Tag: Logan Paulsen

Commanders should sit Drake Maye for a least a year

If the Commanders draft Drake Maye, should he sit for one season?

Thursday, Logan Paulsen said he strongly feels the Commanders should draft North Carolina QB Drake Maye if they keep the second overall selection in April’s NFL draft.

Should the Commanders start Maye at quarterback in 2024?

If not, would they start Sam Howell? Or might they start another veteran?

Friday, on the “Pat McAfee Show,” ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky offered his thoughts on Drake Maye starting in 2024.

“I think Drake Maye has to get the Jordan Love treatment. You have to sit Drake Maye for at least a year or two. Orlovsky recalled Tar Heel coach Mack Brown telling him, “Mechanically, Maye is so raw.”

Orlovsky continued, “If you sit him for at least a year, you have a chance to have a really good player. But you can’t play him early.”

Both Orlovsky and The Team 980 show host Craig Hoffman voiced on Friday that Maye really needs work on his feet. Hoffman went as far as to say that the UNC offensive line was not very good, and thus, Maye, unlike Jayden Daniels, couldn’t be as smooth due to the pass rush he was facing often last season.

Hoffman also feels that Love learned and improved his footwork, sitting, and learning from watching Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.

Hoffman suggested that Maye needs a veteran (other than Sam Howell) from whom Maye can learn footwork. He suggested Ryan Tannehill, Jacoby Brissett, and Tyrod Taylor.

If the Commanders hope to get the most out of Maye in 2025, perhaps the most effective method will be to spend the 2024 offseason and regular season being prepped daily, on reading defenses, mastering his footwork, while avoiding the fire of NFL pass rushes and blitz packages.

Rodgers, Love, and Patrick Mahomes are very good examples of current quarterbacks who have sat for at least a season and reaped the benefits.

Logan Paulsen: Are the Commanders taking Daniels or Maye at No. 2?

Logan Paulsen weighs in Drake Maye vs. Jayden Daniels. He likes both a lot, but has a preference.

The Chicago Bears take USC quarterback Caleb Williams first overall; who does Logan Paulsen feel the Commanders take at No. 2?

Paulsen discussed the Commanders’ choice with Craig Hoffman, kicking off hour 3 Thursday of Hoffman’s The Team 980 show. As always, Paulsen provided much thought-provoking content in comparing/contrasting quarterbacks Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels.

Drake Maye:

“For me, Drake Maye is a guy I was not very high on when we started the process.”

“When I watch the film, the throws Maye is making are to me, more NFL translatable. Go to YouTube and watch Drake Maye highlights 2023. You will see throws over the middle of the field, fades, comebacks, timing throws, off-schedule stuff.”

“He is a good athlete, a good leader. His interviews went well at the Combine.”

Jayden Daniels:

Jayden was so dynamic, the best player in college football. His ability to extend plays, create off-schedule, to run, his deep ball, is very intoxicating.”

“I like Jayden a lot, but the complexity of the offense (LSU) isn’t there.”

“There were opportunities with Daniels with what I would consider NFL-open throws, that he is turning down and running. I don’t want to knock him for throwing to good receivers or speaking to his skill set. But I do feel I have seen guys with that ability turn down NFL-open throws and never develop into NFL passers.”

“(When you watch his 2023 highlights), you see explosive runs, and you see box fades, some of the most beautiful box fades you have ever seen thrown in your life. But that is not viable consistently at the NFL level.”

Paulsen, Whom do the Commanders select at No. 2 overall?

“When you look at his big-time throw ratio, pressure to sack ratio, throws over the middle of the field, big-time throws over the middle of the field, all of those numbers favor Drake Maye pretty dramatically.”

“I understand they are different football players, and Jayden Daniels finds explosive plays outside of just throwing the football. He runs and that’s another way he beats blitzes.”

“The way Maye looks at the field, handles protections, it seems like an easier jump to say he projects better to the NFL level. I still like Jayden Daniels quite a bit. But I think Maye is a more NFL-ready product. His arm is not Justin Herbert but it is still pretty good.”

