Two released offensive linemen should interest the Commanders

The Commanders should consider adding these players to the offensive line for 2023.

In March, the Washington Commanders signed two veteran free agents early in free agency to start on the offensive line in 2023. Washington reached deals with Andrew Wylie to play right tackle and Nick Gates to play center.

In the 2023 NFL draft, Washington added Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg [third round] and Utah offensive tackle [Braeden Daniels]. Still, analysts and fans believe the Commanders didn’t do enough to fix a woeful unit.

On Monday, NFL teams began making roster cuts in order to get down to 53 players ahead of Tuesday’s 4:00 p.m. ET deadline. Washington surprisingly placed Daniels on the reserve/injured list with a torn rotator cuff. That meant the Commanders could be looking to add a veteran tackle.

But that doesn’t mean Washington should forget about improving the interior depth, too. The Commanders have depth at center, with Gates, Stromberg and Tyler Larsen, who will likely make the 53-man roster. All three can play guard, too. As we know, it’s all about position flex for head coach Ron Rivera.

Over the last two days, a pair of intriguing offensive linemen were released. The Falcons released former third-round pick Jalen Mayfield, and the Browns released Michael Dunn. Both are guards and while the Commanders could use a veteran tackle, they can’t ignore adding players with either a high upside [Mayfield] or who could push one of their current starters [Dunn].

Mayfield, who was a third-round pick in 2021, played guard as a rookie. He struggled. He missed the 2022 season, and by the time he returned, Atlanta’s offensive line was set. Therefore, the Falcons released the disappointing Mayfield.

Mayfield may just need a change of scenery and possibly compete with Saahdiq Charles and/or Chris Paul. At worst, he could provide depth while offensive line coaches Juan Castillo and Travelle Wharton continue developing him.

As for Dunn, his release came as a surprise. He appeared in 28 games with four starts over the past three seasons. The 29-year-old is a native of Bethesda, Md., and played collegiately at Maryland.

Here’s what Jarrett Bailey of Touchdown Wire said about Dunn’s work this preseason.

Another Cleveland Brown, and for good reason because Dunn was a menace over the last month. He showed consistent ability to pull and get to the second level. An athlete in space clearing the path for ball carriers is all you could ask for in a guard, and Dunn showcased that ability.

The Commanders are high on Charles and right guard Sam Cosmi. Both are talented, athletic and former tackles. Both have had issues staying healthy, especially Charles.

Mayfield and Dunn would give you different things. Mayfield could be another project that Washington doesn’t have room for, which would be understandable. But Dunn would provide an immediate upgrade for the room.

Cleveland’s social media team had wished Dunn happy birthday on Twitter earlier in the day on Monday before he was released.

Should the Commanders look into acquiring either of these players or wait and see if a capable tackle hits the waiver wire?

The frustrating part for many fans is that this coaching staff thinks this unit is good enough. Is it? It could be, but the Commanders shouldn’t be against adding outside help because there are plenty of questions surrounding this group.

Social media reacts to Commanders’ preseason win over Ravens

Some of the best and worst social media reactions from Monday’s preseason game.

The Washington Commanders ended the Baltimore Ravens’ 24-game preseason win streak with Monday night’s 29-28 victory.

As expected, the game was popular on social media. Fans were excited about Washington quarterback Sam Howell while being concerned about wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

Commanders’ fans weighed in on each of the three quarterbacks, owner Josh Harris and head coach Ron Rivera icing his own kicker late in the game. And, of course, fans of both teams took shots at the other.

For years, Baltimore took pride in its preseason winning streak, but now that it’s gone, the Commanders had some fun on Monday night, and Baltimore fans responded with……” yeah, but…..”

Whether Baltimore likes it or not, this isn’t Daniel Snyder’s Washington NFL team anymore.

Here are some of the best and most interesting reactions from Monday night’s game.

WATCH: Commanders G Sam Cosmi does ‘The Griddy’ after a touchdown

Remember, Cosmi didn’t think too much of the Ravens’ preseason winning streak.

The Baltimore Ravens entered Monday night’s preseason game against the Washington Commanders having won 24 consecutive preseason games.

Washington guard Sam Cosmi was asked about Baltimore’s preseason winning streak over the weekend, and, well, he wasn’t too impressed.

“I think it’s a stupid record,” Cosmi said when JP Finlay asked him if he had thought about Baltimore’s streak. “I mean, who gives a s–t about preseason games? I mean, if we beat it, great…..we’re going to beat it, so there we go.”

That probably didn’t go over too well with Ravens’ fans because, you know, football fans of all teams can be a sensitive bunch sometimes.

On Monday, when the Commanders scored their first touchdown, as quarterback Sam Howell found Antonio Gibson for the score, Cosmi found a way to celebrate.

This is hilarious on so many levels. Cosmi, who is known to enjoy mixing it up, chose to avoid the mini-melee in the back of the end zone — and celebrate. Cosmi wasn’t just celebrating, but celebrating a preseason touchdown.

