Up and Adams Show – Syndication Server

Cowboys writer says Commanders signing already a flop

Some over-the-top comments regarding the Commanders and Dan Quinn.

A writer covering the Dallas Cowboys went on record Friday, stating he believes one Dan Quinn signing might already be a flop.

Jerry Trotta, who writes for “The Landry Hat,” asserted the new Commanders head coach, “Quinn overspent on a pair of Cowboys free agents in Dorance Armstrong and Tyler Biadasz and signed a 33-year-old tight end in Zach Ertz who’s played only 17 games the last two seasons.”

I actually admit to being concerned regarding Ertz, not knowing what he might still be able to contribute in 2024 for the Commanders.

Trotta then continued a step further, saying, “Any of those moves could blow up in Quinn’s face, but there’s one marquee signing that already looks like a flop: running back Austin Ekeler.”

Ekeler had appeared on the “Up and Adams” show with Kay Adams, stating that the Chargers were going a different direction, deciding to sign bigger running backs. So, Ekeler signed with Washington.

This reason didn’t satisfy Trotta, who called Ekeler’s reason “ludicrous.” Yet, Trotta doesn’t seem to understand that though Ekeler carried the ball 206 and 204 times during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, the 5-10, 200-pound running back is now entering his eighth NFL season.

The Commanders are not planning on using Ekeler to carry the ball 200+ times in 2024. If he reaches that many carries it will only be because Brian Robinson and Chris Rodriguez were both injured during the season.

The Commanders hope to assign Robinson and Rodriguez the workload of carrying the ball between the tackles, permitting Ekeler to be utilized more in space as a third-down back or pass-receiving back.

Trotta concluded, asking his readers, “You think Quinn already regrets signing Ekeler?”

Frankly, isn’t it much too early to make such an assumption?

Ekeler’s contract is only for two years. The Commanders can get the most out of Ekeler over two seasons by not pounding a 200-pound back too often, especially when they have guys like Robinson and Rodriguez, with younger bodies with less wear and tear, who can get the tough yards.

Perhaps, might his wishes that Quinn is not successful in Washington, be clouding Trotta’s judgment?

After all, we all (myself certainly included) have our own biases, and they reveal themselves from time to time.

Sam Howell says he needs to be better, praises Commanders offensive line

Howell had the perfect answer when discussing the sacks, praising his teammates while taking accountability.

Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has been sacked 34 times through six games. If Howell continues at the current pace, he will shatter Derek Carr’s 2002 record of 76 sacks in one season.

The 3-3 Commanders face the New York Giants in Week 7. This will be Howell’s first career start against Big Blue.

Howell is 1-1 in his short career against NFC East foes, as he almost led Washington to an upset win over the Eagles in Week 4.

Howell recently spoke with Kay Adams of FanDuel on an episode of “Up and Adams,” where he discussed everything, including the sacks.

“That’s the worst part about sacks, is like, it looks like it’s just on the O-line, but I think at the end of the day, I’m the one who has the ball in my hand, and I’m the one has the ability to throw the ball before I get hit,” Howell said.

“That’s the reality of it, and I think a lot of those sacks that we’ve had so far have been opportunities where I could’ve gotten rid of the football. So it’s just an area where I’m trying to continue to grow and trying to continue to find ways to either find a short completion or throw it away. One of those two things, and I think it’s just a part of my game where I know I can improve, so it’s been kinda fun to come in each and every day and try to learn from those things and try to get better.”

That’s an impressive answer. Remember back in 2014 when Robert Griffin III essentially blamed his teammates after an awful performance?

“If you want to look at the good teams in this league and the great quarterbacks, the Peytons (Manning) and the Aaron Rodgers, those guys don’t play well if their guys don’t play well,” Griffin said at the time per NFL.com.

It’s safe to say you’ll never hear anything like that from Howell.

About his offensive line, Howell praised the group blocking for him.

“Those guys up front have done a heckuva job,” Howell said. “I think when you kind of look at numbers as far as how those guys are protecting across the league, they’re fine. They’re doing a good job. The sack numbers are higher than what they should be, and that’s because I need to do a better job of helping those guys out. I love those guys, and they fight and give it their all on every single play. I’ve just got to do my part.”

That’s as impressive as an answer you’ll find on any football-related topic from a young quarterback.

Howell has shown many traits of a franchise quarterback. If he can get the sack numbers down, there’s no question that Washington has finally found its guy as it moves into a new era.

Commanders Jahan Dotson is thankful and excited about new beginnings

Dotson is excited about new ownership, the fans and the overall direction of the franchise.

Jahan Dotson is thankful for the new Josh Harris ownership group.

Wednesday at the Commanders’ training camp, Kay Adams host of the “Up and Adams” Show, was visiting the team and conducted several interviews following practice. When it was Doston’s turn, he didn’t hesitate to express he already notices the difference the new ownership group is making.

“It’s really cool to see that we have the support of the fan base back out to our games, back out to our practices. It gives us life; it gives us energy. It’s really cool to have them out here supporting us.

It’s definitely really exciting times around here, getting new ownership in the building, new beginnings, I like to call it. It’s definitely pretty fun. We’re really looking forward to it (2023 season).”

Adams inquired to Dotson, “What is a specific you have noticed already from the Josh Harris leadership?”

“The fans,” he replied with emphasis. “The fans is the biggest thing. It’s so easy to notice it when you come out to practice every day, and people are chanting your name. Last year? We didn’t have anything like that.”

The new ownership and increased fan attendance are not the only things encouraging Dotson. Adams asked about their trio of receivers Terry McLaurin, Dotson and Curtis Samuel. But Dotson seemed sincere to not want to merely focus on the trio but talk up the entire wide receivers group.

“Not only our trio; we have guys in our room who can all go. Terry is one of the best in the league and a great leader for us. We have guys that can all go and make plays at any given moment in the game.”

The receivers room is led by new wide receivers coach Bobby Ingram, who also has Dotson thinking things are trending upward.

“Bobby is my guy. Coach Ingram is a former Penn State grad. He’s our receivers coach now. He looks out for us. He’s a player’s coach. He makes sure we are always in the right position to succeed.”

When Adams transitioned to new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, she referred to him as a “drill sergeant.” But Dotson is OK with that. He feels Bieniemy brings an urgency to the coaching staff.

“He brings culture to our team. He demands success. He demands winning. He brings a winning attitude to our team, from the Super Bowl championship team. It’s really exciting that he’s come over and is helping us out.”

“We are getting guys in space; we are stretching the field. I am excited, and so are the other guys. It’s exciting times around here; we can’t wait.”