Tag: John Matsko

Ron Rivera very comfortable with Commanders offensive line

It also sounds like Washington’s next offensive line coach is already in the building.

Ron Rivera feels much better about his offensive line now.

The Commanders went out aggressively during the first week of free agency addressing their offensive line woes. As a result they made two quick additions, signing G/T Andrew Wylie and G/C Nick Gates.

Rivera, speaking with the local media at the owners meeting, Tuesday expressed, “I feel very comfortable with it, I really do. We made a concerted effort during free agency to go out and fortify the line. Add some depth to the line. Add some competition. We have some guys that are also position flex guys so it’ll give us an opportunity to see the best places to have these guys and integrate them with the guys that are currently on the roster.”

There are still young players who have yet to prove themselves. Apparently the plan is for two of them to compete at left guard. Rivera explained, “Our left guard will truly be a competition in terms of watching Saahdiq [Charles] and Chris Paul compete for that. I think both of those guys are young guys that have to play. Saahdiq is an explosive guy, very powerful. You watch Chris Paul in practice and the tape from some of the snaps he had in the Dallas game for sure, you see his play strength and his athleticism.”

There has been much speculation that both starting guards from last year Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell would not return. However, Rivera says that is not the case. “Andrew is going to be there as we go through the process and finish up all of our evaluations. We have to get through the draft as well.”

The Commanders also re-signed center Tyler Larsen and still have Chase Roullier. Rouiller was solid and dependable through the 2020 season. Unfortunately his last two seasons, he suffered bad injuries.

Who will be the next offensive line coach, replacing long-time veteran coach John Matsko?

“Well, we haven’t had an opportunity to finish the announcements and everything with everything that is going on. We will take care of that first opportunity very quickly, but we have a guy that is on staff, and we feel very comfortable with him.”

Travelle Wharton has been the assistant offensive line coach, even assisting Matsko back in Carolina as well. He played with the Panthers (2004-2013) starting 111 of the 115 games he played.

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Is the Commanders next offensive line coach already on staff?

The Commanders likely already have a replacement in mind.

The Washington Commanders made a surprising move Tuesday, parting ways with offensive line coach John Matsko. Matsko, who some believed had been considering retirement, was recently at the NFL combine, leading meetings with offensive line prospects.

Coaching changes are usually made after the season but before free agency, so the timing was a bit of a surprise. Matsko had been with head coach Ron Rivera since 2011 and was his offensive line coach for all 12 of Rivera’s seasons as a head coach.

The most logical reason for the change is new offensive coordinator/assistant head coach Eric Bieniemy wants his own guy. Bieniemy will run a different offense than Scott Turner and wants someone who aligns with his offensive vision.

What if his own guy is already on Washington’s staff?

No, we aren’t talking about assistant offensive line coach Travelle Wharton. While Wharton is undoubtedly qualified for a promotion, he played and coached under Matsko. But Washington did send him to the Senior Bowl to coach one of the team’s offensive lines.

Wharton will likely remain on staff, but in what role?

The most intriguing name on the staff is tight ends coach Juan Castillo. Castillo made his name as an offensive line coach under Andy Reid. The 63-year-old Castillo joined Washington’s staff last offseason replacing Pete Hoener, who retired.

Castillo joined the NFL in 1995 as an offensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent two years in that role before he was promoted to tight ends coach in 1997. In 1998, Castillo was named offensive line coach, a position he held for the next 13 seasons. He was the offensive line coach before Philadelphia hired Reid in 1999, who retained him.

A look back at Castillo’s tenure with the Eagles and he coached some outstanding offensive linemen. We noted last year how Rivera was on Reid’s staff at the same time as Castillo. In 1999, Bieniemy spent his final NFL season with the Eagles.

In addition to his time with the Eagles, Castillo has also been an offensive line coach with the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears. He understands the type of offense Bieniemy wants to run.

Bieniemy could always be looking to bring in someone from the outside, but Castillo makes sense. Don’t discount Wharton, either. Washington is high on Wharton’s future as a coach.

Regardless, don’t expect the Commanders to let this drag out too long. A plan is likely already in place, and we should know more in the coming days.

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Commanders part ways with offensive line coach John Matsko

Matsko was considered one of the best offensive line coaches in the NFL.

The Washington Commanders parted ways with offensive line coach John Matsko on Tuesday, multiple sources confirmed.

