Tag: Trai Turner

Commanders have shown some real progress in two areas

Emmanuel Forbes continues to be a bright spot for the Commanders.

A local reporter believes confidently the Commanders have made real progress in two key areas of the roster this offseason.

The Washington Post Commanders reporter Sam Fortier went as far as Thursday on the Craig “Hoffman Show” on The Team 980 to suggest that if the Commanders were playing the Vikings and wanted to shadow wide receiver Justin Jefferson, it would not be Kendall Fuller, given the assignment. It wouldn’t even be Benjamin St-Juste.

No, Fortier declared it would be rookie Emmanuel Forbes who has yet to play his initial NFL regular-season game. “If you want to be CB1 by that definition, then I think (Forbes) is your guy right now. He has been impressive. In terms of minicamp for a rookie? He has looked pretty dang good.”

Hoffman then transitioned, “The offensive line is still a massive area of concern.” He asked Fortier, “Have you seen anything to ease your concern in that position group this Spring?”

Fortier’s response was noteworthy. “If you want to say that they are old, unathletic and immobile like they were last year at guard with Andrew Norwell and Trai Turner. Then, I have seen things to boost my confidence. Saahdiq Charles looks bigger and stronger, and Sam Cosmi is going to transition nicely into guard.”

Fortier continued; however, he did not feel Rivera was as confident in the offensive line as he would like to be. Hoffman referred to how confident coaches were in 2022 of their offensive line despite its ability being much less than in 2020-21. Hoffman suggested this is good in that it shows they are more aware of what they actually have and don’t have on the offensive line now than in 2022.

 

Will the Commanders keep or release Andrew Norwell?

Could we see news involving Norwell soon?

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Wasn’t it strange recently how Commanders head coach Ron Rivera completely omitted a 2022 starter when asked about who will move forward on the 2023 offensive line?

Recently when Commanders head coach Ron Rivera was asked about his offensive line, Rivera openly mentioned how at left guard second-year guard out of Tulsa Chris Paul and fourth-year lineman out of LSU, Saahdiq Charles will battle it out for the starting job.

What was amazing to those paying attention was that Rivera completely overlooked starter Andrew Norwell, not including him in the mix, though he remains on the current roster.

It is no secret to any close follower of the Commanders that the 2022 season was one in which the offensive line’s play took a downward slide from a fine 2021 season. Norwell certainly at times had his struggles.

In the previous off season, Washington had lost starting guards Brandon Scherff and Ereck Flowers. Scherff chose to leave for more money in Jacksonville, and the Commanders determined to release Flowers.

The Commanders then chose to bring in free agents Norwell and Trai Turner. These two however did not perform up to the level of play of Scherff and Flowers and the Washington offense struggled at times.

The Commanders released center Chase Roullier designating it a post-June 1 release which will save the Commanders more cap space. For months, many have expected the release of Norwell. Perhaps the Commanders will release Norwell after June 1. The release of Roullier and Norwell would save the Commanders around $12 million.

Norwell also managed apparently to not give any time to the media last season. Perhaps he was not actually pleased with his play in 2022? There is no mistaking that Coach Ron certainly appears to have moved on in his own mind from Norwell.

What free agents might Commanders like to sign?

Will the Commanders add any veteran free agents before training camp?

The free agency signing surge that occurs annually in March has passed, and now the annual April draft as well. So, whom will the Commanders sign now?

The value of free agents has flattened out, there will be players released as well, a result of draft choices having been made, making many veterans more expendable.

Take the 2021 offseason for example. Washington had finished atop the NFC East at 7-9 in the 2020 season, bowing out to the Tampa Bay Bucs in the playoffs.

Following the free agency wave and the draft, the “Football Team” in mid-May signed offensive tackle Charles Leno, who had been waived by the Bears.

Two days later, Washington signed defensive back Bobby McCain who had been released by the Miami Dolphins. The following week the team announced the signing of tight end Ricky Seals-Jones.

The moves were designed to build roster depth, and strengthen the team at spots needing to be addressed.

Following the 2021 season, the free agency signing period, and the 2022 draft, Washington in May signed veterans Trai Turner and Alex Erickson.

Consequently, this 2023 offseason, the Commanders will again be looking for a few roster spots they can bolster by signing a few inexpensive veterans.

Will they pursue and sign an offensive tackle?

Remember Eric Fisher who played for the Chiefs in Eric Bieniemy’s offense? The Dolphins released Fisher in March, and he has yet to sign with a team. Would they sign George Fant or Brandon Shell?

