Tag: WR Byron Pringle

Commanders get a win: Hold on for 20-17 victory over Patriots

The Commanders hold on for their first win over the Patriots since Steve Spurrier was the head coach.

With the game on the line, the Patriots had driven 50 yards in nine plays.

With 38 seconds remaining, on 2nd & 8 at the Commanders 41, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones dropped back and passed toward receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Smith-Schuster reached for the pass, it went off of his hands, and rookie defensive back Quan Martin executed the old “tip drill” wonderfully, securing the interception.

The Commanders had held on defeating the Patriots 20-17 for their first victory over New England since 2003. On that day, Steve Spurrier was the Washington head coach, Tom Brady threw three interceptions, and the Washington team was still the “Redskins.”

Commanders quarterback Sam Howell forced a second-quarter pass in the last minute of the first half, resulting in an interception in the end zone, costing them dearly with no score on the drive.

Yet, Howell played well enough that the Commanders converted 9 of 17 third downs, with Howell coming up with several clutch passes. Also, the Commanders defense held the Patriots to a mere three of 12 on third downs.

Washington out-gained New England 432-327 as Howell was 29 of 45 for 325 yards. The Commanders also out-rushed the Patriots 124-107, and the good guys held the ball for 37:10 to the Patriots 22:50.

The game also featured perhaps the first time in NFL history a quarterback was sacked with the ball in his hand, and yet Commanders defensive end KJ Henry was called for “roughing the passer.” It was a huge, terrible call by officials as Jones’ fumble recovered by Efe Obada was overruled, gifting the Patriots a first down, and they subsequently also kicked a field goal.

Terry McLaurin led Washington with 73 receiving yards on five receptions, while Jahan Dotson added 69 yards, Byron Pringle 55 yards, Antonio Gibson 42, Dyami Brown 33, Logan Thomas 31 and Jamison Crowder 23.

With the win, the Commanders are now 4-5, while the Patriots fell to 2-7.

 

 

Why the Commanders kept Dax Milne

Milne is back for a third season with Washington.

Commanders fans were very excited watching undrafted free-agent receiver Kazmeir Allen, yet the Commanders coaching staff and front office chose to keep Dax Milne.

There will be those scratching their heads, voicing disapproval, wanting to see Allen running back kicks in 2023 for the Commanders.

Well, if Allen clears waivers he most certainly will be brought back and assigned to the practice squad. The former UCLA Bruin has exhibited a quickness on a few returns that no doubt has caught the coaches’ eyes as well.

However, general manager Martin Mayhew already stated Tuesday regarding his receivers, “You know our top guys are really special. And we think there are some young guys who can develop behind those.”

Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown are clearly the top four receivers.

Byron Pringle brings three years of experience with the Chiefs and one with the Bears to the equation. If injury occurs to one of the top four, Pringle would be called upon right away.

Mitchell Tinsley (Penn State) is a rookie whom the Commanders kept because he displayed more potential as an actual receiver than Milne and Allen. Washington did not want to expose Tinsley to waivers for fear he could very likely have been claimed.

Thus, the final receiver roster spot came down to Milne and Allen. Yes, Allen flashed more return potential than Milne in the preseason. But he also had two miscues in the final preseason game against Cincinnati.

Some will immediately respond, “But all Milne did last season was catch punts. He did not have breakaway ability.” Yes, you are correct; Milne did not display breakaway ability. Yet, you are also correct; he caught the ball. You can’t return the ball unless you initially field the ball.

The Commanders chose to go with Milne to field the punts for now. As for kickoffs? The NFL has absolutely ruined kickoffs, virtually eliminating them. They have so minimized kickoffs the Commanders may return very few kicks this season.

The Commanders will likely bring back Allen to the practice squad. They will have him learning more about the receiver position and give him lots of reps fielding Tress Way’s punting workouts during the season.

You may be upset for now, but hold on, you may see Allen returning punts in the Commanders future.

But for now, the wiser move was to go with Milne.