Tag: Phidarian Mathis

Rivera offers injury updates for Chase Young, Phidarian Mathis

Overall, good news coming out of the first preseason game.

On one play in Friday’s preseason-opening win over the Cleveland Browns, a pair of Washington Commanders were injured and left the game.

Defensive end Chase Young blew past Cleveland left tackle Jedrick Wills to get his hands on quarterback Deshaun Watson, but Watson slipped away. As Watson heads downfield, you can see second-year defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis in pursuit.

Unfortunately, Mathis suffered some sort of leg injury and left the game. Young also departed the game and was seen on the sideline with head trainer Al Bellamy. After the game, head coach Ron Rivera said Young had “a little bit of a stinger” but didn’t give an update on Mathis.

After Sunday’s practice, Rivera offered an update on both players.

On Young:

“With Chase, he self-reported a stinger during the game, and so through an abundance of caution, we have slowed him down just to be smart more so than anything else,” Rivera said.

“He’s got to get one more final exam so we can get him back out there. Everything has been fine. Again, we’re just being careful because this was a self-reported stinger. I don’t want to say protocol, but we have to follow the rules.”

It sounds like Young will be just fine.

Mathis appears fine, too:

“He had tweaked his calf, and he did come back in, re-entered the game, and take his reps,” Rivera said. “Today, he’s a little sore. He was sore yesterday sore today, and so the training staff wanted to slow him down a little bit. He did a few things, and then we shut him down.”

That’s a relief for Mathis. Only a few plays into the first game of his NFL career last season, Mathis went down with a knee injury and was lost for the year.

The Commanders have depth at both positions, so don’t be surprised if they take it easy with both players during this week’s joint practices with the Baltimore Ravens.

Alabama football countdown to kickoff: 48 days

We are just 48 days away from the start of Alabama’s 2023 football season!

The Alabama Crimson Tide will take the field for the 2023 college football season in 48 days, as Middle Tennessee State visits Bryant Denny Stadium on Sept. 2.

Here at Roll Tide Wire, we will be counting down the days until Nick Saban and his team take the field.

Today, with 48 days remaining, we will take a look at a former standout for the Tide, [autotag]Phidarian Mathis[/autotag].

Mathis was a dominating defensive lineman for Alabama during the 2021 season finishing with 10.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks.

For his career, Mathis accumulated 129 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks.

Crimson Tide long-snapper Kneeland Hibbett currently wears No. 48.

Phidarian Mathis’s Photo Gallery

Commanders, fans give Chase Young another reason to be motivated

What’s your predictions for Chase Young’s sack total in 2023?

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How many sacks will Chase Young accumulate in 2023?

Well, Wednesday night, I discovered former Washington wide receiver Anthony Armstrong had stated he believed the Over/Under for Young’s sack total this 2023 season should be 6.5.

6.5? Wait, 6.5??

How did that happen that folks are actually thinking the former No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft in his fourth season will only generate 6.5 sacks?

If you are unfamiliar with over/under, the idea is that the folks setting the number, attempt to set the number where they will manufacture the most action (betting money action) where it will come from both sides (over and under).

Young injured his knee during the 2021 season against Tampa Bay. He then remained out the first 15 weeks of 2022 before appearing in the last three games in Weeks 16-18.

The former Ohio State All-American and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2020) pleased players, coaches and fans when he reported for the mandatory OTAs this week (June 6-8). He has been wearing a rather large brace for now, and all hopes are that Young is simply being cautious, not taking any chances as this is only the beginning of June.

It was noted by Mitchell Tischler (NBC Sports Washington) that Young was still wearing a brace, though Phidarian Mathis, injured in 2022, was not wearing a brace.

Young is going into a huge contract year for himself. The former Buckeye has already stated he is motivated. In 2020, he tallied 7.5 sacks, and Young this year knows he has not been offered the fifth-year option. There is plenty of motivation with those two facts alone.

If you had been asked after his 7.5 sacks in 2020, what would you predict as a sack total for Young in 2021? No doubt, the 6.5 prediction reveals that there are some out there whose expectations of Young have certainly declined and are trending downward.

Well, it’s only early June. Let’s at least wait until we see how Young looks in a preseason game before we determine what his sack total will be this season.

