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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Sports Illustrated
Commanders Notebook: Fan Presence Elevates Energy, Day 4 of Training Camp
The Washington Commanders welcomed fans for the first time to their 2024 Training Camp.
The energy at Washington Commanders training camp this season has been high.
On Sunday, however, it got a bit higher as Commanders fans were allowed inside the team facility property for the first time to see their team practice for the upcoming season.
While Washington welcomed in the fans, the players on the field resumed their work of putting together a winning football team, and some interesting things unfolded in the process.
[F]ans lined up for miles (maybe not, but still, a long way) to see rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, star receiver Terry McLaurin, new head coach Dan Quinn, and the rest of the crew put on a show.
More importantly it was an opportunity for the team to show the fans what they’ve got cooking up for 2024, instead of simply relying on media witness accounts for that information.
Fans will also be on hand for the first day of padded practice on Monday.
On Friday, Daniels threw his first interception and had his first down day of camp.
Sunday, he had a better performance overall, but still had some misfires. Overall, outside of a werd hail mary drill, the quarterback completed 75 percent of his team drill passes and completed 100 percent of his attempts with the first team.
No interceptions, yet no touchdowns, but you’ll take 75 percent completions every day of the week and look to build on that.
The Athletic (paywall)
Commanders get longer look at OT Brandon Coleman
The Commanders remain a remarkably healthy bunch four practices into training camp. That right tackle Andrew Wylie sitting out team drills for parts of Friday’s session and all of Sunday’s with what what he called “tightness” sounded news alarms speaks to the otherwise minimal worries.
However, his absence did allow coaches to take a longer look at third-round pick Brandon Coleman with the first team. Coleman, like other rookies, may require an adjustment period into the regular season before the staff is comfortable using him especially with another rookie, Jayden Daniels, at quarterback.
The Athletic (paywall)
Commanders camp: Tyler Owens returns to practice with bang
UDFA safety Tyler Owens returned to practice with a bang after resting on Friday by snagging an interception of a deflected pass thrown by Marcus Mariota. Washington pursued the Texas Tech alum aggressively as evidenced by the $245,000 guaranteed salary and $20,000 signing bonus.
The safety room is crowded with arguably six others ahead of Owens including holdovers Percy Butler and Jeremy Reaves, and fifth-round pick Dominique Hampton, but it’s more than fair to include him on any roster sleeper list.
The same goes for cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly, who also has an interception Sunday. Claimed off waivers last season, Kelly jumped a Mariota pass for the turnover.
The top four corners – Benjamin St-Juste, Emmanuel Forbes, Mike Davis and second-round pick Mike Sainristil – are a work in progress. From there, the depth chart becomes more unsettled.
Washington Post (paywall)
Nearly 3,000 fans pack camp to see Jayden Daniels, revamped Commanders
Hope and excitement swirl at the Washington Commanders’ first open practice of the summer.
Daniels appeared sharp, but his supporting cast raised some red flags. Right tackle Andrew Wylie did not participate in 11-on-11 drills, two days after rookie Brandon Coleman closed out practice in his place. Wylie said afterward that he is dealing with some tightness (he didn’t specify where), that the team is “being smart” about it and that he expects to be back Monday.
Quinn typically mixes starters with reserves in team drills, so the offensive line often rotated. But the group as a whole committed at least four false-start penalties.
Kicker also remains a need for the Commanders; the team signed Ramiz Ahmed in June to replace Brandon McManus, who was released after allegations of sexual assault. Ahmed was strong in the early days of camp but has struggled to connect on anything from more than 50 yards. Another long attempt during team drills Sunday hit the upright.
But the focus was clearly on the fans. Quinn spoke with some youth flag football players after the workout as players signed autographs and took selfies with supporters.
Daniels started at the standing-room-only section of fans and spent close to 15 minutes after the workout signing jerseys, towels, mini-helmets, T-shirts and even a fan’s shoe, ensuring a team staffer armed with a handful of Sharpie pens stayed close.
Commanders.com
Training camp notebook | Daron Payne loves working with Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell
Ferrell and Armstrong are fundamentally different players from Sweat and Young, who Payne played alongside for most of his career, but they bring new, refreshing energy to a defensive front looking to take bigger steps in 2024.
“It’s just to see different D-ends come in, how they move and what things they do to get wins,” Payne said.
Both Armstrong and Ferrell joined Washington after some of the best performances in their career. Armstrong, who has spent most of the past six seasons as a backup, set a career-high 38 tackles with 7.5 sacks in 2023 with the Dallas Cowboys. Armstrong’s production as a pass-rusher jumped dramatically once Quinn became the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator. Twenty-one of Armstrong’s 23.5 sacks came in the previous three seasons.
