Tag: john ridgeway

5 young Commanders with something to prove in Week 18 vs. Cowboys

We name five young players to watch in the season finale against the Cowboys.

From the moment the Green Bay Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday, the Washington Commanders were moving on to 2023.

As a result of their embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17, the Commanders were officially eliminated from playoff contention once the Packers took care of the Vikings. What a difference a month makes. On Nov. 27, the Commanders were 7-5 and sitting pretty in the NFC playoff race.

Now it’s about evaluating some young players as the Commanders look to 2023. Chief among those evaluations is rookie quarterback Sam Howell. After initially planning to start Taylor Heinicke at quarterback in the Week 18 finale against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Ron Rivera changed his mind after speaking with players, including Heinicke, and turned to Howell.

By looking at Washington’s injury report this week, Rivera is planning to evaluate much more than Howell.

We’ve picked five Commanders to watch in the season finale who could play an increased role in 2023.

Commanders DL teammates looking after John Ridgeway

Jonathan Allen enjoyed John Ridgeway’s “suplex” on Sunday. So much so that he, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat are going to help the rookie out.

Jonathan Allen is leading efforts for Commanders defensive line teammates to help out rookie defensive tackle John Ridgeway.

During Sunday’s 23-10 win in Houston, Ridgeway suddenly found himself in the odd position of Texans running back Dameon Pierce literally running into Ridgeway with his head so low and his upper torso almost parallel with the ground. Ridgeway grabbed Pierce by the waist and did a suplex on him to the

 

Ridgeway was flagged and will most likely be fined by the NFL. Fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen appeared on the Sports Junkies (106.7 The Fan) Tuesday explaining, “He is a rookie; you expect that from rookies. I don’t know what round he was drafted in. The 7th or 6th, I’m not sure. So me Payne (Daron) and Montez, we all agreed to take 1/4 of the fine he is going to get.

It is going to be massive. If we didn’t help him out, I think he might be playing the month of December for free. So we will take 3/4 of the fine and he is going to pay the other fourth.

He’s a young guy, he’s trying to play hard. I like it, I think that’s football. We did say the next time you are on your own. This first one, we will help you out. I don’t know what the fine is going to be.”

For the record, Ridgeway was drafted in the fifth round (178) of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. He was released by the Cowboys and subsequently picked up by Washington.

 

Washington’s John Ridgeway flagged for body-slamming Dameon Pierce

Washington’s John Ridgeway thought he was in a WWE match, apparently

If it wasn’t bad enough the Houston Texans were being pummeled by the Washington Commanders on Sunday, one of their star players was subject to a WWE maneuver.

Dameon Pierce ran into Washington’s John Ridgeway on a carry and wound up getting body-slammed by the Commanders’ lineman.

Yes, Ridgeway was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

WATCH: Commanders DT John Ridgeway suplex Texans RB Dameon Pierce

He was flagged for unnecessary roughness.

The Houston Texans had five yards of total offense in the first half of Sunday’s Week 11 game against the Washington Commanders.

On Houston’s first possession of the second half, wide receiver Brandin Cooks somehow got matched up with Washington linebacker Jon Bostic, picking up 41 yards. Suddenly, the Texans were in business.

After the Texans pick up another first down, quarterback Davis Mills throws short to running back Dameon Pierce, but Commanders defensive tackle John Ridgeway was all over the play. In fact, Ridgeway picked Pierce up and went full WWE on him, suplexing him to the ground.

Check it out.

Naturally, Ridgeway was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty, giving the Texans a first-and-goal inside the 10-yard line. Fortunately for Ridgeway, Washington’s defense held the Texans to a field goal.

 

Studs and duds from Commanders’ loss to Vikings in Week 9

Who stood out in Washington’s loss to the Vikings? Who struggled? Here are our studs and duds from Week 9.

The Washington Commanders fell to 4-5 on the season after a 20-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings Sunday from FedEx Field.

As usual, it was a close game that came down to the final seconds, but unfortunately, it went against Washington this time. The Commanders’ last four games came down to the losing team possessing the ball with seconds on the clock. On Sunday, it was Washington trying desperately to create a miracle in the closing seconds.

The Commanders managed just 96 total yards of offense in the first half. For the game, Washington finished with 265 total yards; however, the Commanders could manage only 126 net passing yards. The Vikings came into the game with the No. 28 passing defense.

The Commanders had plenty of chances to win but let it slip through their fingers.

Here are our studs and duds from Washington’s Week 9 loss.

 

 

Commanders DC Jack Del Rio pleased with his defense

Jack Del Rio praised his defense and coaching staff, but understands the challenge Minnesota presents on Sunday.

Jack Del Rio knows this week’s opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, presents his defense with many challenges. Yet, he did offer plenty of praise for his defense as a whole Thursday when he met with the press.

Del Rio has employed a five-man front at times in several games this season.

“That was our approach based on last week’s opponent (Colts) and our game planning. Every week we try to put together a plan to stop the people that we’re going against and utilize those we have available. I thought the guys handled it well.”

The Vikings (6-1) winners of five straight certainly have offensive weapons that concern Del Rio. Regarding WR Justin Jefferson, “He has a lot of talent, size, speed, athletic ability, route running, hands. He’s a good player.”

“I think [Vikings HC] Kevin [O’Connell] has done a great job up there. Kirk’s a good player. He’s been a good player for a long time. The right head coach at the right time for Kirk and his career.  They can run it; they can throw it, the boot game, and play action games. It’s legit.”

Del Rio praised his defensive coaching staff.

“The position coaches are breaking down our next opponent already. So they’re working ahead in their respective areas. It’s the power of the staff, the group working on what is best, thoughts, ideas within our system. We like to bring a plan together and take it to the players.We’re still in the middle of it as we get this red zone and third down day in today, it’s a big day. It’s a lot of work.”

A position coach Del Rio singled out was DL coach Jeff Zgonina. “Well, Jeff has to get some credit. I mean the group’s responded well to him. We brought a young guy in that ended up playing. JR [Jon] Ridgeway. To bring him along and have him play as big impact as he did last week in the game, that’s gotta be a credit to the coach to get him ready.”

Del Rio a fine former linebacker himself, really likes his defensive line play.

“Big Jon [Allen] and Daron [Payne]  have been playing terrific and played very well in last week’s game. The entire group is prepared to understand what the responsibilities are and we’re working well together, playing with good efforts. We roll them all throughout the game.”

Ridgeway has shown Del Rio some promise to plug up the inside.
“That was big Phil’s [DT Phidarian Mathis] role until he got hurt. He [Ridgeway] stepped in; we were fortunate to be able to pick him up on waivers and added a guy that we liked in the draft coming out. He’s been a great addition for us.”

Del Rio named two defensive backs deserving praise last week. Kam Curl was given the green dot last week in the absence of Cole Holcomb. “He’s the guy we want to have on the field all the time. Also, Benjamin St- Juste, “He has done great; he’s matured. He’s been really good throughout the offseason. He’s very professional and working the right way, playing good football for us.”

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Commanders’ sudden change of mind on defensive tackle position

There are suddenly depth concerns at defensive tackle after losing two players in two weeks.

Did you notice how soon the Washington Commanders changed their mind regarding a defensive tackle?

It all started in the season opener when Phidarian Mathis was injured early against the Jaguars. Mathis was lost for the season. So, the next day (Sept 12) Washington placed Mathis on Injured Reserve and signed Donovan Jeter to the active roster.

Jeter who played his college ball at Michigan, is listed as 6-foot-3, 325 pounds. He was undrafted (2022) and subsequently signed by the Steelers, went through training camp and the preseason and was one of their later cuts. Chicago called to sign him to their practice squad, but when Washington called to sign him to the active roster, he signed with Washington.

Head coach Ron Rivera told reporters he liked signing Jeter. “Big, stout, physical young man more so than anything else. I like his first-step quickness, his ability to get into the crease and hold the point.”

After one game in Detroit, Jeter is gone. The former Commander was in on 18 defensive snaps, and 7 special teams snaps. Jeter recorded one solo tackle. Perhaps he didn’t look as big, stout, physical, or possess the first-step quickness Rivera thought he’d seen on tape?

On Monday, after the Detroit loss, Rivera cut Jeter and signed John Ridgeway, another tackle, who had been released by Dallas. Interestingly enough, NFL teams very much avoid cutting the players they draft in their very first year. It is a public admission that they really missed on that player when drafting him.

So, inquisitive people like myself can’t help but inquire, “Why did Dallas not keep a player they drafted this year in the 5th round?

