A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East and the NFL in general
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Bullock’s Film Room (subscription)
Linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu provide bright spot for Commanders defense
The Commanders defense has struggled so far this season, but against the Giants, linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu stood out.
There is no hiding from the multiple issues the defense has right now, but I thought I would look at a positive performance from the Giants game. Linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu stood out against a solid rushing attack, despite not always being put in great positions schematically.
For years now in Washington, we’ve seen the linebacker group fail to back up the defensive line, leading to the run defense struggling. On Sunday against the Giants, we finally saw a pair of linebackers making numerous plays in the run game, particularly Bobby Wagner.
On this play, the Giants look to run the ball inside with the right tackle assigned with climbing up to the second level to block Wagner. The Commanders opted to play a lot of this game with two deep safeties to try and protect their problems at cornerback, but that meant the front was often left light in the box to defend the run, which is the Giants primary threat. Because of that, Wagner has to be ready to fill multiple gaps depending on how the run plays out. The Giants use a jet sweep fake to change the picture just before the snap, which takes Wagner further inside and creates a nice angle for the right tackle to make his block.
Despite all this disadvantage, Wagner reads the play beautifully. He spots the right tackle initially working inside before peeling off to work up to him. A lot of linebackers would read this as a run to the left side of the offensive line, but Wagner has eyes in the backfield and spots the back working the other way. He immediately works around the block of the right tackle, anticipating the back bouncing his run to the right. He’s exactly right with his anticipation and because he acted so quickly, he completely avoids the block of the right tackle and makes the tackle for a minimal gain.
Many people thought Wagner looked a step slow last week against the Bucs and perhaps there was some rust there for him to knock off after not playing a snap in the preseason. But against the Giants, he was mentally sharp and his anticipation skills had him in position to make plays faster than many more athletic linebackers are able to.
Commanders.com
Commanders developing winning formula with Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler
Robinson, a third-round pick from 2022, and Ekeler, who was signed in the offseason as a free agent, have been the main drivers of an offense that is 10th yards per game. Robinson ranks eighth among running backs in rushing yards, while Ekeler leads the Commanders with 99 receiving yards on seven catches.
The Commanders’ offense is still trying to figure out their identity, but the combination of Robinson’s power and Ekeler’s quickness appears to be the foundation for a winning formula.
Robinson and Ekeler have combined for 372 yards, representing 48% of the Commanders offensive production over two games. Both players rank in the top 15 for all-purpose yards leaders, and while there is some overlap in their skill sets, the Commanders have incorporated them in ways that highlight what they do best.
After a season that saw Robinson receive 27 fewer carries compared to his rookie campaign, the third-year running back has already rushed the ball 29 times, which puts him on track for what would be a career-high 247 carries. He had 17 carries in Washington’s 21-18 win over the New York Giants — a rare occurrence for him last season, when he hit that number just four times.
Against the Giants, Ekeler touched the ball 11 times and accounted for 85 of the Commanders’ 425 total yards for the day. Some of his best moments came in the second half; he helped the offense get inside the Giants 5-yard line, which led to a 29-yard field goal that gave Washington a 15-12 lead. In the fourth quarter, Ekeler took a pass from Jayden Daniels and turned it into a 27-yard gain that put Washington at the Giants’ 6-yard line.
The duo of Robinson and Ekeler has led to Washington producing one of the league’s most effective ground attacks through two games. The team is seventh in attempts (32.5), sixth in yards per game (176.5), second in rushing first downs per game (10.5), sixth in yards per attempt (5.4) and ninth in rushing play rate (52%). It’s a stark contrast from an offense that was 27th in rushing yards per game a year ago and had the sixth fewest total yards on the ground.
Commanders Wire
Commanders kicker Austin Seibert named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week
The 27-year-old Seibert was a fifth-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2019 NFL draft. He has spent time with the Browns, Bengals, Lions, Saints and two stints with the Jets. It was during his second stint with the Jets that Washington paid close attention to Seibert during this summer’s joint practice and preseason game.
