Tag: Santana Moss

What everyone said after the Commanders’ Week 2 win vs. Giants

A collection of postgame quotes after the Commanders’ win over the Giants.

On Sunday, the Washington Commanders defeated the New York Giants 21-18 on Austin Seibert’s game-winning field goal as time expired.

Here are some selected postgame quotes regarding the Commanders’ win.

“I think you got to feel very, very strong about today’s performance by the Washington Commanders offensively, with the caveat that they kicked seven field goals, and some of those need to be touchdowns.”  Logan Paulsen

“There is not a lot of pass rush happening right now. Whether it is the guys in the middle who are getting paid a lot of money or these edge guys. Is that as much of a problem as it feels like it is, and then what do they do about it?”  Craig Hoffman

“Washington worked so much on the red zone throughout camp. But, man, it has not yet paid off, to put it mildly. Too many mistakes/penalties each trip.”  John Keim

Austin Seibert, in a postgame interview, said the Commanders are “the best work environment you can imagine.”  Wow, did we ever hear that during the Dan Snyder era (1999-2023)?

“We did a great job competing to the end…we communicated much better this week. Everybody was feeding off of each other.”  Mike Sainristil

“That’s what you live for…”  Jayden Daniels on the final game-winning drive.

Benjamin St-Juste, on the forced fumble, said he “lost his contain and knew he had to hustle from behind.” This was a huge turnover.

“We’re still undecided,” and will keep looking to compete.” said head coach Dan Quinn on the secondary.

“Everyone came out and played hard. You know guys competed their a** off.” Brandon Coleman on his first NFL win.

“We got a win; that is all that matters. Doesn’t matter how you do it. Austin Seibert, Way to go, brother. We needed to get a drive. They got that drive, and he (Seibert) knocked it down the middle.”  Brian Mitchell

“Who would have thought that we would be saying we actually won a game without scoring a touchdown. It’s great to see everybody come together and go out there. We got a good win.”  Santana Moss

 

Santana Moss likes what he sees in two Commanders rookies

Santana Moss already likes what he sees in a pair of rookies.

First impressions are important in life.

What did former Redskins receiver Santana Moss think this week when he first watched Commanders’ first-round draft choice, quarterback Jayden Daniels?

“First, things looked well. I don’t like to get too high on a kid,” said Moss. I don’t like to put too much pressure on anybody; it doesn’t matter who you are.”

Moss was a guest with the Team 980 show host, Craig Hoffman, on Thursday.

“Looked like a quarterback; looked like a second overall pick quarterback. Some of the things that was glaring was his footwork, how that ball jumped out of his hand. Those things like that, you either got it or you don’t.”

“When you look at a kid that they talk so much about, and that dynamic was because of how well he ran the football, they never try to highlight how well he threw the football.”

Moss told Hoffman he thinks Daniels has shown the ability to both throw and move well, and that is going to be so important because defensive pressure comes so often from those getting bigger and faster.

Hoffman added that he liked how the coaching staff efficiently used the time that all four quarterbacks were passing and how one phase of a drill led to another phase of the game.

With the Jets and Redskins, Moss recalled how he was coached well on some teams and not so well on others. He thought watching the energy and intensity of Dan Quinn might also help explain why the Dallas defense improved in 2021 upon his arrival.

Catching 732 NFL passes for 10,283 yards and 66 touchdowns, Moss knows how to play receiver in the NFL. He told Hoffman he liked what he saw from third-round pick, receiver Luke McCaffrey.

“Every cut, every plant is very violent.” Moss pointed out he could already see McCaffrey has a discipline and a motor. “He doesn’t look like a rookie right now. It’s early, I’m not trying to get too far ahead of myself, but I like what I see.”

Brian Mitchell encouraged about the Commanders under GM Adam Peters

The former Washington star and current radio host is excited about the new direction of the Commanders under Adam Peters.

Brian Mitchell likes what he sees from the Commanders’ new leadership.

The former Washington Redskins running back/returner was a guest on the “Command Center” show Thursday and was rather upbeat in comparison to how he so often had mostly bad news to report regarding the Commanders during the Ron Rivera era.

