Tag: Trent Williams

Kyle Shanahan says the ‘personal stuff is gone’ regarding facing Washington

Kyle Shanahan has no issues with Washington with Dan Snyder gone.

Trent Williams and Chase Young weren’t the only former members of the Washington organization to return on Sunday. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan also returned, although, unlike Williams and Young, he’d been back at FedEx Field.

Shanahan spent four seasons as Washington’s offensive coordinator from 2010-13 under his father Mike. As we’ve heard so many times over the years, the Shanahans were dismissed after the 2013 season after Mike Shanahan’s feud with former owner Daniel Snyder and then-quarterback Robert Griffin III.

Over the years, the younger Shanahan has made it known what he thought of (former team president) Bruce Allen, Snyder and the Washington organization. However, Shanahan’s stance softened a bit in 2020 after Washington fired Allen and hired head coach Ron Rivera. Shanahan spoke of his respect for Rivera.

The 49ers returned to FedEx Field on Sunday, defeating the Commanders 27-10. It was notable because it was the first time Shanahan faced Washington since Snyder sold the team.

While Williams spoke of his time in Washington, Shanahan admitted he doesn’t feel any negative feelings toward the Commanders any longer.

“No, not at all,” Shanahan said when asked if his negative feelings still existed since Snyder sold the team, per Kirk Larrabee of 49erswebzone.com. “I used to have those, but it’s totally different place here now, and different people, and nothing’s personal here anymore. The personal stuff is gone.”

That’s good news. With new owner Josh Harris now in charge, many of the bad feelings opposing teams and former players had toward the organization are gone.

The 4-12 Commanders wrap up the regular season next week against Dallas and are expected to move on from Rivera afterward.

Trent Williams said 49ers clinched No. 1 seed in Washington was ‘full circle’ moment for him

Trent Williams returned to FedEx Field and helped the 49ers clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed and home-field advantage in the playoffs. He discussed his time in Washington.

Trent Williams was supposed to play for the Washington NFL organization forever. For his first nine seasons, things went well between Williams and the organization. Washington’s No. 4 overall pick from the 2010 NFL draft was a perennial Pro Bowler and consistently a bright spot for the team.

However, things changed when Washington’s then-medical staff misdiagnosed a cancerous tumor on his scalp. Williams held out during the 2019 offseason, and when he reported to the team ahead of the NFL trade deadline, then-team president Bruce Allen placed Williams on the non-football injury list.

Williams made it clear his issue was with Allen, not then-owner Daniel Snyder. When Snyder fired Allen after the season, there was hope that new head coach Ron Rivera could mend fences with Williams.

The fences were never mended, and while it’s easy to blame Rivera for that, it’s unclear if Snyder would have ever given Williams a new contract after he had continuously badmouthed the organization.

Things have gone well since then for Williams, as he’s been named first-team All-Pro twice and is in the playoffs every season.

On Sunday, Williams returned to FedEx Field for the first time since his trade during the 2020 NFL draft. He acknowledged there were some emotions, but mostly, it was just another game with so much having passed. And while he is happy in San Francisco, he is thankful for his 10 years in Washington.

“When they dealt me away for nothing, I still had a lot left in the tank,” Williams said after the 49ers’ win over Washington on Sunday, per Kirk Larrabee of 49erswebzone.com. “I think maybe my layoff, battling cancer and stuff, I think a lot of people would think nobody could come back normal, especially at that age. I bet on myself obviously to go to a new organization, but it’s all part of God’s plan. I’m really thankful for my nine years, ten years here, and I think it just made me a better professional overall going to my next chapter.”

Williams has continued to excel since leaving Washington. And at 35, he remains the NFL’s best left tackle.

While the 49ers won Sunday’s game over his former team, Williams accomplished another first — clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed. And it meant something for Williams to do it at FedEx Field.

“It all came full circle,” Williams said. “I’m really blessed to come back here and actually clinch a number one seed and do something I’ve never done in my career before. I’m super grateful for that. It was good seeing familiar faces, but at the end of the day, I wish those guys nothing but the best. I looked at it as another game. Just a game where I knew a lot of people on the sideline.”

Finally, one of the reporters in the locker room spoke to Williams about Washington’s new ownership. Josh Harris and his group purchased the Commanders for over $6 billion in July, meaning a lot had changed since he last donned the burgundy and gold.

Could Williams see a time in his future when he returned to the organization where he spent the first 10 years of his career?

“No, I think I’m a 49er right now,” Williams said with a smile. “I love the ownership here. I love the organization. I could never speak for the future. I’m taking it one day at a time. But they definitely treat me as their own here, so I really can’t see going anywhere else.”

