Tag: WR Noah Brown

Dan Quinn: ‘Former Cowboys have been effective Commanders’

Multiple former Cowboys are helping turn around the Commanders in 2024.

When Dan Quinn came to Washington, he knew he needed help on the line of scrimmage.

Sunday, in a Week 12 contest, the Dallas Cowboys (3-7) come to town to face the Washington Commanders (7-4).

Quinn was asked by the media on Wednesday why he wanted to sign former Cowboys such as C Tyler Biadasz, DE Dorance Armstrong, and LB Dante Fowler.

“Yeah, I think the line of scrimmage is a big deal and I saw firsthand with Tyler, and Dorance and Dante and what they could do and how they could affect the game,” Quinn said.

Quinn continued that he also saw maturity in those players, which he felt could be an asset in explaining to other players Quinn’s reasoning for some things he wants.

“I knew having some people along those lines to maybe look around the corners as I was just getting started. ‘What Dan’s trying to say here might be X, Y, or Z.’”

Having worked in practice against WR Noah Brown during the 2021 and 2022 seasons for the Cowboys, Quinn wanted him when the Texans released him on their last cuts to their 53-man roster. The Commanders certainly needed a receiver with size.

“Then, the addition of Noah, as well, was somebody that although we didn’t spend years together, I did get a sense of what the worker was, the competitor was. And he really just wanted a chance to compete, and that’s something that he knew he would get the opportunity with us here, saying that was going to be kinda the central theme of what we were going to do. So, that’s kinda the backstory there.”

Consequently, some former Cowboys will lead this Commanders team in its preparation to face the Cowboys Sunday at Northwest Stadium in Landover.

 

Adam Peters continues strengthening Commanders

Adam Peters continues to make all the right moves.

On Wednesday, in his press conference, Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters said, on more than one occasion, that he wanted to do what was good for the team.

Who could dare argue that Peters has done a fantastic job of repeatedly addressing the roster and seeing what changes he can make that are good for the team?

When hired, David Aldridge of The Athletic asked Peters what he thought of the roster. Peters didn’t reply immediately. He paused, took a breath, and replied that there were a few cornerstone pieces to the roster, and he had a lot of work to do.

And work is what Peters has done. He did not tweak Ron Rivera’s roster. Peters overhauled Rivera’s roster. After training camp, when the roster was reduced to 53, 30 were those brought in by Peters since taking the job.


Rather than being satisfied with his efforts,  Peters immediately returned to the driver’s seat and made quite a few decisions in the next week. He signed receiver Noah Brown (cut by the Texans), traded defensive tackle John Ridgeway to the Saints, signed linebacker Nick Bellore (released by the Seahawks), re-signed tackle Sam Cosmi to a four-year contract, and released receiver Byron Pringle; these all before the opener.

Once the season began, Peters released kicker Cade York, but the Jets released kicker Austin Seibert, so Peters quickly grabbed Seibert.

A few weeks later, veteran DT Jonathan Allen was lost for the season, and DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste was placed on injured reserve for at least four weeks. Well, the Jets had just released DE Jalyn Holmes. Instead of promoting a DE from the practice squad, Peters felt that the best thing for the team was to sign Holmes to the active roster. Holmes played only 11 defensive snaps against the Bears, but one of those, he had a quarterback sack.

Two weeks ago, Peters released Jamin Davis, a first-round draft choice by Rivera in 2021. This week, he traded for veteran Saints corner Marshon Lattimore and released DE Efe Obada, making room for Lattimore.

On Wednesday, Peters released WR Mike Strachan. Why? With DE Clelin Ferrell’s knee still not 100%, Peters brought back Obada to the practice squad, doing what he thinks strengthens the Commanders.

Who are the Commanders’ captains for Week 9 vs. Giants?

Who are the Commanders’ captains for Week 9?

What did it mean Friday that Dan Quinn had his cap facing forward during his press conference?

No, I am not making too much of it, but it was quite noticeable that Coach Quinn was not adorning his cap in his usual backward mode.

More significantly, Quinn named the three captains for Sunday’s Week 9 contest at the New York Giants. Quinn said receiver Noah Brown, safety Quan Martin, and tight end John Bates will lead the Commanders on Sunday.

