Tag: TE Logan Thomas

When they last met: Commanders and Steelers

Do you remember the last time Washington and Pittsburgh played?

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington 23, Pittsburgh 17 – Week 13, December 7, 2020

After falling behind by 14 points in the second quarter, Washington stormed back to defeat Pittsburgh 23-17 at Heinz Stadium in Pittsburgh.

Entering the game at 4-7, Washington quickly found themselves down to the undefeated 11-0 Steelers when Ben Roethlisberger connected with Diontae Johnson from three yards and then James Washington from 50 yards.

But a Dustin Hopkins 49-yard field goal with only:01 remaining in the half not only got Washington on the scoreboard but also seemed to ignite the team.

Washington drove 82 yards in 14 plays on their next possession, drawing to within 14-10 when Peyton Barber scored from one yard.

On the first play of the final quarter, Matthew Wright’s 37-yard field goal extended the Steelers lead back to 17-10. But that would be the last time the Steelers would score, as Washington dominated the rest of the way.

Driving 53 yards in eight plays, Alex Smith’s 15-yard touchdown to Logan Thomas tied the score with 9:08 remaining.

A nine-play drive followed, resulting in a Hopkins 45-yard field goal for a 20-17 Washington lead with 2:04 on the clock. After a Jonathan Bostic interception, Hopkins’ 45-yard field goal closed out the scoring for Washington.

The game also turned the seasons of the two teams. Washington would go forward and win the NFC East, while the Steelers never recovered, losing four of their final five in the regular season and then also their first-round playoff game to the Cleveland Browns.

 

Another Commander is glad a new OC is in town

Another Washington starter is thrilled with the O.C. change.

Another member of the Commanders offense is happy to see Kliff Kingsbury as the new offensive coordinator.

Earlier Thursday, Sam Cosmi spoke out very strongly about his fervent disagreement with Eric Bieniemy’s approach in 2023.

“I think we were last in the league for attempts in rushing, and then one of the highest in passing (attempts), and you saw where that got us…”

Friday, it was Brian Robinson’s turn. Robinson took a very positive approach. Yet, for those who know the 2023 situation, Robinson spoke softly, yet clearly.

“Kliff has great energy as an offensive coordinator. He’s very personable. I think he’s a great player’s coach, somebody you can just rap with, you know, just come and chop it up with.”

“You can tell him how you feel about what you see, your ideas and thoughts. He’s going to listen to you, talk with you and be genuine with you, so I appreciate the relationship we are all building.”

“Very personable, you can tell him how you feel, what you see, going to listen to you, be genuine with you,” (yes Brian, we understand.)

Last month Cosmi told of how Bieniemy had some more rules for his offensive players, “That was something that we as players, offensive side, we weren’t allowed to wear our hat backwards.”

Bieniemy’s common refrain with the press was that he was old school, that he was going to do things his way, and that he was not changing for anybody.

As early as the 2023 training camp, there was tension as Bieniemy was said by players to be loud, always loud. Even one member of the sports media acknowledged Bieniemy was loud, but all the cursing at players could easily become problematic.

He was right; it was. Before the regular season had even begun, head coach Ron Rivera had already lost a sense of control with Bieniemy, conveying that some players had come to Rivera unhappy with Bieniemy.

Had it been unproductive players, Rivera would have shrugged it off, thinking them soft. However, Rivera was very concerned because it apparently was players Rivera respected.

At season’s end, Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas, and Sam Cosmi all offered direct commentary as well.

One year later, Cosmi and Robinson, both productive players in 2023, are happy coaching changes have been made. That’s fine, and they both agree it is up to them to continue to produce as the team leaders they were a year ago.

When they last met: Commanders and Seahawks

Kendall Fuller was the hero the last time these two teams played.

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington 17, Seattle 15 – Week 12, November 29, 2021

Kendall Fuller intercepted Russell Wilson’s two-point pass attempt with 15 seconds remaining, sealing Washington’s 17-15 win over Seattle at FedEx Field.

With 2:25 remaining, Washington led 17-9 and faced a 4th & goal from the 4. Kicker Joey Slye had pulled a hamstring earlier in the game, so Ron Rivera chose to go for the touchdown rather than a chip shot field goal to go up two scores.

Taylor Heinicke’s pass to Logan Thomas was caught and called a touchdown. However, replay revealed Thomas did not have control of the ball as he went to the ground and the Seahawks took over at their own 4 with 2:19 remaining.

Suddenly, the Washington defense was not in control. Russell Wilson completed seven passes and the Seahawks found themselves with a 1st & 10 at the Washington 32.

Wilson then connected with receiver Freddie Swain for a 32-yard touchdown with 15 seconds remaining, narrowing the Washington lead to 17-15. This set the stage for Fuller’s game-saving interception in the end zone for Washington.

Seattle’s onside kick was then recovered by Washington receiver Adam Humphries as Washington (5-6) escaped with a narrow victory on Monday Night Football.

Taylor Heinicke completed 27 of 35 for 223 yards, including one touchdown and one interception. Antonio Gibson rushed for 111 yards on 29 carries. He also led with 7 receptions for 35 yards.