Tag: Tress Way

Tress Way loves Commanders new HC Dan Quinn’s mindset

Tress Way is fired up for Dan Quinn and this new regime.

The Commanders in a meeting room, head coach Dan Quinn asked the returning players to all stand to their feet and move to another seat.

He asked them to move around and get to know some of the new players. Quinn encouraged players who didn’t know other players to make an effort at friendship because some of these guys could become your best friends.

Tress Way first made an active roster with the then Redskins back in 2014. This is now Way’s 11th consecutive NFL season, and Quinn is his third head coach with Washington.

Way, is not only a veteran, he is a wise one. He sees beyond a football. He spoke of Quinn’s task, “How can you galvanize all of us and bring us together towards a common goal?”

The former Oklahoma Sooner understands a team has many individual members yet comes together and, therefore, must work together for the common good of the whole. “Everybody has unique strengths, unique gifts…I just like to empower guys regarding the things they do well.”

Rather than pointing fingers at coaches, Way was already publicly declaring the players’ responsibilities: “It’s up to us, the players, to get to know one another, to create this bond, and then go win some football games.”

Upon hearing the Commanders’ new coach announced as Quinn, Way texted him congratulating Quinn. Way came to Quinn’s office a few days later, and the two chatted for 20-25 minutes. “I bet three minutes of it was about football, and all he (Quinn) asked about was how I got into the league.” Way elaborated, saying he, too, was able to ask some questions of Quinn, and he will always remember that day for the way he was able to get to know Quinn.

Way talked truthfully about how all NFL teams are very positive this time of year, thinking this year will be better than last year. But he then added, “It’s so authentic the way (Quinn) is delivering a message to you…it’s very impressive, it’s fun.” Way should know, witnessing these times over a decade.

Here’s hoping Dan Quinn will bring lots more fun through winning games. That would be a new experience for Commanders fans.

WATCH: Jeremy Reaves reveals Tress Way’s reaction on his return to the Commanders

It’s safe to say that Tress Way is fired up that Jeremy Reaves is back for the Commanders.

It’s no secret that Washington punter Tress Way and safety Jeremy Reaves are close. When Reaves learned he made the Pro Bowl in 2022, Way’s reaction—he also made the Pro Bowl—was terrific.

Over the years, we’ve learned that Reaves is also a favorite of Way’s kids, including his young son, Beau.

However, with a new regime, there was a chance that Reaves and Way wouldn’t be teammates anymore. Reaves was a free agent, and general manager Adam Peters hadn’t progressed with any of Washington’s free agents before free agency opened last week.

Not to worry, Reaves was re-signed late last week, becoming the first Commanders’ player to earn an extension under the new regime. Technically, it wasn’t an extension as Reaves’ contract had expired, but there was no doubt that head coach Dan Quinn and Peters wanted Reaves back.

Fans were happy with the news, too. Reaves is beloved.

Reaves met with the media after the news of his re-signing, expressing his excitement about returning to Washington. Before his time with the media was up, he was asked about Way’s reaction.

This is tremendous.

In addition to being beloved in the locker room and by fans, Reaves is also a heckuva player who has earned everything he’s received. Quinn understands what players like that mean for the culture and the locker room.

 

Commanders punter Tress Way emotional in describing what Ron Rivera means to him

Tress Way emotional in describing what Ron Rivera means to him.

The Washington Commanders will likely move on from head coach Ron Rivera on Monday after four seasons with the team. Rivera accepted the job as Washington’s head coach and, essentially, general manager in Jan. 2020.

Unfortunately for Rivera, things didn’t go as planned, and he finished his tenure in Washington with a 26-40-1 record.

On Sunday, after the Commanders’ 38-10 loss to the Cowboys ended the 2023 season, several players praised Rivera in the locker room after the game. One of those players was Washington’s longest-tenured player, punter Tress Way.

“I remember whenever my father got sick, during the COVID season (2020), Coach Rivera called every night to ask how it was going, and dad passed,” Way said, fighting back tears. “But, I’ll never forget that one, that was…..just called, every night, so, it was cool.”