The Commanders’ pass-rush needed a new approach, based on the results from last season with four first-round picks in the first half of the season. The team ranked 26th with 39 sacks and 21st in pass-rush win rate. Jonathan Allen was the only Commanders defensive lineman who ranked in the top 20 of pass-rush win rate rankings (17th).
Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have a solution for how to fix that: go. Rather than forcing their defensive linemen to win one-on-one matchups on most plays, something that occurred often in 2023, they are rushing as one and utilizing more stunts and twists to help generate more sacks.
With Armstrong’s knowledge of playing for Quinn and Whitt and Ferrell’s added energy on the defensive line, Payne believes the two are perfect fits to the new mentality.
Commanders Wire
London Fletcher loves what Bobby Wagner brings to Commanders
“Man, you talk about instant credibility.”
Wagner played his college ball at Utah State and has been a six-time All-Pro and nine-time Pro Bowler.
It is no secret among Commanders nation (I’m still having trouble saying Commanders) that the linebacker play in recent years has been inadequate, meager, and weak.
“What a difference a year makes,” continued Fletcher. “Where our linebackers were last year, probably one of the worst (units) in the league, while this year number one by some people.”
Having played the position as well as he did and for as long as he did, Fletcher has great respect for Wagner’s accomplishments.
“Bobby is a future Hall of Famer, a perennial Pro Bowler, perennial All-Pro, he still brings play-making ability even at 34 years old. He reminds me of myself when I made the transition to DC. I was 32 years old when I signed with Washington.”
In 2012, Fletcher came to the Redskins as a proven, recognized, credentialed veteran in the league. He was going to be a leader on the field, and players were going to follow his lead. So, too, with Wagner, even if he is 34.
“Just bringing him in there first and foremost is for his leadership. He’s a great leader; he’s been on great defenses. He knows how to run the system that Dan Quinn wants to run.”
The Athletic (paywall)
Commanders camp: Fans get first look at Jayden Daniels
Daniels took the first QB reps after Marcus Mariota did the first three days of camp. His first two attempts in 7-on-7s were off target. One was apparent miscommunication followed by an overthrow routes. His day improved from there. Daniels completed his next three passes, all underneath. Daniels sharper as practice continues. He later ripped a sideline throw to Brycen Tremayne and then in 11-on-11s he hit Terry McLaurin in stride up the seem with the receiver positioned for significant yards after the catch.
The training camp showing has been erratic in spots but the high-end plays with his arm and legs highlight the potential that the coaches and support staff, including Mariota, are helping him reach consistently. No starter has been named but the rookie is expected to hear his name called over his fellow Heisman Trophy winner.
Podcasts & videos
Camp report. The fourth practice. Fans back. Benjamin St-Juste vs McLaurin ; how Mariota helps Jayden Daniels. Andrew Wylie update. More. @ESPNRichmond https://t.co/Xd0b9iUJAI
— John Keim (@john_keim) July 28, 2024
Locked on Commanders – Washington Commanders Training Camp: Previewing the First Padded Practice and Players to Watch
Beltway Football Training Camp Day 4: First open practice, OL questions, and getting ready to go full pads
WSH 2024 Training Camp DAY 4 Clips & Analysis! JAYDEN RUNNING! Alien S Tyler Owens GETS 1ST PICK! – #HTTC MAKE SURE YOU LEAVE A LIKE & SUBSCRIBE! #HTTC #Commanders – https://t.co/MkkryCtHdV
— StreetScoresRico (@StreetScoresATL) July 28, 2024
Photos
Commanders.com
PHOTOS | Best photos from Day 4
Check out all the action from Back Together Sunday during Sunday’s practice.
NFC East links
ESPN
NFL training camp 2024 live updates: Latest on roster battles
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
It appears Tyler Guyton is about to get his chance to be the starting left tackle. He took the first-team snaps in Sunday’s practice and was able to do a decent job against Micah Parsons when he was lined up against the Cowboys’ best pass rusher. In the spring, Guyton worked with the second-team offense with Chuma Edoga starting. The Cowboys took Guyton with the 29th pick in the first round, but he played mostly right tackle at Oklahoma, which is why they did not want to overload him early. On Tuesday, the pads come on for the first time, and Guyton will get the chance to continue to earn the job. — Todd Archer
(Last update: July 28)
New York Giants
It has been an up-and-down start to camp for Daniel Jones, and Sunday was no different. He started 2-of-6 passing and underthrew a pair of deep balls to Malik Nabers. This was a continuation of what unfolded the last time the Giants were on the field Friday. But much like that practice, Jones later redeemed himself by hitting six of his last seven throws, including deep balls to Nabers and Jalin Hyatt.
