Tag: sam cosmi

Commanders dealing with some injuries on Day 15 of training camp

Fortunately, nothing was serious, while Logan Thomas remains out.

On Day 15 of training camp, the Washington Commanders received a couple of scares on the injury front.

First, starting cornerback Benjamin St-Juste missed practice. Head coach Ron Rivera told the media after practice that St-Juste tweaked his ankle during Sunday’s practice.

“He’s got a little tweak on his ankle, and obviously, a guy that runs a lot, you don’t want to get out there and exacerbate the injury,” Rivera said. “We just wanted to be smart, see how he is. We slowed him down yesterday. Today, we just kept him out.”

Rivera doesn’t appear concerned with St-Juste’s injury. However, St-Juste injured his ankle in a Week 11 win over the Texans and played only one more game the remainder of the season.

Next, there was right guard Sam Cosmi. Cosmi went down in 11-on-11 drills with a leg injury. Cosmi limped off the field. Fortunately, he was able to return to practice.

After practice, Rivera offered an update.

“He hyperextended it,” Rivera said. “He went back out and finished practice.”

With Cosmi returning to practice, he should be fine. Like St-Juste, Cosmi has battled injuries over his first two seasons, so there was some concern after a promising debut at right guard in the preseason opener.

Tight end Logan Thomas missed another day of practice. Rivera insisted that keeping Thomas out remains precautionary, and some of it is due to Thomas being an older, more established player.

The Commanders travel to Baltimore for joint practices with the Ravens over the next two days. Rivera doesn’t know who will miss practice, but expects the entire team there.

5 standouts from Week 2 of Commanders’ training camp

Which five players stood out in Week 2 of Commanders’ training camp?

The Washington Commanders wrapped up their second week of training camp Friday. After a quiet and easy — but very hot — first week, business picked up in Week 2 of camp.

Washington put on the pads for the first time Tuesday, and business picked up. The Commanders had their first mini-skirmish of camp early in the week when linebackers Khaleke Hudson and Cody Barton took exception to center Nick Gates. It didn’t last.

However, on Friday, multiple battles occurred. First, guard Sam Cosmi and defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis scuffled. Then, cornerback Benjamin St-Juste hit tight end Cole Turner, stood over him, and didn’t help him up, irking wide receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin, showing his outstanding leadership, got in St-Juste’s face for not helping Turner up.

Ultimately, cooler heads prevailed, and everyone summed it up as “typical training camp stuff.”

Part of the issue, too, was the offense’s frustration. The defense dominated much of camp last week, particularly when the pads were on.

So as we look back at last week’s standouts, there wasn’t a lot on offense. McLaurin always stands out. Did anyone else stand out?

Here are five players who stood out for various reasons in Week 2 of training camp.

Tress Way has perfect response to Friday’s ‘chippy’ practice

Tress Way is the best.

Punter Tress Way is the longest-tenured player on the Washington Commanders. Washington’s punter since 2014, Way is one of the NFL’s best punters, a popular teammate and a fan favorite.

On Friday, it was Way’s turn to meet with the media after practice. It was a much-talked-about practice Friday as tempers flared between Washington’s offense and defense.

Where was Way when this all went down?

“I think if you guys go back and look at the film of whenever it got really chippy in there, I was over on the other field as far away as possible as you could be,” Way said.

“I don’t want any smoke of some of those big dudes, but that’s camp, man. You got guys out there getting fired up. Guys are trying to win jobs, compete for jobs, the tempo violations. I mean, it’s this unspoken thing, the tempo violation, but it’s football. I haven’t been in a football scrum in a while, and I don’t plan to be, but you never know things could transpire. We’ll see what happens.”

Friday’s practice even had star wide receiver and team captain Terry McLaurin get heated with cornerback Benjamin St-Juste as McLaurin came to the defense of tight end Cole Turner.

You can always count on Tress to bring some humor.

Sam Cosmi feels the move to guard fits his style

Cosmi says he loves the “physicality” of playing guard.

When the Washington Commanders used a second-round pick on Sam Cosmi in 2021, they envisioned him as their right tackle for the next decade. The early returns were good, as Cosmi looked like a dominant run blocker.

However, Cosmi sometimes struggled with some of the NFL’s better pass rushers. And then there were injuries. Cosmi missed eight games of his rookie season and three in 2022.

