Tag: sam cosmi

Commanders injury report: Sam Cosmi back at practice

Three miss Thursday’s practice for the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders completed their second practice of the week on Thursday in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Washington flew to Arizona directly after Monday night’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It is practicing at Arizona State University in Tempe, which is less than 30 miles from the Cardinals’ stadium in Glendale.

After four players missed Wednesday’s practice, one returned on Thursday. Right guard Sam Cosmi is dealing with an Achilles injury and practiced on a limited basis. He told reporters he was good to go for Sunday.

The Commanders already ruled out running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (knee). Neither made the trip to Arizona.

Here is Washington’s full injury report from Thursday:

Did not participate: WR Jamison Crowder (calf), RB Austin Ekeler (concussion/ruled out), DE Clelin Ferrell (knee/ruled out)

Limited participants: G Sam Cosmi (Achilles),  CB Benjamin St-Juste (chest)

Full participant: CB Emmanuel Forbes (thumb), DT Jer’Zhan Newton (foot), S Quan Martin (elbow)

Meanwhile, for the Cardinals, tight end Trey McBridge (concussion) and defensive tackle DT Khyiris Tonga (knee) missed practice again. Rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadriceps) remained limited, while safety Budda Baker was a full participant.

Commanders’ offensive line better than expected in Week 1

How did the Commanders fare in pass protection in Week 1?

Heading into the 2024 NFL season, there were concerns that Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters didn’t do enough on the offensive line to protect rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Washington signed center Tyler Biadasz and left guard Nick Allegretti, who started in the Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Biadasz represented a significant upgrade for Washington at center, while Allegretti would become a full-time starter for the first time in his career in 2024.

In the 2024 NFL draft, the Commanders selected offensive tackle Brandon Coleman in the third round. Coleman impressed over the summer and looked poised to be the Week 1 left tackle until a pec injury forced him to miss the entire preseason.

So, against the Buccaneers last week, veteran Cornelius Lucas started at left tackle, with Andrew Wylie returning at right tackle, joining Washington’s best offensive lineman, right guard Sam Cosmi.

In the opener, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was only sacked twice. Considering the Commanders’ issues protecting Sam Howell last week, that’s an encouraging number.

Pro Football Focus ranks every NFL offensive line weekly, with the Commanders at No. 28 heading into Week 2.

While rookie Brandon Coleman played 14 snaps at left tackle, starter Cornelius Lucas won’t give up the position easily, as he played an excellent game against the Buccaneers, especially in pass protection. His 85.8 PFF pass-blocking grade ranked sixth among offensive tackles in Week 1.

Washington’s unit looked promising, especially compared to expectations, as it gave up just eight total pressures — and no sacks or quarterback hits — on 34 dropbacks. The Commanders’ PFF pass-blocking efficiency score was tied for the 14th highest in Week 1.

The 33rd Team also ranked the offensive lines after Week 1 and had the Commanders at 19th.

It’s not great, but it’s much better than some initially believed. It will be interesting to follow what happens at offensive tackle. If Wylie continues to struggle, Washington could move Lucas to right tackle and start the rookie Coleman at left tackle.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels perfectly describes his emotions ahead of 1st NFL start

Jayden Daniels has perfect answer regarding Week 1. He also has good things to say about Sam Cosmi and Marcus Mariota.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It’s technically his third start, but the first two were in the preseason. On Sunday, it’s for real.

The No. 2 overall pick had a terrific training camp and preseason. Daniels impressed his coaches, teammates, and those from other teams in Washington’s two joint practices. While no one can predict what happens before the game, the Commanders know Daniels is ready.

How would Daniels describe his emotions ahead of Week 1?

“It is really the same,” Daniels said on Wednesday. “Day by day, be where my feet are. Not really focused on Sunday. I got to get through Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and then it’ll be game day.”

Daniels always seemingly says the right thing. That’s the perfect answer, even if you know his emotions are all over the place as he starts his first official NFL game.

Before Daniels met with the media on Wednesday, he and the team received some good news. Fourth-year guard Sam Cosmi received a contract extension, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid guards. Daniels was thrilled for his teammate.

“Man, Sam deserves it,” Daniels said. “Happy for him. Obviously, we heard the news earlier, but he deserves it. It is gonna be, it is good for him and his family. It’s good for us long term to have a player like that, a cornerstone piece moving forward.”

