***OFFICIAL*** Washington Commanders Thread (2 Viewers)

[MikeApf]

First: we've seen enough of Wentz...he needs to sit not only due to injury but also the rest of the season.

Re: who should start next, I think the answer may be more nuanced, re: Heinicke vs. Howell. Here's how I see it:

1. Even with a horrible 2-4 record, the Commanders are still only 1 game out of the third playoff spot. Is it likely we make the playoffs? No, but it's not like a 1% chance either. If QB play is a significant difference as it often is, then the team could possibly look different with Heinicke or Howell.

2. I'm thinking you need to get to 9-8 to have a realistic shot at that third WC slot. That would mean going 7-4 the rest of the way, or winning about 2 out of every 3 games.

3. If Heinicke is more ready right now, in fairness to the rest of the guys on the team, give him a 3 week window to see what he can do: GB, Indy, Philly. If you win 2 of 3 of those games, you may want to roll the dice and see if he can keep it going.

4. However, if he can't win two of three, let Howell play the rest of the season. You are still giving Howell a full 50% of the season to show whether he is good enough to be a guy you build around.

Normally, I would say, Wentz isn't the answer, play for the future. We need to see what we have in Howell so we know whether to draft a QB next year if we bottom out and get a top 5 pick. But starting Heincke the next 3 games doesn't preclude doing that with Howell after the second Philly game and meanwhile, may be more fair to the rest of the guys who want to make a run for the playoffs right now. I think you have to be strategic for the future but also it's equally important to honor the guys who are playing right now each and every week...

 

[dgreen]

First: we've seen enough of Wentz...he needs to sit not only due to injury but also the rest of the season.

Re: who should start next, I think the answer may be more nuanced, re: Heinicke vs. Howell. Here's how I see it:

1. Even with a horrible 2-4 record, the Commanders are still only 1 game out of the third playoff spot. Is it likely we make the playoffs? No, but it's not like a 1% chance either. If QB play is a significant difference as it often is, then the team could possibly look different with Heinicke or Howell.

2. I'm thinking you need to get to 9-8 to have a realistic shot at that third WC slot. That would mean going 7-4 the rest of the way, or winning about 2 out of every 3 games.

3. If Heinicke is more ready right now, in fairness to the rest of the guys on the team, give him a 3 week window to see what he can do: GB, Indy, Philly. If you win 2 of 3 of those games, you may want to roll the dice and see if he can keep it going.

4. However, if he can't win two of three, let Howell play the rest of the season. You are still giving Howell a full 50% of the season to show whether he is good enough to be a guy you build around.

Normally, I would say, Wentz isn't the answer, play for the future. We need to see what we have in Howell so we know whether to draft a QB next year if we bottom out and get a top 5 pick. But starting Heincke the next 3 games doesn't preclude doing that with Howell after the second Philly game and meanwhile, may be more fair to the rest of the guys who want to make a run for the playoffs right now. I think you have to be strategic for the future but also it's equally important to honor the guys who are playing right now each and every week...

I agree. With Heinicke, I think this team would easily be 3-3, possibly 4-2. With Wentz, they are inches away from being 0-6. I think they still need to put the best players on the field right now and I assume Heinicke is better positioned to help the team win than Howell. They shouldn't sacrifice the whole team just to get a look at Howell in real game action. They see him every day in practice. As much as I criticize the coaching, I assume they have a good grasp on whether Howell is anywhere near ready to step on the field. If they thinks he's ready to play actual NFL games, great. If not, go with Heinicke. There's still plenty of time to "get a look at Howell" and I'd hate to alienate the few good players we have by throwing in the towel so early in the season.

 

[MikeApf]

Wentz' broken finger may be the best of all worlds for the Commanders. Assuming 5 games out, he won't play in the number of snaps for us to lose a 2nd round pick. We get to see Howell or heinicke in this offense to see if Wentz is the problem. And from there can easily determine if we draft another QB, or maybe roll with Wentz' contract one more year since it's not that bad of a contract for a starting QB (somewhat high at 11 highest next year for a QB but it's team friendly). No idea what the other QBs will look like behind this OL. Will be interesting to see.

I don't wish anyone to be injured, but yes, this might have forced Washington into a more advantageous scenario, as Rivera can't just drag on with Wentz over the next several games.