Matsko, 72, has been an offensive line coach in the NFL since 1992 with the then-Phoenix Cardinals. Matsko had been Washington’s offensive line coach since 2020. Matsko had been with head coach Ron Rivera since Rivera took over as head coach of the Carolina Panthers in 2011.

Matsko is one of the more respected offensive line coaches in the NFL. The timing of this move is strange, considering most teams have their coaching staff in place before the new league year begins. However, new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy hired a quarterbacks and wide receivers coach last week. This move appears to be more of Bieniemy putting his final stamp on the offense.

According to Nicki Jhabvala and Sam Fortier of The Washington Post, many in the organization believed Matsko might retire after the 2022 season or that the Commanders could go in a different direction when Bieniemy took over. But, at the NFL combine two weeks ago, Washington used almost half of its 45 formal meetings on offensive linemen, with Matsko leading those meetings.

Assistant offensive line coach Travelle Wharton remains in place, as Washington hasn’t appointed a replacement for Matsko. Wharton played for and coached under Matsko. In January, Wharton coached the offensive line for one of the Senior Bowl teams.

The Commanders struggled on the offensive line last season, but that was more due to a lack of talent than Matsko’s coaching abilities. Washington failed to replace right guard Brandon Scherff and battled injuries at other positions, specifically at center.

On the first day of the legal tampering period, Monday, the Commanders agreed to terms with two offensive linemen.

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Commanders assistant could be in line for an increased role in 2023

Could Ron Rivera be giving one of his offensive assistants more responsibility next season?

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera does a good job developing young coaches. While some will ridicule Rivera for bringing his former Carolina staff to Washington in 2020, the head coach always looks for talented and hungry coaches to develop.

One of those coaches, Drew Terrell, is expected to leave Washington for a role with the Arizona Cardinals. Terrell began his NFL coaching career in 2018 as a quality control coach for Rivera’s Panthers. In 2020, when Rivera came to Washington, he brought Terrell with him as an assistant wide receivers coach.

In 2021, Rivera promoted Terrell to wide receivers coach, and after two years, he had the opportunity to interview for an offensive coordinator position.

Now, Rivera could be promoting another young coach or, at least, expanding his responsibilities.

Assistant offensive line coach Travelle Wharton played 10 seasons in the NFL, including two under Rivera in Carolina. Like Terrell, Wharton joined Carolina’s 2018 staff as an offensive quality control assistant. He also followed Rivera to Washington, where he has spent the past three seasons as an assistant offensive line coach under the venerable John Matsko.

In all five of Wharton’s years as a coach, he’s learned under Matsko. However, at 72, the respected longtime coach may be looking ahead to retirement. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported last week that Wharton could be in line for increased responsibilities in 2023.

Bieniemy is likely to bring a couple of coaches with him to Washington, and there could be added responsibilities for assistant line coach Travelle Wharton with the Commanders as well. Wharton, who played 10 years in the league, has been an assistant line coach for Rivera for five years now (two in Carolina, three in Washington).

Even before Washington hired Eric Bieniemy, the Commanders had plans for Wharton. He was one of four coaches Washington sent to Mobile, Alabama, to coach in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

With Washington expected to focus heavily on adding to the offensive line in free agency and the 2023 NFL draft, it looks like Wharton could play a heavy role. It’s important to note that Wharton got up-close look at some talented offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl.

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Commanders make moves to bolster offensive line depth

The Washington Commanders made another offensive line move Tuesday.

The Washington Commanders made two personnel moves Tuesday, attempting to strengthen their offensive line depth.

With the Commanders offensive line struggling, they signed guard Keaton Sutherland to the practice squad. To make room for Sutherland, the Commanders released center Jon Toth.

Sutherland, age 25, (6-5, 315) played his college ball at Texas A&M.

Undrafted, the Bengals signed Sutherland as a free agent before waiving him, then bringing him back in 2019. He appeared in one game, was waived, and then claimed by the Dolphins, playing in three games in the season.

Back the Bengals went Sutherland, playing in one game in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

The 49ers signed Sutherland in March for the 2022 season; however, the former Texas A&M Aggie was released on Sept. 13.

Toth (6-5, 310), 28, has six games of NFL experience with Washington during the 2021 season.

The former Kentucky Wildcat was in on 17 special teams snaps last season and 7 offensive snaps.

The Commanders brought in center Nick Martin two weeks ago, and he started against Dallas in Week 4.

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Commanders re-sign Cornelius Lucas for 2 years

Cornelius Lucas is officially back, and he had a hilarious comment about his free agency.

