Tag: sam cosmi

Eagles vs. Commanders: 6 matchups to watch on defense

Here are six matchups to watch for the Philadelphia Eagles when they’re on defense against the Washington Commanders’ offense in Week 3

The Washington Commanders will host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3 at FedEx Field to open the 2022 NFC East slate for both teams.

The Eagles are 2-2 against the Commanders over the past two years and hold an 80-78-6 advantage all-time in the longtime series.

With both teams preparing for the contest, we present six matchups to watch when Carson Wentz and Washington is on offense.

Commanders fall to Lions: Everything we know

The Commanders come up short despite a second-half rally.

The Washington Commanders dropped to 1-1 on the season after Sunday’s 36-27 loss to the Detroit Lions.

The game couldn’t have begun any worse for Washington, with the Lions rolling up 250 yards of total offense in the first half and entering halftime with a 22-0 lead.

The Commanders finally woke up in the third quarter, as quarterback Carson Wentz led a quick, impressive drive that ended with a touchdown pass to wide receiver Curtis Samuel. After a defensive stop, Wentz capped a seven-play, 94-yard drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass to tight end Logan Thomas. Washington went for two, and Wentz found rookie wideout Jahan Dotson to make it a 22-15 game.

Unfortunately for the Commanders, that was as close as they would get as the defense allowed two more Detroit touchdowns.

Here is everything we know from Washington’s first loss of the season.

Commanders move up in PFF’s Week 2 offensive line rankings

The Commanders make a big jump in PFF’s new offensive line rankings.

There were questions about the Washington Commanders’ offensive line heading into the 2022 season. Who would replace longtime Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff? Who would replace left guard Ereck Flowers? And how would center Chase Roullier perform in his first game back after breaking his leg last season?

Well, if Week 1 is any indication, the Commanders could end up having one of the NFL’s better offensive lines again in 2022. In the past two seasons, Washington finished the season ranked inside Pro Football Focus’ top 10 offensive lines.

Ahead of the 2022 season, PFF ranked the Commanders’ offensive line at No. 15. After Week 1, the Commanders made a big leap, entering Week 2 at No. 7.

Weakest Link: G Trai Turner
Upcoming Opponent: Detroit Lions

Washington fielded one of the league’s best pass-blocking offensive lines last season, and three of the starters continued that through to the team’s first game this season against the Jaguars. Charles Leno Jr. and Andrew Norwell didn’t allow any pressure, while Samuel Cosmi gave up only one, albeit a decisive loss that turned into a sack.

Trai Turner was once an elite guard but doesn’t have an overall PFF grade above 70.0 since 2017, playing for four different teams despite being in his 20s. Detroit’s defensive front is a work in progress, so Washington’s line should be in good shape again in Week 2.

PFF ranked Turner as the weakest link from Week 1. He was splitting time at right guard with Wes Schweitzer, but Schweitzer injured his hamstring and is questionable for Week 2.

The Commanders’ offensive line should have another strong week against the Lions in Week 2.

Washington’s recent history of 2nd-round picks is not very encouraging

Washington has struggled with 2nd-round selections in the last decade. Hopefully, Sam Cosmi was the start of a more successful trend.

We are all certainly hoping tonight that with the 47th overall selection in the 2022 NFL draft, Washington will get it right by finding a productive contributor.

It can’t be ignored, that Washington has experienced many a nightmare when it comes to second-round selections in the last decade. Hopefully last year’s pick, Sam Cosmi, was the start of a more successful trend.

Who are the last 10 players Washington has selected in the second round?

Samuel Cosmi (2021), Derrius Guice (2018), Ryan Anderson (2017), Su’a Cravens (2016), Preston Smith (2015), Trent Murphy (2014), David Amerson (2013), Jarvis Jenkins (2011), Devin Thomas, Fred Davis, Malcom Kelly (2008).

Ok, that was 11, not 10. But how can I talk about Washington’s second-round picks while excluding the horrible memory of the 2008 draft? All three players were receivers (Davis a USC tight end), and endured very disappointing careers. Thomas never flashed, was just a guy. Davis started well, but character issues resulted in a crash and burn sadly for him.

Kelly? Why was he ever drafted in Round 2 when at the time, there were injury concerns? Even worse was when it leaked out some of the football staff actually voiced they wanted to draft Jamaal Charles but were overruled. For younger readers, Charles (Texas) was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro, rushed for 7,563 yards, 44 rushing touchdowns and averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry.

Jenkins (Clemson DE) was largely ineffective his entire three years in Washington, even getting suspended for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

Amerson (NC State CB) played on three teams in his six NFL seasons, even later admitting that while with Washington, he had spent many nights playing video games instead of studying opponents and getting enough sleep.

