Tag: Tress Way

WATCH: Commanders punter Tress Way converts on a fake punt

Tress Way with the completion on the fake punt.

The Washington Commanders had a disastrous start against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC championship game. The Commanders had an 18-play drive, converted on two fourth downs, but had to settle for a Zane Gonzalez field goal.

The Eagles responded quickly as star running back Saquon Barkley took the first play from scrimmage 60 yards to the house to take a 7-3 lead.

On Washington’s next possession, wide receiver Dyami Brown fumbled as he fought for extra yardage, and Barkley capped off the drive with another touchdown run.

The Commanders followed that with a three-and-out, and suddenly, things appeared bleak.

Enter punter Tress Way.

Way shocked everyone with a fake punt, throwing a pass downfield to rookie tight end Ben Sinnott for 23 yards and a first down.

Check it out.

The Commanders would end the drive with another Gonzalez field goal to trim Philly’s lead to 14-6.

What everyone said after the Commanders’ loss to Cowboys

Here’s what everyone said after Commanders’ loss to Cowboys.

The Commanders were again outscored in the fourth quarter and lost their third consecutive game, Sunday, when they fell to the Dallas Cowboys 34-26 at Northwest Stadium.

Here is a collection of post-game quotes from players, analysts, coaches, and media personalities.

Dan Quinn

“What I told the team after the game was that this is the most challenged we’ve been in our time together. And I reminded them, it’s not enough to learn the lessons, but we have to apply them.”

“I remind them it’s never about one play. And so, that execution falls on all of us players and coaches, and I firmly believe that. And so, we’ll get to it tomorrow. We’ll look at the tape and get right to the truth of it all.”

“Yeah, I want to make sure like this confidence is rolling whoever we’re playing. And I don’t want it to go up and down and up and down. So again, I look back at the tape and the best part of this is you get to go dig in and go forward again, man. But from a performance side, is there plenty to clean up on? You bet. And you don’t want to miss an opportunity and when you got a home game and going forward in the division, you want to take advantage of those. And when you miss them, it stings.”

Jayden Daniels

“We’ve been in third and longer a lot, you know, these past couple games. So, that’s kind of where you get into the exotic pressures and stuff like that. You know, we’ve just gotta be better on first and second downs and stay ahead of the chains.”

Chris Russell (Team 980)

“I fully expected the #Commanders to win this game & begrudgingly picked them -10.5 on Friday. As I kept mentioning – the notion they were going to cruise over these next few weeks (Dallas, Tennessee & New Orleans) was laughable. It’s a potential nightmare now.”
Ben Standig (The Athletic)
“From a team spokesperson: Out of an abundance of caution, Austin Ekeler (concussion) is headed to the hospital for further testing.“
John Keim (ESPN)
“Wow. Just a brutal finish to cap a horrendous performance.“
Bobby Wagner

Jason Garrett (NBC)
“They’ve got to start getting the ball down the field. [Terry] McLaurin has got to get involved in this game earlier. That’s the only way they get this offense going again.”

Austin Seibert

“It didn’t make a difference at all. It’s on me.”
“I felt fine. That’s why I made the decision to play and here we are.”

Tress Way

“This dude is just making freaking kicks all year long so we still have a lot of ball left and making a little playoff run. It’s just really tough. Rinse and repeat and come back and get ready for Tennessee.”

“I would have to…..I’d really like to see the film. They always say the eye in the sky don’t lie but [LS] Tyler [Ott] and I talked after and our job is to make it as seamless as possible for Austin and we just didn’t feel like we quite had it there. Rinse and repeat. Get ready to go again.”

Terry McLaurin

“It doesn’t come down to one play. It doesn’t come down to one kick. We had our opportunities to take control of the game and we didn’t.”

Rick ‘Doc’ Walker

“I’d love to learn a lesson while Winning.”

Grant Paulsen (106.7 The Fan)

“The Commanders have fallen to 7-5. Lots of football left this season but this was a cold water performance. Hard to count wins against the bad teams they play in future after losing as an 11-point favorite.”

Thom Loverro (Washington Times)

“George Allen spinning in his grave — special teams allow 99-yard kickoff return. Remember the days when the Commanders went the entire game without punting?”

 

 

Commanders stumbled, had a chance, but blew it again

A woeful effort from start to finish.

The Commanders sucked on Sunday.

Well, at least for the first three and a half quarters, Dallas dominated, leading 20-9. Watching the Commanders on Sunday, words like frustrating, aggravating, and infuriating come to mind.