For Sunday’s game, Daniels’s first start will be challenging, as he will face Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles’ defense. The good news for Daniels is that his backup/mentor, Marcus Mariota, is there to assist in every way possible.

“Man, I’m leaning on Marcus a ton,” the rookie said of Mariota. “He is in the same position as me. He played Todd Bowles numerous times, so obviously has a lot of knowledge of this is what you can expect. Obviously, everybody talks about the blitzes. Obviously, we’re gonna expect some type of blitz, but his main message to me is, ‘Man, just go out there and have fun.’ Don’t put too much stress into it.”

Some have questioned why Mariota is even on the team. He only played one series in the preseason and didn’t look great. However, the Commanders brought him in because they knew Mariota would be content as a backup, but he could also offer Daniels a perspective that no other potential veteran backup could give. Both are former Heisman winners and No. 2 overall picks. And, coincidentally enough, Mariota’s first NFL start came against Tampa Bay back in 2015.

How’d he do? Mariota completed 13 of 15 passes for 209 yards, with four touchdowns. Can you imagine if Daniels has a similar performance?

 

Sam Cosmi discusses why he wanted to remain with Commanders

Sam Cosmi thrilled to be protecting Jayden Daniels for years to come.

The Washington Commanders secured a big part of their future on Wednesday, agreeing to a four-year deal with right guard Sam Cosmi. Cosmi, 25, is entering his fourth NFL season and the final year of his rookie contract.

A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, the Commanders moved Cosmi from tackle to guard before last season. The move not only changed the course of Cosmi’s career, but he embraced the move. He started all 17 games for the first time in his career in 2023 and played at an All-Pro level in the second half of the season.

Cosmi’s free-agent status came at a busy time for Washington. In January, the Commanders fired Ron Rivera — the man who drafted him — and replaced him with general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. However, the new regime quickly identified Cosmi as an extension target.

“We talked early on, I think sometime in February,” Cosmi said on Wednesday. “And we didn’t get the ball rolling; there’s a lot of stuff they had to work on here. So, we didn’t get the ball rolling until three weeks ago or something like that.”

Cosmi never worried a deal would get done. And he never wavered that he wanted to be in Washington, especially after speaking with Peters, Quinn and managing partner Josh Harris about their goals for the future.

“I really like what AP and DQ are doing,” he said. “Obviously, Mr. Harris is putting a lot of money and investing into the team and doing all that, and we see that as well. I just feel like we have a lot of tools to the belt now and people that really care about this football team, and this is a place that you want to be.”

Cosmi is also excited about protecting his new young quarterback (Jayden Daniels) for years to come.

“I think we got a special, special dude that I got to protect and very talented. And that makes me excited to be here for hopefully for the next four years, or five years.”

Cosmi’s four-year deal is reportedly worth $74 million with $45 million guaranteed, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid guards. It’s an excellent deal for both sides.

 

Commanders sign guard Sam Cosmi to extension

Commanders announce four-year extension for Sam Cosmi.

The Washington Commanders took care of one of their best young players Wednesday, announcing an extension with fourth-year right guard Sam Cosmi.

https://twitter.com/Commanders/status/1831366662014300422

Head coach Dan Quinn met with the media before Wednesday’s practice and commented on Cosmi’s extension.

https://twitter.com/john_keim/status/1831369917033279563

Quinn praised former head coach Ron Rivera for moving Cosmi inside to guard after spending his first two seasons at right tackle.

“I think Ron and the guys did a good job moving him inside,” Quinn said, praising Cosmi’s strength and athleticism.

A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Cosmi’s first 23 games were at tackle, but he moved inside before the 2023 season and started all 17 games. Pro Football Focus gave Cosmi an 80.6 grade for his 2023 season, which was sixth in the NFL. Cosmi was arguably the best guard in the NFL over the second half of last season.

General manager Adam Peters commented on Cosmi’s extension to the team’s website.

This is a great day for the Washington Commanders. We’re excited to have reached an agreement on a contract extension with Sam Cosmi. Sam has bought into the vision that DQ and I have had for this team since day one. He is a pillar of our offensive line and we believe that Sam’s best playing days are ahead. Sam is a great leader and teammate and we’re excited that he will be a member of our team for years to come. I want to thank Sam’s representatives Ryan Tollner, Chase Callahan and Richard Buffum for their professionalism and partnership in getting this deal done. I’d also like to thank Brandon Sosna and Rob Rogers for their tireless work in getting this extension completed. It was impressive to see both sides work so well together. On behalf of the entire Commanders organization, I’d like to congratulate Sam, his wife Blair, and their daughter Clara on this special day.

