Tag: QB Joe Burrow

When they last met: Commanders vs. Bengals

What happened the last time these two teams met?

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington Football Team 20, Cincinnati Bengals 9 – Week 11, Nov. 22, 2020

In gaining 94 rushing yards, Antonio Gibson led Washington to a 20-9 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at FedEx Field in Landover.

Gibson, with his 16 carries, helped Washington control the ball, including his 1-yard run in the opening quarter, which gave Washington a 7-0 lead.

Trailing 9-7 in the third quarter with 8:58 remaining in the third quarter, quarterback Alex Smith connected with Steven Sims from three yards out, pushing Washington back ahead 14-9.

Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins then added successful field goals from 32 and 50 yards, extending Washington’s lead to 20-9.

Terry McLaurin led the Washington receivers with five receptions for 84 yards, including a 42-yarder.  J.D. McKissic contributed six rushing attempts for 43 yards and three receptions for 26 yards.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, then a rookie, dropped back to pass deep in the Cincinnati end, leading 9-7 with 11:41 remaining in the third quarter. Just after he released the ball, Jonathan Allen hit him (cleanly). Burrow went to the ground, immediately in pain, grabbing at his left knee. He would be lost for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. He had completed 22 of 34 attempts for 203 yards.

Clelin Ferrell ‘out’ for Commanders on Monday vs. Bengals

What does this mean for Jamin Davis and Javontae Jean-Baptiste?

Head coach Dan Quinn likes to be positive, but on Saturday, he announced that the Commanders would not have Clelin Ferrell on Monday.

The former Clemson defensive end started both of the first two games and also collected a quarterback sack in each game. However, Ferrell’s left knee problem is still lingering; therefore, he wasn’t able to practice Saturday, so the team has already declared he won’t be available Monday against the Bengals.

“He’s a warrior presence for us in terms of the toughness and all that he brings,” said Quinn. “But it just hasn’t turned quickly enough for him to be fully him.”

This is not good news, seeing that a key to Monday’s game is that the Commanders absolutely must get to quarterback Joe Burrow. If they don’t manufacture enough hurries, quarterback hits, and quarterback sacks, the Bengals’ receiving group will most likely dominate the Commanders secondary.

This would indicate that Jamin Davis, who was inactive against the Giants, will now fill Ferrell’s spot on the active roster against the Bengals. Quinn had ample opportunity to discuss this, but what is worth noting is how Quinn used his opportunity Saturday to refer to rookie end Javontae Jean-Baptiste.

“I would say with Javontae, I’ve really felt the pass rush starting to turn. He spent lots of time with (DL coach) Darryl (Tapp) and (pass rush specialist) Ryan (Kerrigan) over the last few weeks. And it doesn’t come at once; these bursts, they happen again. I felt that with him this week. He’ll get more reps, he’s earned them, he’s ready for it.”

Consequently, it appears Jean-Baptiste will get more of the snaps and that Davis and Dante Fowler will also get an increase in game snaps.

In the first two games, Ferrell had contributed four solo tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and two quarterback sacks.

 

What does Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels think of Terry McLaurin’s lack of catches?

Jayden Daniels discusses Terry McLaurin’s lack of involvement and his answer is perfect.

It’s the third week, and Jayden Daniels already has his third first in the NFL.

The Commanders will travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals in a Monday Night game televised by ABC.

On Thursday with the press, Daniels quickly acknowledged that it is rare to have so many “firsts” so quickly.

“It’s special obviously, to play one this early, just coming off my first actual game, my first home opener, now my first Monday Night game. So, it’s going to be special, but at the end of the day, it’s another game. We’re just playing later in the week.”

This week’s opponent is Joe Burrow, another former LSU Heisman Trophy winner. Burrow led his team to the 2019 NCAA Championship, and Daniels showed his appreciation.

https://twitter.com/Commanders/status/1835408945793356005

Daniels expressed that he had not talked to Burrow recently but then was clear in wishing Burrow the best. Daniels followed in Burrow’s footsteps, winning the 2023 Heisman Trophy.