Here’s some Seibert highlights from Sunday:
The @Commanders signed kicker Austin Seibert last week.
Six days later, he went 7/7 and kicked the game-winner. @wingstop | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/6b5cFrZ1Dm
— NFL (@NFL) September 16, 2024
Seibert’s seven field goals made in one game is second in NFL history to Rob Bironas, who set the record back in 2007. Seibert is one of 10 kickers to make seven field goals in a game.
Seibert is the seventh kicker in Washington history to win the NFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.
The Athletic (paywall)
A poised Jayden Daniels is remembering to have fun while leading Commanders
Everyone handles pressure situations differently. Teammates are learning Jayden Daniels’ default setting is laughter.
On Sunday, the Washington Commanders rookie quarterback led a game-tying drive early in the fourth quarter against the New York Giants. As the clock approached the two-minute warning, Daniels faced his first NFL comeback opportunity. With it, Washington could earn its first home victory in over a year and snap an overall nine-game losing streak.
“That’s what you live for, those moments,” Daniels said postgame. “That’s where names get made in this league.”
The No. 2 pick in April’s draft showed the arm talent and decision-making prowess with a 34-yard strike to wide receiver Noah Brown that put the ball in New York territory. Three plays later, from the Giants’ 24, Daniels attacked with his legs. His 14-yard gain down the right sideline off a read option put Washington at New York’s 10 and moved the chains.
One issue: He ended the play out of bounds, stopping the clock with 57 seconds remaining.
“He was supposed to stay inbounds,” wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus said. “And I was like, ‘Bro, stay inbounds.’ He was like, ‘I was trying!’”
“He was actually laughing,” said Zaccheaus, a recipient of an 8-yard reception on the final possession and three catches overall.
“He’s really got a lot of poise to him,” coach Dan Quinn said following his first win with Washington. “And the reason I say that is (decision-making). He’s very cool under (pressure).”
ESPN
The most important backup/role player for every team
Most important backup/role player: TE John Bates
Bates serves as the Commanders’ No. 2 tight end behind Zach Ertz in most settings, providing Washington with another option in the passing game alongside rookie TE Ben Sinnott. But Bates’ importance stems more from his blocking; he has caught one pass this year and had only 53 receptions in his first three seasons combined. With Washington wanting to run the ball more, it needs what Bates provides — he can block in space or at the line, making him a rarity. — John Keim
Commanders Wire
20 former NFL players with Washington ties among nominees for Pro Football Hall of Fame
On Wednesday, the NFL released the list of 167 modern-era nominees for induction into the Hall of Fame class of 2025, and several former Washington legends made the cut.
Here’s the full list.
- QB Rich Gannon
- QB Donovan McNabb
- RB Shaun Alexander
- RB Stephen Davis
- RB Clinton Portis
- RB Terry Allen
- RB/PR/KR Eric Metcalf
- FB Larry Centers
- WR Irving Fryar
- TE Vernon Davis
- OL Mark Schlereth
- OL Dave Szott
- LB Jessie Armstead
- LB London Fletcher
- LB Ken Norton Jr.
- CB DeAngelo Hall
- CB Troy Vincent
- K David Akers
- P Matt Turk
- ST/RB/KR/PR: Brian Mitchell
All but Norton played in Washington at some point. Norton is now the linebackers coach for head coach Dan Quinn. Fletcher, Mitchell, Hall, Stephen Davis, Allen and Portis are best known for their outstanding careers in Washington.
If you’re wondering where Joe Jacoby or Larry Brown are, they remain senior candidates for the class. Six prominent former Washington players, including Doug Williams, Earnest Byner, Wilber Marshall, Joe Theismann, Jacoby, and Brown, are senior candidates. Jacoby appears to have the best chance of being inducted.
Of the modern-era nominees, Fletcher and Mitchell appear to have the best chances of being inducted.