“I just love the toughness these guys have, what they bring. So, it’s fun part of every Friday talking to the team about those three,” said Quinn.

With the cut-down day, all 32 teams had reduced their rosters to 53. The Commanders signed 12 players to their practice squad the following day. The next day, Brown was still available, so the Commanders grabbed him for free and signed him to the 53-man roster.


Brown not only has a Hail Mary-winning touchdown on his 2024 resume, but he also has 17 catches for 258 yards, averaging 15.8 yards a reception. Twelve of those catches have been for first downs, moving the chains, and his lone touchdown is one he will recall for the rest of his life.

Martin was a second-round choice in Ron Rivera’s last draft (2023). Last week, Martin recorded 11 tackles (nine solo, two assists), with one being for a loss. Starting all eight games thus far this season, he has 31 solo tackles and 13 assists.

In his fourth season out of Boise State, some might point to Bates only starting two games this season and only recording three receptions. However, Quinn quickly volunteered regarding Bates, “John, just all the energy he brings. There’s a lot of the dirty work that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet. So, all three of those guys, they’ll lead us this week.”

Quinn concluded by expressing it had been a “good week of practice, tough division matchup, and seven weeks ago, good fight. Expect the same good fight, hard, however long it takes. Five quarters, longer mindset. And so that’s where we’re at.”

Perhaps the cap on the correct way indicated Quinn really means business this week (Insert wink)?

What everyone said after the Commanders’ Hail Mary against the Bears

A collection of quotes from the Commanders’ miraculous win over the Bears

With the game clock having hit zeros, Jayden Daniels stepped up to the 35-yard line and heaved a Hail Mary toward the end zone.

Three Bears and Commanders players collided going up for the pass, with Tyrique Stevenson getting up higher than anyone else and deflecting the ball. It floated toward Noah Brown, who caught it for the winning touchdown.

Here is a collection of postgame quotes from players, analysts, coaches and media personalities.

Jim Nantz CBS, actual broadcast of the play

“And the ball is CAUGHT! It’s a MIRACLE! It’s Noah Brown! Oh my goodness! This town is going crazy! It’s a madhouse in Landover, Maryland!”

“This one will be played back over and over again for decades. The ball tipped by Stevenson and Noah Brown just standing back there all alone, plucks it out of the air for the victory!”

Tony Romo CBS analyst, immediately after the catch

“He did it!” I know this sounds crazy but there’s a method to the madness here. Everyone usually goes and jumps to the ball. But you always put one guy behind and one in front and have two or three go jump for it.”

“Daniels extending this play and the time allowed everyone to get down there in position to go toward the ball and be in their spot. And what a game, Jim! Nantz then simply replied, “There are no words.”

Sam Cosmi

“Miracles happen”

Noah Brown

“Yes, that happened to be my assignment on the Hail Mary. We got one guy in the front, two in the back. Try to throw it up to the jumper.”

We got a team of fighters. I am not surprised at all with this happening. I know we don’t give up until the final whistle. It’s just a phenomenal effort on all sides.”

We are well blessed to have ‘5’ leading this team. The things he can do is special. Even that last play, keeping his composure, fighting like Hell to get the ball off, and through a Hell of a ball. I wouldn’t want to play with any other quarterback. I am glad to have him.”

Trevor Sikkema Pro Football Focus lead draft analyst

“I’m so happy for Dan Quinn, man. Deserved a second chance at being a HC. He got one with one hell of a quarterback.”

Tyrique Stevenson (Bears defensive back who was talking smack to fans as the final play was beginning.

“To Chicago and teammates my apologies for lack of awareness and focus …. The game ain’t over until zeros hit the clock. Can’t take anything for granted. Notes taken, improvement will happen”

Terry McLaurin (said the Commanders practice this formation and tip drills)

“If you look it up on film, we were pretty much all in our spots.”

“It felt like it was going in slow motion.”

Kevin Durant

“HAHAHHAA LETS GO @Commanders “

John Keim

“that’s one way to avoid having more red zone issues.”

“Hail Mary. Do I need to say more?”

Jayden Daniels

“I just threw the ball up and gave my guys a chance.” Did he see it? “I just heard people screaming and the sideline rush the field.”