The question wasn’t necessarily if he’d play for Washington again but if he’d return to the organization when it presumably inducts him into the Ring of Fame.

Things have gone well for Williams since leaving Washington’s organization, as he has a chance to win the Super Bowl. At the same time, brighter times are ahead for the Commanders due to their new ownership group.

49ers DE Chase Young has 1 tackle in his return to Washington

Washington was without both of its starting offensive tackles in the game.

The San Francisco 49ers defeated the Washington Commanders 27-10 on Sunday, clinching the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs.

Sunday also featured the returns of defensive end Chase Young and left tackle Trent Williams to Washington.

Young, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft, was traded on Oct. 31 for a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft. After the trade, someone in Washington’s organization described the trade as “addition by subtraction,” noting Young’s durability and undisciplined play.

Williams was traded during the 2020 NFL draft after 10 seasons with the organization after being at odds with management.

Before the game, the former Washington first-round picks came out of the tunnel together in their return to FedEx Field.

How did the duo fare in their return?

Williams was his usual dominant self, opening holes for San Francisco’s running backs while leading an offensive line that did not allow a sack while the game was competitive.

Meanwhile, Young was credited with one tackle in his return to Washington, playing situational snaps. Since his trade to San Francisco, Young has been playing 54% of the 49ers’ defensive snaps, and he had 2.5 sacks in seven games before Sunday.

The Commanders entered Sunday without both starting offensive tackles. Left tackle Charles Leno Jr. was placed on IR Saturday, while right tackle Andrew Wylie was ruled out before the game, paving the way for Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott to start at left and right tackle, respectively.

Against a pair of backup tackles and facing a quarterback who has been sacked 61 times,  Young had just one tackle in Sunday’s game.

Washington coach Ron Rivera hasn’t gotten many things right, but he doesn’t look wrong for trading Young for a 2024 third-round compensatory pick.

 

National reaction to Ravens clinching No. 1 seed in AFC with 56-19 win over Dolphins

We’re looking at the national reaction to the Baltimore Ravens clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 56-19 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 17

The Ravens are champions of the AFC North and the No. 1 seed in the conference after dismantling the Miami Dolphins, 56-19 on Sunday afternoon.

In a scene that can only be dominant and brutal, Lamar Jackson was near perfect on the afternoon, likely wrapping up his second MVP award since 2019.

With preparation for the finale against Pittsburgh starting to begin, we’re looking at the national reaction to this win.

Commanders CB Christian Holmes ruled out with a concussion

Christian Holmes suffered a concussion in the fourth quarter.

The Washington Commanders continue to lose bodies in their secondary. Entering Sunday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers, Washington was without starting cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste, and starting safety Percy Butler.

In the first half, cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields, seeing his first time on defense this season, injured his shoulder and was lost for the game. That created an opportunity for second-year cornerback Christian Holmes.

The special-teams stalwart immediately made an impact, breaking up a third-and-5 around midfield to force a punt. Washington would score a touchdown on the following possession.

As for Holmes, he remained in the game and, by all accounts, played well.

Unfortunately, in the fourth quarter, on what appeared to be a Deebo Samuel first-down run inside the five-yard line, Holmes seemed fine, chatting with Trent Williams before he suddenly fell to the ground.

Here’s the play.

Holmes was on the ground for several minutes before he was carted off. Washington immediately ruled him out with a concussion.

Holmes was a seventh-round draft pick from Oklahoma State in the 2022 NFL draft.

Highlights and takeaways from first half as Ravens hold a 28-13 lead over Dolphins

We’re looking at highlights and takeaways from first half as the Baltimore Ravens hold a 28-13 lead over the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium in Week 17

The Ravens were physical, held the Dolphins to 269 yards in the first half, and converted both red zone attempts to amass a 28-13 lead over Miami in the first half of their AFC Showdown.

Baltimore had 313 yards of total offense and one significant turnover that led to pints, while Tua Tagovalioa was 14 of 26 for 183 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT with Jaylen Waddle out of the lineup.

Miami also lost star cornerback Xavien Howard for the game with an injury.

As the second half begins, here are highlights and takeaways from the first half.

Final score prediction for Commanders vs. 49ers, Week 17

Our final picks are in for Week 17. What’s your pick, the Commanders or the 49ers? This one is easy.

Thankfully, there are only two games remaining for the Washington Commanders in the 2023 NFL season. Unfortunately for Washington, those games are against two of the NFL’s best teams.

On Sunday, Washington hosts an angry San Francisco 49ers, who are coming off a loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football. Not only does San Francisco need to win to keep its hopes alive for home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs, it’s also the return to Washington for left tackle Trent Williams and defensive end Chase Young.

Even if the Commanders are terrible and expected to lose, don’t you think this game means a bit more to Williams and Young?

