Tag: Wilber Marshall

Commanders avoid a franchise tag blunder

No franchise tag this year for Washington, and that’s a good thing.

The 2024 offseason franchise/transition tag deadlines passed at 4 p.m. Tuesday with most of the NFL, including the Commanders, taking a pass this year.

The Commanders did not tag any of their pending free agents. Only eight of the 32 teams used a tag.

Consequently, these eight players will not be able to negotiate with other clubs when free agency begins. Meanwhile, all of the Commanders’ pending free agents will be free to negotiate with other teams beginning March 11, the first day of the legal tampering period.

Some older Washington fans may recall the Washington Redskins’ first use of the franchise tag on one of their unrestricted free agents. It occurred in 1993 — the year the tag was introduced — when GM Charley Casserly placed the tag on linebacker Wilber Marshall.

Marshall had been an All-American at the University of Florida, and an All-Pro with the Chicago Bears, before he joined Washington in 1988. Marshall had big seasons for Washington in 1991 and 1992 and wanted to test the free agent market. Casserly applied the franchise tag. Marshall was upset, took the team to court and was subsequently traded to the Houston Oilers.

Who could forget Bruce Allen and former owner Daniel Snyder mishandling Kirk Cousins’ contract? Scot McCloughan urged Allen and Snyder in 2015 to extend Cousins because he was developing into a fine quarterback. Sure enough, Cousins led the Redskins to winning seasons in 2015 (9-7) and 2016 (8-7-1), but Allen and Snyder felt they knew best and never extended Cousins. He gambled on himself by playing on consecutive franchise tags and has made big money with the Vikings.

Some Washington fans never appreciated Cousins and still refer to him as a loser and a choker. However, the fact remains that Washington has not had a winning season since 2016.

Commanders season opener in 58 days: Washington’s best No. 58

Wilber Marshall was a phenomenal linebacker for Washington as he was one of the NFL’s top defenders during his time with the franchise.

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Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 58 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 58?

Antonio Pierce (2001-2004) played his college ball at Arizona and was not drafted. Signed by Washington, defensive coordinator Kurt Schottenheimer had Pierce start eight games in 2001. Defensive coordinators Marvin Lewis (2002) and George Edwards in 2003 started Pierce in only one of the 23 games he played. In 2004, Pierce had his best year in Washington, playing for new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. He registered 87 solo tackles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions, including a 78-yard interception touchdown return against the 49ers. Unfortunately, when his contract expired, the New York Giants offered Pierce more than Washington. Thus, Pierce played five seasons with the Giants, which included a Pro Bowl 2006 season.

Wilber Marshall (1988-92): After four seasons with the Bears, Marshall came to Washington for five seasons. Marshall’s 1991 and 1992 seasons were spectacular. His intensity was ferocious, leading the Washington defense week after week. Marshall received votes for defensive player of the year in 1991 and was third in the voting in 1992. He was AP All-Pro 2nd team in 1991 and 1st team in 1992. He was the defensive leader for three straight playoff teams (1990-92), including the 1991 Super Bowl Championship team. In his five Washington seasons, the former Florida Gator All-American intercepted 12 passes (two for touchdowns). He forced 13 fumbles, recovered 7, and registered 24.5 sacks. In those five seasons, Marshall registered 621 combined tackles. Marshall was deservedly named one of the 70 Greatest Washington Redskins.

1991: The greatest season in Washington Football history, Week 9

We could use some good news. Ivan has the latest in his series, looking back at Week 9 of the 1991 season — the greatest season in Washington’s franchise history.

This 2021 NFL season reminds us that 30 years ago Washington assembled its greatest team in franchise history, going 14-2 and racing through the playoffs to the Super Bowl XXVI championship and Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Week 9—Washington 17, NY Giants 13— October 27, 1991

Washington overcame a 13-point halftime deficit, coming back to defeat the NY Giants 17-13, before a Sunday night national TV audience and a sold-out Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Coming into the game undefeated (7-0) Washington was dominated in the first half by the Giants, who limited the Redskins to 26 passing yards and 9 rushing yards in only 16 offensive snaps. On the other hand, the Giants in 36 offensive snaps, had gained 119 passing yards and 88 rushing.

Adding salt to the wound was Gary Clark dropping what should have been a touchdown pass from QB Mark Rypien, permitting the Giants to keep their 13-0 lead at the half.

Rypien came back to Clark on a quick in-pattern, from seven yards out in the third quarter, reducing the Giants’ lead to 13-7.

The duo connected again in the final quarter, Rypien rolling out to his left, then looking across the field to his right and throwing deep, to Clark who had gotten behind the defense for a 54-yard touchdown pass, providing Washington their first lead 14-13.

Chip Lohmiller added a 35-yard field goal, and the Washington defense shut out the Giants in the second half, pushing Washington’s record to 8-0.

Rypien finished his night completing 12 of 25 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. Earnest Byner limited, playing through an injury gained only 11 yards in 10 carries. However, Ricky Ervins’ 82 rushing yards on 20 carries led Washington.

“The Posse” of Art Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders each collected three receptions on the night. Clark led in receiving yardage with 70 yards, Monk supplied 42 yards and Sanders 33.

Rodney Hampton led the Giants’ rushing attack with 83 yards in his 21 rushing attempts. Hampton enjoyed a very busy night, also leading Giant receivers with six receptions (39 yards), while Stephen Baker’s three receptions produced 77 yards.

Wilber Marshall intercepted a Jeff Hostetler pass, as the defending Super Bowl champion Giants fell to 4-4 for 1991.

Here is the second half of that game.

 

1991: The greatest season in Washington Football history, Week 6

Ivan focuses on Washington’s Week 6 win over the Bears in that magical 1991 season.

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This 2021 NFL season reminds us that 30 years ago Washington assembled its greatest team in franchise history, going 14-2 and racing through the playoffs to the Super Bowl XXVI championship and Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Week 6—Washington 20, Chicago 7— October 6, 1991

Mark Rypien and Art Monk connected for two touchdown passes, as Washington won their fifth straight game, defeating the Chicago Bears 20-7 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Leading 3-0, Rypien found Monk for a 26-yard TD, enlarging the Washington lead to 10-0 at the half. Rypien and Monk teamed up again in the final quarter from five yards out, providing Washington with a 17-7 lead.

Washington kicker Chip Lohmiller was successful on two field goal attempts from 47 yards (first quarter) and 23 yards (fourth quarter).

The Bears actually moved the chains 19 times to Washington’s 12, as Chicago out-gained Washington on the ground (120-75) and passing (199-168).

Yet the Washington defense created big plays, forcing three Bears turnovers. Wilber Marshall, Kurt Gouveia and Fred Stokes all intercepted Bears’ QB Jim Harbaugh. And Washington linebacker Andre Collins also recorded the lone QB sack of the game.

Rypien concluded his day completing 18-31 for 168 yards, two touchdowns and 1 interception. Monk led Washington receivers with six receptions for 69 yards and his two TDs, while Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders contributed five receptions for 44 yards and four receptions for 38 yards.

Neal Anderson led the Bears with 73 yards on his 18 carries including his one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Harbaugh struggled at times completing only 17 of his 41 attempts for 206 yards and his three interceptions, for a paltry QB rating of 27.1.

The win elevated Washington’s record to 5-0, while the Bears fell to 4-2.