With J.D. McKissic gone, would the Commanders sign Kenyan Drake, Myles Gaskin, or Kareem Hunt?

Perhaps they would like to add one more edge rusher? Would they sign Kyle Van Noy, Al-Quadin Muhammad, or Trey Flowers?

The Commanders most likely want to see their rookies and undrafted players at next week’s rookie minicamp before making any veteran signings.

4 free-agent offensive linemen the Panthers should consider signing

Despite fielding their best offensive line in years, the Panthers may have to beef up their trench a tiny bit to start the 2023 campaign.

For the first time in a long time, the offensive line isn’t at least one of the Carolina Panthers’ most embarrassing weaknesses. But that doesn’t mean they don’t have work to do there this offseason.

Here are four free-agent linemen the Panthers should consider signing.

Commanders 2023 free agency preview: What happens with OL Wes Schweitzer?

Will the Commanders bring back their most versatile offensive lineman in 2023?

The Washington Commanders are expected to be busy this offseason rebuilding an offensive line that was one of the worst in the NFL in 2022.

In the first two years of Ron Rivera’s regime, Washington’s offensive line overachieved, ranking inside the top 10 of PFF’s end-of-season offensive line rankings. It’s a point Rivera would often note when discussing the offensive line.

Well, if the Commanders overachieved in 2020 and 2021, they were quite the opposite in 2022. While Washington’s quarterbacks didn’t always help things, the offensive line did struggle both in pass blocking and run blocking. It didn’t help that the Commanders had to play four centers for the second consecutive season.

Before Washington jumps into free agency, it must decide on two internal free agents: Trai Turner and Wes Schweitzer. Turner wasn’t good in 2022, while Schweitzer played out of position at center. Will either be back in 2023?

Let’s focus on Schweitzer.

Logan Paulsen: Commanders top priority should be O-Line

The Commanders’ top priority should be upgrading the offensive line in 2023.

Question: What is the first thing the Commanders need to do regarding their roster?

Answer: Upgrade their offensive line.

Logan Paulsen, former Washington tight end, and current analyst regarding the Washington Commanders, certainly believes that is the case.

Paulsen stated Tuesday as a guest on the Ben Standig podcast, “Standig Room Only,” he felt the first roster priority should be to upgrade the offensive line.

“They need to find an offensive tackle; probably move Sam Cosmi into right guard. Do you draft a center? Do you bring in a free-agent center? Do you feel good about Chris Paul being your left guard for the 2023 season?”

“I think he has a lot of growing to do, still,” said Paulsen, but he added he thinks he is capable.

It is no secret the offensive line saw major moves after 2021. Chase Roullier was rehabbing a broken leg, Brandon Scherff departed for Jacksonville via free agency and Ereck Flowers was released.

It is also no secret Roullier was seriously injured again in 2022, missing the final 15 games.  In addition, neither Scherff nor Flowers were replaced this past season. Paulsen brought up the fact that the Commanders brought in Trai Turner and Andrew Norwell, bigger players, so maybe they were planning early to run the ball more.

“They are big dudes, who can move people off of the ball,” expressed Paulsen. “But they are not great pass protectors anymore. They have perhaps lost that twitchy athleticism that makes for good pass protectors. Maybe that is an indication to me of where they wanted to go (run more).”

“I do think as much as people want to crush the offensive line, I do think the clash of philosophy, apparently between Scott (Turner) and Ron (Rivera), shows up in that personnel decision.”

These personnel decisions along the offensive line kind of fit the philosophy that you are going to run the ball first, second and third. So why was there this discrepancy, this wire crossing with Scott in how they came out the first two games against Jacksonville and Detroit passing the ball all over the place?”

“What about the Jahan Dotson pick? I am always of the impression you look to improve your skill positions. You look, the year before, with Curtis Samuel injured, they literally had Terry McLaurin and Cam Sims.”

“As much as I like Cam Sims and respect his game, he is not a number two receiver in the NFL. They needed to address that issue, so why not with a fine receiver like Jahan Dotson?”

But for this year, Paulsen seems to be all in on the Commanders addressing the offensive line in both free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft.

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Commanders blow two early opportunities vs 49ers

Missed opportunities are a common theme for Washington’s offense.

“Nothing is more expensive than a missed opportunity.”

I don’t know who first said it or wrote it, but the Washington Commanders certainly reminded me of this quote very early in Saturday’s road game against the San Francisco 49ers.

