Tag: Ryan Kerrigan

Chase Young discusses what he learned about himself over the past year

Chase Young discussed his recovery, return and Ryan Kerrigan.

Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young returned to practice Wednesday. Young, who tore his ACL last November, was activated from the reserve/PUP list Wednesday morning, and the Commanders now have 21 days to either activate Young to the roster or place him on season-ending injured reserve.

Young is going to play — and soon. How soon? Young isn’t quite ready to answer that question.

“I ain’t gonna go into it,” Young said when asked about potentially playing Sunday. “I ain’t gonna go into that one, but all I know is I’m sticking to my plan.”

Young’s knee injury was serious, and during his long and arduous recovery, he had plenty of downtime when he wasn’t rehabbing.

“I think the biggest thing that came out of it was patience,” he said. “Knowing that it’s just on God’s time, not my time. Things happen for a reason. We never know why they happened but what I did was I tried to find out why it happened. I tried to just think about what in my life, this happened, that happened. But I just, at the end of the day, I know it’s all on God, and I know that he’s in my corner. I don’t even look at it really as a setback. I just look at it as a test from God, you know? I can come back stronger.”

Young’s positive outlook is refreshing.

One topic many are curious about is are the players tired of dealing with the off-field stuff. Young was asked about the Snyder family reportedly exploring all options in regard to selling the team.

“Yeah, I mean, I feel like we just lean on our teammates in the locker room,” Young said. “We really don’t pay attention a lot to the outside noise cuz we have so much stuff we have to do inside the facility to win games. We really, uh, we just, we stay the task at hand, got the blinders on and that’s really how we rocking there.”

Young sounded like his head coach on that answer, which was perfect.

One more fun nugget from Young’s chat with the media. Young was asked about former teammate and current assistant defensive line coach Ryan Kerrigan.

“Oh, that’s tough,” Youn said. “Shoot. Growing up playing the video game with RK, then playing with RK now RK is coaching me. I feel like it’s a dream come true for real.”

Young has never hidden his admiration for Kerrigan.

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Commanders new coach Ryan Kerrigan: ‘It’s about the players’

Ryan Kerrigan speaks to the media on the same day he becomes a full-time NFL coach.

Upon being named the new assistant defensive line coach, Ryan Kerrigan spoke with the media Monday.

Kerrigan, who recorded 95.5 career sacks — the most in Washington’s franchise history — opened by saying that having his competitive aspect fueled is good for him.

When asked about the defensive line being undisciplined and not maintaining rushing lanes, Kerrigan responded, “You don’t want guys to rush cautiously, but you do want them to be aware,” he answered. “You gotta be aware of where the quarterback is. That has to be at the forefront of your mind when you’re rushing because a defensive end can’t turn it at 12 yards and expect the quarterback to be sitting there. That will create a massive B-gap window, so that is something we’re definitely going to have to emphasize and work on so that we can get better pressure on quarterbacks.”

“They (current linemen) are all hard workers; they all do what they are asked to do. So I don’t anticipate having to do that (get on them). From my vantage point, having played with these guys a couple of years ago, it’s an awesome situation for me personally. I really want these guys to succeed. I’m just hopeful I can impact them in a positive way, help them find success, and then ultimately, our team finds success.”

“As long as you can be critical of the performance and not the person, I think that is the best way to go about it. You can say, ‘Here is where you need to be better’ as long as you are not being disrespectful to them.”

“It is interesting how your mindset shifts. Seeing the schedule from a different lens (coach rather than player) has been the biggest thing for me, and you kind of look at the game differently now as a coach.”

“I didn’t anticipate an opportunity would come so quick, being that it was in late July (Kerrigan retired). I’m really thankful Coach Rivera gave me this opportunity. I’m just hoping to prove him right.”

“The time I will be able to put in watching each guy will allow me to give them better feedback because as a player I was watching mostly myself. It’s all about them. It’s not about me anymore. When I initially met with Coach Rivera he said (in coaching) you’re serving the players.”

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Commanders name Ryan Kerrigan assistant defensive line coach

The Commanders made if official on Monday.

The Washington Redskins made it official Monday with franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan, naming him assistant defensive line coach ahead of the 2022 season.

Kerrigan signed a one-day contract with the Commanders in July so he could retire with the organization where he spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career. During his retirement press conference, Kerrigan expressed an interest in coaching.

Head coach Ron Rivera said Kerrigan would spend training camp and the preseason with the team to see if coaching was something he wanted to do.

Entering training camp, Sam Mills III was Washington’s defensive line coach. Former NFL player Jeff Zgonina was the assistant defensive line coach. Rivera dismissed Mills early in camp and named Zgonina the new defensive line coach. Kerrigan helped out with the young pass rushers throughout training camp, earning praise from several of his former teammates.