6.5? Perhaps when Young learns of that low total being predicted, he will have yet another reason to be highly motivated to prove everyone wrong.

Commanders defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis fully healthy as OTAs begin

Second-year defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis is healthy, giving the Commanders impressive depth on the defensive interior.

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Remember when the Washington Commanders drafted former Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft to eventually replace Daron Payne after he left as a free agent in 2023?

That’s how things were supposed to go, right?

Unfortunately for Mathis, he injured his knee in Week 1 of the 2022 season and was lost for the season. His rookie season ended after just three defensive snaps and one snap on special teams. Washington, scrambling for depth, claimed defensive tackle John Ridgeway off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 19.

So, the day after Washington’s Week 2 loss at Detroit, they had found a replacement for Mathis in the rotation. The Cowboys tried to sneak Ridgeway to the practice squad, waiving him ahead of Week 2, but the Commanders wisely paid attention and claimed Ridgeway. He would become an integral part of Washington’s tackle rotation.

But it was Payne who was the story in 2022. The former 2018 first-round pick was playing on his fifth-year option and had the best season of his career. Payne set career-highs in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks, and tied Dave Butz’s record for single-season sacks by an interior defensive lineman with 11.5.

Payne made the Pro Bowl, along with fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, and earned a four-year, $90 million contract from the Commanders in March.

Washington previously locked up Allen with a four-year contract in the summer of 2021.

The Commanders began OTAs Tuesday, and Mathis was back on the field, healthy, alongside Allen, Payne and Ridgeway. Zach Selby of commanders.com noted Mathis didn’t appear restricted at all.

Phidarian Mathis, who missed basically all of his rookie season with an injury, was back on the field and working with the second defensive group behind Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. Per NFL rules, there was little contact between groups, but Mathis did not look bothered by his knee as he bull rushed offensive linemen on his way to the quarterback. The Commanders were excited about what Mathis could add to the front before he got hurt against the Jacksonville Jaguars, so having him back in the fold is an encouraging sign.

While Washington could have a crisis on its hands at defensive end in 2024 with its top five players on the depth chart slated for free agency, there are no such worries at defensive tackle. The Commanders’ depth on the interior is among the best — if not the best — in the NFL.

It’s certainly good to see Mathis back in the fold for Washington.

The draft round where Washington has mostly failed

Washington’s lack of success in the second round is alarming. The Commanders believe their last three second-round picks can change that narrative.

Did the Commanders finally get a player in the second round who will make sizable contributions for Washington?

Friday, with the 47th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Commanders selected Jartavius Martin, DB, Illinois.

The second round has been not only disappointing, but it has also been many times brutal for the Commanders, Washington Football Team and Redskins.  In the Daniel Snyder era, the second round has been mostly depressing for the franchise and its fan base. Taking ownership in May 1999, Mr. Snyder’s first draft was therefore the 2000 draft.

The team actually drafted well in the second round in 2001 (Fred Smoot) and 2002 Ladell Betts, but after that, the successful picks in the second round have been few.

In his 129 NFL games, Smoot intercepted 21 passes and was a starting corner for seven seasons of his NFL career. In his 111 NFL games, Betts rushed for 3,326 yards and 15 rushing touchdowns in his 821 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per carry. The former Iowa Hawkeye also caught 188 passes for 1,646 yards and three touchdown receptions.

To be honest, there have been a few other Washington second-rounders who were not busts and made notable contributions such as Preston Smith (2015) in his four seasons, Trent Murphy with 15 sacks in his three seasons, Rocky McIntosh in his six seasons had 3 interceptions, 8 forced fumbles, 8 sacks, 329 solo tackles, 16 tackles for a loss and 23 quarterback hits.

Commanders Wire certainly hopes Sam Cosmi (2021) finds more success at guard and Phidarian Mathis (2022) can regain his health and strength and contribute at defensive tackle.

Here is the entire list of second-round picks by Washington in the Daniel Snyder era:

2023     Jartavius Martin

2022     Phidarian Mathis

2021     Samuel Cosmi

2018     Derrius Guice

2017     Ryan Anderson

2016     Su’a Cravens

2015     Preston Smith

2014     Trent Murphy

2013     David Amerson

2011     Jarvis Jenkins

2008     Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, Malcolm Kelly

2006     Rocky McIntosh

2003     Taylor Jacobs

2002     Ladell Betts

2001     Fred Smoot

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Commanders fans among most pessimistic regarding 2023 NFL draft

Do you feel optimistic the Commanders will have a strong draft?