During last season, Washington’s coaches wanted to see the 6-foot-6, 310-pound Cosmi inside at guard. Coaches saw enough to approach Cosmi about making the move full-time heading in 2023.

Cosmi, who had begun each of the last two seasons at right tackle, is now the right guard. The Commanders signed former Kansas City Chief Andrew Wylie in free agency to serve as the new right tackle.

Cosmi believes moving to guard is a good fit for him.

“I really have grasped the position,” Cosmi said. “I really feel comfortable at the position right now. I could be irreplaceable between guard and tackle if they need me to. But I’m really, really enjoying that inside being guard, physicality stuff. I think it fits my style of play better, and I’ve been enjoying the transition for sure.”

Cosmi has the right attitude, as some players would bristle at the notion of changing positions, especially when you consider the pay scale for offensive tackles.

As for his new running mate on the right side, Cosmi feels they are off to a great start.

“He’s been great; he’s a great addition, Cosmi said of Wylie. “He’s been in this offense. Andrew is my guy; we’ve gelled. It’s a great connection between me and him. We’re on the same page in this short amount of time, which is hard to do. So being able to have him and him knowing this offense like he does, it just helps us be better and grow.”

The pairing of Cosmi and Wylie could be excellent if they can stay healthy. Both players are known to be able to get out in space and block, particularly in the screen game. Under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, the screen game will be a big part of Washington’s offense.

Cosmi could be the key to Washington’s success on the offensive line in 2023. If he succeeds, he’s vastly improved a position that was a weakness in 2022.

Commanders DT Daron Payne praises Sam Cosmi

Daron Payne talks Sam Cosmi’s move to guard.

The Washington Commanders have high hopes for Sam Cosmi in 2023. Washington selected Cosmi in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. Cosmi was an immediate starter at right tackle, but injuries impacted his rookie season.

In 2022, Cosmi again began the season at right tackle until another injury cost him three games, allowing veteran Cornelius Lucas to take over at right tackle. When Cosmi returned, he played his old position at right tackle and also played some guard.

Washington liked what it saw from Cosmi and moved him to right guard this offseason. By signing Andrew Wylie in free agency to play right tackle and moving Cosmi to right guard, the Commanders believe they’ve improved two positions.

Perhaps the best people to determine Cosmi’s progress early in his move to a new position are those competing against him daily.

Pro Bowl defensive tackle Daron Payne is accustomed to seeing Cosmi on the outside, so Cosmi moving inside to guard has given Payne some new looks.

“Right now, for me, it is different just seeing Sam Cosmi at right guard,” Payne said when asked how the offensive line was helping prepare him for the season.

“He’s one of those guys that’s pretty quick and agile, so I don’t know. It’s hard to do kind of some of the things that I like to do against him, but I know we all are just gonna make each other better, and we’re just gonna keep pushing each other throughout the whole camp.”

Payne’s words were encouraging. Payne is one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles, coming off a career season, and said Cosmi has presented some challenges for him early this summer.

While Payne didn’t say Cosmi was an All-Pro guard, he offered praise when answering a question. So clearly, he’s impressed with Cosmi.

The 2023 season is a make-or-break one for Cosmi. If he can lock down the right guard position, he could earn an extension next offseason. Otherwise, he’ll be playing in the final season of his rookie contract in 2024.

Cosmi is extremely athletic for his size and has proven to be a valuable run blocker. Washington hopes moving him inside will help him in pass protection.

Ranking Commanders 25 most important players for 2023: No. 16

The Commanders are counting on Sam Cosmi to deliver in 2023.

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As we look toward the 2023 regular season, we count down the most important players for the Washington Commanders ahead of training camp. On Monday, No. 17 was cornerback Benjamin St-Juste.

We continue our countdown today with No. 16, right guard Sam Cosmi.

During the first three drafts in charge of Washington, head coach Ron Rivera spent only one pick on an offensive lineman in the first three rounds. That was in 2021 when the Commanders selected Texas offensive tackle Sam Cosmi.

Washington did select Arkansas center Ricky Stromberg in the third round in the 2023 NFL draft.

So when you look at the downfall of Washington’s offensive line issues, Rivera’s lack of serious investment has played a significant role. Consider that Rivera had Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff when he took over. He traded the disgruntled Williams, and Scherff departed in free agency after 2021.