Now, Washington’s all-time franchise leader in sacks is officially a full-time NFL coach.

“Ryan Kerrigan is one of the most accomplished players in this franchise’s history,” said head coach Ron Rivera. “Following his retirement, we had a great talk about his goals for life after playing. Ryan had an interest in coaching, and we were able to allow him to shadow our coaching staff this summer. He is an extremely hard worker with tremendous knowledge of the defensive line position group. I look forward to watching him develop as a coach and assist Coach Zgonina in the defensive line room.”

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Ryan Kerrigan grateful to be named as one of the ’90 greatest’ in Washington history

Ryan Kerrigan is honored to be named as one of the “90 greatest” in franchise history. And he’s also happy for Trent Williams.

It’s been a busy summer for former Washington defensive end Ryan Kerrigan. Kerrigan signed a one-day contract with Washington in July so could he retire with the franchise where he spent the first nine seasons of his NFL career.

Next, head coach Ron Rivera brought Kerrigan onto the coaching staff to “shadow” the defensive coaches in an effort to see if coaching was something the all-time franchise leader in sacks wanted to do.

During his retirement announcement in July, Kerrigan mentioned coaching as a possibility for him moving forward.

On Thursday, Kerrigan received another honor as he was one of 10 men named to the “90 greatest” players/coaches in Washington’s 90-year franchise history.

Afterward, Kerrigan spoke of the prestigious honor.

“It’s pretty damn cool, man,” Kerrigan said according to Bijan Todd of NBC Sports Washington. “Obviously, 90-year history of this franchise—to be part of that group is pretty special to me.”

Several players who played with Kerrigan also were honored, such as Chris Cooley, Santana Moss, London Fletcher, DeAngelo Hall and longtime teammate, Trent Williams.

Williams was Washington’s first-round pick in 2010, while Kerrigan was the first-round pick in 2011.

Kerrigan was happy to be honored alongside Williams.

“I always loved Trent as a teammate, loved him as a friend, and it’s awesome to still see him playing so well,” Kerrigan said. “Definitely a well-deserved honor for him as well.”

The pair were teammates for nine seasons in Washington and often represented the franchise in the Pro Bowl.

Kerrigan spent the 2020 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. During his nine seasons with Washington, he appeared in 156 games and recorded 95.5 sacks.

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Washington names 10 players to franchise’s ’90 greatest’ list

Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Williams, Chris Cooley and Santana Moss were among Washington’s additions to the “90 greatest” list.

To commemorate 90 years as an NFL franchise, the Washington Commanders named 10 former greats to their “90 greatest” list on Thursday.

Washington announced nine former players and one former coach to the list at the team’s annual Welcome Home Luncheon at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill.

The list was trimmed to 10 after the organization began a fan vote in July. Here is the complete list:

  • DE Ryan Kerrigan (2011-2020)
  • LT Trent Williams (2010-2019)
  • WR Santana Moss (2005-2014)
  • TE Chris Cooley (2004-2012)
  • DT Darryl Grant (1981-1990)
  • LB London Fletcher (2007-2013)
  • CB DeAngelo Hall (2008-2017)
  • CB Champ Bailey (1999-2003)
  • DC Larry Peccatiello (1981-1993)
  • RB Stephen Davis (1996-2002)

Interestingly enough, all but Grant and Peccatiello were with Washington after owner Daniel Snyder bought the team in 1999. However, it’s difficult to dispute any of the players on the list.

Bailey is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, while Williams is still active with the San Francisco 49ers — and one of the NFL’s best offensive tackles.

Former quarterbacks Kirk Cousins and Robert Griffin III were among those on the ballot that didn’t make the final 10.

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List of Eagles free agents who remain unsigned

List of Philadelphia Eagles free agents who remain unsigned

The Eagles entered the 2022 NFL free agency period with 14 players who were available to sign elsewhere, and that didn’t include a decision from Jason Kelce on his future.

Philadelphia made one splash move by signing Haason Reddick and then made a solid value signing by adding Kyzir White.

With the draft and offseason workout just weeks away, here are the Eagles’ remaining free agents.

Predicting the fate of Eagles’ 2022 NFL free agents

With the #NFL offseason set to begin in a few weeks, we’re predicting the fate of #Philadelphia #Eagles’ key pending free agents in 2022

The NFL’s new league year is less than a month away, and as the Eagles continue their sped-up retool, Howie Roseman will likely let some big named veterans walk via free agency.

Philadelphia will enter free agency with 9 unrestricted free agents, 4 unrestricted free agents, and one exclusive rights free agent in Andre Chachere.