When asked before practice what he makes of Jones missing some of those receivers, coach Brian Daboll chalked it up to “it’s practice” — meaning there are going to be some good and bad plays. Jones also happens to be coming off a torn ACL in his right knee. He was fully cleared for the first day of camp just eight-plus months after surgery. — Jordan Raanan
(Last update: July 28)
Washington Commanders
Washington’s defensive line did not always like what it was asked to do under the previous coaching staff. According to numerous players, they chafed at being asked to stop using techniques they felt worked for them and it led to various issues throughout the past four years — a touted group never quite filled their potential. Now, new defensive line coach Darryl Tapp said, they will suggest techniques for players to use — but if they’re not comfortable they won’t force them to continue doing so. But tackle Jonathan Allen said there is another difference. “I really think it’s just about the little details,” Allen said. “We’re really focusing on the small stuff. The get off, the first step, the first six-inch step, your hands and your pad level, and just really repetition. So, it’s nothing groundbreaking that we’re doing, it’s just consistency and a mindset that we’re playing with.” — John Keim
(Last update: July 28)
NFL.com
Cowboys DE Sam Williams suffered torn ACL in practice
Defensive end Sam Williams suffered a torn ACL in his left knee during practice an MRI confirmed, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported. Williams also sustained a torn MCL and will be placed on season-ending injury reserve, the team announced.
Williams was engaged in a block during a special teams drill before falling to the ground and grabbing his left knee, per NFL Network’s Jane Slater and Rapoport. He was subsequently carted off the field.
Williams, a 2022 second-round pick of the Cowboys, was set to enter his third NFL season.
Williams was yet again set to be a valued member of the pass-rush rotation for the Cowboys, who are led on the edges by Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence.
Through two seasons, the 25-year-old has played in 32 games, coming off the bench to provide plenty of punch with 8.5 career sacks and, 16 QB hits, 15 tackles for loss and 48 tackles.
Bleeding Green Nation
James Bradberry: “I’m on the team right now”
The Eagles former CB is now getting reps at safety, citing the additional depth at corner since the 2023 season.
The Eagles secondary struggled last season, and as training camp continues to get underway, we learned that James Bradberry is taking his reps at safety instead of cornerback. He spoke to reporters following practice on Saturday and explained why he’s attempting to make the move and why it’s such a challenging change.
Bradberry said that the transition to safety has been going smooth so far, and it’s mainly just learning the communication and having to talk a lot more to get information to the linebackers and corners. He dismissed the notion that the Eagles were the ones who asked him to change position, claiming responsibility for that choice.
“No, honestly, it was my thought after the season. I went to them, we had a meeting, and I just wanted to try it out.”
When asked why, Bradberry was succinct in his reply, “Why not?”
We’ll have to see as camp continues how Bradberry’s role develops, but he also reminded reporters on Saturday that he still has two years left on his contract, one year guaranteed, so he’s trying to avoid all the chatter about him landing elsewhere in 2024.
Big Blue View
Brian Daboll won’t promise Evan Neal will be ready Week 1 — what it means
Neal remains on PUP list after ankle surgery
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll would not promise on Sunday that offensive tackle Evan Neal would be ready to start the regular season. Neal is on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as his rehab from offseason ankle surgery has not gone as anticipated.
“I’d say this, it’s day-to-day, and each day he’s getting better,” Daboll said. “When he’s ready to go, he’ll be ready to go.”
That seems to be a different tone regarding the No. 7 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. On the opening day of training camp, which was last Wednesday, GM Joe Schoen had said Neal was “not far off from being out there.”
Maybe Neal is close to returning. Maybe he isn’t. Maybe Daboll didn’t want to put any time frame on Neal’s potential return.
All we know for sure is that Neal has done very little work on the side with trainers during the first four practice sessions. Other players on PUP or missing practice for minor injuries have seemed far more active.
The lack of a time frame may also explain why the Giants moved Jermaine Eluemunor from left guard to the right tackle spot they had hoped, and may still hope, Neal would occupy.
NFL league links
Articles
Pro Football Talk
This year, NFL will require both coaches to be interviewed during games
“This year, we have a new policy going into effect where all of the clubs are going to have to make a head coach available live for an interview during the game,” Yancy said. “Each team has to provide a head coach; one in the first half, one in the second half. And that’s for all teams, and it’s available for all TV partners.”
Previously, coaches had the option of talking on the way to the locker room or on the way out of the locker room at halftime.
So why the change?
“Because it’s good for the broadcast, it’s good for the fans,” Yancy said. “Fans want to be closer to the game, they want to get to know the players and the coaches. It’s very important that they kind of have that relationship, and they want to hear. It’s really good sound. If you’re a football fan or even if you’re a casual fan, it’s great to hear from the coaches. There’s a lot of emotion.”
There will definitely be some emotion. Plenty of coaches won’t want to do the interview. Some of them might decide to channel Marshawn Lynch, saying, “I’m just here so I don’t get fined.”