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The Commanders found last year they really were thankful to have Cornelius Lucas at swing tackle when rookie right tackle Sam Cosmi was injured. Thursday, Washington re-signed Lucas to again be the man counted on to contribute heavily when needed at either tackle spot for Cosmi or Charles Leno.

The Washington offensive line was the team strength in 2021; however, losing Brandon Scherff to the Jaguars (free agent) and releasing left guard Ereck Flowers instantly raised questions and concerns in Commanders fans.

Quickly Washington signed free agent guard Andrew Norwell to replace Flowers. Wes Schweitzer for now is expected to be the starting right guard at the beginning of training camp.

“We won’t have those guys next year, so we’ve got to find replacements for them and that’s what every season boils down to,” Lucas said after signing a two-year contract. “I think we’re going to be ready. Coach (John) Matsko is going to have us ready to go. I’m not worried about it.”

Lucas, when asked said he had “heard from a few teams” and then added, “I picked up a good amount of traction, more than I have in the past. But everyone was faking and booty-shaking and Washington was the only one that came through.”

Lucas, who will be 31 in July, appeared in 15 games, starting 7 in 2021. Undrafted out of Kansas State in 2014, Lucas (6-8, 327) signed with the Lions, playing three seasons in Detroit (2014-16). Then came single seasons with the Rams, Saints and Bears (2017-19). Lucas now enters his third season with Washington (2020-22).

Realistically, the Chicago Bears have helped Washington greatly, with Washington reaping great benefits from the signings of tackles Leno and Lucas.

Washington re-signs veteran center Tyler Larsen

Washington retained veteran center Tyler Larsen — a good depth move for the Commanders.

On a day when the Washington Commanders lost Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff, they kept one of their top reserves in town.

On Monday, John Keim of ESPN reported that Washington had agreed to terms with Larsen, ensuring his return for 2022. Larsen, 30, spent the 2021 season with the Commanders after spending the previous five seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

Originally an undrafted free agent from Utah State, Larsen entered the NFL in 2014 with the Miami Dolphins. He was released during final cuts and signed with the then-Washington Redskins in 2015. Larsen spent the offseason with Washington and again was released during final cuts.

Larsen appeared in 68 games for the Panthers, making 18 starts. With Washington in 2021, Larsen appeared in nine games, starting three games before injuring his Achilles in a December loss to Dallas. He was one of four centers who started for Washington in 2021 and played well before his injury.

Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post confirmed Larsen’s deal was for one year.

Morgan Moses is 13 pounds lighter and ready to prove himself in 2020

Morgan Moses showed up to camp 13 pounds lighter in 2020, and he knows that he will have to work to earn respect from the new coaching staff.

Washington Football Team head coach Ron Rivera remarked earlier this week that the right side of the offensive line is virtually set, with Morgan Moses, Brandon Scherff, and Chase Roullier holding it down at their respective positions.

While that may give confidence to those players, knowing that they just need to focus on keeping their spots, there are a number of fans who have routinely questioned the production from Moses, the homegrown RT who signed a heft 5-year deal back in 2017. Moses has been incredibly reliable as far as availability goes — he hasn’t missed a start since his rookie season — but he is oft-penalized, with his false start and holding numbers risingSteve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports over the past few seasons.

Going into 2020, Moses knows that he has a new coaching staff coming in that he will have to earn his respect with, and he’s doing everything he can this offseason to make sure that happens.

The weight loss will definitely help Moses’ longevity as he enters this later stage of his career, and I’m sure the new OL coach John Matsko will stress discipline among his front five. If those two things can join hands, Moses is definitely a top candidate to act as a reliable veteran for Washington over these next few seasons, hopefully being rewarded by some success down the road.

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‘Ron will get him back here’: Why Rivera is perfect coach to bring Trent Williams back

Many who know him believe that Rivera is the perfect person to convince Williams to return to the Redskins ahead of the 2020 season.

In an offseason that is ripe with mega-decisions that have the potential to sway the future of the franchise in Washington, one of the biggest puzzle pieces to fall for the Redskins is regarding left tackle Trent Williams.

After holding out for the entire 2019 season due to a number of reasons, involving both a mistrust of the franchise and an inability to reach an agreement on a contract extension, the feeling in the building has started to shift. Williams made contact with head coach Ron Rivera on Tuesday, and it’s starting to feel like the two could piece together a plan to get the seven-time Pro-Bowler back into the locker room in Washington.