The Commanders open the 2024 season on Sunday in Tampa against the Buccaneers.

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels called an audible on big completion to Dyami Brown

Teammates, coaches react to Daniels’ audible before the big play: “I think we got a dude back there.”

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels did everything he was supposed to do in his first preseason start against the New York Jets. He played one series, didn’t take a sack or turn the ball over, made a big play with his arms, and used his legs to score a touchdown.

Things could not have gone any better for the No. 2 overall pick.

However, upon further inspection of Daniels’ big 42-yard completion to wide receiver Dyami Brown, the rookie passer showed another special trait.

Multiple Washington players, including right guard Sam Cosmi and tight end Zach Ertz, said on the completion to Brown, the Commanders were supposed to run another play on third-and-6. Daniels wasn’t having that and threw a dime for Brown to put Washington deep into New York territory.

Here’s what Cosmi said on the local broadcast during the game via Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

“I think we got a dude back there.” Big words from Cosmi. Washington coaches and players have praised Daniels non-stop since his arrival in April, not only for his ability on the field but his humble nature in playing the game’s most important position.

While the players loved the audible, what did head coach Dan Quinn think?

“I thought of ‘Top Gun,'” Quinn said courtesy of Jhabvala. “‘Do I have permission to buzz the tower?’ ‘No, Ghostrider, the pattern is full.’ I think on that one, he wanted to ask for forgiveness and not permission and throw an absolute dime over the top to Dyami to go. It was a really cool play. I think it probably illustrates for him the awareness and checks and things that go into it.”

It doesn’t sound like Quinn plans to punish Daniels for being ahead of the game. Rookie quarterbacks generally aren’t close to being able to audible early in their careers. Everyone keeps saying Daniels is different. That play displayed why Daniels is different, not only because of the accurate throw but also the awareness to check into another play he trusted — and believed he would make.

The Commanders may have found themselves a dude.

WATCH: Commanders’ players guess Madden 25 ratings

Sam Cosmi is impressed with his acceleration.

Almost every day after practice in training camp, the Washington Commanders’ social media team has a camera set up with a game for players as they enter the locker room.

With this week’s player ratings releases for Madden NFL 25, the Commanders’ game of choice on Friday was for the team to guess the Madden ratings of four different players.

The four players happen to be four of the team’s top stars: DT Jonathan Allen, WR Terry McLaurin, LB Bobby Wagner and RG Sam Cosmi.

It was fun for the players as Allen correctly guessed he was Player A.

Check it out:

As you can see, McLaurin thought his speed rating should’ve been a bit higher, citing his 4.35 speed. He has a good point.

Cosmi, with his young baby daughter in his arms, was thrilled to learn the game had given him an 82 for acceleration.

We’ll break down all of the 2025 Madden ratings this weekend.

Sam Cosmi discusses his future with the Commanders

Sam Cosmi discusses his contract and whether he and the Commanders have discussed an extension.

One of Washington’s top young offensive players is heading into the final season of his rookie contract in 2024. Right guard Sam Cosmi is the Commanders’ top offensive lineman and is arguably already one of the NFL’s top guards.

The Commanders selected Cosmi in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, and he immediately became the starting right tackle. However, after two seasons at right tackle, former coach Ron Rivera moved Cosmi inside, and it proved to be one of his best decisions in four seasons.

According to Pro Football Focus, Cosmi recorded an 80.6 grade last season, ranked eighth in the NFL. However, beginning in Week 11, Cosmi was the NFL’s highest-graded guard.

The arrow is certainly pointing up for Cosmi.

When Cosmi spoke to the media recently, he was asked about impressing the new staff and said your tape speaks for you, whether it is your current team or any of the other 31 teams.

Cosmi sat down with Scott Abraham of ABC 7 in Washington on Tuesday and discussed his future.

“That’s just the realization of the business,” Cosmi said. The business aspect will take care of itself…….I also say for everybody on this team, everywhere around the league, you always hear from the coaches. Every time you put (on) film, film’s going away. It’s my resume, no matter where I’m at.”

Does Cosmi think this is a prove-it year for him?

“Every year is a prove-it year, I feel like,” Cosmi answered. “The fourth year is a lot of pressure, too, because it’s a contract year. I feel like I proved a lot last year. I feel like being able to move from a position and not just be average at it but excel at a high level. I feel like I proved a lot last year.”