“I think that is the pick at No. 2, quite honestly.”

Logan Paulsen would consider coaching career under new Commanders’ coach Dan Quinn

Logan Paulsen will be a phenomenal coach.

“Dan is a guy that, to me, is a great person first and foremost,” said Logan Paulsen.

A guest on Friday’s “BMitch and Finlay” (106.7 the Fan), Paulsen has been down in Mobile, Al., on assignment, watching players’ workouts for the Senior Bowl.

The former Washington tight end (2010-14) didn’t beat around the bush. He loves new Commanders coach Dan Quinn, and when he is coaching high school football, it is the passion and energy of Dan Quinn that Paulsen tries to emulate and be for his own players.

Brian Mitchell, after hearing much of the praise for Quinn, inquired if Paulsen himself might be involved with Quinn in the 2024 season. “We’ll see. I am going to give Dan a call probably later today and tell him congratulations, have a chat and see what happens. I am not trying to push that agenda right now.”

Then Finlay asked directly, “Dude, seriously, would you take a QC (Quality Control) job?

Paulsen admitted he had a chance to do that in Miami with Mike McDaniel but did not venture in that direction. “Being that it is close to home, being that it is Dan Quinn, hopefully, it shows the regard I hold him in. It is something I would definitely consider, yes.”

Continuing his praise of Quinn, Paulsen declared, “He is a guy that understands your value as a human being. He understands how to maximize you on the football field. He is a guy that makes it fun to come to work, and I can’t overstate how important that is.”

The former NFL tight end, who spent the 2018 NFL season playing for Quinn in Atlanta, expressed, “He just made it such a fun competitive environment every day. I was juiced to get out there on the practice field.”

“He created this player-led culture where players would keep other players after practice to work on drills, and I felt like that was all from him, from his energy.

Quinn is someone Paulsen still firmly believes is innovative, not simply a retread.

“One of the things I have always appreciated about Dan is he is always trying to make himself better. I think you can see that from his time in Seattle to Atlanta, to Dallas in how the defense changed, how the structure changed. I think he sees where football is going offensively and his defenses have changed accordingly.”

 

 

 

Why Logan Paulsen says Dan Quinn is a good hire for Commanders

Logan Paulsen played for Dan Quinn and couldn’t be more excited that he’s Washington’s new coach.

Logan Paulsen played for Dan Quinn; he knows Dan Quinn, and he respects Dan Quinn.

Paulsen, a guest on the “Grant and Danny Show” (106.7 The Fan) Thursday, admitted he was excited about the prospect of Lions’ offensive coordinator Ben Johnson being hired by the Commanders. But Paulsen also quickly added, “But he’s a guy who wasn’t ready for this position (Commanders HC).”

“I also think it is important to note that just because you get a good coordinator in your building does not mean you will have a good head coach,” Paulsen declared. Paulsen then pointed to recently fired Chargers head coach Brandon Staley as an example of a guy who just never got it together to become a good head coach.

So why does Paulsen feel Quinn is a good HC hire for the Commanders?     1) “You are going to have a guy who understands the position. He has done this before.”

2) “He understands the (NFL) culture at the highest level. He understands the energy level required to come to work every day and why it is so important to play with that kind of energy and practice with that kind of energy.”

3) “His coaching tree is diverse and eclectic. He and Adam Peters’ connection with Kyle Shanahan makes me believe they will be able to find the offensive coach (coordinator). When he started in Atlanta, he made one of the best offensive coach hires in Kyle Shanahan from Cleveland. So, he understands the importance of that position.”

Finally, he was asked why Quinn would be more successful here than he was in Atlanta.

“Well, I really believe smart people learn more from their failures than they do from their successes. I think you can’t mature as a person, as a coach without that failure. I’m not sure he understands how critical having an elite coordinator is if he doesn’t have that two or three-year slide in Atlanta. I think he also understands how to discipline and motivate players while still maintaining those excellent relationships. That comes from that failure and I understand because he is a guy who has that growth mindset.”