For one former Redskins player, this comes as absolutely no surprise. Ricky Ervins, a former Redskins tailback, and Super Bowl XXVI Champion talked to The Athletic recently and explained that if there is anyone who is capable of convincing Williams to come back, it’s Rivera.

“If anybody can talk to Trent, it’s Ron,” Ervins said. “Because you’ve got, not just a coach talking to him, but a player who’s been there and experienced some of the stuff. I’m sure he didn’t have no tumor, but he experienced some of those bumps and bruises. All that stuff, it’s in the past, those guys ain’t here no more. It’s a new slate. Let’s start fresh, and see what we can do. I promise you, Ron will get him back here.”

On top of Rivera taking over the coaching staff, Ervins notes that the addition of offensive line coach John Matsko should also be a heavy factor in Williams’ desire to come back to Washington. Matsko is a veteran coach who is well-respected in the NFL, and he won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams in 2000 with ‘The Greatest Show on Turf.” According to Ervins, Matsko is already operating under the impression that he will get to coach Williams in 2020, and a successful marriage will be rebuilt.

“I haven’t asked him anything about how he felt about the line, but I know he has to be excited about it because he believes he’s going to get Trent,” Ervins said. “He has to believe that because when Ron speaks to (Williams), or when Ron speaks to anybody, things happen.”

Rivera has convinced us that he is the right guy to help lift the Redskins from this perpetual state of losing. Will Trent Williams be next?

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Analysis: How much change does the Panthers offensive line really need?

Fixing the unit will fall on Pat Meyer, who is expected to be named the team’s new offensive line coach according to Field Yates at ESPN.

The Panthers offensive line has been a sore point since at least Super Bowl 50, when Cam Newton got pummeled by the Broncos pass rush. The unit has been steadily in decline since and nothing the front office tries to improve it seems to work out.

Fixing the unit will fall on Pat Meyer, who is expected to be named the team’s new offensive line coach according to Field Yates at ESPN. Meyer has a tough task ahead of him, but the front line does not require the total rebuild some people are calling for.

Let’s break down the offensive line one spot at a time.

1. A new coach is the best way to improve

The best way this unit is going to get better in 2020 is benefiting from fresh leadership. The big challenge for Meyer will be how to break the group out of its bad habits while continuing to encourage what it does well. Mainly, he’ll want to keep the strong run blocking going while improving the pass protection across the board. If Meyer can do that, it will make a far bigger impact than any one (or two) new linemen can.

2. Matt Paradis isn’t going anywhere

A major key to turning things around is Paradis, who had as disappointing a season as any Carolina player. He signed a three-year, $27 million deal and we expected him to be an upgrade over Ryan Kalil. Instead, Paradis was a liability in pass protection and never seemed to settle in. Many fans want him cut, but that would be short-sighted and also come with a significant dead money penalty. Remember, Paradis was coming off a broken leg from 2018 and it may take another offseason to fully recover. If Paradis gets back to being the lineman he was in Denver early in his career, many of the unit’s issues (chiefly interior pass protection) will be solved.

3. Taylor Moton and Trai Turner are perfectly fine

The left side of the line is another story, but the right tackle and right guard spots are fine the way they are. Today, Turner will be playing in his fifth Pro Bowl and Moton has been the team’s most consistent lineman for a while. Moton should get a contract extension and Turner still has a few years left on his.

4. Left guard is easy to upgrade

If there’s one position the Panthers really do need to upgrade, it’s left guard. Greg Van Roten is a solid run blocker and teammate, but there’s a reason he has been a backup most of his career. Daryl Williams is not worth bringing back for this spot, either. If general manager Marty Hurney can find a solid young starting-quality guard in the draft or free agency, it will plug a huge hole and make Paradis’ job much easier.

5. The Panthers have 2 left tackles

Now we come to the great elephant in the room: what to do on the blindside? Since Jordan Gross’ retirement, this has been a problematic position. The good news is the Panthers have two promising options here. Greg Little and Dennis Daley are true left tackles who both flashed at times during their rookie year. Ideally, Little will stay healthy and wind up as the long-term starter. That would allow Daley to play one of the other spots (perhaps LG?). A lot of fans want a tackle in round one or two, but Carolina should give these guys at least another year to prove themselves. Patience is understandably tough given the way things have gone for this group in recent years. In this case, the solution (a true franchise left tackle) could already be on the roster.

The Panthers could definitely use more depth up front. Then again, that’s also true of practically every other NFL team. As bad as this unit looked last year, a couple tweaks and some better coaching could make a world of difference.

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