Asked initially what he felt the Commanders needed going into this week’s draft, Mitchell responded an offensive lineman, linebacker, a cornerback to replace Kendall Fuller, and then a defensive end and tight end (knowing. of course, they are selecting a quarterback in the first round).

When host Fred Smoot inquired regarding offensive tackle, Mitchell expressed he has been saying the Commanders should trade back into the first round, obtaining an offensive tackle they really want, rather than waiting to see which one is available in the second or third round.

Mitchell reminded the audience that new general manager Adam Peters was very active in free agency and made surprising moves. Thus, Mitchell believes Peters will be busy during the draft as well, and the Commanders consequently draft in different places than they are currently scheduled.

Traveling to the draft this week, Mitchell is really looking forward to the draft in Detroit. “The ultimate thing is I’m going there to begin to see how it is really supposed to work. You know, I’ve experienced this thing before, and I’ve seen how this thing has fallen off.”

“I have seen what is going on since they signed Adam Peters, and I just want to continue seeing that.”

No doubt, the Commanders look to be in much better hands with the hiring of Peters as general manager. Commanders fans, as well as former players, such as Mitchell, desperately are hoping Peters is the man to turn around a franchise that hasn’t had a winning season since Kirk Cousins was the starting quarterback (2015 & 2016).

Commanders postgame quotes following their 10th loss of 2023

Some postgame quotes from players, coaches and analysts.

“I know there are a lot of people out there that want to bash Eric (Bieniemy) for this offense. This offense works. You have to go through the reads and make the quick decision. Jacoby Brissett came in tonight and showed you how a veteran guy runs this offense. And by no stretch am I trying to knock Sam.”  Brian Mitchell

“The defense did some great things today at moments, but I still don’t know how the hell [Rams WR] Cooper Kupp runs with nobody around him. That’s baffling to me. That is not a coach’s thing. I look at the players; they have to come through more.” Brian Mitchell

“We used to be mad at Dan (Snyder) then everybody was mad at Ron (Rivera). I don’t think the coaches are doing their job at a high level, either. But these players? I don’t see enough ownership. Because when you are a true competitor, you get pissed off, and you stop the bleeding. Who has stopped the bleeding?”  Brian Mitchell

“I am not getting on Sam, but when you see the performance we saw from our backup quarterback, that is going to have everybody scratching their heads.”  Santana Moss

“Really, just really trying to take care of him a little bit. In that situation, they had their ears pinned back like that, and didn’t want to see anything crazy happen. Yes, he is, because I decided he is our starting quarterback.”  Ron Rivera on benching Sam Howell and moving forward with Howell.

“I mean, I’ve been worried all year. I haven’t been performing the way I’ve been wanting to. Most places, I probably wouldn’t be around still.” Camaron Cheeseman, if he’s worried there will be a change at long snapper.

“That’s not good enough, and we’re going to evaluate that.”  Ron Rivera on Camaron Cheeseman’s long snapping

“I got to play better, I’ve got to execute better. It is what it is. I know I am not defined by this one game.” Sam Howell on being benched

“It’s hard to say. If we knew what the issue was, we would fix it. I think what it comes down to is we have to execute better and that kinda starts with me.” Sam Howell

“All we can control is how we move on from this point and how we finish the year.” Sam Howell

I’ve got to do a better job with my eyes, making sure I am looking at the right places…I’ve got to find a way to execute better.” Sam Howell

Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill names Washington legend among his top 5 receivers ever

Tyreek Hill was a big fan of Santana Moss.

Santana Moss will forever be beloved by Washington fans. Acquired in 2005 in a trade for fellow wide receiver Laveraneus Coles, Moss spent 10 seasons in Washington, ending his 14-year NFL career after the 2014 season.

Moss now works for the Commanders as an analyst, along with some of his former teammates, such as Logan Paulsen, London Fletcher and Fred Smoot.

While Moss’ career numbers will never rival some of the all-time greats, arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL today — Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins — has Moss among his personal top five of all-time.

In a recent appearance with former Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III on the “RG3 and the Ones” podcast, Hill named his personal top five wide receivers of all time, and it was quite the list.

