Tag: RG Sam Cosmi

A significant reason the Commanders are an NFL surprise

This group is dramatically improved from last season.

Why are the Commanders such a surprising team in four games?

The knee-jerk response is rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Of course, that is probably the most significant difference compared to last year’s team. As much as we love Daniels, we know it’s not that simple; it never is.

The Commanders’ offensive line is better than last year—no, make that so much better.

Friday, speaking with the media, head coach Dan Quinn praised offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.

“Yeah, I think coming into it [we] wanted one, somebody that was an excellent teacher, and I think at that position, that’s where a lot of development takes place. You’re coaching a lot of guys and the development of that position, it’s not like just add water and play.”

Even more interesting was that one of Quinn’s friends in NFL coaching circles Brian Daboll (NYG HC) had previously spoken very highly of Johnson.

“I’ve known Brian for a long time, and like any job you’re looking for, you want to ask as many people as you can. And what really came through for me strong was the teaching, that part of things. And that was really important to me. And so I’ve really been impressed by the work that he has done so far.”

It would be simplistic to say that Daniels is the sole reason the Commanders are better, but it would be to say that Johnson is the sole reason the offensive line is better.

Consider the stark contrasts between last year’s offensive coordinator’s press conferences and this year’s. The two men are so different in approach on and off the field. The Commanders are running the ball well enough and often enough that Daniels is not being asked to carry too much of the load.

Lastly, just months ago, most of us complained about Adam Peters when he waited until the third round to draft an offensive lineman, and even more when that was his only draft choice used on the offensive line.

Peters knew what he was doing, fully aware he had already released Nick Gates and Charles Leno. Next, he had signed free agents Nick Allegretti and Tyler Biadasz. Lastly, he drafted Brandon Coleman 67th overall.

In summary, this offensive line is not last year’s, their coach is not the same, and neither is their offensive coordinator.

Yes, the offensive line has been a major contributor to Jayden Daniels making headlines for the last two weeks.

More importantly, the Washington Commanders have been making headlines the last two weeks.

Another Commander is glad a new OC is in town

Another Washington starter is thrilled with the O.C. change.

Another member of the Commanders offense is happy to see Kliff Kingsbury as the new offensive coordinator.

Earlier Thursday, Sam Cosmi spoke out very strongly about his fervent disagreement with Eric Bieniemy’s approach in 2023.

“I think we were last in the league for attempts in rushing, and then one of the highest in passing (attempts), and you saw where that got us…”

Friday, it was Brian Robinson’s turn. Robinson took a very positive approach. Yet, for those who know the 2023 situation, Robinson spoke softly, yet clearly.

“Kliff has great energy as an offensive coordinator. He’s very personable. I think he’s a great player’s coach, somebody you can just rap with, you know, just come and chop it up with.”

“You can tell him how you feel about what you see, your ideas and thoughts. He’s going to listen to you, talk with you and be genuine with you, so I appreciate the relationship we are all building.”

“Very personable, you can tell him how you feel, what you see, going to listen to you, be genuine with you,” (yes Brian, we understand.)

Last month Cosmi told of how Bieniemy had some more rules for his offensive players, “That was something that we as players, offensive side, we weren’t allowed to wear our hat backwards.”

Bieniemy’s common refrain with the press was that he was old school, that he was going to do things his way, and that he was not changing for anybody.

As early as the 2023 training camp, there was tension as Bieniemy was said by players to be loud, always loud. Even one member of the sports media acknowledged Bieniemy was loud, but all the cursing at players could easily become problematic.

He was right; it was. Before the regular season had even begun, head coach Ron Rivera had already lost a sense of control with Bieniemy, conveying that some players had come to Rivera unhappy with Bieniemy.

Had it been unproductive players, Rivera would have shrugged it off, thinking them soft. However, Rivera was very concerned because it apparently was players Rivera respected.

At season’s end, Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas, and Sam Cosmi all offered direct commentary as well.

One year later, Cosmi and Robinson, both productive players in 2023, are happy coaching changes have been made. That’s fine, and they both agree it is up to them to continue to produce as the team leaders they were a year ago.

NFL analyst: Commanders OL will be outmatched in NFC East

Will the offensive line be Washington be a major problem again in 2024?

What does Jayden Daniels have to do to get better every day?

That was the question set forth to ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky on Monday during the “NFL Live” program. Orlovsky did not answer with an answer focused upon the NFL inexperience of a rookie quarterback, as one might expect.

No, Orlovsky aimed his reply at what he sees is going to make things harder for Daniels in his rookie season. “A feel for dominant defensive lines,” opened Orlovsky.