Cosmi said his goal is to be one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen, which he felt he was, but he always aims to be more.

Has Cosmi or his agent had any talks with the Commanders?

“You know, that’s something I’m going to keep to myself as of right now,” Cosmi said. “Once that kind of goes and all that stuff, you guys will hear about.”

That’s an interesting answer. Often, we hear of players putting public pressure on the team by saying they have not been approached about a new deal. Does this mean general manager Adam Peters has already spoken with Cosmi about an extension?

It would be a wise move. Cosmi’s price is only going to go up. He has everything on his side heading into this season, including age and upside. Cosmi should be a priority for Washington, which is in tremendous financial shape currently and into future years.

Commanders guard Sam Cosmi sees himself as one of the best in the NFL

Cosmi believes he’s already one of the NFL’s top guards.

Washington Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi is entering a contract year. Coming off a career year, the timing couldn’t be better for Cosmi.

One of the best things former head coach Ron Rivera did during his underwhelming four-year stint as head coach was move Cosmi to guard ahead of the 2023 season.

Cosmi settled in around midseason and proved to be one of the NFL’s better guards. Pro Football Focus awarded Cosmi an 80.6 grade for 2023. When new head coach Dan Quinn took over this offseason, Cosmi was considered one of the franchise’s young cornerstones.

Where does Cosmi see himself entering his fourth season — and second at guard?

“Last year was essentially my first year really playing guard, and I felt like I was able to put in my identity,” Cosmi said. “I want to be one of the best in this league. I feel like I am one of the best in this league. I’m going to be dirty, I’m going to be nasty. I’m not going to take, excuse my language, s–t from anybody. So, that’s what I’m going to do every time I step on that field, and that’s the type of player I’m going to be.”

Spoken like a true guard. “The Hogs” would be proud of Cosmi and his approach.

It makes sense that general manager Adam Peters wants to see the roster on the field before giving any contract extensions, but the longer he and the Commanders wait, Cosmi’s price will continue to rise.

Cosmi is one of the NFL’s best guards, even if fans and analysts around the league don’t know it yet.

Warren Sharp isn’t high on the Commanders offensive line in 2024

But the Commanders are ranked second in the NFC East.

The Washington Commanders will likely begin the 2024 NFL season with three new starters on the offensive line. That’s good news, right? When you think of Washington’s offensive line last season, you immediately have this image of quarterback Sam Howell going down.

When you assess Howell’s 2023 season, you’d quickly realize that all those sacks he took weren’t on the offensive line. Some were on Howell, some on the offensive line, and some on former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offensive scheme.

Howell, Bieniemy, and his scheme are gone. Kliff Kingsbury is the new offensive coordinator, and rookie Jayden Daniels is the new quarterback.

The only returning offensive line starters are right guard Sam Cosmi and right tackle Andrew Wylie. There’s a good chance Wylie would’ve been replaced if general manager Adam Peters hadn’t needed to replace so many other positions. However, the Commanders believe a different voice, a different offense, can help Wylie. Remember, Washington led the NFL in passing attempts last season, often choosing not to run even in close games.

The Commanders’ three new offensive line starters are center Tyler Biadasz, left guard Nick Allegretti and left tackle Cornelius Lucas. Lucas is battling third-round rookie Brandon Coleman for the starting left tackle spot.

Analytics guru Warren Sharp recently released his 2024 NFL preview, and it’s clear that he doesn’t rate Washington’s offensive line highly, ranking them 27th in the NFL.

The good news? The Commanders are ranked ahead of the Cowboys after stealing away Biadasz — a four-year starter in Dallas.

Not only is Washington ranked ahead of Dallas, but another NFC East rival, the New York Giants, is ranked dead last. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles are ranked fourth.

The Commanders offensive line could keep them from making a dramatic offensive improvement in 2024. There is a lot of hype around Daniels, but Washington must keep him upright. Opinions are mixed on Coleman. While most everyone liked him as a prospect, many saw him more at guard. Peters and the Commanders see Coleman as a tackle, and he split time with Lucas in the offseason program at left tackle.

Washington hopes Coleman is the answer. If he’s not, it could be another long season for the Commanders. As far as the interior offensive line goes, Washington is in good hands. Cosmi is a future All-Pro, while Biadasz is solid and reliable, exactly what you need when you’re starting a rookie quarterback.