Tag: WR Jahan Dotson

Commanders releasing Davis reminds of Ron Rivera’s poor leadership

Wonder what Ron Rivera thought of Tuesday’s news?

Wonder what Ron Rivera’s reaction was to Tuesday afternoon’s breaking Commanders news?

The Commanders (5-2) had just released four-year veteran linebacker/defensive end Jamin Davis.  In April 2021, Rivera, the Washington GM/head coach, surprised all who closely followed the team when he reached on the Kentucky linebacker.

Rivera then doubled down, declaring Davis the highest-rated available player on Washington’s draft board. We shook our heads at that statement, but we all certainly hoped Rivera was right and that Davis would play up to his being selected 19th overall.

Davis’s release by Adam Peters and Dan Quinn on Tuesday speaks volumes. Just last week, rookie DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste was injured and placed on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least four weeks.

The Commanders released Davis anyway. To do so at this time indicates that the Commanders’ defensive staff simply didn’t even believe they had a need for Davis, though they are without Jean-Baptiste.

Last week, they signed DT Sheldon Day to the active roster from the practice squad, responding to DT Jonathan Allen’s loss for the season with a torn pectoral muscle.

In addition, the Commanders signed DE Jalyn Holmes last week, who had just been released by the Jets after appearing in their first six games this season. Though no longer needed by the Jets, the Commanders have chosen to go with Holmes over Davis. Also, DE Efe Obada has returned from injured reserve and is on the active roster.

If another NFL team does not claim Davis, then he could conceivably return to the Commanders’ practice squad.

Davis’s release can’t help but remind us of how woeful Ron Rivera’s drafting was during his four seasons in Washington. His four first-round choices (Chase Young (2020), Davis (2021), Jahan Dotson (2022), and Emmanuel Forbes 2023) have all massively underperformed, and only Forbes remains with the team—and he doesn’t even start for the Commanders.

Dan Quinn’s answer about a No. 2 receiver is telling

The Commanders like their current group of receivers.

Throughout the 2024 offseason and training camp, it was a foregone conclusion that Jahan Dotson was Washington’s No. 2 receiver.

That is until preseason games began, and head coach Dan Quinn noticeably one day praised some wide receivers but neglected to mention Dotson. After a week of much speculation, suddenly, on the morning of August 22, Adam Peters had traded away Dotson and a fifth-round choice to the Eagles. In exchange, Washington would receive a third-round choice and two seventh-round choices.

To this day, fans and media still discuss the team’s need for a No.2 receiver. Quinn apparently doesn’t agree.

On Wednesday, when asked about “the lingering discussions” about the Commanders’ need to develop a No. 2 receiver, Quinn smiled and responded, “No, I’ll let you and the guys outside have those ones. For us, we’re really focused on the guys that are here, honestly, just absolutely battling for it.”

Olamide Zaccheaus leads the receivers (other than Terry McLaurin) with 10 receptions, averaging 11.4 YPR. Noah Brown follows him with 9 receptions, averaging 12.3, Luke McCaffrey (7/ 11.3), Dyami Brown (5/ 7.4), and Jamison Crowder (1/ 5.0).

Quinn interestingly added, “What you will see sometimes each week is some reps may change by the position, what’s needed maybe for that game plan or for how we’d want to attack. But we’re really pleased with the group and their competitive nature, what they stand for.”

For what it is worth, the Eagles were without DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown last week, and Brown has now missed the last three games. Dotson has not taken advantage of their absences, as he has only accumulated five receptions for 25 yards in his four games.

Who will be the Commanders’ punt returner?

Who will return punts in 2024?

Who will be the Commanders’ punt returner for the 2024 season?

The primary punt returner for last season, Jamison Crowder, is back again with the team, so perhaps the discussion should begin with Crowder?

Crowder returned a career-high 35 punts for Washington in 2023, the third most in the NFL last season. However, he was not in the top ten in punt return yards, and his 7.9 yards per return was only 21st in the league, despite having a long return of 61 yards against the Falcons.

Crowder, who turned 31 in June, also collected 16 receptions in 2023, with one touchdown and 9.9 yards per reception.

Ben Standig reported that five players worked on punt returns during Wednesday’s practice.

That means Kazmeir Allen, Crowder, Jahan Dotson, Olimade Zaccheaus, and Davion Davis were getting those reps.

Last week against the Dolphins, the coaches were definitely trying to give Allen touches. He had two punt returns with a long of 10 yards and two kickoff returns (22 long). He also ran 3-13 with a long of 7 yards. However, he did lose a fumble. They like his explosiveness.

Dotson was a good punt returner at Penn State but has not returned this preseason. He has three short receptions in the two games.

https://youtube.com/shorts/V8v_NLPGM9g?si=QGPySQKTwlNkzdWP

Davis had three punt returns with a long of 10 yards against the Jets. He collected four receptions for 20 yards, including a 12-yarder against the Dolphins.

This leaves Zaccheaus, who had short receptions against the Dolphins (5, 4 yards) but also returned a punt 19 yards against the Jets.

The Commanders tried to get Luke McCaffrey some punt return work against the Dolphins. He could only manage one fair catch, which was perhaps not wanted, being on the 5-yard line.

It’s a job clearly not yet won, and perhaps there will be more than one Commander returning punts in 2024.

Logan Paulsen’s analysis of Commanders WR Jahan Dotson after Jets game

As always, Paulsen provides some excellent insight on Dotson. It’s mostly praise, with one area of improvement needed.

There’s been much speculation regarding Commanders receiver Jahan Dotson. Former 8-year NFL veteran Logan Paulsen watches the team closely, and he offered his analysis of Dotson’s situation to Craig Hoffman on Tuesday.

“I love him as a route runner, I love his feel for catching the football. But his play strength shows up more than I would like it to.”

“When you are watching Terry, OZ (Olamide Zaccheaus), even Jamison Crowder, there is a strength to them that allows them to play through contact. The fade in the second quarter going into the red zone where he (Dotson) beats the guy, but gets a little bit of a bump and then loses his footing and falls down.”

“If I am a coach, I want to see him play through that. The only way I get to see it is as he’s getting reps. I think that’s something coming out of the game.”

“I think Jahan did some good stuff. I think he had a screen where he was a little creative, but I need to see him play stronger.”

“Again, I love the route runner, I love the nuance, I love how he layers stems and indicators. He catches the football well, but he is always going to be limited if he can’t get through this. I think that is maybe why he plays a lot because you want to see him fight through some stuff.”

I also think he is playing multiple positions, he’s playing inside and outside. So you’re going to play more because you’re maybe the number 1F or the slot receiver. Then, when the outside guys go out, you become the number one outside guy. So maybe that’s another reason why.”

Could the Commanders trade wide receiver Jahan Dotson

What did Jahan Dotson’s number of snaps tell us last weekend?

What is going on with Commanders receiver Jahan Dotson?

Dotson played 32 offensive snaps against the Jets. What’s the big deal? According to the coaches, receivers Terry McLaurin and Olamide Zaccheaus only needed 11 and 10 snaps, respectively.

It’s no secret that Dotson has not produced as a player drafted 16th overall in a draft as expected. It is also no secret that general manager Adam Peters paused when asked about the roster he inherited, then replied that there were some good cornerstone players and that there was much work to be done.

The new staff wanted to see Dotson putting in more work. Might it be because coaches wanted to see him in the slot receiver role?

The Team 980 drive-home host, Craig Hoffman, went a step further on Monday. Hoffman suggested an issue might be that Peters had seen his receivers in San Francisco (Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel) be very tough, very aggressive receivers. Hoffman pointed to a deep route by Dotson, where he was easily rerouted by the Jets defensive back.

“I don’t think Jahan is weak-minded or anything. You have to learn the tools to ultimately fight through that stuff, and he hasn’t yet. Yes, there’s the weightlifting part of getting physically stronger…but it’s also him working with Bobby Engram in the position group to understand how to fight through some of that stuff.”

Proceeding one step further, Hoffman then asked, “For Jahan, I wonder if he fits what they want, and if not, he could fit better somewhere else…Dan Quinn and Adam Peters are trying to build their version of the Commanders. So, if someone came with a good offer for Jahan Dotson, it would not surprise me for a second if they were like, that’s good; we’ll take the draft capital.”

Hoffman was quite clear he was not reporting anything, nor had he talked to anyone about Dotson being traded.

So, are Peters and Quinn unsatisfied with what they have observed from Dotson? This week’s second preseason game against the Dolphins might reveal more to us.

Commanders listed as one of top 5 most underrated Week 1 games

Commanders and Bucs named a “sneaky good” Week 1 matchup.