Orlovsky then elaborated, “If we are being honest, in that division (NFC East), every time he plays the teams that are in that division, his offensive line will be outmatched by the defensive line both times by Philly, the Giants and Dallas. This is an offensive line that struggled (2023).“

“One of the ‘flaws’ of Jayden Daniels throughout his last two years at LSU was, is he holding on (to the ball)? Is he trying to do too much? Is he running around a little bit? Get the ball out of your hands, play a little faster.”

More from Orlovsky:

“He is a significantly greater talent than I ever was, but the biggest jump from college to the NFL comes from how fast that defensive line moves on a consistent basis. Just getting an understanding, a feel for how quickly those defensive lines will collapse that pocket on you.”

Orlovsky certainly revealed he does not believe the Commanders’ offensive line will match up well in any of their six NFC East divisional games. If Orlovsky is correct, should there be great concern for the health and confidence of Daniels playing behind this offensive line?

In fairness to general manager Adam Peters, he has made significant changes to the Commanders offensive line. Gone from the 2023 unit are starters Charles Leno Jr, Saahdiq Charles and Nick Gates.

Peters brought in free agents guard Nick Allegretti (Chiefs) and center Tyler Biadasz (Cowboys), who are expected to start. Then Peters also drafted tackle Brandon Coleman (TCU) in the third round.

Two starters return in right guard Sam Cosmi and right tackle Andrew Wylie. Others on the current roster are tackles Cornelius Lucas, Braeden Daniels, Alex Akingbulu, and Trent Scott, as well as guards Chris Paul, Mason Brooks, Michael Deiter, Julian Good-Jones, and center Ricky Stromberg.

Adam Peters said the Commanders have a ‘few cornerstone pieces.’ Who are they?

Adam Peters said the Commanders had a few cornerstone players. Who are they?

“I believe there’s a few cornerstone pieces in this roster. I believe we have a lot of work to do.”

That is how new Commanders GM Adam Peters replied when asked what he thought of the current roster.

So, who does Peters feel are the “few cornerstone pieces”?

On offense, it would have been great if Sam Howell had developed enough this past season, but that did not occur, as Howell led the NFL in sacks taken and interceptions thrown.

Brian Robinson accumulated 733 rushing yards and 368 receiving yards totaling 1,101 yards from scrimmage. But Robinson is a running back. So Peters may not feel it necessary to pay Robinson a second contract, but we can cross that bridge in a couple of seasons.

Much was made of Terry McLaurin accomplishing a fourth consecutive season of 1,000 yards receiving. Frankly, wasn’t too much made of this? In today’s NFL, the rules and officiating favor the offense much more than the defense. Thus, there is more passing in today’s game. In addition, the NFL regular season is now 17 games. He is a fine, hardworking player and is a team leader. Yet, one would be hard-pressed to persuade us that McLaurin is an elite receiver. But his contract may keep other teams from trading for him. Is he really worth his $24.1 million cap hit in 2024?

This leaves the only real offensive cornerstone piece upon which the Commanders must build around, and that is right guard Sam Cosmi. Cosmi’s 2024 cap hit will only be $2,108,135. His last contract year is 2024, so Peters will want to re-sign Cosmi to that second contract.

Defensively, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne have been sturdy and energetic inside forces, but that did fall off some this past season. Allen and Payne will have cap hits of $23 million and $26.17 million in 2025. Allen and Payne were drafted in the first round by Washington in 2017 and 2018, respectively. If Peters wants to receive the highest possible value back in a trade, he may want to trade one or both this offseason.

A few young players who have shown a toughness that Peters may keep around include safeties Darrick Forrest and Kam Curl. Curl is a free agent, however, and may want to hit the open market. A third is Quan Martin, a second-round choice who flashed at times in the later games of the season.

Three other players on the offense could be nice developmental pieces. Chris Rodriguez Jr. exhibited a real toughness on special teams and in running the ball. Jahan Dotson has had his moments where he looks like he really belongs. Another is Curtis Samuel. However, Samuel is a free agent, and Peters may not want to give him a third contract.

Armani Rogers, the most athletic of the tight ends, missed this entire season with a torn Achilles tendon. But he is an athlete Peters will want to keep, as he most likely does not bring back Logan Thomas.

Peters was absolutely correct. He has a lot of work to do.

 

 

Broadcaster on Commanders Week 1 opponent: Cardinals offense is ‘garbage’

Schlereth doesn’t see much from Arizona’s offense, but he likes the defense.

Mark Schlereth earned three Super Bowl rings, so he knows offensive line play.

The former guard for both Washington (1989-94) and Denver (1995-2000) was a guest on the “Take Command” Podcast Thursday with host Craig Hoffman.

Schlereth was a starter for Washington’s 1991 Super Bowl championship team and Denver’s in 1997 and 1998.

