Tag: Joe Theismann

Joe Theismann pleased with Commanders QB Jayden Daniels’ NFL debut

Joe Theismann is excited about Jayden Daniels.

Last week, legendary former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann said he didn’t think rookie Jayden Daniels should play in the preseason.

Daniels did play, starting Washington’s preseason opener against the New York Jets. He played one series and completed two of his three passes for 45 yards, including a 42-yard strike to Dyami Brown, and ran for a touchdown before starting.

Things could not have gone much better for Daniels.

Now that he did play, what did Theismann think?

“I had a chance to see what Jayden did, and it’s incredible that we get all the hype, knew he had to be the pick, had the Heisman trophy, and the way he played ball and everything that we’ve seen going up until this football game – and on the road in New York, which is a different experience, he comes out and he does some really, really special stuff, and you basically want to say to yourself as advertised,” Theismann said on Monday’s episode of BMitch & Finlay on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C, via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“A very small sample, but I think it’s enough to get us excited about his ability, and it’s a little bit of an indicator of what Kliff Kingsbury wants to do with this offense.”

Daniels was impressive, but he doesn’t have time to think about last week. This Thursday, the Commanders head south to Miami for a joint practice with the Dolphins, followed by their second preseason game on Saturday.

Joe Theismann: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels ahead of Robert Griffin III

Joe Theismann loves where Jayden Daniels is at and believes he’s far more advanced as a passer than another former No. 2 overall pick.

Joe Theismann likes Jayden Daniels.

The former Washington Redskins quarterback (1974-85) was a guest on “The Sports Junkies” (106.7 The Fan) Friday and was asked to assess the Commanders’ rookie quarterback from LSU.

“He checks every box that you want for a young man to play that position,” began Theismann.

Theismann voiced how important April’s draft was for the Commanders, who have a new owner, general manager and coaching staff. He has been around the franchise for decades now, and he is quite aware of how different the fan base became with Dan Snyder as owner for 24 years.

“It was the absolute must choice for the Commanders to get [Daniels] with that pick,” Theismann said. “Nothing else would have satisfied the fans, totally understand that. You watch his work ethic, and then you talk to the coaches, and you see how he applies himself. His demeanor is very, very even-keeled. That is why he was drafted where he was and was the Heisman Trophy winner.”

Not only does Theismann like what he has seen in Daniels’ work ethic and processing, but he also likes Daniels’ skill as a passer.

“I always look at how smooth the delivery is. Is it labored? Is there a herky-jerky movement to it? He’s got a great, smooth release,” Theismann said.

The coaching staff has repeatedly praised Daniels for his mental processing and learning of the offense. Theismann was a mobile QB but appreciates that passing is more important than running for a quarterback.

When asked to compare Daniels to Robert Griffin III, Washington’s second overall selection in 2012, Theismann did not hesitate to declare that he thinks Daniels is ahead of Griffin when it comes to passing.

History bears this out as well. Mike and Kyle Shanahan saw Griffin was athletic but not yet ready to process a passing offense from the pocket, so they designed a zone-read offense best for Griffin. He and running back Alfred Morris had huge success running the ball in 2012.

“He gets the ball out of his hand, and he processes very well, and he’s very smart,” Theismann said of Daniels. “To me, I have my fingers crossed that we have another C.J. Stroud. A young man that has athleticism but doesn’t place that above his ability to throw the football.”

Is Commanders punter Tress Way giving his No. 5 to Jayden Daniels?

Could Jayden Daniels officially be wearing the No. 5 by the end of this week?

Tuesday morning, the airwaves in the DMV conveyed that the Commanders are releasing a video on Friday.

During the “Kevin Sheehan Show” on The Team 980, Sheehan and his producer, Denton Day, discussed the rumor that the Commanders are releasing a video on Friday. The video is said to consist of Tress Way and newly drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels. The logical conclusion is that the Commanders are about to issue Daniels his first Commanders jersey.

Daniels wore No. 5 at LSU, so it would not be surprising that the Heisman Trophy winner wishes to wear No. 5 during his NFL playing career as well.

Way earned the Washington punting job for the 2014 season and has maintained a strong hold on in each of the ten NFL seasons (2014-23). Way was issued the No. 5 jersey during his initial Washington season and has worn it all ten of his NFL seasons.

If Daniels were going to be issued a jersey other than No. 5, then why would Way be included in the video? Consequently, it appears Way has agreed to part with No. 5 after ten seasons, permitting Daniels to begin wearing No. 5 this 2024 season.

After all, in this case, we are talking about Tress Way. Way has demonstrated love to his fellow teammates, resulting in his being a true team leader. More importantly, Way has exhibited maturity in placing his NFL employment in proper perspective in his life.

The former Oklahoma Sooner recently declared during an interview with “Sports Spectrum” that making the Pro Bowl a second time did not necessarily fulfill his life. He talked of losing his life for Jesus’ sake and actually finding a truer significance in his life as a result.