What are the top five most underrated games of Week 1 in 2024?

Rich Eisen, on the “Rich Eisen Show” Wednesday, came prepared with his list of the top five games that he believes are under the radar of most NFL fans.

Eisen provided one honorable mention game that barely missed his list when he cited the Titans at Bears. Eisen stated this will be a big game as well because he believes overall No. 1 2024 draft selection QB Caleb Williams will result in the Bears being the most talked about non-playoff team (2023) during the upcoming preseason.

In his countdown, Eisen listed the Commanders at Buccaneers as the fifth most underrated game of the openers.

“Nobody is talking about this one. This team made the divisional round last year, and you want to talk about running it back, I am talking about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And it is the debut of Jayden Daniels in the National Football League and Dan Quinn as the new head coach of the Washington Commanders. Commanders at Bucs is an under-the-radar sneaky good Week 1 game that we are not talking about right now. I kind of dig it.”

“What if Washington hangs 30 on them and wins by two scores?” asked co-host Chris Brockman.

Eisen replied back, “Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Austin Ekeler, Brian Robinson Jr. These are no slouches, and Jayden Daniels comes in and shows up like he could be like, remember last year’s second overall pick in the draft did (referring to C.J. Stroud of course). No expectations, not high, right?”

The rest of Eisen’s list of Week 1 most underrated games were:

4. Cardinals at Bills

3. Texans at Colts

2. Jaguars at Dolphins

1. Raiders at Chargers

You can watch here for video of the entire segment.

Commanders sign WR Damiere Byrd

The Commanders sign a WR with ties to Kliff Kingsbury.

The Commanders signed a veteran wide receiver on Wednesday.

After working out some receivers on Wednesday, the Commanders determined that they would be signing Damiere Byrd, per Tom Pelissero.

The 5-foot-9, 175-pound veteran played his college ball at South Carolina and was undrafted. He was signed first by Ron Rivera and the Carolina Panthers.

Three seasons in Carolina (2016-18) resulted in 12 receptions for 129 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Why did the Commanders go with Byrd? A very logical explanation may be that Byrd has playing experience under new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. In 2019, Byrd spent one season with the Cardinals and Kingsbury. He was on the receiving end of 32 passes for 359 yards and one touchdown.

2020 Byrd enjoyed career highs when he caught 47 passes for 604 receiving yards playing for the New England Patriots.

Byrd caught 26 passes for 329 yards in 2021 for the Chicago Bears before moving again, this time to the Atlanta Falcons for the 2022 and 2023 seasons. 13 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns came in the first season in Atlanta, but only two targets (no receptions) came in his lone game last season.

Here are some big plays receiving and returning by Byrd.

The eight-year veteran turned age 31 in January and is hoping to make the Commanders his sixth NFL team. He will be in a battle with Kazmeir Allen, Dyami Brown, Jamison Crowder, Davion Davis, Dax Milne, Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint, Mitchell Tinsley, Brycen Tremayne and Olamide Zaccheaus for roster spots.

The Commanders really need a few of these receivers to step up this offseason and preseason, as only Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and Luke McCaffrey are sure bets to be on the 53-man roster.

Adam Peters said the Commanders have a ‘few cornerstone pieces.’ Who are they?

Adam Peters said the Commanders had a few cornerstone players. Who are they?

“I believe there’s a few cornerstone pieces in this roster. I believe we have a lot of work to do.”

That is how new Commanders GM Adam Peters replied when asked what he thought of the current roster.

So, who does Peters feel are the “few cornerstone pieces”?

On offense, it would have been great if Sam Howell had developed enough this past season, but that did not occur, as Howell led the NFL in sacks taken and interceptions thrown.

Brian Robinson accumulated 733 rushing yards and 368 receiving yards totaling 1,101 yards from scrimmage. But Robinson is a running back. So Peters may not feel it necessary to pay Robinson a second contract, but we can cross that bridge in a couple of seasons.

Much was made of Terry McLaurin accomplishing a fourth consecutive season of 1,000 yards receiving. Frankly, wasn’t too much made of this? In today’s NFL, the rules and officiating favor the offense much more than the defense. Thus, there is more passing in today’s game. In addition, the NFL regular season is now 17 games. He is a fine, hardworking player and is a team leader. Yet, one would be hard-pressed to persuade us that McLaurin is an elite receiver. But his contract may keep other teams from trading for him. Is he really worth his $24.1 million cap hit in 2024?

