington: Head coach Dan Quinn and quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Can Quinn and Daniels replicate that 2004 magic in September?

The Bucs and Washington have had some memorable games over the past 20 years, such as the controversial Mike Alstott call that gave the Bucs a one-point win (2005), Washington’s playoff win two months later, or the “You Like That” game, but the 2004 season opener will always be remembered fondly by Washington fans.

Former Washington DT Kedric Golston discusses taking over one of Virginia’s top HS programs

The longtime for Washington DT talks taking over one of Virginia’s top HS programs.

Kedric Golston was Mr. Washington. The legendary Joe Gibbs selected him in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL draft. Golston spent all 11 of his professional seasons in the burgundy and gold. He survived multiple head coaches, general managers, defensive coordinators, and defensive line coaches.

It wasn’t as if Golston was a star. He played in 142 NFL games with 53 starts, finishing with 224 career tackles and seven sacks. Golston was mainly a rotational player and special-teams standout. But Golston was a beloved leader in the locker room and on the field.

After retiring, Golston became a successful businessman in the DMV. He also got the coaching bug. After becoming a high school assistant, Golston was named the new head coach at Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn earlier this month — mere minutes from Commanders’ headquarters. Stone Bridge is one of the top football programs in the state of Virginia and the alma mater of Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

In a recent interview with Scott Abraham of ABC 7 in Washington, D.C., Golston spoke of his new job.

“Obviously, I’ve grown, I think there’s a couple of things you have control over,” Golston said when asked how the differences between him as a player and a coach.

“You don’t have control over your God-given athletic ability. But you can control your attitude and your effort. Some people start on third base; some people start on first base. But ultimately, it’s can each one of my players reach their ceiling and continue to improve day in and day out.”

Stone Bridge opened in 2000 and has 23 consecutive winning seasons, including three state championships.

 

Joe Gibbs reveals shocking item about NASCAR calling the Coca-Cola 600

Joe Gibbs revealed a shocking detail about NASCAR calling the 2024 Coca-Cola 600. What did Gibbs say about calling the Crown Jewel event?

[autotag]Joe Gibbs[/autotag] had luck on his side during the 2024 Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday night. Gibbs saw Christopher Bell win NASCAR’s “longest” race of the year after the sport called off track drying efforts at 11:30 p.m. ET. According to the release, the high humidity and possible start time of 1:00 a.m. ET was far too much for NASCAR to overcome.

However, Gibbs thought NASCAR was going back to racing on Sunday night. During his post-race press conference at Charlotte, Gibbs talked about the surprise of NASCAR calling the event, putting Bell and the No. 20 team in victory lane.

“I think, too, for me, I was in the motor home, and I was told that they’re going to call the drivers in 15 minutes, so I got my jacket on, I was going out the door,” Gibbs said. “But you’re never quite sure, too. I’d be willing to bet on the part of the track there was either weeping and a lot of things — that was a heavy rain, and I’d be willing to bet they reached the conclusion they weren’t going to be able to get it dry.”

Bell’s crew chief, Adam Stevens, was also surprised that NASCAR called the Coca-Cola 600. Yet, Gibbs’ comments are very interesting. Was NASCAR about to call for drivers to return to their cars before it called the Coca-Cola 600? Either way, Bell and Joe Gibbs Racing won one of NASCAR’s Crown Jewel events, and nothing can take away that achievement.

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Commanders WR Terry McLaurin named Touchdown Club Player of the Year

McLaurin won the award at Joe Gibbs’ Burgundy and Gold banquet.

Peyton Manning was in the Washington, D.C., area on Thursday as the featured speaker at Joe Gibbs’ Burgundy and Gold Banquet for his Youth For Tomorrow foundation.

It’s always a big deal when Manning is involved, and he was asked about the current state of the Washington Commanders. Manning really likes quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has attended his family’s Manning Passing Academy.

“I’m a big fan of your quarterback,” Manning said. He then joked that he was going to pick Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin for his fantasy team.

McLaurin was on hand, too, as he was honored as the Touchdown Club’s Player of the Year. Daron Payne won the award last year.

Manning has long admired McLaurin, who is from Indianapolis, where Manning played the first 14 seasons of his NFL career.

“I’m a big fan of Terry; he’s an Indianapolis kid. I knew about him in high school,” Manning said.

It was a tough year for the Commanders in 2023, finishing 4-13. However, McLaurin did go over 1,000 for the fourth consecutive season, reaching the mark in Washington’s final game.

Peyton Manning a big fan of Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin

Peyton Manning is a big fan of Jayden Daniels.

Peyton Manning knows ball. While Manning has many interests outside of football, the Pro Football Hall of Famer remains close to the game due to his Monday night broadcasting career alongside his brother Eli.

On Thursday, Manning was in the Washington area as the featured speaker at Joe Gibbs’ Youth For Tomorrow event. So, of course, Manning was asked about the hometown team.