Thus, it would not be a surprise to find Way gladly giving over his No. 5 jersey to the younger Daniels as a token of welcoming Daniels to the franchise and, more significantly, demonstrating a selfless love for his new teammate.

Notre Dame’s JD Bertrand named First-Team Academic All-American

The captain is quite smart.

[autotag]JD Bertrand[/autotag] was a captain at Notre Dame the past two years. Somehow, that didn’t take the linebacker away from his studies enough for his grades to suffer. In fact, he absolutely thrived in the classroom, and now, he’s been recognized for that.

Bertrand has been named a First-Team Academic All-American by the College Sports Communicators. He’s the 37th Irish player to be so honored and the first since [autotag]Drue Tranquill[/autotag] in 2016 and 2017. Other Irish honorees over the years include [autotag]Mike Golic Jr.[/autotag], [autotag]Manti Te’o[/autotag], [autotag]John Carlson[/autotag] and [autotag]Joe Theismann[/autotag].

Bertrand was recognized by virtue of earning a 3.62/3.74 GPA. He also was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team alongside [autotag]Jack Kiser[/autotag] and [autotag]Davis Sherwood[/autotag]. There are some smart players on the Irish indeed.

Bertand’s current focus is preparing for the NFL draft. Whoever picks him, if anybody, will be getting someone with intelligence and leadership qualities. Hopefully, those will be on full display at the next level.

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Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Commanders must get 3 positions right this offseason

Washington must get three positions right this offseason.

It is no secret the Washington Commanders are going for a complete renovation this offseason.

There will be many players released and not invited back for 2024. There will be a new draft class and several new free agents signed to join the Commanders.

Josh Harris is going to hire the franchise’s next general manager any day now. Whomever he is, he will become the first Washington general manager to possess authentic general manager power since Charley Casserly was Washington’s general manager (1989-99).

Then Harris and the new general manager will embark on hiring the team’s next head coach. He will follow Ron Rivera, who failed to achieve a single winning season in his four seasons as Commanders’ head coach.

Quick question: which is most important, your general manager, your head coach, or your starting quarterback? Before you reply, consider the answer might just be “yes.” As important as a general manager and head coach are, today’s NFL might also require you to have a winning quarterback as well.

Which makes the accomplishment of Joe Jackson Gibbs even more significant. Gibbs won three Super Bowl championships for the Burgundy and Gold, and his quarterbacks for those championship seasons were Joe Theismann, Doug Williams and Mark Rypien. Three guys who will never be in the Hall of Fame, and only one was an NFL-leading quarterback (Theismann in 1983), and that team did not win a Super Bowl, though they did play in Super Bowl XVIII, falling to the Raiders.

An NFL team’s starting quarterback can mean so much to your franchise. For instance, the last time Washington had a winning season, Kirk Cousins was the starter. Washington’s last two winning seasons 2015 (9-7) and 2016 (8-7-1), it was Cousins leading the team.

Cousins was criticized heavily by much of the fan base in those days. Yet, how many winning seasons has Washington achieved since Cousins’ departure? Not a single one.

The Commanders will need to land a quality quarterback this offseason as well.

Joe Theismann believes Sam Howell can be Washington’s franchise QB

Legendary Washington Commanders QB Joe Theismann believes Sam Howell can be the next franchise QB.

It’s been quite the year for former Tar Heel [autotag]Sam Howell[/autotag] as he gets established as the Washington Commanders quarterback.

This season, Howell has impressed teammates, analysts, and fans with his tight-window throws that only experience QB throws. Despite being a fifth-round draft pick just a year prior, Howell has been looked at as the potential franchise QB for the future.

Many analysts have echoed the belief that Howell is the right guy to command Washington into a bright future, and now he’s picking up faith from legendary Washington QB Joe Theismann. When speaking with ESPN Commander’s reporter John Keim, the legendary QB explained his belief in Howell.

 

It was always a shock to see Howell drop so low in the 2022 NFL draft, so it’s nice to see his talent finally get the recognition it deserves.

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Joe Theismann acknowledges anniversary of career-ending injury

The anniversary of an important event is here.

People have spent the past 24 hours panicking over Twitter’s future. But until the site goes away, we will continue to see prominent figures create commemorative tweets when the time calls for them. Case in point, former Notre Dame quarterback and College Football Hall of Famer [autotag]Joe Theismann[/autotag]. Friday marked the anniversary of the broken leg on “Monday Night Football” that cut his career short, and he wanted to let everyone know:

We won’t post the video of the injury because it’s just too graphic. However you can stomach the footage, it still is big to see Theismann acknowledge the moment that took away his gift. While it’s far from the first time he’s discussed it publicly, that doesn’t lessen the impact of these particular words.

It’s unfair to think about what would have happened had he played a few more years. Maybe he would have gotten that Pro Football Hall of Fame call. Regardless, he still had an amazing career. We all would have loved to experience every he did before the injury.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Joe Theismann: Sam Howell does a terrific job leading Commanders

Joe Theismann excited about Sam Howell and his future.