Then, the Commanders pulled off another miracle late; however, they blew the extra point and allowed an onside kickoff touchdown return, falling to the woeful Cowboys 34-26.

Washington missed two extra points; the last one was an absolute heartbreaker.

Twenty-one seconds remained with Washington trailing 27-20 when Jayden Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin, who got a block, turned on the jets and scored from 86 yards, making the score 27-26.

Austin Seibert then missed the extra-point attempt. It was a bad snap, and Seibert, while approaching the ball, had to watch Tress Way get control of the ball and place it down in time. Seibert then pulled the kick left.

Washington now had to attempt an onside kick which was then returned by Juanyeh Thomas 43 yards for the clinching touchdown and the final 34-26 margin.

The Cowboys entered the game with a 3-7 record. Yet the Commanders, who entered at 7-4, were the home team and played a step slow all day and let Dallas take the game to them from the start.

Three weeks ago, the Commanders were 7-2 and the NFC’s No. 2 seed for the playoffs.

Based on Sunday’s performance, Washington is 7-5, having lost three consecutive games and looking progressively worse each game.

Face it, Commanders fans, if not for the lucky ‘Hail Mary,’ this team would be 6-6 and losers of four of their last five. I love this franchise, but that is who they are right now.

Dallas came into today at the very bottom of NFL teams in rushing offense. Its rushing defense wasn’t any better, also one of the worst in the league. The Cowboys were without quarterback Dak Prescott, but backup Cooper Rush completed 24 of 32 attempts for 247 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions.

Two of the Cowboys touchdowns in the final quarter were kickoff returns.

 

Tress Way on Jahan Dotson trade: ‘I hope he’s returning punts’

Tress Way and his son Beau will miss Dotson.

Tress Way is the longest-tenured player on the Washington Commanders’ roster. He’s seen many players come and go. It’s no surprise that Way’s children, especially his son, Beau, are big fans of the Commanders.

Beau Way loves Terry McLaurin and Jeremy Reaves. According to Way, Beau is also a fan of Jahan Dotson. Unfortunately for the younger Way, Dotson is now a member of the Philadelphia Eagles after Washington traded the 2022 first-round pick on Thursday.

After Thursday’s practice, Way reacted to Dotson’s trade. His first thought was about Beau.

“First thing was the news I’m going to have to break to my son, Beau,” Way said. “He really loves Jahan, and Jahan scored a lot of touchdowns for us, but, you know, that’s just how it goes. It’s a crazy time of year. It happens every single year. We get to see him twice this year.”

Then, Way, in his usual joking demeanor, had another thought on the trade.

“I hope he’s returning punts; we’ll see how that goes.”

Way, of course, likes the physical aspect of the game and isn’t afraid of tackling, which he showed everyone in Washington’s first preseason game. Way’s tackle excited not only his teammates but also earned the praise of head coach Dan Quinn.

Way will miss Dotson but also praised the mentality of Washington’s new leadership, a common theme among all players since Dan Quinn’s arrival.

 

Commanders punter Tress Way’s tackle fires teammates up

Tress Way fired everyone up on Saturday.

Tress Way is the longest-tenured player on the Washington Commanders’ roster. Way has been with Washington since 2014, and there probably aren’t too many specialists as popular with their community, teammates, and fan base as Way.

The two-time Pro Bowl punter was in the news this spring after the Commanders selected quarterback Jayden Daniels in the NFL draft. Way gave his No. 5 to Daniels.

It was an emotional moment for Way, but he believed he had made the right decision for the sake of the organization.

During Saturday’s preseason opener against the New York Jets, Way launched a 54-yard punt in the fourth quarter that Jets returner Brandon Codrington appeared to have some green grass in front of him. However, Way would have none of it, coming out of nowhere for an impressive form tackle and stopping Codrington after a 13-yard return.

Here’s the play, and notice the reactions of his teammates.

Everyone rallied to Way, led by linebacker Frankie Luvu.

Everybody loves Tress Way.

On Sunday, safety and special-teams stalwart Jeremy Reaves, a close friend of Way and his family, made a promise to Way’s wife on Instagram.

While his teammates loved it, you can bet general manager Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn and special teams coach Larry Izzo loved it even more. They stress competing on every snap, and Way’s tackle — in the preseason — is the epitome of competing.

It’s not every day you see a punter running down the field and getting physical, much less in the preseason. That’s why Tress Way is one of one.

 

Commanders P Tress Way perfectly describes why this team feels different

Tress Way explains a critical difference between this version of the Commanders and the others he’s been a part of.