Paulsen concluded, “I am not saying he is perfect. I am not saying he is the best candidate of all time in the history of the NFL. But I do think he is a good man who understands his weaknesses and is willing to grow. That is someone I want to bet on.”

Logan Paulsen likes Jayden Daniels better for the Commanders than Drake Maye right now

Paulsen reserved the right to change his mind as he watches more tape of both passers.

Former Washington tight end Logan Paulsen does an excellent job with his coverage of the Commanders. The former tight end works for Washington’s broadcast team, co-hosts his own podcast, and appears on several local radio shows and podcasts covering the Commanders.

Paulsen does a great job of breaking down the film of Washington’s games. He also covers the NFL draft and free agency for potential Commanders’ targets.

One of the hottest topics surrounding the franchise — outside of who the next head coach will be — is what Washington will do at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL draft.

USC quarterback Caleb Williams is widely expected to go No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears. That means Washington is likely deciding between LSU quarterback — and Heisman Trophy winner — Jayden Daniels and North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye.

What does Paulsen think of the two quarterbacks?

“So, I think if Caleb Williams is gone, I think I would lead Daniels at this point,” Paulsen said on Friday’s episode of “Grant and Danny” on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C. “And, people say, ‘Why is that he’s only had one good year?’ And I just think, when you watch him this year, when you watch the Alabama game, the Florida game, you’re just like, ‘man, this dude is special.’ He’s a special athlete; he does some stuff athletically that’s very unique to him. He presents conflicts for defenses, and when you look around the NFL, especially in the playoffs, you’ve got a whole bunch of playmakers at the position. You’ve got Josh Allen, you’ve got Patrick Mahomes, you’ve got Lamar Jackson, and I don’t think it’s a coincidence that those guys are pretty consistently in the playoff picture……in terms of what they can do athletically.”

Then, Paulsen discussed Daniels as a passer. He was impressed.

“I was super impressed, I thought, especially in those games,” Paulsen said. “He’s making tight window throws; he’s throwing with anticipation. Obviously, he’s throwing to two of the best receivers in the draft. Malik Nabers is sick; Bryan Thomas Jr. is awesome. He’s got great playmakers, but so did Joe Burrow. I just look at what he did this year and compare it to Drake Maye, and I think to myself like, Daniels was significantly better as far as a football player goes this year, but it’s important to remember this is a projection-based business. Drake Maye, how does he project? How does Daniels project? If I was a GM, as of today, and obviously, I still got to watch a lot more film to flush out this decision. I think to myself like I would kick myself if Jayden Daniels actualized that potential in the NFL, and I passed up on it because I wanted to take the safe pick in Maye. That’s kind of my thought right now, and I reserve the right to change as we move forward in the process. But, as of whatever today’s date is, I’m a pretty staunch supporter of Jayden Daniels for that second overall pick.”

What makes him nervous about both?

Paulsen notes Daniels’ build. He’s 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and he takes some hard shots. Paulsen noted he likes how Daniels has progressed over the years but admits there is reason to be a bit nervous due to his meteoric rise.

As for Maye, Paulsen noted that he’s seen some of his struggles similar to those of Sam Howell in his final season at North Carolina. You see the arm talent and the big-time throws, but you also see some of the difficulties in handling pressure and accuracy. Paulsen noted those things make him nervous.

For now, the tape makes Paulsen feel better about Daniels, but as he noted, he plans on watching a lot more tape of both quarterbacks.

What does Logan Paulsen think of Ravens DC Mike Macdonald?

Paulsen analyzes Ravens DC Mike Macdonald as a possible head coaching candidate.

When asked to talk about the Ravens’ defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, I found it interesting that one NFL analyst, chose for the first thing to say in response was that Macdonald has several really talented players on his defense.

“Yes, he has a very decisive and innovative defensive vision, but also, he’s got ball players, man”, expressed Logan Paulsen on Friday. with Craig Hoffman on the “Take Command” podcast. “He’s got good pass rushers. He’s got guys who have bought into the scheme. And I think he deserves a little bit of the credit for that. The linebackers are playing better. Queen is playing the best football of his career. Roquan Smith is having a resurgence after languishing in Chicago for a while.”