Way has been with Washington since 2014 and has played for Jay Gruden, Bill Callahan and Rivera. One of the more popular players on the team, Way is a beloved locker-room leader and wasn’t the only player to have fond feelings for Rivera.

Tight end Logan Thomas and defensive tackle Daron Payne also praised Rivera.

No Commanders make the 2024 NFL Pro Bowl

And none deserved to make the Pro Bowl.

Five Washington Commanders made the Pro Bowl in 2022: Defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, safety Jeremy Reaves and punter Tress Way.

One year later, the 4-12 Commanders saw no players make the Pro Bowl.

Four teams saw no players selected to the Pro Bowl, and three of those teams are currently in the top four of the 2024 NFL draft order: Carolina (No. 1, but pick goes to Chicago), Washington (No. 2) and New England (No. 3). Green Bay was the fourth team with no players selected to the Pro Bowl.

Only two Commanders finished among the top 10 in fan voting at their respective positions: Kam Curl (10th among safeties) and Terrell Burgess (third among specialists).

Who were Washington’s top contenders to make the Pro Bowl? Well, it’s tough to make an argument for anyone. Statistically, McLaurin is probably the most likely, as he’s 54 yards away from 1,000 yards receiving for the fourth consecutive season. However, McLaurin is far down the list among wideouts deserving to make the Pro Bowl, through no fault of his own.

Last season’s defense was among the best in the NFL, but the 2023 defense broke the franchise record last week for points allowed in a single season.

Former Washington long snapper Nick Sundberg said Ron Rivera ‘lied’ to him

Washington’s longtime former snapper is not a fan of Ron Rivera.

The Ron Rivera era in Washington will soon be coming to an end. At 26-37-1 in four seasons as head coach, Rivera is expected to finish the season before new owner Josh Harris moves in another direction.

There is at least one former Washington player who will be happy to see Rivera go.

Nick Sundberg was Washington’s long snapper for 11 seasons, from 2010-20, with his final season overlapping Rivera’s first season in Washington. One of the NFL’s best and most reliable long snappers for a decade, Rivera unceremoniously moved on from Sundberg in the 2021 offseason.

As a guest on “Grant and Danny” on 106.7 The Fan this week, Sundberg explained that he was supposed to be in Washington for longer, but Rivera lied to his face.

“Yeah, but I mean, hopefully, I’ll be able to root for the team again in a few weeks,” Sundberg said when asked if it was difficult to see what the 4-10 Commanders have become via Lou DiPietro of Audacy.

“It’s tough to watch Ron, man. I don’t like him, clearly………I mean, if I got cut in January or just told I wasn’t being brought back in January, but three days before free agency starts is a little frustrating. That aggravated me quite a bit. I could have been rehabbing in Phoenix this whole time, but I was there trying to do what was right for the team and all that sort of thing, and they were and constantly like, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll get it (a contract) done, we’ll talk to your agent,’ just lying to your face type of stuff. So that is annoying.”

Sundberg holds no ill will toward Camaron Cheeseman, who the Commanders drafted to replace him in 2021 and released this week after struggling all season.

Remember, Rivera isn’t just Washington’s head coach; he’s also the head of all football operations. Since assuming that role in 2020, Rivera has made one bad decision after another. Whether it’s bungling the quarterback position, bad free-agent signings, or getting little from his draft classes, Rivera’s time as a GM has been a disaster.

Then, there is the story of Cheeseman. The Commanders moved up into the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft to select Cheeseman. Not only do NFL teams not draft long snappers, they certainly do not trade up for them.

As for Sundberg, there was talk of an injury, but Rivera didn’t see that as a problem when he initially told Sundberg the two sides would get a contract done. And this isn’t a case of Sundberg being out to get Rivera. Sundberg was a beloved member of Washington’s organization and the local DMV community. He was Washington’s Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee on two separate occasions.

Sundberg will be rooting for the Commanders again:

“Hopefully soon, sooner rather than later,” he said.