Upcoming opponent
Cincy Jungle
Bengals officially sign Lawrence Guy; KJ Henry, Shedrick Jackson released
The Cincinnati Bengals made several roster moves on Tuesday afternoon, including officially signing defensive tackle Lawrence guy to the 53-man active roster.
To compensate for the extra man, the Bengals have also waived defensive end KJ Henry, who was a second-year player acquired on waivers on August 28. He took some defensive and special teams snaps in each of the team’s first two games.
The Bengals also released practice squad wide receiver Shedrick Jackson, who is the great-nephew of Bo Jackson. They did not sign anyone to replace him and are currently one player shy of the 16-player limit. They are likely going to look to add another defensive tackle to the practice squad for extra bodies while they deal with injuries.
Podcasts & videos
Episode 912 – Guest: @BenStandig. #Commanders intel.
– how Jayden Daniels is doing
– Terry McLaurin’s lack of production
– is Brian Robinson Jr. having the first truly big season by a Washington RB in years?
– the defense…
– upgrades at Northwest Stadiumhttps://t.co/VuAjF1fMgS— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) September 18, 2024
Enjoyed talking to Matthew. Has a bright future. Mature interviewer. Good questions. Highlight Haven Interview feat. Commanders ESPN Reporter John Keim! https://t.co/RqbHgbzjzh via @YouTube
— John Keim (@john_keim) September 18, 2024
Is Jeremy Chinn the Safety Washington Needs? | All-22 Film & Thoughts – … https://t.co/SinoTwAJwv #RaiseHail
— The BnG® (@PhilipHughesNFL) September 19, 2024
NFC East links
Deadspin
Cowboys place DT Jordan Phillips (wrist) on IR
The Dallas Cowboys placed defensive tackle Jordan Phillips on injured reserve on Wednesday because of a right wrist injury and he will miss at least four games.
Phillips, who turns 32 on Saturday, played in two games for Dallas this season and made one tackle.
The Cowboys traded a sixth-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Aug. 15 to the New York Giants for Phillips and a seventh-round selection.
Cowboys DT Jordan Philips said he is going on injured reserve but there is nothing wrong with his wrist. He said his wrist is fine. It is what it is. He has to accept the decision of the organization
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) September 18, 2024
Cowboys DT Jordan Phillips on a wrist injury that landed him on the IR and how it came about:
“I don’t know. That’s above my pay grade. You have to ask the people making the decisions.”
Was clearly frustrated in the locker room today and said his wrist was fine.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) September 18, 2024
Sports Illustrated
Cowboys Sign Commanders Practice Squad DT
The Washington Commanders are losing Carlos Watkins to the division rival Dallas Cowboys.
[T]he Dallas Cowboys are signing defensive tackle Carlos Watkins off the Commanders practice squad to their 53-man roster.
Watkins, 30, signed with the Commanders practice squad in late August after he was cut by the Los Angeles Rams ahead of the team’s 53-man roster deadline.
Watkins, 30, came to the Commanders largely due to his familiarity with coach Dan Quinn, who was his defensive coordinator from 2021-22 with the Cowboys; he played in one game this season for Washington.
Now, Watkins is back with the Cowboys as he looks to provide them with some injury insurance in the trenches.
Blogging the Boys
Cowboys running backs Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle among NFL’s least efficient through Week 2
Through two games this season the Dallas Cowboys have arguably the least efficient running back group in the NFL.
But looking beyond the general box score-type statistics we can see that the Cowboys have literally the most inefficient running back room in the entire league.
Among qualified rushers, they are the only team in the league to have two ball-carriers in the bottom ten of RYOE per attempt, per NFL Pro.
What’s particularly frustrating about it is that it was completely and totally predictable which is why there were so many calls for the Cowboys to add talent to the running back group in free agency or the NFL Draft.
It is easy to say this in hindsight obviously, but it was very apparent as it was all happening. Consider the options that Dallas could have in their backfield right now if they had chosen to be a bit more proactive in this regard.