Part of the Fox Broadcasting team that will be calling the game Sunday at FedEx Field between the visiting Cardinals and the Commanders, Schlereth feels this game is big. “Welcome back to the National Football League to the Commanders,” expressed Schlereth. “We missed you. Glad to have you back.”

Schlereth stated so many walked away in disgust when Daniel Snyder was the owner. “Washington was one of the crown jewels in the league,” said Schlereth. “I couldn’t be more happier for the franchise and excited to call the game.”

One of the big concerns for Washington fans has been the play of the offensive line. Schlereth really likes what he has seen from LG Saahdiq Charles thus far in the preseason.

Saahdiq is a full grown ass man,” expressed Schlereth. “That dude is a powerful individual. He put on a preseason master class in dominating the line of scrimmage.”

Sam Cosmi moving inside to guard is not working as well thus far, according to Schlereth. He feels the games happen faster inside, and Cosmi has had some struggles.

But he added he does see the offensive line jelling together. He sees the potential and feels Eric Bieniemy is a student of the game and is ready to take on the challenge of being the coordinator entirely in charge of the offense.

How about the Cardinals offense? Schlereth certainly did not hold back.

“Arizona is trying to reintroduce themselves to the NFL with a natural, legitimate NFL system. That is going to take some time.”

“I call it the allusion of competitiveness. They would give you the illusion they were a competitive football team. They’re garbage. They didn’t do anything to me that is endemic to winning in the NFL.”

“Quarterback is an issue right now. I believe Joshua Dobbs will start. Clayton Tune ain’t ready for prime time.”

“Defensively, they are really talented. They play really hard. They flew around in the preseason. They played hard. They will give you a full day’s work on the defensive side of the ball.”

“I don’t think they are going to be 0-17, like everybody thinks. But they lack some talent at the quarterback position, to be frank. They don’t have a tight end that can block anybody.”

“They’ve got a lot of work in front of them. But I don’t think they are going to be the rollover everybody thinks they are going to be.”

Doc Walker: Some Commanders are ‘whiners, sissies’

Doc Walker pulls no punches, gives some outstanding analysis on what he’s seen this summer.

Rick “Doc” Walker was doing what he does so well Monday.

A guest on “The Al Galdi Podcast,” Walker, a former Redskins tight end (1980-85), was entertaining, daring and humorous. In other words, it was Doc Walker, as I’ve known him for 40 years.

Walker, as usual, did not hold back sharing his opinion of what he has observed thus far in the 2023 Commanders preseason. “Everyone could see Wylie (Andrew) was struggling at right tackle.”

Walker liked something he saw in returner Kazmeir Allen, “I saw potential promise in our return game if that young man will listen to Brian Mitchell…All that wide running ain’t gonna work in the NFL. But, if you got the guts to jam that thing up the pipe, you coming out of their brother. Because this dude can fly.”

“Doc” voiced his concern over the slow Washington starts during the Ron Rivera three seasons (2020-22). “This (preseason) is like a training session. I got to get you through this, to get you ready for Arizona. Because my target is Arizona in the regular season. Because we have been awful in September.”

Walker then naturally transitioned into Washington’s new offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy. “But now we have a new attitude, though some seem to have gotten their feathers ruffled over Bieniemy. I just hope he keeps doing what he is doing.”

Walker continued, “Anybody that has ever gone from bad teams to good teams understands why bad teams are stuck on stupid. If you keep doing what you’ve been doing, you’re going to keep getting the same results.”

The former tight end really appreciates the route running of receiver Jahan Dotson. “If they had a pay-per-view package just for me to watch/stay on him, I’d buy the package just to watch him. He is a superior route runner. I am telling you it is an art.”

How does Doc feel about the offensive line? “Here’s my deal, if you can’t run block or pass block, why are you on the team? Because you played for the head coach? We saw that crap last year with the two guards that were shot (Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner). So, it depends. Do you guys want to win, or are running a boy’s club or a professional football team?”

Walker again turned to Wylie in particular, “I expect him to play better next week because it is the test of a lifetime because he has the Ravens all week. So, if he has any fight in him, any dog in him, it better come out this week.”

“Doc” loves Sam Cosmi being moved from tackle to guard and looks forward to what he thinks Cosmi can accomplish inside.

Then “Doc” again turned his focus to the regular season.

“All I care about is if we are better in September than we have been since Ron Rivera has run the team. We have got to be better in September. In order to do that, it gets ugly in the process. It’s not going to be perfect. You have to go through some tough times.”

“I just want all the whiners that think EB’s practice…………EB is training you to be a champion. I know it is foreign to a lot of these sissies, but the bottom line is that was pathetic what went down.”

“It altered my demeanor all week. I could not believe it. I was shocked by that. But, you gotta move on.”