Phidarian Mathis

“It was crazy, it was crazy, man. I ain’t gonna lie, I shed a tear. It was amazing being around something like that. Wouldn’t want it no other way.”

Mitchell Tischler

“Jayden Daniels, magic in a pan! Trent Scott wouldn’t have fumbled that one!”

Chris Russell

“Tonight is 1 A in terms of memorable moments at this joint in Landover, since I’ve been around (2009 +). I can’t put it over NFC East clinching win over #Cowboys on SNF in 2012. But wow!

Zach Ertz

“You guys gotta stop calling him a rookie quarterback. He’s not a rookie quarterback in our eyes. … His maturity and poise is that of a 10-year vet. In our eyes, he’s just one of the leaders on this football team.”

Sam Cosmi on Jayden Daniels

“He doesn’t shy from adversity.”

“It was just like a movie …. front-row seats to be part of something amazing! Hats off to our defense. … I love being a part of this team. It’s something I never felt in my whole football career.”

 

Commanders bring back one from injured reserve

Commanders make some roster moves, including bringing back a player from IR.

The Washington Commanders made some roster moves on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s Week 5 game against the Cleveland Browns. The biggest move on Saturday was the Commanders bringing back Marcus Mariota.

Mariota was placed on the injured reserve list and missed the first four games due to two injuries he suffered in training camp. First, he tweaked a groin muscle, but then he suddenly missed a practice due to a pectoral injury and was placed on the IR list.

Also announced Saturday afternoon were two elevations from the Practice Squad: CB Kevon Seymour and WR Brycen Tremayne from the practice squad.

Tremayne’s elevation at this time is not a surprise. WR Noah Brown injured his groin and could not practice, and Dan Quinn declared him “out.” In addition, Jamison Crowder, with his injured calf, was placed on the injured reserve list this week, meaning Crowder will miss four games. Thus, the Commanders needed to elevate a receiver.

Seymour is perhaps being elevated because it appears that safety Tyler Owens will most likely not play against the Browns for now. He has an injured shin and has missed practice, and the Commanders may, therefore, activate safety Darrick Forrest, who has been inactive the first four games.

There has been growing hope that defensive end Efe Obada and rookie linebacker Jordan Magee will return from the injured list to the active roster. But it appears that those two players will have to wait another week.

One final question for this week. With the Commanders activating Mariota, will they keep four quarterbacks on their roster (including Sam Hartman)? Or will they make another roster move involving Hartman?

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.

What does Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels think of Terry McLaurin’s lack of catches?

Jayden Daniels discusses Terry McLaurin’s lack of involvement and his answer is perfect.

It’s the third week, and Jayden Daniels already has his third first in the NFL.

The Commanders will travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals in a Monday Night game televised by ABC.

On Thursday with the press, Daniels quickly acknowledged that it is rare to have so many “firsts” so quickly.

“It’s special obviously, to play one this early, just coming off my first actual game, my first home opener, now my first Monday Night game. So, it’s going to be special, but at the end of the day, it’s another game. We’re just playing later in the week.”

This week’s opponent is Joe Burrow, another former LSU Heisman Trophy winner. Burrow led his team to the 2019 NCAA Championship, and Daniels showed his appreciation.

https://twitter.com/Commanders/status/1835408945793356005

Daniels expressed that he had not talked to Burrow recently but then was clear in wishing Burrow the best. Daniels followed in Burrow’s footsteps, winning the 2023 Heisman Trophy.

Last week against the Giants, the Commanders were tied 18-18 with just under two minutes remaining. Facing a second-and-10 at the Washington 23, just under two minutes remained. Daniels found Noah Brown for 34 yards. When asked about it Thursday,  Daniels did not take any credit, saying he was just one of the 11 on the field, and his offensive line gave him time to make that throw.

Daniels was asked what he was hoping to display to the NFL fans Monday night. He appropriately replied, “I’m just trying to do whatever it takes to get a win.”

When asked about his not having a turnover through two games, Daniels responded, “That’s the name of the game; whoever can win the turnover battle has a better chance of winning.”

Then there is Terry McLaurin and his 39 receiving yards total in his first two games of 2024.

“Obviously, we have to get Terry the ball, but at the end of the day, you got to spread the ball around,” Daniels said. “Defenses are going to key on Terry out of respect for him because of what he did in this league. When it’s time, and we have a one-on-one matchup, and Terry is out there, go let him win. But other than that, we are going to keep playing our game, keep moving forward and just go from there.”