Here’s Hill’s five:

  • Jerry Rice
  • Steve Largent
  • Antonio Brown
  • Terrell Owens
  • Santana Moss

Three of the top four are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brown isn’t eligible yet, but should be a lock, regardless of how his career ended. Moss is the only one who will not likely make it to Canton. Unfortunately for Moss, he played with multiple quarterbacks during his NFL career, which lessened his opportunities.

Hill defined his top five as players who changed the position.

Griffin praised Hill’s inclusion of Moss, who he played with for three seasons in Washington. Griffin said he was forever grateful for what Moss did for him in Washington, with Hill responding, “I love Santana.”

 

Commanders postgame quotes after embarrassing loss

Former Washington players are fed up.

It was an ugly performance and an embarrassing performance.

Washington fell 45-10 to Dallas on Thanksgiving Day.

Here are quotes gathered and penned from the Commanders postgame show.

“As a former member of the team, I am not happy with the way things have gone.” Brian Mitchell

“I hear things are going well, having a good practice, but I don’t believe it…if you had a week of good practice, you would have a better performance on the field.” Brian Mitchell

“I travel a lot, I love to brag on this team when I can. What the hell am I gonna brag about now?”  Brian Mitchell

“Enough is enough at times. You have to say to yourself as a man, ‘What am I playing for?’ It’s a pride thing now…they are out of it…Like Coach Gibbs used to say, if you are not going to win the game, make sure they come out of the game feeling it.’ ” Santana Moss

“I love this team. It gave me my lifestyle, my life. But I am not happy with the crap I am seeing on the field week to week right now.” Brian Mitchell

“Coaches get the blame for a lot of stuff, but hell, when do the players, in this situation? This is not Little League, high school, or college. This is professional football. Take ownership! Ownership of this! You are a professional. You get paid to play a kids’ game!”

“No, I’ve told you before, I’m not worried about anything. All I’m going to do is do my job and see how things go. That’s the only thing I can do.” Ron Rivera when asked if he is concerned about his job security.

“If changes aren’t made, can the players expect the results to change?”  Ron Rivera responded, “I’m not going to answer that question.”

“We came out in the second half giving ourselves a chance, and then it got away from us,” Ron Rivera said this or something very closely to this three times.

When asked about things getting heated on the sidelines with Eric Bieniemy, Jack Del Rio, and Jonathan Allen, Rivera was asked to comment on the spirit of it. He responded only, “No.”

“We kinda struggled sustaining drives and finishing drives. We just got to find a way to get better.” Sam Howell

“I thought it was a good decision, I could have thrown it a little sooner. I like the route concept we had and the look they gave, but I gotta throw it a little sooner.” Sam Howell on the pick-six.

“We had good plays, good calls. I thought we were moving the ball well. We just didn’t finish the drives, it was a different thing each drive. We have to find a way to avoid those issues, especially when we are playing a good team.”  Sam Howell on the Commanders drives that bogged down

“I hate losing. I don’t believe in moral victories, or anything like that. I just truly hate losing, so it sucks.” Sam Howell

“We have a job to do, and we have a lot of people in that locker room with a lot of pride. We are going to continue to come in and work hard every day, try to put one foot in front of the other. We are going to try to win some games.” Sam Howell

 

 

 

Commanders Terry McLaurin increasing production in recent games

Terry McLaurin on the verge of setting a new franchise record. And all signs point to a strong finish this season.

Terry McLaurin is again the receiving leader for Washington this season.

Through nine games, McLaurin has started and played in all nine, has received the most targets (70), the most receptions (47),  receiving yards (568), most receptions per game (5.2) and receiving yards per game (63.1).

With the Commanders pass protection improving, as well as Sam Howell’s reading of the defenses, McLaurin has increased his production considerably in recent games.

For instance, in the season’s first three games, McLaurin had receiving totals of 31, 54 and 41 yards. In his last six games, the receiving yards have increased to 86, 49, 81, 90, 63 and 73 yards. Consequently, the former Ohio State Buckeye averaged 42 receiving yards in his first three games but now is averaging 73.7 yards over the last six games.

McLaurin, in his rookie season, was limited to 14 games yet totaled 919 receiving yards. In his three following seasons, McLaurin’s receiving yardage totals were 1,118 (2020), 1,053 (2021), 1,191 (2022).