Washington has lost six in a row, made a quarterback change last week that may not even happen, and is an absolute mess in the final weeks of head coach Ron Rivera.

Anyway, onto our picks.

Here are our staff picks for the Commanders and 49ers.

 

Ravens defenders Brandon Stephens, Kyle Hamilton are questionable for matchup vs. Dolphins

Kyle Hamilton listed as questionable for Ravens matchup vs. Dolphins

Baltimore is set to match up with the NFL’s leading passing attack that’ll feature the NFL’s best wide receiver in Tyreek Hill, and they could be without three defenders in the secondary.

Safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) and cornerback Brandon Stephens (ankle) are both questionable to play, along with nickel Arthur Maulet (knee).

Hamilton has been a Swiss army knife in the Ravens’ defense this season, and Stephens has been the Ravens’ most consistent cornerback and started every game.

Hamilton didn’t practice Friday after being limited on Thursday. Stephens was added to the injury report on Thursday and was still out Friday.

Flowers missed two days of practice before taking part in Friday’s session on a limited basis. Flowers leads the Ravens with 74 catches for 752 yards and four touchdowns.

Commanders to be without multiple starters Sunday vs. 49ers

The Commanders will be without multiple starters, including most of their secondary and two starting offensive linemen against the 49ers.

The Washington Commanders are looking to snap a six-game losing streak on Sunday when they host the San Francisco 49ers. As if beating the NFC’s top team isn’t difficult enough, the Commanders will be without multiple starters for Sunday’s game.

Washington’s secondary will be without three starters, while the offensive line will be without left tackle Charles Leno Jr. and center Tyler Larsen against San Francisco’s outstanding defensive line.

In some good news, running back Brian Robinson Jr. makes his return to the lineup after missing the last two games. Also, starting right tackle Andrew Wylie is questionable for Sunday with an elbow injury.

Washington’s secondary has struggled all season, but things could get ugly against the explosive San Francisco offense, particularly with Kendall Fuller sidelined.

Here’s Washington’s injury report for Sunday.

OUT

  • CB Kendall Fuller
  • CB Benjamin St-Juste
  • S Percy Butler
  • LT Charles Leno Jr.
  • C Tyler Larsen

Questionable

  • RT Andrew Wylie
  • QB Jacoby Brissett

Yes, you read that correctly. Brissett, named starting quarterback on Wednesday, tweaked his hamstring during Friday’s practice and was added to the injury report. If Brissett can’t go, Sam Howell will return to the starting lineup.

With Fuller, St-Juste and Butler out, we should see plenty of rookies Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin and young cornerback Tariq Castro-Fields — a San Francisco draft pick in 2022.

In San Francisco injury news, quarterback Brock Purdy, left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Deebo Samuel are all off the injury and will play.

Defensive tackle Arik Armstead will miss Sunday’s game.

Here’s the full injury report.

 

Gimme Him: One player Commanders would steal from 49ers

The 49ers are loaded, but a familiar face would dramatically improve Washington’s roster.

The Washington Commanders (4-11) host the San Francisco 49ers (11-4) Sunday in a battle of NFC teams going in opposite directions. The 49ers are the NFC’s best team and are looking to secure home-field advantage in the playoffs, while the Commanders are heading toward a new regime and climbing up the 2024 NFL draft board.

The 49ers have arguably the best roster in the NFL. San Francisco is loaded on both sides of the ball and is particularly strong in the trenches. Two former Washington first-round picks play on the offensive and defensive line for the 49ers.

As we continue previewing the Week 17 game between the Commanders and the 49ers, it’s time for Washington to hypothetically steal one player from San Francisco.

Several options would dramatically improve the Commanders’ roster. Defensive end Nick Bosa, linebacker Fred Warner, running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Deebo Samuel are just some of San Francisco’s stars who are among the best — if not the best — at their respective positions.

But for this exercise, we are reaching back into Washington’s past and choosing left tackle Trent Williams.

Williams, 35, is in his fourth season with the 49ers after 10 seasons with Washington. Head coach Ron Rivera traded Williams during the 2020 NFL draft, and all Williams has done since is make three more Pro Bowls and twice was named first-team All-Pro.

While Charles Leno Jr. is a solid left tackle, Williams could move him over to right tackle if he were back with Washington, giving the Commanders a terrific offensive tackle duo.

Williams remains an elite player at a premium position and is a future Hall of Famer who doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. The Commanders could certainly use Williams after quarterback Sam Howell was sacked 60 times this season.

The Commanders and 49ers have played twice since Williams landed with San Francisco. However, this is Williams’ first trip back to FedEx Field. He was named one of Washington’s 90 greatest players in franchise history last year.