First, he discussed Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Manning said he’s known McLaurin for a long time because Washington’s star wide receiver is from Indianapolis, where he spent the first 14 seasons of his NFL career.

“I’m a big fan of Terry; he’s an Indianapolis kid. I knew about him in high school,” Manning said, per JP Finlay of NBC Washington and 106.7 The Fan.

Manning also joked that he would be taking McLaurin and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels on his fantasy team.

As for Daniels:

“I’m a big fan of your quarterback,” Manning said. He then went on to say he got to know Daniels last year at his family’s Manning Passing Academy camp.

You can add Manning to the list of those impressed by Jayden Daniels.

Former Washington DT Kedric Golston to coach one of Virginia’s top high school programs

Golston played 11 years for Washington and will now coach one of Virginia’s top HS programs.

Kedric Golston spent all 11 of his NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins. A sixth-round pick in the 2006 NFL draft by the legendary Joe Gibbs, Golston appeared in 153 career games for Washington.

Golston was an active member of the community during his playing career, and after retirement, he remained in the DMV community. Golston, who played at the University of Georgia, owns a real estate company in Northern Virginia and is co-owner of a Pilates studio with former teammate Lorenzo Alexander.

Now, Golston has another job in the DMV.

Stone Bridge High School in Ashburn named Golston head coach on Monday. Golston replaced Mickey Thompson, who had been Stone Bridge’s coach since the school opened in 2000. In his 24 years, Thompson led the Bulldogs to 19 district titles, 16 regional championships and three state championships.

Golston has worked as an assistant coach since his retirement and now has the opportunity to coach one of the state of Virginia’s top high school programs while remaining in the area.

Stone Bridge is the alma mater of current Washington Commanders star defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

 

Watch college highlights of new Commanders TE Ben Sinnott

Ben Sinnott’s college highlights are a fun watch.

Despite signing veteran Zach Ertz in free agency, the Washington Commanders knew heading into the 2024 NFL draft they needed to add talent at tight end.

So, in the second round, with the No. 53 overall pick, Washington selected Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott. Sinnott was considered by many to be the second-best tight end in the draft behind Georgia’s Brock Bowers. Sinnott was a versatile offensive weapon during his time at Kansas State, as he could play tight end, fullback, or split out wide.

In his review of Sinnott, former Washington tight end Chris Cooley praised Sinnott for his ability as a receiver and blocker. He offered the ultimate praise, saying legendary head coach Joe Gibbs would love Sinnott.

While Ertz will begin the season atop the depth chart, the Commanders will likely use plenty of 12 personnel, meaning two tight ends will be on the field simultaneously. Sinnott will be factored into offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s plans immediately.

Let’s look at some of Sinnott’s college highlights from his time at K-State.

What does Chris Cooley think of new Commanders TE Ben Sinnott?

“Joe Gibbs would love Ben Sinnott.”

“If he is wearing No. 47, we are identical.”

That was Chris Cooley’s first reaction when watching film of the Commanders’ second-round choice (No. 53 overall), Kansas State tight end Ben Sinnott.

Cooley was a guest Friday on the “The Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast and gave his film review of the tight end the Commanders drafted last week.

“He is what Joe Gibbs used to call an H-back; he’s versatile,” added Cooley.

Cooley said what he really liked initially about Sinnott was that he is flexible. The Commanders will be able to split Sinnott out wide. He can play in a tight split, a wing split, full back, tight, and next to the quarterback in the shotgun. Cooley concluded that K-State using Sinnott in so many positions reveals the young man is an intelligent player.

Pointing to his 4.68 at the Scouting Combine, Cooley praised his running of routes, “He is clearly a big-time target,” saying it was fun to watch him.

Cooley also praised Sinnott for being a hands-catcher of the ball rather than a chest-catcher. The former Washington tight end loved Sinnott’s ability to catch the ball at the high point and praised his vertical jumping ability.

A former wrestler, Cooley is fully aware of playing another sport at a high level and how this develops you athletically. He and Sheehan both pointed to the newest Commander also playing a lot of tennis and hockey as well as football.

Cooley was also excited about his ability to make some awesome runs after the catch as an H-back. He elaborated, saying Sinnott is tough to bring down and has that toughness to run through everything.

Seeing the Commanders will be able to line up Sinnott in multiple positions, Cooley pointed out that it also presents another challenge for the defense because your personnel becomes more unpredictable.

As for a weakness? Cooley feels Sinnott in his blocking needs some work in his hands and footwork early on in a block, saying he was not technically sound in some of the film.

However, Cooley was also quick to say that Sinnott made many good blocks. Thus, he was encouraged, saying Sinnott is certainly willing to block and will therefore improve his technique as his NFL career progresses.

“I will tell you right now, Joe Gibbs would love Ben Sinnott. This would be his guy. He would draft this guy. This is his H-back who can play receiver and tight end. He is a versatile tight end.”