Paulsen then likened Baltimore’s defense to the 49ers and Lions offenses. Both have talented players, and he thinks it is important to keep in mind with these three groups.

Paulsen feels Macdonald doesn’t run risky schemes, but they do disguise their structure well, which Paulsen has found helpful. “On third downs, they are looking to create overloads and protection (issues). They look at your protection and send overloads on the other side… they are not running anything you wouldn’t see from other good defensive coordinators, but they are good at disguising coverages and bringing overloads”, continued Paulsen.

“They are good at using their personnel, and those three things show me what kind of coach he is. They show me he is a really bright dude. They are doing complicated stuff and making it look easy. And I think that speaks to his coaching voice.”

Paulsen also added that Macdonald has surrounded himself with good people like defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, who also interviewed with the Commanders.

One other question Paulsen has regarding Macdonald is, because he is young, how many resourceful people does he have in his portfolio? That is, how much of a network, a coaching tree has he been able to develop?

Finally, Paulsen declared it cannot be overstated the Ravens offense has been scoring enough points, placing the defense in good positions throughout most games this season.

 

Commanders’ GM Peters understands leadership is leading, serving

Adam Peters: “We’re going to compete for championships every year.”

Commanders new GM Adam Peters sat down with Logan Paulsen and Bryan Colbert, Jr this week and was impressive.

“It’s been surreal, it’s been incredible, it’s been an honor,” began Peters describing the first 24 hours of his being the new general manager of the Commanders.

“It’s been the whole gamut of emotions, and I couldn’t be more excited to be here with you guys, with this organization. It’s unbelievable.”

Peters said he researched the DMV area and believes “it’s a historic franchise, and this place is ready to explode.” He then discussed the number of draft picks and cap space the Commanders will have in the 2024 offseason.

But the final factor, according to Peters, was talking with new majority owner Josh Harris. Peters expressed after the dialog that he didn’t even take any other interviews and joked he probably cost himself because he lost his leverage to negotiate.

He then referred to the Commanders as “a cornerstone NFL franchise,” saying he was proud now to be a part of it. Peters also said he realized that coming to Washington to work for the Harris group would be an opportunity to start with a clean slate.

Peters played high school football, but after not receiving any good college offers, he went the Juco route. Then, with no good offers again, he walked on at UCLA (1999-2001).

“I grinded through that, and I grinded at New England, which is a grind, I’ll tell you that,” said a laughing Peters. “But I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” added a grateful Peters.

When asked about gathering talent for the roster, Peters did not hesitate to speak of talent being important but yet secondary to the character he desires to obtain for the roster.

Peters has learned good leadership does not simply isolate yourself from the laborers. “I think it is important with anybody to establish a connection with someone you are working with every single day and have a trust, a bond to be able to have hard conversations. I think that is by being around someone every day and they knowing you have their back and their best interest (at heart). That takes time to earn.”

Peters has experience selecting players in the draft, and now he will get his first experience in selecting an NFL head coach.

He closed, leaning forward in his chair, stating, “Commanders fans, I’m so excited to be here. I’m going to work tirelessly to make this team a winner. It’s not going to just be me. It’s going to be our coach, our ownership group, everybody in this building. We’re going to be all working together, and we’re going to put together a team you guys are going to be proud of for years and years. We are going to compete for championships every year, and we’re going to bring one back to the DMV.”

What does new GM Adam Peters bring to the Commanders?

Peters checks all the boxes, from scouting to how he treats the players.

The Washington Commanders found their new general manager Friday when it was revealed they were hiring San Francisco 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters. The deal became official on Monday as the team confirmed it, and Peters flew into town ahead of Tuesday’s press conference.

Now that Peters is official, on the latest episode of the “Command Center,” former Washington tight end Logan Paulsen spoke of what Peters brings to the Commanders.

Paulsen, who played 10 NFL seasons, including six with Washington, has a connection to Peters. Peters and Paulsen are both UCLA alums and when Paulsen played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, Peters was in his first year with the 49ers as the vice president of player personnel.