 

Commanders sign long snapper Tucker Addington to practice squad

The Commanders will elevate Addington ahead of their final three games.

The Washington Commanders finally moved on from long snapper Camaron Cheeseman on Monday after another disastrous performance in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Cheeseman had at least three errant snaps, one of which cost Washington the extra point on its final touchdown.

But the snap that finally forced head coach Ron Rivera to move on from Cheeseman was the one that almost seriously injured punter Tress Way. Fortunately, Way was fine, but Rivera could no longer ignore Cheeseman’s season-long issues just because he was a former draft pick.

On Tuesday, Washington signed Tucker Addington to the practice squad. Why the practice squad? NFL teams can elevate a player to the active roster three times per season, and with three games remaining, the Commanders will elevate Addington for game days.

If Addington makes it through the remainder of the season with no issues, Washington can sign him to a futures contract, ensuring he remains on the offseason roster.

Addington, 26, played collegiately at Sam Houston State. After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL draft, Addington spent two seasons working at the Texas Long Snapping camp.

In 2022, Addington appeared in 10 games for the Houston Gamblers of the USFL, which earned him an opportunity with the Dallas Cowboys. However, after a week on Dallas’s practice squad, Addington failed to win the job, and the Cowboys released him.

In Dec. 2022, Addington signed with the New England Patriots, where he appeared in three games. He was released the following summer.

He signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad in August after his release but was waived nine days later. Addington was one of five long snappers Washington brought in for a workout in September.

Zach Selby of commanders.com had the following information about Addington.

Ron Rivera discusses Commanders moving on from Cheeseman

Rivera discusses having to move on from his former draft pick.

Ron Rivera’s Monday press conference began with his being asked about why they made a move at long snapper.

For those who missed the latest news, on Monday, the Commanders released third-year long snapper Camaron Cheeseman. “Well, its just one of those things that there’s a certain point where it hadn’t been fixed, the way it needs to be fixed to be consistent all the time.”

Rivera, uninterrupted, elaborated a bit further, “It’s unfortunate because, for two solid years, we got some real good stuff from him. And unfortunately, this year was not as consistent as it needed to be.”

Cheeseman, the former Michigan Wolverine (who incidentally played his high school ball in Lincoln, OH), was selected by Washington in the sixth round (225 overall) in the 2021 NFL draft.

Instantly for some of us covering the team, it was a head-scratcher because long snappers are most often signed as undrafted free agents. The Commanders had now used a draft choice on a long snapper. Even more, not a seventh-rounder but a sixth-round choice.

Thus, there was an instant pressure on Cheeseman because the Commanders selecting him in the sixth round of that draft instantly raised questions and yes, some criticism.

For those who might not recall, the Commanders had already reached on Jamin Davis, selecting the Kentucky linebacker in the first round, 19th overall, catching draft analysts by surprise, seeing he was projected to go later.

When the draft reached the sixth round, the Commanders surprisingly made a trade — and even more, the trade was made with division-rival Philadelphia. The Commanders traded the Eagles, their fifth-round choice in the next year’s (2022) draft, for two Eagles 2021 choices (one in round six and one in round seven).

With those two 2021 choices, the Commanders selected Cheeseman and Will Bradley-King.

Earlier in the season, with Cheeseman struggling, Rivera actually stated, “We’ll just continue to have Camaron snap until, unfortunately, something happens, then we’ll decide from there.”

Sunday, something happened, and Tress Way was put in danger and an extra point attempt was delayed, giving the Rams time to block it.

Following the game, Cheeseman expressed the most surprising quote of the day, “I’ve been worried all year. Most places I wouldn’t be around still, so I’m taking every week as it is.”

Was that a compliment to Ron Rivera or more an admission of surprise?

Commanders release long snapper Camaron Cheeseman

The Commanders finally make a change at long snapper.