The Eagles will enter the NFL’s free-agent period with $12 million in cap space, and the potential to add another $12 million with Brandon Brooks retiring and several potential contract restructures.

We’re predicting which 2022 Eagles free agents will be moving on.

Predicting which Eagles’ 2022 unrestricted free agents should stay or go

With #SBLVI now just a week away and the offseason officially set to start, we’re predicting which #Philadelphia #Eagles 2022 unrestricted #NFL #freeagents should stay or go #FlyEaglesFly

NFL Free agency is just over a month away, and after an interesting week at the Senior Bowl, it’s now time for Eagles GM Howie Roseman to start his due diligence on league veterans and NFL free agency.

Philadelphia is slated to have almost $25 million in available cap space — before any trades, releases, or restructures — and several roster spots to address from the standpoint of an upgrade.

We’re predicting whether 9 Eagles’ unrestricted free agents will be back with the team or departing in free agency.

Former Washington LB/DE Ryan Kerrigan has good game vs. Bucs in playoffs

Former Washington pass-rusher Ryan Kerrigan was a bright spot for the Eagles in their playoff loss to Tampa Bay.

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Former Washington outside linebacker and defensive end Ryan Kerrigan certainly made a major contribution Sunday in the Philadelphia Eagles 31-15 loss to the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Kerrigan drafted in round one by Washington in the 2011 NFL Draft (16th overall) played ten seasons with Washington, but after only starting one game in the 2020 season, was not re-signed and chose to sign with the Eagles.

Sunday against the Buccaneers, Kerrigan managed to achieve 1.5 sacks, three tackles, two of which were solo tackles. Kerrigan also was credited with two tackles for a loss and two additional QB hits.

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The former Purdue Boilermaker in his 10 seasons with Washington recorded 95.5 sacks, an additional 120 tackles for a loss and 149 QB hits.  Kerrigan also achieved the distinction of having intercepted three passes and returning each one for a touchdown.

Kerrigan signed a one-year deal with the Eagles in the 2021 off-season and strangely enough seeing limited action in 16 games this season recorded only two QB hits and no QB sacks. This was the only season Kerrigan did not record at least one QB sack.

When with Washington, Kerrigan played on playoff teams in 2012, 2015 and 2020. Sunday with Philadelphia, consequently marked the first time Kerrigan had participated in the playoffs in consecutive years.

Perhaps if Kerrigan retires this offseason, this playoff game Sunday will be a good way for him to conclude his otherwise productive career as a pass rusher.

Washington’s all-time leader in sacks, Kerrigan is a lock to make the team’s Ring of Fame.

Did Washington lose by beating the NY Giants?

Don’t assume Washington lost by moving down two spots in the NFL draft order. It’s about who you pick, not where you pick.

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Monday, talk show callers and fans on Twitter were waxing eloquent on how Washington in defeating the NY Giants Sunday, actually lost, after dropping to No. 11 in the 2022 NFL draft order.

“What did one more win get us, seeing we did not qualify for the playoffs?”

“The team needs a franchise quarterback and drafting down lower at number 11 hurts their chances.”

This revealed an assumption by those disappointed Washington had won. The position assumes that the higher you draft, the better player you obtain.

Now, when you are as old as I am and have followed Washington drafts as I have since high school, I’ve learned this assumption can and should be challenged.

Each NFL draft there are prospects that are overvalued via scouts and coaches’ excitement, not sound evaluation. Consequently, those prospects climb the draft boards, are drafted entirely too early and don’t live up to expectations.

Of course, it takes a few years to evaluate a draft, so consider five consecutive first-round NFL Drafts beginning in 2011:

2011: Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder, were all taken in the top 12; yet Robert Quinn, Ryan Kerrigan, Cameron Jordan and Cameron Heyward were drafted later in the round and much more productive.

2012: Robert Griffin, Trent Richardson, Matt Kalil, Justin Blackmon, Morris Claiborne were all drafted in the top six. The next six choices all enjoyed more success in their careers.

2013: Luke Joeckel, Dion Jordan, Jonathan Cooper and Dee Milliner were chosen in the top nine. Sheldon Richardson, Xavier Rhodes, DeAndre Hopkins and Travis Frederick all came later in the round, all produced much more.

2014: Greg Robinson, Justin Gilbert and Eric Ebron were drafted in the top ten. Who fell to later? Only Aaron Donald, Zack Martin and CJ Mosley.

2015: Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota and Kevin White were taken in the top seven. Todd Gurley, Melvin Gordon and Marcus Peters came later and produced more.

Consequently, will the issue be that Washington is choosing later at number 11? Or might the greater issue actually be that Ron Rivera, Martin Mayhew and team scouts need to do their homework, selecting a player that will certainly produce?