Last week against the Giants, the Commanders were tied 18-18 with just under two minutes remaining. Facing a second-and-10 at the Washington 23, just under two minutes remained. Daniels found Noah Brown for 34 yards. When asked about it Thursday,  Daniels did not take any credit, saying he was just one of the 11 on the field, and his offensive line gave him time to make that throw.

Daniels was asked what he was hoping to display to the NFL fans Monday night. He appropriately replied, “I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to get a win.”

When asked about his not having a turnover through two games, Daniels responded, “That’s the name of the game; whoever can win the turnover battle has a better chance of winning.”

Then there is Terry McLaurin and his 39 receiving yards total in his first two games of 2024.

“Obviously, we have to get Terry the ball, but at the end of the day, you got to spread the ball around,” Daniels said. “Defenses are going to key on Terry out of respect for him because of what he did in this league. When it’s time, and we have a one-on-one matchup, and Terry is out there, go let him win. But other than that, we are going to keep playing our game, keep moving forward and just go from there.”

How about that? Daniels didn’t simply admit that they have to get the ball more to McLaurin. Twice, he countered, saying they have to spread the ball around, keep playing their game, and keep moving forward.

The young man revealed he already feels strongly about this subject matter.

What type of start have the Bengals had in 2024?

A closer look at the Bengals’ first two games.

So, the Cincinnati Bengals are 0-2.

The Commanders (1-1) travel to Cincinnati for a MNF contest against the Bengals. It will be the first time NFL fans see Jayden Daniels in a nationally telecast game since joining the NFL.

The Bengals might be 0-2, but immediately remind yourself that their point differential is only -7. Two losses, yes, but by only 7 points.

The Bengals have played their first two games without the services and big-play potential of wide receiver Tee Higgins. This should not be overlooked, nor minimized. Higgins is a big target at 6-foot-4, 2015 pounds. In his four NFL seasons, Higgins has accumulated 257 receptions for 3,684 yards (14.3), 24 touchdowns and 185 first downs. Higgins has been sidelined by a hamstring injury suffered during the practice week before the season opener.

Averaging 5.0 yards per offensive snap, the Bengals are currently 21st in the NFL. Losing two tight games as they have, it certainly hasn’t helped that they have also lost three fumbles in the two opening games.

The possible addition of Higgins could greatly help quarterback Joe Burrow. After two games, Burrow is only averaging 200 passing yards a game, far below what he’s capable of.

Though the Bengals’ second opponent was the Chiefs, the Bengals have given up the 10th-least yards the first two weeks. They are surrendering 4.7 yards a play, which is tied for 7th best. They have also created three takeaways.

Perhaps of interest to the Commanders after Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for over 100 yards against the Giants is the fact that the Bengals are yielding 4.5 yards per rushing attempt and have surrendered 319 rushing yards, which is the seventh most in the NFL.

We could see a good dose of Robinson and Austin Ekeler. We could also see several zone-read plays, which, if the ends are crashing down to stop Robinson, could mean Jayden Daniels running the ball several times as well.

After all, running the ball keeps the clock moving and keeps the ball away from Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Mike Gesicki, and Tee Higgins.

Daniels and Commanders are actually scaring others to death?

The Daniels talk is exciting, but it’s important to remember he’s still a rookie.

It’s that time of year again, and everyone’s favorite NFL team is going to be much better than they were in 2023.

All of the draft selections your team made in April have tremendous upside. Your fan base is busy projecting how good they are going to be in 2024.

I remember how George Allen was always acquiring a couple of new veterans every off season. “The future is now,” Allen would proclaim, firing up the fan base. The Redskins were going to be even better next year.

That was 50 years ago, and I’ve been watching this phenomenon ever since.

But this offseason, may take the cake regarding the Commanders.

Three weeks ago, ESPN’s Louis Riddick declared Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was “going to take the town by storm.” After three weeks, Riddick has had more than enough time to calm down and become more realistic, right?

After the latest workouts Riddick talked of how the ball rarely hits the ground, Jayden Daniels is that good. Not to be outdone, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler last week exclaimed that others around the NFL are saying, ” I am kinda scared to death of what Washington could be with Jayden Daniels.”

But “Scared to death of Washington…” People, they were 4-13 last year, and Daniels is going to be so great in his rookie season. Are other NFL insiders already scared to death of Washington?

If Daniels and the Commanders are already scaring them to death, what is Washington’s record going to be this season? Scared to death? Does that mean 12-5?  13-4?

Excuse me, did you forget about the offensive tackles? How about the defense that was absolutely last in several categories last year? Noticed how Ron Rivera’s four first-round choices have performed?

Of course, Adam Peters and Dan Quinn have worked hard to improve the roster, and Daniels will make exciting plays, but do you remember great NFL quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen who struggled at times as rookies?

Have those guys forgotten Justin Herbert still hasn’t won a playoff game?

We here at Commanders Wire want very much for Daniels to have a productive rookie season, but lets’ have some realistic expectations, shall we?

What were Ron Rivera’s 2 biggest errors with the Commanders?

What were Rivera’s biggest mistakes during his time in Washington?

Ron Rivera was praised by players and Josh Harris as someone who was professional to the very end of his tenure.

Yet, the question can also rightly (and fairly) be asked, What were Rivera’s biggest mistakes during his four-year coach-centric term?

In Rivera’s case, two errors clearly outshine the others.

Parting ways with Kyle Smith

In the 2019 Redskins draft room, Kyle Smith (director of college scouting) asked the room whom they were going to draft at No. 15? Sources have agreed there was silence, and one voice finally answered: the owner himself. The choice was going to be Dwayne Haskins.

Smith reportedly proceeded to implore the room to please consider drafting one of three players. But the owner had spoken.

Rivera was hired the following January. Smith basically constructed the draft board and led the room through the draft. Rivera was pleased and publicly praised Smith for his leadership in that draft.

But in later months of that 2020 season, Rivera grew cold toward Smith; not praising him, nor even mentioning him. Rivera determined instead to hire Marty Hurney and Martin Mayhew.

Yes, Rivera got what he wanted, but he also lost what he had. In Smith, he had a young man, full of energy and a voracious work ethic. He also possessed, in Smith, the one man who carried courage in the organization to tell Rivera and Snyder what they needed to hear.

Smith understandably departed following the 2020 season. In all three drafts (2021-23) Smith would clearly not have drafted as Rivera and the Marty’s did. Do you think Smith would have reached on Jamin Davis at No.19? Valuing draft choices, can you even imagine Smith trading up for a long snapper (Camaron Cheeseman)?

Drafting Chase Young in the 2020 NFL Draft

The previous owner, having laid down his law in the previous draft, Washington had been stuck with Dwayne Haskins at No. 15 overall.

As the 2020 draft arrived, Washington owned the No. 2 overall selection. Haskins, during his rookie season, had displayed an alarming immaturity, playing on a cell phone with fans in the stands prior to an NFL game’s conclusion.

Two quarterbacks (following Joe Burrow) were projected to be top-10 picks. Rivera could have approached Snyder expressing those two were far ahead of Haskins. He could have then stressed that when you are selecting No. 2 and you don’t have a quarterback, you should take a top-10 projected quarterback because he might be your guy for the next decade.

But Rivera wanted Chase Young and left Tua Tagovailoa (chosen 5th) and Justin Herbert (chosen 6th). Young disappointed tremendously and was traded in 2023.

Rivera spent his next three seasons attempting to find a quarterback in Ryan Fitzpatrick, Taylor Heinicke, Carson Wentz, Jacoby Brissett and Sam Howell.

Rivera earned a 26-40-1 .396 record because these were the two biggest errors of his Washington tenure.