“I think Sam (Howell) does a terrific job leading this football team,” declared Joe Theismann.

Theismann was a guest on The Team 980 on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” Tuesday.

Theismann came to Washington for the 1974 season and instantly learned Billy Kilmer was a leader of the team and the aging Sonny Jurgensen who was playing in his last NFL season at age 40, was certainly revered enough, he was going to play, and Theismann was not.

Even after Jurgensen retired, George Allen went out and picked up veteran Randy Johnson to be the second quarterback behind Kilmer in 1975. In 1976, Theismannn was given an opportunity, starting five games and then six games in 1977, becoming the starter in 1978 and keeping the job until his horrible career-ending injury during the 1985 season.

Theismann became a very vocal leader of the Redskins up into his last season. So, he knows something about quarterback leadership.

“The quarterback position is unique when it comes to a leadership role,” declared Theismann.

NFL games are often tight, and the pressure is on your quarterback to make big plays.

Theismann asked, “Can you deliver in the moment?” The guys are looking to you; the guys are counting on you.”

Regarding Sam Howell and his 2023 performance, Theismann emphasized, “He’s one tough son-of-a-gun. He’s been sacked 41 times, I think is the number.” Actually, it’s worse; he’s been sacked 44 times through nine games.

“I’m always curious when a quarterback gets knocked down, who’s helping him up? You watch some quarterbacks when they go down; there is not one lineman there helping them up. That is all you need to know about how that team feels about that individual.”

Theismann feels the Commanders team believes in Howell. “These guys appreciate Sam; they appreciate his work ethic. I am getting a kick out of watching Sam grow.”

While Ron Rivera has repeatedly mentioned Howell’s growth and development, Theismann also knows offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is still learning about Howell as well.

“Eric is still learning what Sam can do. We are talking about nine football games. Eric is still putting together the pieces of the puzzle with Sam.”

 

Joe Theismann believes ownership wants to change the Commanders name

Joe Theismann weighs in on another potential name change.

Washington team president Jason Wright made headlines Thursday when he went on the “BMitch and Finlay” show on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C. When asked about potentially going back to the old “Redskins” moniker, Wright said that “is not being considered. Period.”

Washington’s fan base is split on the name. A portion of the fan base just dealt with non-stop drama over the name for two years until Washington rebranded as the Commanders in Feb. 2022. They are ready to focus on football, not another name change.

Another segment of fans hates the current name. Some feel like it’s an expansion team. Others don’t think it fits.

New Washington owner Josh Harris hasn’t done anything to quiet the speculation about the name. When asked about the name, he’s made it a point to say it doesn’t matter what he thinks; it’s what the fans think. As Adam Schefter told him on his podcast, the fans don’t like the name.

Harris repeated that statement multiple times. Then there was minority partner Magic Johnson saying in an interview on the TODAY Show that “everything is on the table” regarding the name.

So you can see why many believe Harris and his partners would consider another name change. Of course, as Harris has also pointed out, it’s not a priority right now, as he and his partners are focused on improvements to FedEx Field, improving the fan experience and the upcoming season.

Legendary former Washington quarterback Joe Theismann was a guest on “The Pat McAfee Show” Thursday and believes Harris and his partners will change the name.

“I think they want to move towards a new name and sort of put everything about the Washington Commanders, the Washington Football Team, in the rearview mirror and move forward,” Theismann said.

“I think Josh Harris and his group have done a terrific job of creating an environment that’s really very positive. What you hear a lot now is people talking about the football team. Over the past couple of years, there’s been more conversation about what has taken place off the field or away from the field than it has been on the field. So, to me, I think what we see is something very, very positive going on.”

Theismann goes on to praise Washington’s talent, including the defensive line, wide receivers and running backs. And Theismann has high hopes for quarterback Sam Howell.

Theismann has always had the ear of ownership. Granted, this is new ownership, but early in training camp, Theismann was on the practice field talking to Harris and one of his partners, Mitchell Rales, both of whom grew up as Washington fans.

 

History of Notre Dame’s rivalry with Navy

This rivalry is filled more history than nearly any other rivalry in college football.

Few rivalries in college football have as much history and prestige as Notre Dame-Navy.

Except for the COVID-19-affected season, these programs have played each other every year since 1927. Even with the college football landscape seemingly always in flux, there’s no reason to think this rivalry will stop anytime soon. Most fans on both sides are fine with that, even if the Irish have won the vast majority of the meetings.

If for no other reason, Notre Dame owes it to Navy to keep the rivalry going. When Notre Dame faced financial difficulties during World War II, the Navy opted to use the university as a training ground for its V-12 program. The money the Navy paid for that usage kept the university from going under, so Notre Dame feel it’s forever in its debt.

The result is many memorable moments over the years. Here are some of them: