Tag: Joe Whitt Jr.

Brian Baldinger sees big things for Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn in 2024

Baldinger sees big things for Jeremy Chinn in 2024.

Jeremy Chinn looked like he was on the verge of stardom in 2020. The runner-up to Chase Young for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Chinn finished with over 100 tackles as a rookie safety in Carolina.

While he also went over 100 tackles in 2021, injuries and multiple coaching changes ultimately impacted Chinn’s final two seasons with the Panthers.

Chinn’s size, athleticism, age and upside made him an intriguing player in free agency. While he had other opportunities, he chose the Washington Commanders after seeing what head coach Dan Quinn had done with players with similar skill sets. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Chinn is expected to play a hybrid role in Washington’s defense. He could play in the box or at safety.

Former NFL player Brian Baldinger, who works for multiple media organizations such as Fox Sports, the NFL Network, and Audacy, sees big things for Chinn in Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt’s defense.

In an offseason version of “Baldy’s Breakdowns” on X, Baldinger offered the following analysis of Chinn:

Chinn signed a one-year deal believing one year playing for the Commanders under Quinn and Whitt could make him worth much more in 2024 free agency.

Baldinger believes so, too.

 

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. gives his early impressions of cornerback Emmanuel Forbes

Whitt says he’s pleased with Forbes’ work throughout this offseason.

Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes has been a popular player to discuss this offseason. Some fans have already determined last year’s first-round draft pick is a bust.

Forbes had a miserable rookie year for Washington under the previous coaching staff. He was benched multiple times, and it looked like that former head coach Ron Rivera had given up on him.

When he was introduced as the new defensive coordinator in February, Joe Whitt. Jr said he liked Forbes coming out of Mississippi State. Head coach Dan Quinn loves Forbes’ skill set, saying his ability to create turnovers is his “superpower.”

The biggest knock on Forbes is his size. Some believe he’s too skinny to succeed in the NFL. Quinn said Forbes worked hard to add size in the offseason.

What has Whitt thought of Forbes thus far?

“I’ve seen a young man every day getting better, getting used to my hard coaching,” Whitt said. He’s a kid that has a really good skill set, just like the rest of the young guys, he’s out there working his butt off, and I’ve been pleased with him.”

Quinn and Whitt have a history of getting the most out of cornerbacks. Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland thrived under their coaching in Dallas, each leading the interceptions once. Forbes is known for his ability to force turnovers from his time at Mississippi State.

Forbes has worked with the return team this spring. Relax. So have several others. Forbes working with the return team doesn’t mean he’s not in Quinn’s plans. It’s all about finding what each guy does best. If Forbes doesn’t begin the season as a starter at cornerback, it doesn’t mean he can’t eventually get there.

Forbes is at a crossroads in the 2024 season. He appears up to the challenge. The next step is translating it to the field this fall.

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. can’t hide excitement about linebacker Frankie Luvu

Joe Whitt Jr. is fired up about Frankie Luvu.

If we’ve learned anything from new Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. in his two press conferences, it’s that he’s a no-nonsense guy. There isn’t a lot of smiling and joking with Whitt. He means business and is direct about what he wants and expects.

It’s a refreshing change. Whitt quickly became a favorite in his February introductory press conference when he said he expected his defense to arrive violently to meet opposing ballcarriers.

Whitt met with the media again this week and discussed numerous topics, including that he was not interested in naming a starting lineup now.

One topic had him smiling on Wednesday: New linebacker Frankie Luvu.

“Everything. What’s not to like about him?” Whitt said when asked about Luvu. “He is the heartbeat of what competitive, hard-nosed defensive football is about. And, I remember he said, ‘Coach, just tell me what you want me to do, and I’ll do it.’ And he goes as hard as he can, and I love that. He’s a fun guy to be around, a fun guy to coach.”

Washington fans are going to love Luvu.

Whitt also discussed the importance of fellow linebacker Bobby Wagner and his leadership.

Whitt’s weekly press conferences should be fun in 2024.

Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn says the Steelers offered him more money

Chinn wanted to play for Dan Quinn.

The Washington Commanders signed safety Jeremy Chinn to a one-year deal worth $3.95 million in March, in the early stages of free agency. Chinn, 26, played the first four years of his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers.

Chinn was viewed as the ultimate Dan Quinn chess piece for Washington’s rebuilding defense. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Chinn is listed as a safety but can also play in the box. That versatility excited the new Commanders head coach and general manager, Adam Peters.

Chinn burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2020, finishing second in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Chase Young. Unfortunately for Chinn, constant turnover in Carolina and injuries stymied his growth over the past three years, making him a potential bargain for Washington.

As it turns out, the Commanders weren’t the only team interested in Chinn’s services. In an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Chinn said the Pittsburgh Steelers actually offered him more money, but thinking about who could best help his development, he chose Washington.