Murphy (Stanford DE) was drafted when Washington traded back with Dallas, who drafted DeMarcus Lawrence. Murphy had some moments but faded, and he too was suspended for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Cravens (USC LB) very early revealed himself to have emotional issues and was traded after only one season, only lasting one season in Denver as well.

Anderson (Alabama LB) didn’t start a game his first two seasons, forced five fumbles in season three, but struggled in his fourth and final season.

Guice (LSU RB) was such a train wreck, he was arrested on domestic violence charges, tore an ACL, only played in five games and even LSU erased his stats from their record books because of inappropriate behavior.

Only Preston Smith and Samuel Cosmi look to have been good second-round selections for Washington. Smith in four seasons accumulated 59 QB hits and 24.5 sacks, but he was not resigned and Green Bay wasted no time signing him. Cosmi (Texas OT) only played in nine games in 2021 (started all nine), but performed quite well, and looks to have a promising future as a Commander in the NFL.

Commanders re-sign Cornelius Lucas for 2 years

Cornelius Lucas is officially back, and he had a hilarious comment about his free agency.

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The Commanders found last year they really were thankful to have Cornelius Lucas at swing tackle when rookie right tackle Sam Cosmi was injured. Thursday, Washington re-signed Lucas to again be the man counted on to contribute heavily when needed at either tackle spot for Cosmi or Charles Leno.

The Washington offensive line was the team strength in 2021; however, losing Brandon Scherff to the Jaguars (free agent) and releasing left guard Ereck Flowers instantly raised questions and concerns in Commanders fans.

Quickly Washington signed free agent guard Andrew Norwell to replace Flowers. Wes Schweitzer for now is expected to be the starting right guard at the beginning of training camp.

“We won’t have those guys next year, so we’ve got to find replacements for them and that’s what every season boils down to,” Lucas said after signing a two-year contract. “I think we’re going to be ready. Coach (John) Matsko is going to have us ready to go. I’m not worried about it.”

Lucas, when asked said he had “heard from a few teams” and then added, “I picked up a good amount of traction, more than I have in the past. But everyone was faking and booty-shaking and Washington was the only one that came through.”

Lucas, who will be 31 in July, appeared in 15 games, starting 7 in 2021. Undrafted out of Kansas State in 2014, Lucas (6-8, 327) signed with the Lions, playing three seasons in Detroit (2014-16). Then came single seasons with the Rams, Saints and Bears (2017-19). Lucas now enters his third season with Washington (2020-22).

Realistically, the Chicago Bears have helped Washington greatly, with Washington reaping great benefits from the signings of tackles Leno and Lucas.

Commanders expected to bring back key offensive lineman

Cornelius Lucas has started 15 games over the past two seasons in Washington.

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Are the Washington Commanders close to bringing back one of their key free agents? John Keim of ESPN reported Wednesday morning that Washington and offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas were “progressing towards a deal.”

Lucas was one of several free agents Washington wanted to retain. The 6-foot-8, 328-pound Lucas was Washington’s swing tackle the past two seasons. In his first season for the Commanders in 2020, Lucas played in 14 games, making eight starts at left tackle.

Lucas played well at left tackle, but the Commanders preferred him more in the swing tackle role and signed Charles Leno to play left tackle and drafted Sam Cosmi to play right tackle.

Lucas would return to his reserve role in 2021, where he again was a factor. Lucas appeared in 15 games, making seven starts at right tackle in place of the injured Cosmi.

Retaining Lucas would be critical for Washington, which has already lost both starting guards in Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers. Washington signed Andrew Norwell to replace Flowers, and Wes Schweitzer will get the first chance at stepping in for Scherff.

Several Washington players stand out in ESPN’s win rates measuring success in the trenches

ESPN’s new metrics further prove Washington as having one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, despite all of the injuries.

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There are all sorts of ways to measure player efficiency in 2022. Football Outsiders and Pro Football Focus first come to mind when using different forms of data to evaluate individual and team performance.

ESPN Analytics created a new metric in 2021 using NFL’s Next Gen Stats to measure individual and team success in the trenches. ESPN’s new metric measures pass-rush win rate, stop-run win rate, pass-block win rate and run-block win rate.

Washington’s team was built to win in the trenches. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned in 2021, with defensive end Chase Young lost for the season in Week 10 and fellow defensive end Montez Sweat also missing several games.

The WFT also had numerous injuries along the offensive line, including playing the final weeks with their fourth-string center.

According to ESPN’s win rates, Washington held up well in the trenches despite the injuries.

Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen ranked No. 8 amongst defensive tackles in pass rush win rate. No Washington interior defensive lineman ranked inside the top 10 for run stop win rate. However, as a team, Washington ranked No. 13 in team run-block win rate.