There is a lot going on with the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2023 NFL draft. The franchise is in the middle of being sold from the much-vilified Daniel Snyder to Josh Harris.

Therefore, you’d think Washington fans would be elated ahead of next week’s draft.

Well, according to Sportsbook Review, the Commanders are the third-least-hopeful franchise ahead of the draft. In a survey where Sportsbook Review asked thousands of NFL fans to rate their optimism on a scale of 1 through 10 on how well their team would fare in the draft, the Commanders scored 4.91. The only two fan bases least optimistic were the Raiders and Browns.

The Seattle Seahawks came in at No. 1 with the most optimistic fan base.

James Bisson, Editor-In-Chief at Sportsbook Review, offers his comments on the Commanders:

It really won’t be fair to assess the Commanders’ 2022 draft for a couple of years, given that their key offensive pieces (WR Jahan Dotson, RB Brian Robinson Jr., QB Sam Howell) were all injured or otherwise limited. But in an era of instant gratification, waiting is tough.

It’s also fair to say that Commanders fans have every right to be pessimistic. After all, the team hasn’t drafted multiple Pro Bowl players in the same draft year since 2012, while just five of the 18 players picked in the past two years have become primary starters at their position.

The Commanders have drafted well in late rounds in recent years. With a new owner coming aboard and head coach Ron Rivera entering a critical fourth season, Washington needs to come away with a strong draft class.

When Washington has drafted at No. 47 in the NFL draft

Washington has selected at No. 47 overall three times in its history. How has the franchise fared?

With the Commanders scheduled to go on the clock at No. 47 overall in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft Friday, you might wonder, “How many times has Washington drafted in the No. 47 position?”

Since the beginning of the Super Bowl era (1966 season) Washington has drafted in the No. 47 position just three times. Those three players were Phidarian Mathis (2022), Trent Murphy (2014) and Shane Collins (1992).

Mathis, a 6-foot-4, 312-pound defensive tackle from Alabama was taken in round two by the Commanders last year. He thus was the second player drafted by the Commanders. He was drafted because Daron Payne was entering the last year of his contract. However, Payne ended up enjoying his best season by far and re-signed in March. Mathis, unfortunately, went down in his very first game against the Jaguars and was lost for the season with a bad knee injury.

Washington Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Murphy, a Stanford 6-6, 260-pound defensive end was taken in the second round in the 2014 draft. Washington had Murphy playing outside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. His pass coverage was suspect, but Murphy did contribute as a pass rusher with 15 sacks and 42 QB Hits in his three seasons in Washington. Murphy was suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the 2017 season due to PED use. In addition, he tore an ACL during a preseason game and was lost for all of the 2017 season. Signing as a free agent with the Bills, Murphy played his final three NFL seasons (2018-20) in Buffalo.

4 Oct 1992: Defensive lineman Shane Collins of the Washington Redskins gets blocked during a game against the Phoenix Cardinals at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Powell /Allsport

The defending Super Bowl Champion Redskins selected Collins in the second round of the 1992 draft. The 6-3, 267-pound defensive end out of Arizona State disappointed however, only starting ten games in his three NFL seasons. In three seasons he only played in 30 games, contributing one sack and one fumble recovery.

The No. 47 spot has not produced very much for Washington in their three opportunities. The Commanders really need to come through in this position Friday night in round two, finding a player who will have a huge impact for years to come in Washington.

 

Commanders set to again draft at No. 16 and No. 47

For the second consecutive draft, the Commanders hold the 16th and 47th overall picks.

Did anything jump to your attention when looking at the Commanders’ selection positions in the upcoming 2023 NFL draft?

This year’s NFL draft, scheduled for Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29, has the Commanders (at the present time) scheduled to draft in nearly the identical positions in the first three rounds as last year’s 2022 draft.

This year the Commanders are scheduled to draft at No. 16, No. 47 and No. 97 in their first three rounds of picks. Some Commanders fans may recognize that last year’s draft saw the Commanders select in the No. 16, No. 47 and No. 98 positions in the first three rounds.