“I can’t remember if it was a multi-year deal, but I did get another offer,” Chinn said via Steelers Depot. “I think Pittsburgh was probably a little bit more money. But just the situation here with Dan Quinn (defensive coordinator), Joe Whitt (Jr.), and (defensive pass game coordinator (Jason Simmons) and TD (secondary coach Tom Donatell), this is where I’m supposed to be, man. I know this is where I’m supposed to be,”

Nothing offensive there. Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, who also signed as a free agent this offseason, had an interesting reaction.

Not sure what Queen was referring to, but just like Queen made the best decision for him, Chinn made the one that was best for him and his long-term future.

Commanders LB Jamin Davis sees a new opportunity

Davis excited about the possibilities of rushing the passer more.

Jamin Davis knows this upcoming season is crucial for him.

Davis spoke with the media, on Wednesday at the OTA in Ashburn.

When asked about the new defense being installed by the new coaching staff, Davis didn’t hesitate in saying, “It’s giving me a chance to just really cut it loose and just go hunt some quarterbacks, honestly.”

The fourth-year linebacker out of Kentucky was surprisingly selected 19th overall by Ron Rivera in the 2021 draft. Davis has had flashes where his athletic ability was observed but he is certainly aware he has not performed near the expectations of a 19th overall selection.

He spoke vaguely of wanting to do something in his past Washington defenses, “but never had an opportunity to do so and I am going to put my best foot forward.”

When asked about this being the final year of his first NFL contract, Davis responded that he doesn’t think about that at all. But then, interestingly offered, “It’s just another chip on your shoulder. You go out there and you try to make some noise as much as possible and hopefully, you do what you can to stay here.”

Davis was thus admitting, he feels he must have his best season thus far, or he will not return in 2025.

Joe Whitt Jr., the Commanders defensive coordinator has Davis’ attention. Davis pointed out that Whitt “comes to work every day and does whatever he needs to do to make this team and defense go in the right direction.” Davis continued, “I don’t think Coach Whitt was BSing around when he said it was a run and hit defense.”

With the Commanders having signed veteran linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, they will likely be starting. What does this mean for Davis’ playing time?

He may be used more as a pass rusher in 2024. He even offered Wednesday, regarding his working some extra with assistant coach Ryan Kerrigan, “He’s been extremely helpful actually. We have been doing things on the side, drills after practice, watching whatever film so I can see what footwork I need to possibly get there a step quicker. Having a guy like that on staff is really beneficial so you can hopefully try to go get his sack number.”

Kerrigan in his ten seasons with Washington accumulated 147 QB Hits in addition to his 95.5 QB sacks. Davis is thinking more about getting after quarterbacks in 2024.

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr.: ‘We don’t have 11 starters’

The defensive coordinator is not ready to talk about a starting lineup.

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. became an instant fan favorite during his introductory press conference back in February. Whitt’s motto is simple: He wants his players to arrive violently.

Since then, we hadn’t heard from Whitt until Wednesday. In discussing his defense during the final week of OTAs, Whitt wasn’t interested in saying who was starting where. It’s all about depth.

“We don’t have 11 starters,” Whitt said. “You’re going to put this down, so don’t ask me who’s starting here. We have 17 to 18 guys. We’re going to go out there, we’re going to roll a deep crew and go out there and whoop people. We don’t have 11 guys, we have many personnel groups, and now can they own those positions when we put them in there? When that comes, don’t ask me about who’s starting, please.

Whitt is no-nonsense and fiery. He’s exactly what this defense needs. He isn’t going to play favorites. He will not play guys because of draft status or contract status. The best players will play.

It’s a new time indeed.

Commanders DTs Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne ranked among the top 32 in the NFL

Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen are due for a big bounce-back in 2024.

When Dan Quinn was asked what he liked about the Washington roster he inherited, he didn’t hesitate to mention the defensive tackle group. While he didn’t name Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, it was clear who he was referring to.

Payne and Allen were phenomenal in 2022, each earning a trip to the Pro Bowl. However, both players had their worst season in 2023. A look up and down Washington’s roster shows multiple players had their worst season one year ago.

General manager Adam Peters, Quinn, and his entire staff have wiped the slate clean, and the players are excited.

This offseason, the Commanders added another talented defensive tackle to the roster: second-round pick Johnny Newton. Once healthy, his presence will allow Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. to rotate Allen and Payne more in 2024, keeping them fresh later in games.

In their series ranking the top 32 players at every position, Pro Football Focus ranked Allen (14) and Payne (32) among its top group.

Here’s what PFF said about Allen:

Allen isn’t coming off his best season, but he still racked up 49 quarterback pressures and 37 defensive stops for the Commanders last year.

At his best, Allen is one of the most formidable pass-rushers in the game. He is just two years removed from a 90.9 PFF pass-rushing grade on the back of 67 pressures and double-digit sacks.