This leaves the only real offensive cornerstone piece upon which the Commanders must build around, and that is right guard Sam Cosmi. Cosmi’s 2024 cap hit will only be $2,108,135. His last contract year is 2024, so Peters will want to re-sign Cosmi to that second contract.

Defensively, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne have been sturdy and energetic inside forces, but that did fall off some this past season. Allen and Payne will have cap hits of $23 million and $26.17 million in 2025. Allen and Payne were drafted in the first round by Washington in 2017 and 2018, respectively. If Peters wants to receive the highest possible value back in a trade, he may want to trade one or both this offseason.

A few young players who have shown a toughness that Peters may keep around include safeties Darrick Forrest and Kam Curl. Curl is a free agent, however, and may want to hit the open market. A third is Quan Martin, a second-round choice who flashed at times in the later games of the season.

Three other players on the offense could be nice developmental pieces. Chris Rodriguez Jr. exhibited a real toughness on special teams and in running the ball. Jahan Dotson has had his moments where he looks like he really belongs. Another is Curtis Samuel. However, Samuel is a free agent, and Peters may not want to give him a third contract.

Armani Rogers, the most athletic of the tight ends, missed this entire season with a torn Achilles tendon. But he is an athlete Peters will want to keep, as he most likely does not bring back Logan Thomas.

Peters was absolutely correct. He has a lot of work to do.

 

 

Every Commanders touchdown through Week 14

A look at each of Washington’s touchdowns this season, led by Brian Robinson Jr. and Sam Howell.

The Commanders have scored 29 touchdowns thus far through their 13 games in 2023.

The Washington offense, led by offensive coordinator Eric Beiniemy has produced 11 touchdowns on the ground and another 18 via the passing of Sam Howell.

You can see every touchdown scored in their first 13 games, as the organization has compiled a video solely of the touchdowns scored. Follow the link to watch.

One thing that will jump out at you in watching the video is that Sam Howell has rushed for five touchdowns which ties him with running back Brian Robinson’s five rushing touchdowns. The only other rushing touchdown has been scored by Curtis Samuel, in the first game against the Eagles.

Jahan Dotson leads the team in receiving touchdowns with four, while Logan Thomas and Brian Robinson each have collected three through the air. Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Antonio Gibson have each caught two.

Unfortunately, the defense has not been able to put a single touchdown on the board all season. They just have not been able to force that fumble nor intercept that pass that would produce a touchdown this season.

Jamison Crowder did produce an exciting 61-yard punt return against the Falcons in Atlanta, but he was caught from behind, keeping the Commanders’ return units unable to score a touchdown thus far in 2023.

When they last met: Commanders and Giants

The last meeting was one to forget for Washington.

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

New York 14, Washington 7 – Week 7, Oct. 22, 2023

Sam Howell’s 4th down pass to Jahan Dotson was incomplete at the one-yard line, and Washington fell 14-7 to the New York Giants at Met Life Stadium.

Leading 14-7 the Giants at the Washington 10 were about to go up two scores, securing the win. However, Daron Payne stripped Saquon Barkley and recovered the fumble, stopping the Giants scoring drive with 7:51 remaining.

Chris Rodriguez had runs of 8 and 9 yards, and Howell completed nine passes on the drive, setting the stage for the 4th and 5 play from the Giants 7. Howell’s pass to Dotson at the one-yard line was slightly behind Dotson, who was able to get both hands on the pass but did not make the catch, ending the Commanders’ drive.

The offense, for most of the game, was anemic, impotent, and absolutely ineffective. The Commanders fell behind 14-0, putting together drives that ended punt, punt, punt, punt, interception, punt, punt, punt, punt.

The offense was so weak that their only score came when Dyami Brown recovered a third-quarter muffed Tress Way punt at the Giants 21-yard line.

With 10:21 remaining in the third quarter, Brian Robinson scored from four yards, allowing the Commanders to avoid being shut out.

However, the Commanders next two possession managed to produce only 29 yards and two punts.

Suddenly, on their next-to-last possession, the Commanders finally manufactured a scoring drive, moving 81 yards in eight plays. Yet, Joey Slye’s chip shot 27-yard field goal was blocked by Leonard Williams.

Losing to the Giants and losing in the manner they did infuriated defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Allen blew a fuse in the locker room immediately following the game.