Perhaps like Jeter, might Ridgeway also have only one game to show if he is going to be retained as well?

Commanders claim 2022 Cowboys’ draft pick off waivers

John Ridgeway was a fifth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

The Washington Commanders desperately need depth at defensive tackle. After losing second-round pick Phidarian Mathis for the season last week, the Commanders signed Donovan Jeter to the active roster and Benning Potoa’e to the practice squad last week.

With starter Jonathan Allen battling a groin injury, the Commanders moved Potoa’e to the active roster for Sunday’s game.

During Sunday’s loss to the Lions, reserve Daniel Wise was injured, and head coach Ron Rivera said Monday they were waiting for the results of his MRI to determine the severity of his injury.

The Commanders added another player to the room Monday, claiming former Cowboys’ fifth-round pick, John Ridgeway, off waivers. In a corresponding move, Washington released Jeter.

Ridgeway made Dallas’ roster coming out of training camp but was released on Saturday when the Cowboys signed quarterback Cooper Rush from the practice squad. The Cowboys preferred to have Ridgeway back, and there was also interest from other teams, according to Michael Gehlkin of the Dallas Morning News.

The 6-foot-5, 320-pound Ridgeway played at Illinois State for four seasons before transferring to Arkansas for his final season. Ridgeway recorded 39 tackles, including four for loss and two sacks in his final season.

Ridgeway now has an opportunity to establish himself as a key depth player for the Commanders this season.

 

Cowboys rookie DT John Ridgeway claimed off waivers by rival Washington

Dallas had hoped to re-sign the immense Arkansas product to the practice squad, but multiple teams put in a waiver bid for him. | From @ToddBrock24f7

A roster flip-flop that the Cowboys had hoped would be strictly procedural has cost them one of their fifth-round draft picks from this past spring.

Defensive tackle John Ridgeway was awarded to the Washington Commanders on Monday. The Cowboys had waived the Arkansas product over the weekend in order to get the roster down to 53 players for Sunday’s game versus Cincinnati.

The Commanders were one of multiple teams to put in a claim on Ridgeway, according to reports, but were the highest-ranking team in the waiver order.

Chosen 178th overall, Ridgeway was drafted for his immense size (6-foot-5, 320 pounds) and nasty attitude. He quickly became a fan favorite due to his “Vanilla Gorilla” nickname and colorful interview answers. But the rookie appeared to struggle in camp and was inactive for the Week 1 opener against Tampa Bay.

The Cowboys have elected in this early part of the season to do some weekly shuffling with their roster. as a way to keep a maximum of players in-house. Backup quarterbacks and several other specialists have been left on the practice squad to be gameday elevations. For Week 2, quarterback Cooper Rush and kicker Brett Maher had to be signed to the active roster. And Jayron Kearse and Connor McGovern were left off short-term injured reserve in hopes that they’ll be back in fewer than four weeks.

With all of that maneuvering, the team needed to make room on the roster, even if only temporarily.

Ridgeway was one of those cuts for Week 2. And while the Cowboys had hoped to re-sign him back to the practice squad, the move did require exposing Ridgeway to waivers, where another team could claim him for themselves.

Now the fifth-round pick will suit up for a division rival. The Commanders visit Dallas in Week 4.

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55-man Roster: Cowboys waive draft pick, send DE to IR to ready for Bengals tilt

The Cowboys waved goodbye to a draft pick, sent a lineman to IR and shuffled the roster to prepare for the Bengals game. | From @KDDrummondNFL

The Dallas Cowboys made a series of roster moves on Saturday. With injuries stacking up in last week’s 19-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it was assured there were going to be changes made ahead of the next tilt. With the Cincinnati Bengals coming to town for a Sunday afternoon face-off, the Cowboys have decided how they are going to attack things.

That process includes waiving fifth-round rookie, DT John Ridgeway. Predicted to not even make the initial roster after a lackluster preseason showing, Ridgeway was inactive for Week 1 and will now have to clear waivers before making it to the practice squad. The Arkansas product was a fan favorite in the interview circuit, but didn’t impress the coaching staff once the pads came on. The Cowboys have also placed DE Tarell Basham on injured reserve. To fill their spots, QB Cooper Rush and K Brett Maher have been signed to the active roster. In addition, Dallas is elevating QB Will Grier and center/guard Alec Lindstrom from the practice squad.