So it was no surprise that Paulsen was excited about Washington hiring Peters.

“I’m ecstatic; I think Adam is one of those guys that is just super charismatic. obviously, people think he is one of the best talent evaluators in the business,” Paulsen said.

“But I think you look at his pedigree, his resume, there’s just so much to be excited about. In addition to him being just a fantastic human being.”

What about the culture? Peters came from a winning culture — from all three of his previous NFL stops.

“It’s incredibly important. You can’t overstate how important that is. He got to watch and study under Bill Belichick, one of the most dynamic leaders in the NFL over the last couple of decades. And that’s just fantastic to see the fastidiousness of that organization. To see how John Elway did it, with Peyton Manning bringing him into the organization. And then to see the culture of toughness and physicality, the Xs and Os elevation that Kyle (Shanahan) brings. I think the three different styles, in terms of how to get to that promised land, to develop your own philosophy, is just invaluable.”

Paulsen then spoke of Peters’ ability to find talent and the unique way in which he finds players to fit what his coaches want — and not just sticking to his board.

“One of the things I think is you have to be able to identify talent, find the people that fit your vision,” Paulsen said. “One of the things when you talk to scouts at the Combine, at the Senior Bowl, they have a very rigid structure for their evaluations. It’s kind of globally ranked as opposed to what specifically works for me, my team, and my organization. From my understanding, Adam Peters does a great job of identifying how to adjust players based on the type of offensive, defensive, special teams philosophy you want to employ.”

That’s good news for Washington fans who, for so long, have been accustomed to the previous owner or coaching staffs, signing players who didn’t fit the offensive or defensive schemes. It often led to draft busts or significant disappointment in free agency.

As for the person. Paulsen again raves about Peters.

“He was so personable, so accessible,” Paulsen said when considering Peters had an elevated role in the front office and Paulsen was a reserve tight end in 2017.

Paulsen always provides excellent insight, and this is no different.

Postgame quotes following Commanders’ 8th straight loss

Postgame quotes from Brian Mitchell, Logan Paulsen, Ron Rivera, Terry McLaurin and Sam Howell and more.

Well, even the post-game show kicked off with a major error.

Bryan Colbert Jr., the Commanders’ postgame show host, began declaring the final score was 35-10.

Actually, Dallas had kicked a field goal, its final three points only 1:06 into the final quarter. Not sure, but wondering, “Did Colbert ever look at the scoreboard during the remaining 13:54 of the game?”

Here are some quotes from immediately following Sunday’s 38-10 loss to the Cowboys at FedEx Field.

“A quarter doesn’t win football games. You have to play four quarters and find some way of doing it…ultimately this game is about pride. It’s about passion, and it’s showing what you are about, and in some instances tonight, I didn’t see what a lot of people are about.” Brian Mitchell

“There is something disappointing about this. I understand and empathize with this. I’ve played in games like this when nothing matters. But, you would like to see the guys dig a little deeper, make some of those tackles, especially the corners. But I understand.” Logan Paulsen

“To see the juice that he brings, the bend that he has…not just today, but since Jamin Davis has been out. So it is nice to see that he deserves to be a part of this moving forward.” Logan Paulsen on Khaleke Hudson

“It’s the end of season that wasn’t very good, wasn’t what we thought it was going to be. But it’s also the end of an era in a sense. This is the end of the Dan Snyder era, where you had the last coach he hired… a lot of things are about to change.” Brian Mitchell

“It just gets very heavy. It makes your stomach uneasy. You just don’t know what’s going to happen to anybody. But that’s just the reality of playing.” Tress Way

“I am disappointed in how we played the second half. I thought we did some good things early on in the game. I expected us to play better in the second half, so that is disappointing.” Ron Rivera

“I’m not sure what to wait for, but I am going to meet with him (Josh Harris) sometime tomorrow. So, we’ll look forward to the conversation.” Ron Rivera