There is only one point that I may see a little differently. I think even if Heinicke and Howell don't look to be starter material, I would still move on from Wentz next year. You are right that 28 million is not an unfair contract for a starting QB nowadays, but I'm not sure that Wentz is even staring caliber at this point. Yes, he has the physical tools, but he just looks totally, mentally wrecked. In light of the fact that there were questions about his mental discipline and fortitude even before the season, I tend to believe it's not just our o line that's too blame. In fact, his holding the ball too long and lack of pocket awareness could also be making the offensive line look bad. (such as when an o lineman moves the defender out and behind wentz and wentz proceeds to step back into that defender).

That leaves us with the question what to do if neither of the 3 of these guys are starting caliber: draft the best guy you can...

 

[fatness]

Wentz is a wreck, we've already seen that, as have the Eagles and the Colts. Despite his ability to throw deep and the slightly better corps of RB and WR's this year, the team is averaging 2 points per game less than last year. And last year they scored like crap. Wentz can be let go after this season and should be. We lost good backup players and cap room due to signing him, and can let him go at no cost.

Howell looked good in 1 preseason game. Preseason games are not NFL games. Putting him out there now with this sieve of an offensive line is too early. Let Taylor start at QB, and we should be at least 2 points per game better than last year, plus any additional points due to modestly better WR's and RB's. If he's winning more than he's losing let him start the rest of the year. If not, let Howell play at least the last 3 games.

Scott Turner has to go. He doesn't understand calling plays to suit what his players can do, and he's not going to. I know there was some press before the season about how good his schemes are and how maybe even he'd be a HC candidate someday, but his offense is low-scoring and he's so out of sync with what his players can do that he calls ballet plays for Gorilla Monsoon.

Rivera also has to go. He won't relinquish personnel control, and he sucks at personnel. If he was just an HC with a good GM to supply him with better talent, maybe he'd be OK. But being a "character guy" doesn't win football games, put together a good roster, and apparently doesn't even get coordinators to do their jobs well.

 

[(HULK)]

I'm pitching a tent in my pants with all this league forcing Snyder out talk this week.

 

[rockaction]

I'm pitching a tent in my pants with all this league forcing Snyder out talk this week.

I support removing Snyder but I don't think you'd see the leaks -- especially coming from Irsay -- if this were really the case. Seems like a last warning. The owners are too organized to speak about stuff like this off the cuff (for the most part) like Irsay did. Sounds like wishful thinking on his end, almost.

 

[MikeApf]

I want to be happy and hopeful that we may see Snyder pushed out. However I feel like I have been let down so much, I am afraid to get my hopes up.

But I will say I'm looking forward more to Sundays game with a new QB at the helm.

 

[(HULK)]

I want to be happy and hopeful that we may see Snyder pushed out. However I feel like I have been let down so much, I am afraid to get my hopes up.

But I will say I'm looking forward more to Sundays game with a new QB at the helm.

Afraid to get hopes up is what is beaten into us long term fans.

 

[ffmail4me]

I want to be happy and hopeful that we may see Snyder pushed out. However I feel like I have been let down so much, I am afraid to get my hopes up.

But I will say I'm looking forward more to Sundays game with a new QB at the helm.

I am too but would be a lot more excited if we were starting Howell.

 

[fatness]

Well at least the easy part of our schedule is over and we've piled up some wins.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

As much as I'd prefer to see Howell, Ron is probably making the right decision for himself playing Taylor. Taylor gives them a better chance to win now and that's what you want as a coach Game by game. Just win. They are 2-4. Ron is thinking win against GB and in his own mind they are in the playoff race. And if Taylor keeps them around .500 by barely winning games, I could easily see Wentz going back in when he returns.

As a fan we care about super bowls and playoffs. We don't care about winning against GB. Or going 8-9 this year. We look longer term than the coach and player. And want to be a >,500 team year after year. And that's why teams have GMs. To make long term wise decisions, not game by game decisions like a coach does. And that's why we have Wentz (and had Fitzpatrick). Ron is trying to win in the immediate.

It's a terrible strategy for a franchise. I've said it a million times. Draft a QB in round 1 or 2 every year, and get them in ASAP until you find the guy. A coach and other players probably know in training camp if someone is the guy. And they are on a rookie contract. You deal with their next contract when it comes up. Miss on Haskins, draft another one the following year. Everyone else can be found in free agency. But a free agent stud QB is likely too expensive to allow you to build a complete team. You gotta draft a QB a hope you got the guy

I have no idea if Howell could be the guy. But every fan and a real GM would want to find out right now. Ron doesn't. And that's why your coach can't be your GM.

 

[dgreen]

You make some good points, especially about the potential conflict of interest between a coach and a GM.