On the third offensive snap of the game, the Commanders broke the huddle and came to the line of scrimmage, their own 21, facing a 3rd & 6. The snap to Taylor Heinicke was low, at his shoelaces, yet he was able to control without difficulty.

Heinicke first looked left, then back to his right and deep. He delivered his pass to the 49ers 45-yard line where Jahan Dotson was breaking on a post pattern. The pass was behind Dotson who was being guarded closely by the 49ers Deommodore Lenoir.

Lenoir entirely overran the ball, but Dotson having made visual contact with the ball earlier, knew to stop sooner, and suddenly the ball bounced off of his hands, and he kicked the ball in disgust with himself. Even Logan Thomas came over and topped Dotson on the top of the helmet.

Lenoir’s momentum had carried him five yards further inside the field than Dotson who, had he made the catch, there is no reason to believe he would not have scored an easy touchdown on the play. Wouldn’t it have been nice for the Commanders to have captured an early 7-0 lead after only three snaps from scrimmage?

On the Commanders third offensive possession and the game still scoreless, Washington started at their own 15-yard line and found themselves after 15 plays facing a 3rd & goal from the one.

Heinicke handed to Brian Robinson Jr to go behind the left tackle. However, right guard Trai Turner allowed inside penetration which made contact with Robinson and slowed him, and he was too erect losing all leverage when he arrived at the line of scrimmage.

On fourth down, Heinicke turned to his left, and handed to Antonio Gibson who headed behind center Wes Schweitzer and Turner. However rather than getting low to bull his way into the end zone, Gibson appeared to hesitate, then attempt a late leap, he too losing any leverage or force at contact.

Following a 37-20 loss to the 49ers, it may be hard to recall, but the Commanders actually had the opportunity lying before them to be up 14-0. Know one knows how 49ers rookie quarterback Brock Purdy would have responded to being down 14 points.

However, this is the Commanders in summary. Perhaps they are only an average team (7-7-1) because, for one reason, they simply don’t know how to seize the opportunity, such as the two opportunities they were presented early against the 49ers.

 

Commanders could be getting some help on the offensive line

The Commanders designated Wes Schweitzer for return from injured reserve.

Washington Commanders guard Trai Turner has missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday ahead of Sunday’s important Week 13 game against the New York Giants.

In his place, Washington has worked right tackle Sam Cosmi at right guard, keeping Cornelius Lucas at right tackle. Lucas replaced Cosmi at right tackle after Cosmi injured his thumb in Week 4. Since Cosmi’s return, the pair have rotated at right tackle.

Good news could be on the way for the Commanders. Washington designated guard/center Wes Schweitzer to return from the reserve/injured list. Schweitzer suffered a concussion in the Week 3 loss to the Eagles.

Before Schweitzer’s injury, he began the season as the starter at right guard. However, when center Chase Roullier was lost for the season in Week 2, Schweitzer started at center in Week 3 before his injury. This is Schweitzer’s third season in Washington, and he has started a total of 20 games.

Washington now has 21 days to either activate Schweitzer to the roster, or he will miss the remainder of the season. Sometimes these moves happen relatively quickly, or, in other cases, the team waits until the final minute to make a move.

If Schweitzer is activated soon, he figures to be back in the mix at right guard. Either way, Schweitzer’s potential return gives the Commanders terrific depth on the interior of the offensive line.

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What we learned from the Eagles’ Monday night loss to the Commanders

As we head towards Week 11 at Indianapolis, here’s what we learned from the Philadelphia Eagles’ loss to the Washington Commanders.

The Eagles will return to the practice field Thursday as the team prepares for a critical Sunday matchup on the road against the Colts.

The NFL world is still reacting to the Commanders’ 32-21 upset win on Monday night. Philadelphia will have to adjust after placing Dallas Goedert, Avonte Maddox, and Marlon Tuipulotu on injured reserve with various injuries.

Teams can learn a lot from a loss, and we’ve highlighted four key takeaways and what we learned from Monday night.

Studs and duds from Eagles 32-21 loss to the Commanders

Here’s a look at the studs and duds from the Philadelphia Eagles Week 10 loss to the Washington Commanders

The Eagles are dealing with an unfamiliar feeling after suffering the first loss of their 2022 regular season after a disastrous showing against Washington.

Philadelphia didn’t make enough plays on offense and was physically outmanned by the Commanders on defense for the first time this season.

Here are the studs and duds from Monday night.