Washington Commanders punter Tress Way has seen a lot during his time with the franchise. Claimed off waivers by Washington in August 2014, Way has played for Jay Gruden, Bill Callahan, Ron Rivera and now Dan Quinn as head coaches.

He’s seen even more coordinators and position coaches during his time in Washington. Way has been outspoken this offseason about why he’s pumped up for this new regime led by owner Josh Harris, general manager Adam Peters and Quinn.

After the Commanders concluded the offseason last week, Way spoke to reporters and explained why this team feels different than in past years.

“Just like every other June 12th, we are playing each other,” Way said in response to how this team was different on June 12th than in previous years.

“But I think the mental side of this team’s June 12th versus any other team I’ve ever been a part of, everything is so on purpose.”

That’s a good answer from Way. He acknowledges that it’s June 12th, they haven’t played a game yet, and nothing truly matters. However, he did note the difference without throwing any of his past coaches under the bus.

There are many differences between this year’s team and previous ones. And that starts with ownership. If you’ve followed Washington long enough, you’d understand why. The Commanders now have a professional owner who hired quality professionals to run the organization the way it hasn’t been done since 1999.

No one understands this better than Way or franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan. Way has been with the organization for 11 seasons now, while Kerrigan has been in Washington since 2011, except for the 2021 season.

Way still hasn’t decided on a new number, and he continues to wear the temporary No. 10 jersey. He gave up the No. 5 jersey he has worn since 2014 to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Commanders P Tress Way doesn’t have a new number yet

Tress Way has a new number — sort of.

Just before the Washington Commanders opened rookie minicamp last Friday, punter Tress Way released a video revealing he had given his No. 5 jersey to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

It was an emotional decision for the Pro Bowl punter and Washington’s longest-tenured player. On Saturday, Daniels expressed gratitude by opening his press conference by thanking Way.

While last weekend was just for the rookie, the entire team reported back to Ashburn this weekend for the opening of Offseason Training Activities (OTAs). That meant Way would need a number.

He had a new number — sort of.

Way jogged onto the field sporting the No. 10 jersey, which second-year wide receiver Kazmeir Allen currently occupies. Way has yet to decide on a permanent number, so the No. 10 was a temporary decision.

Viewing that video, Way looked like a quarterback in that jersey throwing passes.

Way joked about asking defensive end Clelin Ferrell for No. 99 due to all the Chase Young jerseys that will be at FedEx Field in the fall. We aren’t sure if he’s serious, but Way in 99 would be a cool look and would probably sell.

 

Tress Way, a true leader for the Commanders

Tress Way shows why that “C” is on his chest.

Joe Theismann, Dave Butz, Darrell Green, Art Monk, Brian Mitchell, London Fletcher.

Every knowledgeable Washington NFL fan would readily acknowledge these players were the team’s leaders. A team needs guys who will set a tone and not deviate from the standard of performance and behavior at team meetings, on the practice field, or even before the press.

The Commanders have such a leader now. The unique thing about one of their current leaders is that he is a punter.

Tress Way has been wearing Burgundy and Gold since the 2014 season. For each of those ten seasons, he wore jersey No. 5. Thursday night, the Commanders announced via a short video that Way was relinquishing his jersey number of ten years to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

“Tress Way is an unbelievably underrated player and teammate,” proclaimed John Feinstein during his segment Friday with the “Sports Junkies” (106.7 the Fan).

Feinstein pointed out that Way has been one of the NFL’s better punters for a decade, and yet Way did not say, “I have been here ten years; why should I give up my number for a rookie?”

Seeing Way determine that Daniels, who has yet to play an NFL game, could have his jersey was impressive. Feinstein concluded, “I am a fan.”

Leaders connect with others through their sincerity and authenticity. Way, of course, is flawed; each of us is. Yet, since 2014, Tress Way has been refreshingly sincere and genuine.

He is secure enough in who he is as a man, a husband, a father, and a punter that he doesn’t worry about impressing others. Way demonstrated this week an ability to say no to himself for the good of the team. He admitted that at first, he did not want to give up No. 5, but then he thought it would actually be a move that could be better for the team, so he submitted his own preference for the team.

We’ve heard the old saying, “The name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back of the jersey.”

It’s one thing to say you believe it. Tress Way demonstrated he is willing to live it.

 

 

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels shows respect to Tress Way

Jayden Daniels showed respect and appreciation to Tress Way.

A rookie quarterback coming to town as the No. 2 overall pick means that player has some say. In some cases, that player is not afraid to use some of that pull.