When people ask why to be mad about trading a 4th for Trey Lance…Braelon Allen is why. That was where you should have taken your starting RB. https://t.co/zdLDTnLiPC pic.twitter.com/uuaQRkhtuz
— Bob Sturm (@SportsSturm) September 16, 2024
Here are some more ways in which the Dallas Cowboys are failing as a running operation (rank in terms of 1st being the worst):
- Rush Yards Per Game…………………………………….. 85 (8th)
- Rush Yards Per Play………………………………………… 3.7 (7th)
- Team Rushing Success Rate……………………………. 37% (9th)
- Team Rushing Yards Over Expected………………… -66 (2nd)
- Team Rushing Yards Over Expected/Attempt…… -1.5 (1st)
Deadspin
Looking to avoid 0-3 start, Giants shift focus to Browns
The New York Giants are already in must-win territory when they visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
The Giants (0-2) lost their first two games of the season to the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Commanders. If they lose to the Browns (1-1), things really get dicey. New York then has a short week before hosting the Dallas Cowboys next Thursday.
The anxiety is growing as only two teams (out of 32) that started 0-2 over the past four seasons made the playoffs.
That 6.3 success rate raises the urgency. But Giants coach Brian Daboll said he doesn’t think desperation has set in.
The Browns averaged 17.5 points over their first two games, while New York is posting 12 per game.
Still, Stefanski is surprised the Giants are winless.
“That 0-2 is very misleading to me,” Stefanski said. “They lost at home in Week 1, which obviously we lost at home in Week 1. And then they go on the road, and they play good enough to win, and had some extenuating circumstances with the kicker.”
Blogging the Boys
Cowboys could tie unbelievably bad NFL history with poor defensive showing vs Ravens
The Cowboys defense is on the verge of tying a historically bad NFL record.
Dallas is coming off of a horrific outing where they allowed the New Orleans Saints to drop 44 points on them without really flexing any muscles.
The Packers dropped 48 points in the Wild Card Round, so the Saints did not quite touch the air that they did, but 48 and 44 points scored against you the last two times you played at home is a bit of a tough pill to swallow.
Something like that sounds rare, but just how common or uncommon is it? Thanks to our friends at Stathead and Pro Football Reference we are able to look at this information (their database in this area stretches back to 1920 mind you) and the results are not good!
Here is every team in NFL history who allowed outings of 44 or more points in consecutive games at home, playoffs included obviously.
Should the Cowboys allow the Baltimore Ravens (funny enough that it would be Baltimore) to score 44 or more points on Sunday then they would tie the NFL record for most consecutive home games with that many points allowed against them.
Big Blue View
Eli Manning officially a Hall of Fame nominee
Eli has a complicated case for being a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He retired with a .500 record (117-117-0) and led the NFL in interceptions in three separate seasons (2007, 2010, and 2013). However, he also ranks 10th all-time in passing yards and passing touchdowns, is 12th in game winning drives, and his 27 fourth quarter comebacks ranks comfortably between Brett Favre (28) and Joe Montana (26).
Eli is also famously a two-time Super Bowl champion and MVP, and his unlikely wins over Tom Brady in 2007 and 2011 are the stuff of legend.
NFL league links
Articles
Pro Football Focus
NFL season-long statistical review ahead of Week 3: Team tiers, pass rates and more
Dropback Outcomes
With passing targets being the most efficient outcome of a dropback on average, just throwing more often than other teams can already be an important indicator of a good offense. There are notable exceptions for offenses with mobile quarterbacks, but teams mostly want to have a large green bar (targets) and a small purple bar (sacks) in the chart below:
Here is how the mostly positive outcomes (targeted passes that aren’t intercepted and scrambles) contribute to each team’s passing efficiency:
Tweets
Texans QB C.J. Stroud explains the post-game advice he gave to Bears QB Caleb Williams. https://t.co/TLeZszjXsR
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 19, 2024