If McLaurin again exceeds 1,000 receiving yards this season (2023), he would become the first in Washington NFL franchise history to have accumulated 1,000 receiving yards in four consecutive seasons.

Gary Clark produced three consecutive 1,000 yards receiving seasons 1989-1991 and five in total (1986-1987). Art Monk also produced five 1,000-yard receiving seasons, including three consecutively from 1984-86. Santana Moss also generated three 1,000-yard seasons for Washington (2005, 2008, 2010). Many have forgotten, but Henry Ellard had three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (1994-96).

Charley Taylor, playing in only 14-game regular seasons, collected 1,119 receiving yards in 1966 from Hall-of-Fame quarterback Sonny Jurgensen.

From a historical perspective, it is worth remembering Ellard, Monk, Clark and Moss played in 16-game regular seasons.

Commanders postgame quotes after close win over Patriots

Players, coaches and analysts speak after the Commanders’ win over the Patriots.

Here are some of the postgame quotes after the Washington Commanders defeated the New England Patriots 20-17 on Sunday.

“Coming up here and playing with that kind of tenacity, intensity, having that fight we saw, a lot of that was displayed today. I would like to see Mac Jones on the ground a little more…that one roughing the passer was the only sack we would’ve had, but for the most part, the team played well.”  Santana Moss

“I think Sam (Howell) and Eric (Bieniemy) outwitted Bill Belichick today. We ran the ball effectively and stuck to it.” Brian Mitchell

“I did not know we had to play the referees again, with the dumbest call in the history of football…this whole game, as good as it was played, the ups and downs, that play right there makes me look and say, ‘Everybody on that referee crew (you cannot fine me), you should not be calling the game because that call was the dumbest call I have ever seen in my life.” Brian Mitchell on the roughing the passer penalty

“Sam Howell is our future. He’s our quarterback. I feel like we found our quarterback for the next 5-10 years, and I truly believe that. When I look at the plays he makes on the field, and not only does he make great plays on the field, but his demeanor after bad plays and not playing well. He is always able to bounce back.” Jonathan Allen on Sam Howell

“I’ve seen a lot of great quarterbacks in my time, played against a lot of them and feel he has the potential to be one of them. I can truly say this team is behind Sam Howell one hundred percent.”  Jonathan Allen on Sam Howell

“Coach Rivera had the team ready to play, and Coach Eric Bieniemy called an excellent game! He was creative on offense and switched between runs and passes.”  Earvin “Magic” Johnson

“Well, with the exception of the interception he had in the first half, I believe he played the type of game we believe he is capable of. He made really good decisions and did some smart things. But there are some things he is going to want to have back once he has a chance to look at the tape and evaluate it.” Ron Rivera on Sam Howell

“We need to put those guys in position to have the success we can have. We are still growing and developing with the guy and he did a great job and led us to the victory.” Ron Rivera on young players and Sam Howell in particular

“It feels good to win, especially after we have lost some tough ones the last few weeks. I think the defense stepped up a lot, stopping their offense, giving us a short field. Tress (Way) did a good job pinning them down there. I feel like every time we looked down there, they were inside their 15, which is great for field position. It seems small, but it really makes a difference.” Terry McLaurin

When we get into the red zone, we have to score touchdowns. So as we progress, we have to continue to build on what we did well, but also figure out how we can be better in those critical areas.” Terry McLaurin

“I want to be the quarterback here for a really long time…How I’m going to get to that point is taking it one day at a time and doing everything that I can on a day-to-day basis. And that’s kinda the way I look at it.” Sam Howell on the talk if he is or isn’t the long-term answer at quarterback

“I never worry about the future. I take it one day at a time, and I try to give every day, every single thing I got. I give my teammates, I give the organization every single thing that I have every single day. That’s what I do and I’ll continue to try to do.”  Sam Howell

‘Commanders are one of 14 NFL teams to not….’

It’s been a while.

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Warren Sharp took a moment Sunday evening to educate his readers that 14 NFL teams have not won a playoff game in the last five seasons.

I immediately thought, “Five years? Why stop there, Warren?”

Well, technically Sharp didn’t. He did actually say “5+ years.”