That’s not Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Daniels wanted the No. 5 jersey from longtime punter and team captain Tress Way. Way was initially hesitant to give up the number, but after considering what it meant to him and his career, he believed relinquishing the number to the rookie quarterback was in the best interest of the franchise he loved.

Way was emotional in discussing his attachment to the No. 5 on Thursday.

The Commanders opened rookie minicamp on Friday, which meant Daniels would take the field for the first time in the burgundy and gold.

After practice, Daniels spoke to the media and before taking any questions, he had a message for Way.

“Shoutout, Tress, you know, allowing me to wear his jersey,” Daniels said. Obviously, what it means to him, what it means to me. He’s a legend here, so I’m very appreciative that he allowed me to wear his jersey.”

That’s impressive. You want to win a team over? That will get it done. Daniels mentioned multiple times that Way was allowing him to wear his (Way’s) jersey. That’s leadership and knowing your place. Daniels could have went straight to general manager Adam Peters and demanded the No. 5, but that’s not the type of person he is. It didn’t matter that Way was a punter, Daniels showed respect to Way, the player — and person.

“It’s significant not only to me but him also,” Daniels said. “So, him allowing me to wear it, it meant a lot that he was able to kind of just pass it to me, passed the torch. Obviously, with the agreements, but he didn’t have to come off the number. Obviously, what he did for it, he is a captain, All-Pro, Pro Bowl player. So, he means a lot to the DMV, to this organization. So, for him to be able to allow me to wear the number, it just shows he has my back and he’s excited and that’s what we talked about and I’m excited to be his teammate.”

Way and Daniels could not have handled this any better. Peters and coach Dan Quinn handled it well, too. Imagine if Dan Snyder owned the team. He would never have allowed this to happen, as he would have given the rookie the number over a tenured teammate the moment he was drafted.

With how he handled this, Daniels has already earned the trust and respect of his veteran teammates.

WATCH: Tress Way gets emotional discussing giving up No. 5 to Jayden Daniels

Tress Way talks giving up the No. 5 to Jayden Daniels.

There haven’t been a lot of constants surrounding the Washington NFL franchise since 2014. Two names do come to mind, though: Assistant coach and Washington’s all-time sacks leader Ryan Kerrigan and punter Tress Way.

There’s a difference between the two, as Kerrigan, who arrived in Washington as a first-round pick in 2011, left in 2021 to play his final NFL season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He returned to Washington the following season to begin his coaching career.

Way hasn’t left.

Undrafted out of Oklahoma in 2013, Way originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Chicago Bears. He was waived that summer and didn’t play. In 2014, he re-signed with Chicago that offseason. Way was once again waived that summer.

However, this was where Way’s football career took a positive turn. The then-Washington Redskins claimed Way off waivers and he’s been with the team ever since. Way has survived multiple head coaches, general managers, name changes, quarterbacks, kickers and long snappers. One thing that has remained the same for Way is the constant losing.

Yet, for Way, there is nowhere else he’d rather be than with Washington.

On Thursday, Way went through a big change. He gave up his No. 5 jersey to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Giving up your number may not seem like a big deal to some, but when you’ve been with a franchise for as long as Way has, it hits differently. Way has raised his kids playing in Washington, made lifelong friends, became a valuable member of the community and was a multi-year team captain.

He joined the “Command Center” on Thursday to discuss giving up his number and how, at first, he didn’t want to do it, but thinking about the long-term future of the franchise he loves, he wanted Daniels to have it.

Way discussed first arriving in Washington, feeling wanted for the first time, and picking the No. 5 jersey. He talked about being a four-time captain and how if he is voted captain for a fifth time, the “C” on his jersey will be filled in, but with a different number.

In discussing the jersey situation with his wife, Way gained perspective about why he was named a captain in the first place. Then, thought about Daniels, being a rookie with a ton of pressure on him, in addition to all the excitement surrounding the organization.

“I just feel like there’s just so much excitement around this organization, hands down the most I have ever seen,” Way said. “All of the excitement is building and building and building. I just feel like this is…………a very small part that I could do.”

Way said much more, and we’d encourage you to watch the entire episode. 

Regardless of how he arrived at the decision, Way, as always, was looking out for his teammates. Now you know why he is beloved. Safety Jeremy Reaves, a close friend of Way’s, took to X to share his thoughts.

No one has ever said a bad word about Tress Way. And save your “he’s just a punter, bro” tweets. Way loves the Washington organization. He understood the big picture that No. 5 would mean more on the rookie quarterback than him.

Way discussed how great general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have been since arriving.

It’s days like Thursday when you realize why Way is a team captain.