Washington ranked No. 19 in team pass-rush win rate. That’s certainly a disappointment considering what Washington has invested in its front four. Even before the injuries, Young had issues getting to the passer consistently.

Washington’s offensive line had plenty of success. Left tackle Charles Leno was ranked No. 10 in pass-block win rate for offensive tackles — tied with Trent Williams. Left guard Ereck Flowers ranked No. 6 among guards. Center Chase Roullier would likely have been ranked if not for his season-ending injury in Week 8.

Washington was even more successful in run-block win rate. Right guard Brandon Scherff was No. 1 among all guards, while rookie right tackle Sam Cosmi was No. 3 among all offensive tackles.

As a team, Washington was No. 9 in pass-block win rate and No. 1 in run-block win rate. Now, you understand why the metrics favor Washington’s offensive line success.

Even if Washington loses Scherff in free agency, the WFT’s offensive line is set up for success in 2022 and beyond.

Washington would like to keep Charles Leno around

Washington wants to re-sign left tackle Charles Leno, and it’s a move the team should make soon.

The Washington Football Team signed veteran left tackle Charles Leno back in May after the Chicago Bears surprisingly released him in a cost-cutting move. The Bears released Leno right after the NFL draft, and Washington quickly brought him in for a visit before signing him days later.

Washington, which had just taken Texas offensive tackle Sam Cosmi in the second round of the draft, released longtime right tackle Morgan Moses and former draft pick Geron Christian days later. That meant Leno and Cosmi would be Washington’s offensive tackles for 2021.

Leno, who signed a one-year deal, will become a free agent in March after one season in Washington. If Washington has anything to say about it, Leno will be its left tackle for the foreseeable future.

According to John Keim of ESPN, Washington has reached out to Leno’s representatives about re-signing the veteran left tackle.

Leno has started every game for Washington at left tackle. And, he’s played well. Getting a deal with Leno soon would be a smart decision by Washington.

This offensive line has played well before injuries decimated it. Even then, the group has done, with Leno being a major reason.

At 30, Leno could still have several productive seasons ahead of him. He’s earned an extension — and he’s not going to break the bank. Also, Washington has plenty of cap room in the offseason.

Right guard Brandon Scherff is a free agent after the season. After two franchise tags, Scherff is free to negotiate with anyone come March. Should Washington make an offer to Scherff? He’s still a fantastic player, but he misses a lot of time.

Washington’s top offseason priorities are re-signing wide receiver Terry McLaurin to a lucrative extension and find a long-term answer at quarterback.

Keeping Leno shouldn’t be too far down on Washington’s priorities. He’s a good player at an important position.

Thursday injury report for Washington vs. Eagles, Week 17

Thursday’s injury report for Washington vs. Eagles. Antonio Gibson did not practice.

The Washington Football Team was back on the practice field Thursday in preparation for their Week 17 game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This is Washington’s second game against the Eagles in 12 days.

Washington will enter Week 17 in much better shape than its last meeting against the Eagles. In the previous meeting, Washington was without numerous starters due to COVID-19, including both quarterbacks, Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen.

But Washington still has injury issues ahead of Sunday. Three players did not participate in practice Thursday. Running back Antonio Gibson missed practice with a hip injury after practicing on a limited basis Wednesday.

Cornerback William Jackson III missed practice again with a calf injury. He was initially injured in the Week 15 loss to the Eagles.

Defensive end Montez Sweat missed practice again due to the tragic death of his brother this week. Right tackle Sam Cosmi also missed practice and was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Washington punter Tress Way was placed on the COVID list after practice.

Saahdiq Charles, James Smith-Williams and Curtis Samuel were all limited for Washington.

As for the Eagles, running back Miles Sanders missed practice with a hand injury. Everyone who sat out of practice Wednesday, except for RB Jordan Howard, returned Thursday.

 

 

Sam Cosmi, Tress Way placed on reserve/COVID-19 list

Tress Way and Sam Cosmi are the latest Washington players added to reserve/COVID-19 list.

COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on the Washington Football Team as the team placed three more players on the reserve/COVID-19 list Thursday.

Right tackle Sam Cosmi, punter Tress Way and practice squad quarterback Kyle Shurmur were all added to the COVID list.

So, Washington will likely have a new punter Sunday for the first time since 2013. Way has punted in every game for Washington since signing before the 2014 season. The former Pro Bowler is averaging 49.2 yards per punt this season.

This is the latest setback for Cosmi, the rookie second-round pick from Texas. He’s spent time on injured reserve, dealing with ankle and hip injuries and has missed seven games this season. When he’s played, he’s played well.

Fortunately for Washington, it has reliable veteran Cornelius Lucas to move back into the starting lineup.

Washington activated defensive end Nate Orchard from the reserve/COVID list Thursday. Practice squad guard Zack Bailey was also activated from the reserve/COVID list.