Apparently, Washington head coach Ron Rivera completed his evaluation of long snapper Camaron Cheeseman. On Monday, the Commanders released Cheeseman, one day after he had three errant snaps in a 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

After Sunday’s loss, Rivera was asked about Cheeseman, and he said his performance was not good enough and he would evaluate.

For his part, Cheeseman also spoke to the media, where he was asked if he was worried about his job, and his answer was eye-opening.

“I mean, I’ve been worried all year,” Cheeseman said, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “I haven’t been performing the way I’ve been wanting to. Most places, I probably wouldn’t be around still.”

Cheeseman is around no more. A sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Cheeseman is one of many failed draft picks during Ron Rivera’s four years in Washington. The Commanders not only spent a draft pick on a long snapper but also moved up to select Cheeseman.

He’s struggled all season, dating back to training camp. In September, the Commanders brought in multiple veteran long snappers for a workout, but it was clear Rivera was never serious about challenging Cheeseman.

After Sunday’s game, in which punter Tress Way was almost seriously injured, Rivera had no choice but to move on from Cheeseman.

Washington will likely bring long snappers in on Tuesday unless they sign one of the players who visited in September. Rivera will speak to the media later on Monday.

 

Commanders LS Camaron Cheeseman admits most teams would’ve cut him by now

Cheeseman acknowledges he’s been worried about his job all season and most teams would have already cut him.

The end may finally be near for Washington Commanders long snapper Camaron Cheeseman. The 2021 sixth-round pick had three more bad snaps in Sunday’s 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

The first errant snap came on a punt when Cheeseman skipped the ball back to punter Tress Way. Way’s only option was to dive on the ball to prevent a possible Rams touchdown. In doing so, Way was injured and left the field to be evaluated for a concussion.

He returned.

After the Commanders scored their first touchdown, Way had another low snap that Way saved, allowing kicker Joey Slye to convert on the point after.

Finally, after Washington’s third and final touchdown, another errant snap to Los Angeles blocking the PAT and costing the Commanders a point. The earlier snap cost Washington three points.

In the locker room after the game, Cheeseman was asked if he was worried about his job. His answer was telling.

That last sentence sums up the Ron Rivera era. Remember, it was Rivera and his handpicked front office that moved up in the draft to select Cheeseman in 2021. Teams rarely draft long snappers, much less move up for them. And Rivera’s outright refusal to bring in real competition for Cheeseman throughout this season is just another bad decision in a long line of bad decisions.

Washington worked out long snappers in September, but it was more of a way to have someone on standby in case Cheeseman continued to struggle. He did continue to struggle, and Rivera stayed with him.

Cheeseman has struggled since training camp, and everyone, outside of apparently Rivera, was concerned.

You have to appreciate Cheeseman’s humility here. He was honest and spoke to the media after what was a dreadful and perhaps career-changing day for him.

Commanders P Tress Way evaluated for concussion after another bad snap

Fortunately, Way was cleared to return, but the bad snaps remain an issue.

The Washington Commanders looked like they were in business on offense late in the second quarter when they recovered a Rams’ fumble. Unfortunately, Washington’s offense wasn’t up for the challenge, going three-and-out for the second time after a turnover in Sunday’s game.

That led to Washington punter Tress Way, arguably the best player on the team, coming on the field for his fourth punt of the game. However, long snapper Camaron Cheeseman skipped the ball back to Way, who had to land on it to prevent further disaster. In doing so, a Los Angeles defender landed on Way. He lay on the field for several minutes before being helped off the field.

Just before halftime, Way entered Washington’s locker room, where he was checked for a concussion.

The Rams took possession of the ball deep in Washington territory at the 25-yard line. Fortunately for the Commanders, they held the Rams to another field goal, making it 13-0.

The bad snaps remain an issue for Cheeseman. Yet, head coach Ron Rivera never seems too concerned when questioned about it and refuses to bring in competition.

Cheeseman was a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft. Not only was it a surprise that Washington drafted a long snapper, but that it traded up in the draft to select Cheeseman.

It hasn’t worked out.

In some good news, Way has been cleared to return. The Commanders will certainly need him.