Back to Cosmi. Washington liked Cosmi so much that it released longtime starter Morgan Moses after the 2021 draft. Cosmi was the new starting right tackle. He had a rough summer against Chase Young and Montez Sweat but improved daily. There were encouraging signs.

Unfortunately for Cosmi, injuries struck. Two different injuries — an ankle and a hip — cost Cosmi eight games. In 2022, he missed three games and was replaced by veteran Cornelius Lucas. Cosmi and Lucas spent some time alternating at right tackle, and the Commanders experimented with Cosmi at guard.

This offseason, Washington made Cosmi’s move to guard a permanent one. And there’s reason to believe Cosmi can be an excellent guard. He has excellent size and athleticism and can move, making him perfect in new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offense.

But he needs to stay healthy. Cosmi is a downright dominant run blocker at times. However, he has struggled in pass protection at times. That is less of an issue at guard, as Cosmi isn’t on an island.

Washington needs Cosmi to succeed. And Cosmi needs to succeed if he wants a long-term future with the Commanders. Cosmi securing the right guard position for the foreseeable future would be a positive development for the franchise.

Ranking Commanders 25 most important players for 2023: No. 18

The Commanders hope Andrew Wylie proves to be the answer at right tackle.

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As we look toward the 2023 regular season, we count down the most important players for the Washington Commanders ahead of training camp. On Saturday, No. 19 was wide receiver Curtis Samuel.

We continue our countdown today with No. 18, right tackle Andrew Wylie.

The Commanders signed Wylie in free agency with the intention of him taking over as the new starting right tackle. As a result of Wylie’s signing, Washington moved former right tackle Sam Cosmi to right guard with the hope of improving two positions with one signing.

Wylie spent the past five years with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he would appear in 71 games with 59 starts. Wylie started at right and left guard before becoming the right tackle in 2021.

Cosmi struggled with injuries and consistency over the past two seasons. An outstanding run blocker, Cosmi sometimes struggled in pass protection. While Wylie isn’t viewed as an elite left tackle, he was outstanding at right tackle for the Chiefs throughout the playoffs and in the Super Bowl against the Eagles.

Wylie’s experience in new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy’s offense should mean a seamless transition to Washington. Wylie is athletic enough to pull and block downfield. The Commanders plan to use screen passes more in the offense, and a right side of the line with Wylie and Cosmi will be plenty athletic.

Washington must stay healthy on the offensive line for young quarterback Sam Howell to have a chance. In the Week 18 win over the Cowboys, Howell had bodies in his face and around his feet all game, yet stood tall in the pocket and played well. However, that can’t hold up for a 17-game season.

The Commanders are counting on Wylie to bring stability and leadership to a unit that was below average in 2022.

Athletic guards a key to Commanders improving screen game in 2023

Expect the screen game to be a prominent part of Washington’s offense in 2023.

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How often have you watched other NFL teams over the years and wondered why the Washington Commanders can’t consistently run successful screen plays?

Either Washington didn’t practice the screen, whether to the running backs, wide receivers, or tight ends, or it just wasn’t a focal point of the offense.

That will change under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy comes from Kansas City, where he coached under the legendary Andy Reid for 10 years. Washington fans know all too well how successful Reid has been for over two decades with the screen game.

During OTAs and minicamp, the Commanders practiced the screen game. And with running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson and electric wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson, it’s imperative that Washington do everything to get the ball in their hands, particularly in space.

Former Washington tight end and team analyst Logan Paulsen recently discussed what could make the Commanders’ screen game successful in 2023. It’s all about the revamped offensive line, specifically the guards.

“We got some really athletic guards,” Paulsen said. “We got [Sam] Cosmi, who is one of the most athletic offensive linemen the year he was drafted. He had a RAS score of like 9.5, which is crazy good. Saahdiq Charles, converted tackle, crazy athlete, in training camp, during OTAs,  you see these guys getting out in space.”

Cosmi is making the full-time transition to guard this season. The former second-round pick has primarily played right tackle for the first two years of his NFL career. Charles is entering his fourth NFL season and is in a battle with Chris Paul to start at left guard.

Paulsen also praised new right tackle Andrew Wylie’s athleticism, as well as left tackle Charles Leno and new center Nick Gates. Paulsen says Gates did some similar things in New York with the Giants.