And Payne:

Payne isn’t coming off his best year, but he could be a rejuvenated force in 2024 in Dan Quinn’s defense. He totaled 35 quarterback pressures last season, but that was down from 49 the year before. He has notched at least 40 pressures in back-to-back seasons, having had exactly 39 in each of the two years before that.

The powerhouse of a defensive tackle’s best season may be incoming in a new defensive system.

It sounds like PFF believes big things could be ahead for Allen and Payne in 2024 under a competent coaching staff. Payne’s ranking feels low, especially behind a rookie who has never played an NFL snap, but he can prove last season was a fluke.

Both players are motivated to have a big 2024 season.

Who is the Commanders’ X-Factor in 2024?

Who is Washington’s X-Factor in 2024?

The 2024 Washington Commanders will likely go as far as rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels takes them.

We don’t say that to put pressure on the No. 2 overall pick, but there isn’t much expected from the rebuilding Commanders in 2024. Washington has a new general manager and coaching staff and turned over half of the roster. It’s why some compare Daniels to C.J. Stroud one year ago.

Stroud took over as quarterback of a bad team after Houston selected him second overall in 2023. As a rookie, Stroud was phenomenal, helping the Texans win the AFC South title and a playoff win.

Could Daniels follow a similar path?

Washington’s defense will be much better under head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Offensively, the Commanders will also be better after refusing to run the ball last season. That doesn’t mean either unit will be good enough to make Washington a playoff team.

That’s where Daniels comes in again.

Pro Football Focus recently named Daniels as Washington’s X-Factor for 2024.

Washington brought in several veterans and put together a huge draft class, but the team’s fate lies in the hands of second-overall pick Jayden Daniels. The 2023 Heisman winner was the best player in college football last season. His dual-threat ability should inject life into a team that has perpetually struggled to find a franchise quarterback.

All of this is 100% accurate. All of Washington’s moves will improve the team, but it’s the rookie quarterback who could take them from “improved” to good.

Cornerback Michael Davis honored to be part of Commanders

Michael Davis could be one of Washington’s starting corners this season.

Cornerback Michael Davis spent seven seasons with the Chargers, so why would he leave the West Coast and come all the way to Ashburn?

That was Bryan Colbert Jr’s opening question to Davis on “Command Center” Friday.

“It’s just the opportunity,” expressed Davis. Everything is through God, so I know that God put me in this for a reason. I think it was my time to leave Cali. It was my time to be on the East Coast, for me to be here with you guys, the Commanders.”

Why did Davis want to play for Dan Quinn?

“He’s a leader. He’s what you want in a head coach. He’s super energetic. He’s genuine. You don’t want a leader that’s fake. I feel like DQ’s a real dog. I am honored to be a part of his team. I am honored for him to coach me.”

There will be new coaching relationships on the defense as well. “I am excited to go work with Joe Whitt. I know he can develop corners. I know I am eight years in but I know that I have an extra level to go to. I know that he is able to tap into that potential for me. I know I can skyrocket by game with him.”

While playing college ball at BYU, Davis was undrafted, yet he has made it for seven NFL seasons. Coming to Washington, Davis said he feels again undrafted. “I know I am going to have to prove myself again, prove I am still that dog.”

It was good to hear Davis express that he does not feel entitled. He stated, “Nothing is given to me; everything has to be earned.”

Davis also said that having been raised by his mother; he feels he owes her a lot and that she instilled many traits in him.

The former Charger corner said he realizes he has had some good spurts, but he’s also been up and down and certainly realizes he needs to become more consistent.

Watch highlights of Commanders rookie LB Jordan Magee

Jordan Magee’s college highlights.

For several years, the Washington Commanders have largely neglected the linebacker position. This was a curious decision, considering the former head coach (Ron Rivera) and defensive coordinator (Jack Del Rio) were longtime ex-NFL linebackers.

General manager Adam Peters and new head coach Dan Quinn took one look at the previous linebacker room and knew it needed an overhaul. Jamin Davis is back, but even his role is uncertain.

On the first two days of free agency, the Commanders struck deals with Frankie Luvu (Carolina) and future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner. Luvu has been named as one of the NFL’s best signings, while Wagner will wear many hats for Washington. In addition to being a terrific player, Wagner’s leadership is exactly what this new regime needs to show a retooled roster.

In the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders chose a linebacker for the future in Jordan Magee from Temple. Magee was a three-year starter for the Owls, leading the team in tackles during his final two seasons. Magee has average size (6-foot-1, 228) and excellent speed, but his college production and playing style made him an ideal pick for Quinn and Washington.

Remember when new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said the following:

“The way that we live is not for everybody,” Whitt said. “It’s not. We’re going to run and put our bodies on people in a violent manner.”

That fits Magee to a tee. He can immediately help on special teams and push for a more significant role in the future.

Here are some of Magee’s college highlights.

And more: