Quinn likes growth from Commanders’ rookies

Dan Quinn praised these Commanders’ rookies.

Dan Quinn spoke highly of two of his first-year players.

In fairness to Quinn, he didn’t actually single out the two players. The media member is the one who referenced quarterback Jayden Daniels and cornerback Mike Sainristil. So Quinn was answering the question, but in addition, Quinn thoughtfully included “and a number of their teammates.”

Quinn was asked about the growth of his first year players in the second half of the season and it preparing them for the playoffs.

“Yeah, the maturity for those [Daniels and CB Mike Sainristil] and a number of their teammates jumps out to me,” Quinn said. “And what I’ve come to know about them is these are really disciplined guys. So, motivation takes you so far; it’s the discipline and doing the things right over and over again, all of the unseen work.”

Daniels has had to adjust from his first two games of running too quickly and giving up on passing. He has made great strides during the season in using his mobility to find an open receiver. Sainristil was drafted to be more of an inside slot corner. However, injuries and unmet expectations led the staff to move Sainristil outside.

“Dealing with those guys, I’ve found that’s (discipline) the common thread. I’ve felt that these are very disciplined young guys, and they’ve really applied that discipline to their football life, and it’s no surprise that why they’re having this kind of success because they can absolutely stay in it,” Quinn said. “And that’s kind of the definition of grit, of doing those things, the hard things over and over again. And both Jayden and Mikey, they really have that.”

Commanders GM Adam Peters drafted nine players in last April’s NFL draft. Daniels, Sainristil, Ben Sinnott and Luke McCaffrey appeared in all 17 games. Jer’Zhan Newton and Brandon Coleman played in 16 games. Javontae Jean-Baptiste played in 12 games. Jordan Magee and Dominique Hampton played in eight games and one game, respectively.

Two undrafted free agents also made the team and saw action. Safety Tyler Owens played in 12 games, and tight end Colson Yankoff played in 6 games. Both are currently on the Injured Reserve list.

Commanders receiver room could be much, much different in 2025

This group could look drastically different in 2025.

Eric Sully over at Commanders Realm tweeted on Christmas Eve regarding how many Commanders receivers were under contract for 2025.

While Commanders general manager Adam Peters signed many free agents and made many differing roster moves, the one thing often noted was that many new players agreed to come and play under a one-year arrangement.

Jahan Dotson, the 2022 first-round draft choice, was traded away, freeing Washington from his contract and obligation in a fifth-year option.

Sully pointed out Tuesday that the Commanders will be pretty free in 2025 regarding their receivers’ room. In fact, the Commanders only have three receivers under contract for next season.

The only Washington pass catchers under contract for 2025 are Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffery and tight end Ben Sinnott. Consequently, only two receivers and one tight end guaranteed for next season would normally cause great concern.

However, in this instance, the Commanders might have leverage over the receivers. The Commanders have Jayden Daniels. Daniels will draw the interest of many receivers league-wide next Spring.

Many thought Jamison Crowder was finished and had lost much of his punt return skills. However, in in the last two weeks, Crowder has demonstrated that he can still get open,, and Jayden Daniels apparently has confidence in his abilities.

Noah Brown has shown enough ability that he will draw interest from other teams. Dyami Brown has shown promise all four seasons, but it simply hasn’t materialized as hoped. Olamide Zaccheaus has had flashes as well, but is it enough to result in Peters signing Zaccheaus to a multi-year deal?

K.J Osborn was claimed off waivers from the Patriots, but he only has two weeks to make enough impression to be brought back next season.

The fan base has gotten attached to the receivers group, but Peters won’t bring back the entire group. He will have the leverage, because of Daniels, to be able to sign a couple of free agents (receivers) in the offseason.

On the surface, only three under contract for 2025 is concerning; however, isn’t it nice to have an actual general manager these days?

 

Commanders’ Kingsbury: ‘McCaffrey has done everything we’ve asked’

Someone needs to step up. Does Kliff Kingsbury think it will be Luke McCaffrey?

Do you remember the show, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?”

The show was a smash television hit, and Thursday, Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury referred to the million-dollar question.

He talked of the Commanders’ offense now needing to find extra offense, and it was the million-dollar question of from where it was going to be produced.

Listening to Kingsbury, he suddenly presented some of the options that have been running through his head, but he certainly was broad enough, he didn’t actually give away anything to the Saints or Eagles.

“Do we need to have different sets and run the ball more, or can we take more shots now? Is that something that’s going to help us get those yards back and maximize the guys who will be playing. And that’s what we gotta figure out over this next couple game stretch is where does that come from?”