The Commanders had entered the 2022 draft actually sitting in the No. 11 position before trading down with the New Orleans Saints. The Saints received the No. 11 selection and chose Ohio State receiver Chris Olave.

In return, Washington received the No. 16 position, No. 98 and No. 120 selections, choosing  Penn State receiver Jahan Dotson and Alabama running back Brian Robinson Jr.

During the fourth round, Washington traded that 120th selection and the 189th selection to the Carolina Panthers. In return, the Commanders received selections No. 144 and No. 149. They used those two selections to choose quarterback Sam Howell and tight end Cole Turner.

The Commanders will also be selecting No. 47 this year. Last year they used the No. 47 selection to grab Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis.

Incidentally, Turner, chosen at No. 149, also exactly matches this year again, as the Commanders hold the No. 150 position.

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Commanders found these prospects at the Senior Bowl in 2022

The Commanders found plenty of talent in the 2022 Senior Bowl.

The 2023 Reese’s Senior Bowl practices are underway this week. The game is played on Saturday, but the real action comes during the week. All 32 NFL teams are heavily represented in the stands, on the sidelines and on the field at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.

The Washington Commanders have tended to pick multiple players from the Senior Bowl, and this year they have a bit of an advantage. With every coach and personnel executive in town except head coach Ron Rivera, the Commanders also have four of their coaches on staff this week.

In 2019, Washington selected wide receiver Terry McLaurin, a standout from the Senior Bowl. McLaurin is in the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame. In 2021, the Commanders selected cornerback Benjamin St-Juste — who enjoyed a breakout season in 2022. In addition to St-Juste, tight end John Bates, long snapper Camaron Cheeseman and defensive end Shaka Toney all participated in the 2021 Senior Bowl.

The Commanders had even more success with Senior Bowl players in 2022. It’s important to note the Commanders claimed defensive tackle John Ridgway and cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields off waivers from the Cowboys and 49ers, respectively. Here is the complete list of Washington’s 2022 rookie draft choices who played in the 2022 Senior Bowl:

Commanders DT Phidarian Mathis making ‘great progress’ in return from knee injury

The Commanders have two talented young defensive tackles behind Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne in Phidarian Mathis and John Ridgeway.

The Washington Commanders selected Alabama defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft. Most believed Mathis was an eventual replacement for Daron Payne, who was scheduled to be a free agent in the 2023 offseason.

It didn’t help that there was the report around draft time that said the Commanders weren’t expected to offer Payne a long-term extension.

Do you think they regret that decision now?

Payne, only 25, is coming off a breakout season in which he tied the franchise record of 11.5 sacks by a defensive tackle and also finished No. 4 in the NFL in tackles for loss [18].

Meanwhile, Mathis injured his knee in the season opener against Jacksonville and was lost for the season. This was particularly troubling as the Commanders allowed Tim Settle to leave via free agency and cut Matt Ioannidis in a salary-cap move.

Fortunately for Washington, the Dallas Cowboys waived fifth-round pick John Ridgeway and the Commanders signed him to their active roster. The Cowboys were hoping to sneak him to the practice squad.

Ridgeway would prove to be a smart addition for Washington, spelling Payne and Jonathan Allen in 2022. The good news is that he and Mathis are under contract for the next three seasons on rookie deals.

What about Mathis’ injury?

It sure sounds like the 6-foot-4, 313-pounder is on the right track.

“I’ve been here the whole time,” Mathis said, per Zach Selby of commanders.com. “I trust the trainers in there. We’ve been making great progress.”

In spending the season rehabbing in Ashburn, Mathis said Washington’s training staff has been outstanding, helping him recover faster than he initially believed.

Mathis struggled after the injury, knowing he’d miss his entire rookie season after only a handful of plays. 

“It was very hard to take, a tough pill to swallow, for sure,” Mathis said. “The first couple of weeks, I was down, I was out, but I just put it in God’s hands and let him handle the rest.”

Depending on what happens with Payne, Mathis could be counted upon heavily in 2023. It’s something he’s ready for. 

“I’m gonna give it another try next year,” Mathis said. “I’m gonna come back even harder.”

Having Mathis and Ridgeway is good news for Washington — with or without Payne. Of course, Washington hopes Payne is back, but if he isn’t, the Commanders have two young defensive tackles ready for the opportunity.

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