“So I think if those guys remain the starters, and there is a long time left to go, their skill sets fit that really, really well,” Paulsen continued.

Some believe the Commanders haven’t done enough on the offensive line, despite signing Wylie and Gates in free agency and spending two additional picks on linemen. However, Washington received strong line play in 2020 and 2021, partly because of former Pro Bowl right guard Brandon Scherff. If Cosmi and Charles take the next step in their careers, the Commanders could be fun and creative on offense.

The Commanders’ offensive line ranked near the bottom of the NFL

Washington’s offensive line is still a concern heading into 2023 season.

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In the first two years of head coach Ron Rivera’s regime as head coach of the Washington Commanders, he received mostly good offensive line play. However, in 2022, that play saw a sharp decline once Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff departed in free agency.

While much of the focus on Washington’s offensive struggles focused on the quarterback play in 2022, the offensive line was equally as bad, if not worse.

When Scherff left in free agency, Rivera tried replacing him with Trai Turner. To create some salary cap space ahead of free agency, the Commanders also released left guard Ereck Flowers. Washington replaced him with Andrew Norwell.

Both moves failed miserably. At one time, Turner and Norwell were excellent players, both of whom Rivera had coached while all were with the Panthers. Additionally, center Chase Roullier, who was returning from a season-ending leg injury in 2021, injured his knee in Week 2 and was again lost for the season.

So, for the second consecutive season, Washington cycled through multiple centers due to injury.

The Commanders added new starters on the offensive line in 2023. Nick Gates [center] and Andrew Wylie [right tackle] were added through free agency. Former right tackle Sam Cosmi is now the right guard. The Commanders are counting on one of two younger players [Saahdiq Charles and Chris Paul] winning the left guard job.

Charles Leno Jr. returns as the left tackle.

How is Washington’s offensive line for 2023 viewed around the league? According to Pro Football Focus, the Commanders’ offensive line ranks No. 27, about five weeks away from training camp.

  • Another line with significant turnover, Washington is likely changing four starters between new acquisitions and position switches.
  • Last season’s group had very little in the way of continuity, but so much change doesn’t help the adjustment of quarterback Sam Howell as he comes in to try and win a starting job long term.

Leno is considered the unit’s best player, with the following explanation:

  • Charles Leno Jr. epitomizes “solid starter” in the NFL, but that means he will lose more often than many like to see. He surrendered eight sacks in 2022 but allowed just 37 pressures overall on 669 pass-blocking snaps.

PFF makes some really good points. Leno is a solid starter. He’s not an elite left tackle. And he’s not the worst in the NFL. While he wasn’t outstanding last season, he was far from Washington’s most significant problem. So once the top four offensive tackles were out of their reach, it was smart for the Commanders not to reach for a lesser tackle and stick with Leno for one more season.

Sam Howell’s progress as Washington’s quarterback could hinge on the performance of the offensive line. That’s worrisome, but there is hope that new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can mitigate some of those concerns.

Commanders OL Sam Cosmi could thrive at guard

Cosmi is another potential breakout candidate for the Commanders in 2023.

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The Washington Commanders selected former Texas offensive tackle Sam Cosmi in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft, hoping he’d be one of their bookend tackles of the future.

Unfortunately, things haven’t worked out as planned for Cosmi and the Commanders. It’s not that Cosmi has been bad — he hasn’t — but injuries and struggles in pass protection have plagued him in the early stages of his NFL career.

Last season, the Commanders moved Cosmi inside to guard. They felt his size and athleticism could reinvigorate his career. A dominant run blocker at times, Washington thinks moving inside will benefit Cosmi in pass protection, too.

Pro Football Focus has been kind to Cosmi through his first two seasons, primarily due to his run-blocking. PFF believes Cosmi could be a breakout candidate in 2023.

Playing more than 450 snaps in each of his first two seasons in the league, Cosmi has produced 70.0-plus PFF grades in both years. Most of his work so far has come at tackle, but there’s nothing that we’ve seen to suggest that he won’t be a success now that he’s kicking inside to guard. He’s graded higher as a run blocker than as a pass blocker in the NFL, so the position move should serve him well.

The Commanders signed Andrew Wylie to play right tackle. Wylie is also athletic, something new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy knows all too well. Washington hopes the combination of Wylie and Cosmi solidifies the right side of the offensive line for the foreseeable future.