Kingsbury was also correct, noting that Noah Brown and Austin Ekeler both have very physical, aggressive styles in their play.

“It’s hard to replace two guys like that, the production they had and just the type of teammates and the effort they played with. But young guys get the opportunity, and we kind of see where it fits.”

Kingsbury was asked about the Commanders’ third-round selection (100 overall) in the 2024 draft, Luke McCaffrey. “Yeah, I mean he’s a talented young man, we’ve asked him to play inside and outside because he can handle it. And that’s a lot on a young player.”

Kingsbury praised the other receivers, Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown, saying, “It’s a loaded receiver room that there’s a bunch of guys that can do a bunch. I know they don’t get the notoriety that some people talk about, but the way they play, the way they perform, it’s been a good group for us.”

Remember, GM Adam Peters drafted McCaffrey based on his athleticism and intelligence, believing that McCaffrey, who only played the position his last two years in college, was going to grow and develop.

Kingsbury declared he is pleased with McCaffrey thus far, saying, “…he’s done everything we could have asked from him, but other guys have made plays and it’s just a crowded room right now.”

McCaffrey will certainly be getting more snaps this week, so perhaps he will see more targets and receptions against the Saints in New Orleans.

Commanders, Jayden Daniels have lost No. 3 and No. 4 receivers

Jayden Daniels has now lost two of his top four weapons in recent weeks.

Jayden Daniels and the Commanders received some more bad news on Wednesday.

Coach Dan Quinn declared to the media that there had been a significant injury to receiver Noah Brown.

“He’s going to be out for a while and so he had a significant internal injury from the game. And so, that’s going to knock him out for a while. And we love him and his play style, the identity of how he goes. And so, that one hurts.”

Brown contributed to special teams with his physical nature and aggressive play. On offense, Brown was a good blocker on the perimeter, helping with the running game.

Now, about the receiving. Brown used his body well on slants, utilized his size well, and had the ability to beat corners and draw interference penalties.

Daniels, the Commanders quarterback has now lost his No. 3 and No. 4 targets in consecutive games. Against Dallas, he lost running back Austin Ekeler when he suffered a late-game concussion. The following week, Daniels lost Brown in the Titans game.

Yes, Terry McLaurin leads the team with 896 receiving yards, and Zach Ertz is second (501). However, Brown was third (453), and Ekeler was fourth (346).

Brown and Ekeler were also third and fourth, respectively, in receptions, with 35 and 33. How about yards per reception? Brown was second (12.9) and Ekeler fourth (10.5). Brown and Ekeler were also third and fourth in receptions per game and second and fourth in receiving yards per game.

Consequently, please make no mistake: Jayden Daniels has taken a significant hit as we reach the season’s final four games.

Will someone step up and fill the void in Brown and Ekeler’s absence? Dyami Brown, Luke McCaffrey, and Olamide Zaccheaus will each contribute in the passing game and as blockers in the run game.

Who will take Brown’s roster spot? The likely candidates to vie for the roster spot are WR Jamison Crowder and TE Colson Yankoff, both on injured reserve currently. Four candidates on the practice squad are TE Cole Turner, WR Michael Strachan, WR Mitchell Tinsley and WR Brycen Tremayne.

On Wednesday, the Commanders also signed receiver K.J. Osborn from waivers. The New England Patriots recently released him. He will bring one more receiver with some experience to compete for Brown’s roster spot this last month of the season.

 

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 handle return duties for Commanders vs. Cardinals?

Who will handle return duties in Week 4 with Ekeler and Crowder out?

The Commanders are in a possibly tough spot Sunday against the Cardinals.

Austin Ekeler and Jamison Crowder were both ruled out this week by Commanders’ Head Coach Dan Quinn. Crowder was the primary punt returner for the 2023 team, while Ekeler has been the leading kickoff returner in 2024.

Even more, Ekeler returned the opening kickoff against the Giants in Week 2 for a touchdown; however, it was called back due to a penalty. Proving it wasn’t luck, in Week 3, Ekeler took the second-half opening kickoff 62 yards.

https://Twitter.com/Ihartitz/status/1835762570126385258

With Ekeler and Crowder unavailable for Sunday, who will return the punts and kicks? Friday, when Quinn was asked about this by the press, here is how the head coach responded.

“Yes, (WR) Olamide (Zacchaeus) will be one. (WR) Luke’s (McCaffrey) been getting back there. On the kick return side, we’ve certainly worked with J-Mic (Jeremy McNichols), Noah’s (Igbinoghene) done that. So in that way, we are not going to replace Austin (Ekeler).”

Quinn then summed up this issue with his philosophy during the long, hot days of training camp and preseason.

“However, when you do have a big, deep crew, you do work a lot of guys. When these situations come up, you need to be ready for it. So through practices and preseason games, gaining that experience is really important.”

Dan Quinn praises two rookies not named Jayden Daniels

Quinn explains what stands out about two members of Commanders’ rookie class.

Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn was asked Wednesday about two of his rookies, in particular.

Those two rookies were wide receiver Luke McCaffrey and cornerback Mike Sainristil.

Quinn had already spoken very positively about Jayden Daniels and Brandon Coleman the previous day with the press.

“What I’ve seen early, I’ve also seen lately,” replied Quinn. By that I mean, these guys are like a rare level of competitor. They just don’t back down.”

Jayden Daniels might consider getting the ball to McCaffrey more often each game. You see, he has only been targeted six times, but he does have six catches, averaging 10.3 a reception.

“I knew Mike also had leadership skills early on, where guys would look to him, not just the other rookies in the class. But some of the defensive backs as well. So, that is what I saw. As they are growing into their season, they are just three games in, each of these opportunities are so important.”

Sainristil has been in on 16 tackles in three games (12 solo and four assists). He has also has a pass breakup.

“I think when we look back a few months from now, some of the mistakes that guys make early, they don’t make late. But you do have to fight through some of those with the guys. I have unbelievable belief in them about what they are capable of becoming, and that sometimes happens with the youngest players.”

Indeed, McCaffrey made two very nice plays earlier, picking up first downs, but in the final quarter, he once drove to the stick on third down and then cut off his route just short. So when Daniels passed to him, and McCaffrey was instantly tackled, it was 4th & 1, not 1st & 10.

“You make sure they get the experience, so by the time December and January football comes, they have lived through some of those (experiences). They have some scares to look back on, and they’re really better for that.”

What everyone said after the Commanders’ Week 3 win vs. Bengals

What everyone was saying after the Commanders’ win over the Bengals.

Monday, the Washington Commanders defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 38-33 in Cincinnati, as Jayden Daniels completed 91% of his passes.

Here are some selected postgame quotes regarding the Commanders’ exciting win.

“A lot of guys say things in the NFL. I don’t think we took it personal in the sense that we gotta go prove these guys wrong. You know, probably Kliff felt some type of way. I know DQ might have mentioned it a little bit. You want to have your coaches’ back. You want to have your teammates’ back.” Terry McLaurin on Cam Taylor-Britt’s “a nice college offense” comment last week.

“I don’t regret it,” Taylor-Britt said. “I didn’t mean anything malicious out of the comment. It was made bigger than it was. Yes, I can eat my words, most definitely. We did take an L today.”  Cam Taylor-Britt last said.

“For us to come out here and win a game that probably a lot of people didn’t have us winning, that says a lot about our resiliency and what we are building here.”  Terry McLaurin

I advocated for the Chicago Bears to hire BOTH Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury this past offseason. That’s what I’m pissed about.” Ryan Woodall, writer Bears Nation Chicago

“Listen to me. We have a quarterback. That young man can play, and we have a kicker too.” Brian Mitchell

“The guys came out here and fought hard. Monday Night Football, prime time, prime time players. Honestly, I’m ecstatic about the vibe, the feeling of seeing these guys come out here, I heard so many people doubting them. They got the W.”  Santana Moss

“He’s a really cool customer. There’s a real poise about him…His ability when to, when not to use his legs. We’ve seen a lot of this in practice. Now it’s carrying over into the games.”  Dan Quinn on Jayden Daniels

“I thought Kliff (Kingsbury) called a great game. All week, all the different looks we would have to go through, especially as we got down into the red zone. We knew the third down and red zone would be a really big part of this. He and the staff had a real clear understanding of what we would have to do.” Dan Quinn

“I think I probably got more sleep today than I have the last couple of months. I was feeling excited, locked and loaded.” Luke McCaffrey

“It’s awesome to see the maturity, the poise he has in the huddle, in the moment, in every single opportunity. He is just calm, ready, prepared. It is just awesome.” Luke McCaffrey on Jayden Daniels

“It was time for him (Terry McLaurin) to make those plays. It wasn’t happening for me, so you know 17 was going to step up and make a play. I am happy to see him get involved. Like I said, for me it was a ground and pound night. I am just happy to get the win.” Brian Robinson Jr.

