Tag: sam cosmi

WATCH: This sack highlights the Commanders’ protection issues

This one sack perfectly explains Washington’s pass-protection issues.

The Dallas Cowboys had just kicked a field goal to go up 23-10 on the Washington Commanders early in the fourth quarter of their Thanksgiving Day matchup Thursday at AT&T Stadium.

With how the Commanders had moved the ball during the game, holding the Cowboys to a field goal felt like a win and kept Washington within two scores.

However, as soon as the Commanders got the ball back, disaster struck, and the game changed.

Quarterback Sam Howell dropped back to pass on first-and-10, but was met with immediate pressure to his right from Dallas star linebacker Micah Parsons. Parsons had driven right tackle Andrew Wylie into the backfield. Howell initially avoided the sack, but Parsons didn’t give up.

Once he pushed Wylie aside, only right guard Sam Cosmi was in his way on his quest to bring down Howell.

Here’s the play:

What a disaster.

What comes to your mind when you see this? Obviously, seeing Wylie beaten so badly is difficult to unsee. However, what was right guard Sam Cosmi doing here?

This is pathetic on every level. When you want to criticize Howell, look no further than this play, as it encapsulates all of Washington’s pass protection issues.

Why didn’t Cosmi immediately help Wylie with Parsons? Instead, it’s like, “Here’s a clear path to my quarterback.”

Whoever is Washington’s new coach and general manager next year will have a busy offseason retooling the offensive line. While replacing all five current starters would be difficult, a case could be made that it should be done.

It should be an interesting offseason.

Behind Enemy Lines: Week 7 Q&A with Commanders Wire

With a Week 7 matchup between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders on tap, we go behind enemy lines for a chat with Commanders Wire.

The New York Giants (1-5) and Washington Commanders (3-3) will square off on Sunday afternoon in a Week 7 matchup at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The Giants opened the week as 1.5-point home underdogs but that has only gotten worse since then. They are +3 as of this writing.

With this matchup on tap, Giants Wire took the opportunity to hold a Q&A with Commanders Wire managing editor Bryan Manning.

Gimme Him: One player the Commanders would steal from Falcons

Which player would the Commanders steal from the Falcons?

The Washington Commanders will face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in a pivotal NFC matchup for each team. Washington (2-3) looks to snap a three-game losing streak while the Falcons (3-2) look to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers atop the NFC South.

Here at Commanders Wire, we do an exercise each week where we hypothetically steal one player from the upcoming opponent to bolster Washington’s roster.

For some teams, it’s easy to pick one player to hypothetically steal, especially if they have a franchise quarterback. The Falcons are in the same position as the Commanders. Both teams have solid rosters but are banking on second-year quarterbacks being the long-term answer.

So, which player would we steal for Washington?

Unsurprisingly, the Commanders look to Atlanta’s offensive line, plucking away Pro Bowl right guard Chris Lindstrom from the Falcons. Lindstrom, 26, signed a five-year, $105 million contract earlier this year after earning his first Pro Bowl last season. Additionally, Lindstrom was named second-team All-Pro in 2022.

While the Commanders currently have Sam Cosmi at right guard, they could move him back to right tackle, giving them a young and potentially dominant right side of the offensive line. Washington could also move Cosmi to left guard.

Lindstrom would give the Commanders their first Pro Bowl offensive lineman since Brandon Scherff departed after the 2021 season, leaving a massive hole in the interior of Washington’s offensive line. Lindstrom is good in pass protection and even better as a run blocker. Like Cosmi, Lindstrom is excellent on the move and perfect for the screen game Eric Bieniemy likes to employ.

The Falcons have other talented players, such as electrifying rookie running back Bijan Robinson, cornerback A.J. Terrell, second-year wideout Drake London and more, but no one player would fit Washington’s needs quite like Lindstrom.

Commanders G Sam Cosmi adjusting well to playing guard

Cosmi has yet to allow a sack this season.

Through the first two years of his NFL career, Washington Commanders offensive lineman Sam Cosmi battled ups and downs. A second-round pick in 2021, Cosmi immediately became Washington’s starting right tackle as a rookie.

He suffered a pair of injuries during his rookie season that cost him eight games. In 2022, injuries cost Cosmi three games, and the Commanders moved him in and out of the starting lineup. He started just six games last season, where Washington began experimenting with him at guard.

Last offseason, the Commanders moved him to guard on a full-time basis. Washington signed Andrew Wylie in free agency to play right tackle, and Cosmi was now the right guard.

While Washington as a team has allowed 29 sacks through the first five games this season, Cosmi has adjusted to right guard quite well. Per Pro Football Focus, Cosmi has the most pass-blocking snaps in the NFL (234) without allowing a sack.

Sure, Cosmi has allowed some pressure, but he has done a good job overall of protecting quarterback Sam Howell. Several of Washington’s sacks this season have been due to Howell holding the football too long in the pocket. Wylie and left guard Saahdiq Charles have struggled more in pass protection than any of Washington’s other offensive linemen.

If Cosmi can continue his current level of play — and improve — he could be a candidate for a contract extension in the offseason.

Commanders PFF grades: Best and worst performers vs. Bills in Week 3

How did the Commanders grade out in Week 3? We review the best and the worst.

Sunday was a day to forget for the Washington Commanders. The Buffalo Bills destroyed the Commanders 37-3 at FedEx Field, where very little went right for Washington.

As usual, some players stood out, just fewer than normal. It was a terrible day for quarterback Sam Howell and the offensive line.

What about the defense? While the lack of pressure was an issue, that side of the ball held it together reasonably well until the fourth quarter, when the wheels came off.

Pro Football Focus graded the Commanders from Sunday, and we review the highest graded — and the lowest graded.

Commanders guard Sam Cosmi on what’s different about the 2023 team

Cosmi believes the Commanders are built to outlast teams in the fourth quarter.

Washington Commanders guard Sam Cosmi enters his third NFL season in 2023. After serving as Washington’s right tackle for most of his first two seasons, Cosmi moved inside over the offseason and will now serve as the right guard.

The Commanders signed former Chiefs right tackle Andrew Wylie to play the same position in Washington. The Commanders believe the big and athletic duo, paired with new center Nick Gates and promising left guard Saahdiq Charles, will combine with left tackle Charles Leno Jr. to be a formidable offensive line in 2023.

Cosmi has looked more comfortable at guard this summer. He appears confident and excited about the position change. Cosmi has embraced playing for new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

In past years, Washington sometimes struggled late in games. Cosmi doesn’t think that will be an issue in 2023.

“This training camp, especially, we worked our tails off,” Cosmi said. “I feel like we’re the most conditioned when going into games. You win a lot games in the 4th quarter, and I think we’re going to outlast a lot of teams in the 4th quarter. So, just based on the conditioning and based on how hard we worked in training camp, we have the talent, we have the guys and we put in the work.”

Bieniemy changed up Washington’s practice routine this offseason. And, for the most part, players have appreciated the change in approach, as have coaches, including head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio.

However, it remains to be seen if that new approach turns into wins on the field. We’ll see on Sunday.

5 potential breakout players for the Commanders this season

We look at five potential breakout players for the Commanders in 2023. Who are your picks?

Every season, new stars emerge across the NFL. Some are expected, some are not. Every NFL team has breakout players. Which player for the Washington Commanders will have a breakout season in 2023?

Second-year wide receiver Jahan Dotson is a popular choice. Many outlets call Dotson a potential breakout candidate for 2023, and even Dotson agreed.

Since Dotson is such a popular choice, we look at five other Commanders who could be potential breakout players in 2023.

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.