How about that? Daniels didn’t simply admit that they have to get the ball more to McLaurin. Twice, he countered, saying they have to spread the ball around, keep playing their game, and keep moving forward.

The young man revealed he already feels strongly about this subject matter.

Kingsbury made good calls on final drive, leading to Commanders win over Giants

A great final drive from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Last week, Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said he made one of the worst play calls in his career. Today, he made three good ones on the final possession, leading to a 21-18 Commanders win.

The Commanders were extremely fortunate to even have the opportunity for Kingsbury to make the much better play calls.

You see, the Giants had the ball 4th & 4 at the Commanders 22-yard line, with the game tied 18-18. However, their kicker Graham Gano had injured a hamstring and was unable to come out and kick what for him would be an almost automatic 39-yard field goal.

So, the Giants were forced to go for the first down. Daniel Jones rolled right and found Malik Nabers along the sideline. Perhaps Nabors was worried about getting his feet down because he dropped what would have been a first down. The Giants were now unable to run down the clock. The Commanders would have an opportunity to score themselves.

First, Kingsbury had Noah Brown in the game. Brown has more experience than several Commanders receivers not named Terry McLaurin. Brown ran a great route, was wide open, and Jayden Daniels found him for a huge 34-yard gain to the Giants’ 43.

https://Twitter.com/Tiller56/status/1835408952085082341

Kingsbury called Brian Robinson’s number on 2nd & 2 at the Giants’ 35, resulting in an 11-yard gain and a first down at the Giants’ 24, forcing the Giants to call timeout with 57 seconds remaining.

https://Twitter.com/Tiller56/status/1835409551186968839

Surely, the call would be for another Robinson run. New York Giant defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux certainly thought so. As Daniels put the ball in Robinson’s belly, Thibodeaux came crashing down from his left defensive end position to hit Robinson for a tackle for a loss.

However, the call was for a zone-read option, and Daniels kept the ball and scooted outside through the area vacated by Thibodeaux, picked up a block from tight end Zach Ertz, gaining 14 yards to the Giants’ 10.

https://Twitter.com/Tiller56/status/1835409858180403295

The zone-read call enabled Austin Seibert to kick a 30-yard game-winner rather than attempt a more difficult kick over 40 yards. Seibert made the kick, Kingsbury made three good calls on the final possession, and the Commanders and Dan Quinn had their first win of 2024.

It was also the first time the Commanders had beaten the Giants in Landover since Kirk Cousins was the quarterback in 2017.

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.

Commanders release WR Byron Pringle

Who returns kickoffs for the Commanders on Sunday?

Nothing has come easy for Byron Pringle.

On Friday, the Commanders, conducting their final practice before flying to Tampa, released the wide receiver, who came into the league undrafted in 2018.

The majority of those following the Commanders closely believed that Pringle had made the 53-man roster to provide a veteran receiver who would also return kickoffs.

This raises the question of who the Commanders use on Sunday to return kickoffs. Would they promote Kazmeir Allen from the practice squad to handle the duty?

Or might they have Olamide Zaccheaus help return kickoffs? However, Zaccheaus, in his five seasons, has only returned three punts and two kickoffs. Jamison Crowder has again retained the job of punt returner.

The release of Pringle also raises the question of whether the coaching staff felt another receiver on the practice squad was looking better on the practice fields than Pringle and was consequently determined to make the move.

It could also be that the team has signed and brought in receiver Noah Brown, who makes Pringle expendable. This would allow the Commanders to bring up someone else from the practice squad at another position where they feel the need is more urgent.

Pringle, who played at Kansas State, signed with the Chiefs in May of 2018 and was waived in the preseason of both 2018 and 2019 before returning to play three seasons for the Chiefs (2019-21).

After being with the Bears in 2022, Pringle was a rather late signee to Washington in 2023. Since March 2023, Pringle had been a free agent, and no team had signed him. In late July, after the mini camps were completed, Washington suddenly signed Pringle, most likely an Eric Bieniemy choice from coaching Pringle in Kansas City.

Pringle caught 14 passes for 161 yards (11.5) in 2023 for the Commanders.