“I went up during the timeout and to Kliff and said, ‘Give me a go route to the boundary for the game. I went up to Kliff and Jayden and said throw me this ball for the game. For them to have that kind of trust in me, I think that’s maybe one of the first times in my career, the game is on the line, I got to call the play and we executed it at a very high level.”  Terry McLaurin

“Terry said, trust me, and, that’s what we did, I trusted him.” Jayden Daniels

“We are going to face some adversity. It is not going to be smooth sailing from the jump. There are going to be ups and downs. But, stay even keel, keep working, keep improving.”  Jayden Daniels

Commanders’ Kliff Kingsbury: ‘I called one of my worst plays ever’

Kingsbury took responsibility for one play call he would love to have back.

Not only did the Commanders lose their 2024 opener in Tampa, 37-20, but offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury declared Thursday he had one of the worst play calls of his career.

Kingsbury, meeting with the local press, voluntarily offered, “I called one of the worst plays I’ve ever called in my entire career. He (Jayden Daniels) just took the ball and ran into the end zone. It was like he was not going to be denied there on the goal line. It showed a lot about him in that situation.”

To which play was Kingsbury referring? Washington trailed Tampa Bay 37-14. Daniels had just completed a ten-yard pass over the middle to Luke McCaffrey, taking the ball to the one-yard line. After two unsuccessful attempts, the Commanders faced a 3rd  & goal from the one with 1:16 remaining.

“I called basically a speed option with no check, and they (Bucs) overplayed it to one side. So he (Daniels) just stuck his foot in the ground and got in the end zone.”

Indeed, the replay shows that it was to be an option, right, with Daniels keeping off-tackling to the right or pitching wide right to Brian Robinson. However, the Bucs defense played the pitch perfectly, and Robinson would have been hit for a loss had Daniels pitched it. Compounding matters was that Daniels was not able to even approach going off tackle, as that was clogged up by the Bucs as well.

Therefore, he stopped instantly, planting and attempting to cut back over the right guard. Two Buccaneer defenders met Daniels, who turned his back, was hit, got away, and backpedaled into the end zone for the final touchdown.

“He just found a way in. So it says a lot about what we knew. He likes to compete, and it definitely showed on Sunday. I didn’t give him a check to get out of it (the play). They had about three guys outside on the option. So, he saw that and ran it anyway, cut back, ran a couple of guys over, and got in the end zone.”

Kingsbury, thinking long term, closed by saying, “If I had that one back, I would rather him not get hit like that.

He is right, of course. Why subject your thin rookie quarterback to unnecessary hits in a game you’ve already lost when there are 16 more games to play?

Related article:

Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury did Jayden Daniels no favors in Week 1

 

Commanders QB Jayden Daniels praises two of his wide receivers

Daniels likes what he sees from his fellow rookie and the newest addition to the WR room.

When someone is willing to get up extra early to meet you early at work each day, you get to know them.

Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has led by example in his first season. We learned that Daniels arrived quite early throughout training camp, as some reports were before 7 a.m., sometimes even earlier.

We also learned that another Commanders rookie had determined he would also come early and work with Daniels. Third-round draft selection (100 overall) receiver Luke McCaffrey thought it wise for himself to also get in the very early morning work with Daniels.

McCaffrey might be the younger brother of Christian McCaffrey, who last year was the AP Offensive Player of the Year. But younger brother Luke knows that if he is to go anywhere in this league, he must earn it himself. Even more, he only played receiver his last two college seasons, converting from quarterback.

“For somebody that hasn’t been playing that position that long, he is a very smart learner, a very fast learner. Very instinctual and smart. Obviously, he played quarterback, so we kind of see it hand in hand. He knows based on the concept, the footwork, the timing he needs. I am happy with his growth so far.”

https://twitter.com/DavisMattek/status/1833951143942131846

Noah Brown is even newer to the team, having been signed the week before the season opener. Brown played college ball at Ohio State with Terry McLaurin. Though Brown only started a few games for the Cowboys, he was there the first two seasons. Dan Quinn was the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, so Quinn saw him a lot in practices.

“He’s tough; a hard worker, very smooth with his route running,” expressed Daniels. This is a big week of practice for us and him. We are just looking to get better.”

https://twitter.com/john_keim/status/1833934108365299839

Daniels was referring to Brown not yet being active. If he can show enough this week that he has learned the offense, he may be activated for Sunday’s Week 2 home opener against the Giants.