“To see how he overcame (cancer) and how he was still there for us — that’s much respect. That’s something you can’t forget about.” Antonio Gibson on Ron Rivera

“As it got away from us in terms of the score, it becomes difficult where you put so much on the quarterback to make something happen. That’s a little bit what it’s been like the last six weeks, seven weeks. It’s been tough. It’s been tough sledding. But he’s handled it well. You see certain talents and certain abilities.”  Ron Rivera on Sam Howell

“What Mr. Harris is doing with this group of investors, coming in and really spending the time, the effort, the money to do things the right way…that’s one of the pluses and one of the positives. It’s a very passionate fan base, and their expectations are big. I think these are the kind of people that can come in and lead that. This is what I think they (the fan base) should be excited about.” Ron Rivera

“He’s an incredible human being,”  Tress Way regarding Ron Rivera

“The one thing I know about Sam, the kid has guts.” Terry McLaurin on Sam Howell

“It was a lot of ups and downs, a tough year, not the year we expected to have, not the year we wanted to have. But that being said, I have learned a lot. I’ve grown a lot as a player, as a person. And for that, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” Sam Howell

“I think I’ll be more consistent. I think the main thing for me is just playing. I think at times I was playing some good ball. I’ve just got to do it more consistently.” Sam Howell

Commanders postgame quotes after win over Falcons

Commanders players, coaches and former players weigh in on Sunday’s win.

The Commanders broke their three-game losing streak today in Atlanta with a 24-16 victory over the Falcons.

Here are some post-game quotes:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Charles Leno and his family. It’s super tough to hear when something like that happened to one of our teammates, one of our brothers. We are all behind him, supporting he and his family…we definitely miss Leno today and hope to get him back out there soon. But at the end of the day, there are a lot of things a lot bigger than the game of football. We know God will be with his family and strengthen him through this time, and we will do the same.” Sam Howell

“I want to thank all of the Washington Commanders fans for coming out because they helped will us to victory! We had more fans in Mercedes Benz Stadium than the Falcons!”  Earvin “Magic” Johnson

“It’s probably an opportunity for him (Emmanuel Forbes) to get a little reset. I kind of want to see how things happen, see how things go. Hopefully, it’s something that he’ll learn from, he’ll take as a positive and grow from it.” Ron Rivera on Forbes not playing today

“Congratulations to my Commanders on today’s 24-16 win vs. the Falcons! Defense came up big twice in today’s win with two interceptions in the last 5 minutes, one by St. Juste and one by Davis. Coach Rivera really had the team ready to play!”  Earvin “Magic” Johnson

“He was in his leverage position where he needed to be… those are the things he’s capable of.” Ron Rivera on the Jamin Davis INT

“We protected the football, and we took the football away.” Ron Rivera

“I think there were some real good things Sam (Howell) did early on. Again, he has to continue to work to get the ball out on time. He can’t set himself up to take those sacks sometimes.”

“A lot of guys have to understand; you get up on a team, it’s a human tendency to think, ‘We got them now’. You got to keep pushing all of the way until the end. If you don’t push until the end, this game can get a little tighter. It shouldn’t have been that tight.” Brian Mitchell

“That’s not good enough (Washington 18 plays, Atlanta 45) in the second half. The only reason you come out with a victory in this situation is Desmond Ridder gave you the ball three times. So, offensively you say, ‘there are some things we have to be better at.'” Logan Paulsen

“Can we be more aggressive? Can we sustain drives? Can we chew some clock, protect this lead some more? Everyone thinks protecting a lead is a defensive statistic. I am a guy that says, ‘offense all day’. You can either hold the ball, score points, extend the lead and we can make sure their offense doesn’t get the ball back.” Logan Paulsen

“Every good defense has to have depth; you are going to have injuries during the season. Casey (Toohill), James Smith-Williams, all of those guys, they work hard all throughout the week. It’s good to see that show on the field for them.” Kendall Fuller

“There are some things we still need to work on and improve, some of the details. We weren’t as good as we needed to be. We did our job, but we need to pay more attention to details because we almost got ourselves into trouble.” Ron Rivera