Commanders fans were already quite aware of this discouraging and frustrating NFL reality. You see, we are all too aware that this NFL franchise has not won a playoff game in well over five years.

Hey Warren, try 18 NFL seasons without a team playoff win!

That’s right, Washington NFL fans have not enjoyed a playoff win since Joe Gibbs 2.0 came out of NFL retirement because he loved the franchise so much he wanted to bring it back some respect.

Gregg Williams was the defensive coordinator, Don Breaux was the offensive coordinator, and Joe Bugel was the offensive line coach.

Quarterback Patrick Ramsey started the season opener, and Mark Brunell the other 15 games. Clinton Portis gained 1,516 yards rushing, including 11 touchdowns.

Santana Moss gained 1,483 receiving yards on 84 receptions (17.7 yards per reception) and 9 receiving touchdowns. Chris Cooley generated 774 receiving yards on 71 receptions and 7 touchdowns.

Ladell Betts returned a kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown. Antonio Brown returned one 91 yards for a touchdown. No, not that “Antonio Brown.”

John Hall and Nick Novak connected on 17 of 21 field goals and all 42 extra-point attempts.

Remember linebacker Lemar Marshall?

He led the team in tackles (101) and interceptions (4). Defensive end Phillip Daniels led with 8.0 quarterback sacks. He and linebacker Marcus Washington each led with 11 tackles for a loss.

What a year that secondary had, getting their hands on balls. Safety Sean Taylor led with 12 passes defended, and corners Walt Harris and Shawn Springs collected 11 and 10, respectively.

In fact, the defense was most responsible for the last playoff win in franchise history those 18 seasons ago, when Washington went down to Tampa and beat the Bucs 17-10.

Brunell was injured and unable to pass effectively, but Coach Joe was not putting Ramsey out there against the Bucs defense. The Washington offense totaled only 120 yards. But they won the turnover battle 3-1, including a Sean Taylor 51-yard fumble recovery touchdown run.

And so it was 18 NFL seasons ago when the Washington NFL team was the “Redskins,” and they last won a playoff game.

 

You can follow Ivan Lambert on Twitter @IvanLambert18 and Commanders Wire @Washington_Wire

Logan Paulsen on Montez Sweat: ‘He’s poised for a big year’

Montez Sweat was terrific last season. Will 2023 be his breakout season?

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Lost in all the talk regarding the Washington Commanders declining to pick up defensive end Chase Young’s fifth-year option is fellow pass-rusher Montez Sweat.

Sweat, like Young, will be a free agent after the upcoming 2023 NFL season. The 2019 first-round pick is playing this season on his fifth-year option.

Through four NFL seasons, the 6-foot-6, 262-pound Sweat has 29 sacks and 37 tackles for loss. He’s been durable, too, having missed only seven games, all of which came in the 2021 season. Sweat suffered a broken jaw that season and tragically lost his brother late in the season.

Sweat was one of the NFL’s more productive pass rushers in 2022, however, didn’t receive the recognition of others because he finished with eight sacks. Sweat, an outstanding run defender, was often around the quarterback, and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio believes Sweat’s numbers could “explode.” It’s all about finishing a few of those pressures for Sweat.

On a recent episode of the “Command Center Podcast” with former Washington players Logan Paulsen, Fred Smoot and Santana Moss, all three agree the 2023 season will be a big one for Sweat.

“He’s poised for a big year,” Paulsen said. “I just think he’s going to come out and set the foundation for a big year.”

“His energy was just there,” Smoot said after recently talking with Sweat. “It’s set up for him to dominate.”

“If you watched closely, these guys play last year, Sweat was so close,” Moss said. “He could’ve easily had so many more sacks. So many other guys that we talk about, the guys on the inside [Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen], we talk about Chase Young, and Sweat is just out there making plays every time.”

Washington wants to extend Sweat before he ever hits the free-agent market. However, until new owner Josh Harris and his group are approved, any long-term agreements are on hold.

With Sweat being this close to free agency and so many predicting a huge year, would he sign a new deal now? Or wait until after the season? If Sweat and Young have big years, the Commanders will have a good problem on their hands in deciding which one to pay.