You gotta love it.

 

Sam Cosmi doesn’t think too much about the Ravens’ preseason winning streak

Washington fans will love Cosmi for his thoughts on the Ravens’ preseason win streak — and guarantee.

The Baltimore Ravens have won 24 consecutive preseason games, with their last preseason loss coming back on Sept. 3, 2015.

While no one cares about a preseason record, the Ravens and head coach John Harbaugh take pride in the streak.

“It’s important to them for the rest of their life, and therefore it’s important to me,” Harbaugh recently said. “So, it’s meaningful in that sense, but we’re playing a game. We have a lot of goals, a lot of things that we’re trying to accomplish.”

On Monday night, the Ravens come down to FedEx Field for a preseason game with the Washington Commanders. The two teams were together last week for a pair of joint practices, and tempers flared.

Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi isn’t that impressed with the Ravens’ preseason streak.

“I think it’s a stupid record,” Cosmi said when JP Finlay asked him if he had thought about Baltimore’s streak. “I mean, who gives a s–t about preseason games. I mean, if we beat it, great…..we’re going to beat it, so there we go.”

That should go over well with Ravens fans.

Washington has lost multiple preseason games to the Ravens since 2015. Could Monday be the night this streak ends?

Updated depth chart projection for Ravens offense

We’re updating our Baltimore #Ravens projected offensive depth chart after a slew of roster moves and ahead of preseason matchup vs. Commanders via @Thacover2NFL

The Ravens are just 48-hours away from their second preseason matchup of the summer when they travel to face the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field on Monday at 8 p.m. ET, and you can watch on ESPN.

Baltimore is favored in a game where most of their starters will sit, while several key rookies and veterans will compete for final remaining roster spots.

With cutdown day fast approaching, we’re providing an updated regular season depth chart prediction ahead of Monday night.

Ravens stock watch: Who’s up, who’s down heading into preseason matchup with Commanders?

We’re looking who’s seen their stock rise and stock fall ahead of the Baltimore #Ravens preseason matchup against the Washington Commanders via @thacover2NFL

The Ravens are starting to form their 53-man depth chart and as the team prepares for a preseason tilt against the Commanders, several stock portfolio’s are starting to take shape.

Baltimore has a loaded roster, with more players on the roster bubble, than available slots on the depth chart.

With the team wrapping up a morning session ahead of Monday’s national television appearance, we’re looking at who’s stock is up, and who’s stock is declining.

The hype about Zay Flowers is real and he’s excluded from the list because his stock pprtfolio is obviously high.

Highlights and notes from Ravens second joint practice with Commanders

We’re looking at highlights and notes from the Baltimore #Ravens second and final joint practice with the Washington Commanders via @Thacover2NFL

The Ravens and Commanders hooked up for the second of two joint practices at the Under Armour Performance Center.

It was a difficult day with the news that Marlon Humphrey needed to have foot surgery that would require a month of rehab.

The Baltimore defense picked up the slack, pressuring Sam Howell throughout the 11-on-11 period.

Here are highlights and notes from Day 2.

Takeaways and observations from Ravens first joint practice with Commanders

We’re looking at takeaways and observations from the Baltimore #Ravens first joint practice with the Washington Commanders via @Thacover2NFL

The Ravens and Commanders squared off for their first of two joint practices Tuesday and the rivals didn’t hold back any intensity or physical play.

There were scuffles in the later portions of practice, and deep balls galore from star quarterback Lamar Jackson.

“That’s the bottom line; we got a lot of work done,” Harbaugh said. “Joint practices are a challenge, always, obviously, because you’ve got two teams out here, and there is a lot of pride. I thought it was a really good practice. We had a couple dust-ups, which you don’t want to see, but it’s not really unexpected. I thought they got handled pretty quickly.”

With Day 2 of practice set to begin shortly, here are takeaways and observations from Day 1.

Highlights and notes from Ravens first joint practice with Commanders

We’re looking at highlights and notes from the first joint practice between the Baltimore #Ravens and Washington Commanders via @thacover2NFL

The Ravens and Commanders just commenced a scrappy, physical joint training camp practice in Baltimore on Tuesday morning.

Lamar Jackson and Odell Beckham continue to build chemistry, connecting on a deep passing attempt early-on.

Washington rookie cornerback Emmanuel Forbes plays with an edge and SEC swagger, getting involved in two training camp scuffles.

With the two teams set to practice again on Wednesday, we’re looking at highlights and notes from Day 1.

15 Commanders to watch during joint practices with the Ravens

We’re looking at 15 Washington Commanders during joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens and Commanders are set for two days of joint practices ahead of Monday’s second preseason game for both clubs.

There’s star power at multiple positions on both sides of the football, but there are also several intriguing position battles to monitor.

Baltimore will look to continue the momentum from Saturday night’s 20-19 home win over the defending NFC champion Eagles.

With the first practice underway, here are 15 players from Washington’s rebuilding roster to watch.