But, I've never been a fan of the "they need to play him to see what he can do" argument. Coaches and GMs see these guys every day in practice. The "we need to see what he can do" argument is more for fans since we don't see those practices. But, just because we are in the dark about what a player can or can't do, doesn't mean the coaches are and doesn't mean playing him in a game is the only way to determine what they can do. How many times do fans complain that someone isn't playing and they need to be given a chance, then that player is cut and never catches on with another team? The league is full of guys that don't get a shot simply because they weren't good enough.

Yeah, there are also examples out there of guys who are "gamers" and they respond well to getting their shot in a real game. I'm not trying to say that situation never exists. But, for the most part, I think GMs and coaches and teams have a pretty good idea whether a player is ready or not. Of course, we can debate whether OUR coaches and GMs over the years are good at those decisions.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

You make some good points, especially about the potential conflict of interest between a coach and a GM.

But, I've never been a fan of the "they need to play him to see what he can do" argument. Coaches and GMs see these guys every day in practice. The "we need to see what he can do" argument is more for fans since we don't see those practices. But, just because we are in the dark about what a player can or can't do, doesn't mean the coaches are and doesn't mean playing him in a game is the only way to determine what they can do. How many times do fans complain that someone isn't playing and they need to be given a chance, then that player is cut and never catches on with another team? The league is full of guys that don't get a shot simply because they weren't good enough.

Yeah, there are also examples out there of guys who are "gamers" and they respond well to getting their shot in a real game. I'm not trying to say that situation never exists. But, for the most part, I think GMs and coaches and teams have a pretty good idea whether a player is ready or not. Of course, we can debate whether OUR coaches and GMs over the years are good at those decisions.

I get what you are saying. But no quarterback gets much better sitting on the sidelines. None. Even Aaron Rodgers behind Farve. Even Steve Young behind Montana. Not Brady behind Bledsoe. They were already awesome and should have been in earlier. You improve and learn on the field. I'm not saying Howell is good. He may totally suck. But I assure you if Ron had rookie Aaron Rodgers on the sidelines he would go with the veteran or ex-Panther. And therein lies the issue. He wants to go with the known. As a fan, I've seen the known. It is mediocre. My guess is Howell will get his shot come December. Which is fine. Heck, he may get it earlier if Taylor stinks it up or gets hurt. I just think Ron has tunnel vision all around.

 

[MikeApf]

This news is a little old but I mean come on: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...eams-check-bounced-after-he-tried-to-cash-it/

In short: fan wins a raffle at a Commanders game, isn't paid, asks about it repeatedly, after being ignored a lot finally gets a check, tries to cash the check...but then it bounces. Team later blames this on a "bank error," but it just seems like this team can't even do the little things right. It's really quite remarkable. If this was how you ran a business in a highly competitive landscape, without the protections of being part of a giant monopoly, you'd go out of business...

 

[facook]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

 

[fatness]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

It's the Snyder effect. The same reason the fans were chanting "Sell The Team" at the end of the 1st half.

 

[(HULK)]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

We're just jockeying for a worse draft position... This team is going nowhere and will finish under .500

 

[facook]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

We're just jockeying for a worse draft position... This team is going nowhere and will finish under .500

I agree. Heineke is worse for that plan unfortunately.

 

[dgreen]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

It's the Snyder effect. The same reason the fans were chanting "Sell The Team" at the end of the 1st half.

Yep. Part of me wants to talk about the actual football on the field, but then I just conclude that it doesn't matter because the circus is still in town.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

Yes.

Barely winning against CHI and GB is pretty meaningless IMO. Heinicke playing decent is meaningless other than it proving the Wentz trade added no value and cost the team picks and $28M they could have spent elsewhere. Frankly all they dos is get a worse draft pick by winning. They have mediocre coaching and no QB long term. Off the field we have an owner 100% hated. I want the players to do well for their sake, which is why I watch. But until Snyder is gone I'm apathetic. And without a high draft pick in 2023 or a crazy finish with 10+ wins .... only Howell being awesome will make this season meaningful.

 

[MikeApf]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

Just speaking for myself, it's not so much apathy as it is that I'm sort of snake bit and slow to get my hopes up. Apathy would mean that I don't watch the games or follow the team, but I do watch all the games and do things like read articles and listen to pods. I care about the team and want them to win.

What I'm more hesitant to do is to get on and get all fired up about one good week. So maybe I'm less likely to post. But I definitely follow the team and care about them.

Honestly, I think the people who post to this thread are true fans. They have suffered under Snyder for decades and yet still come on here to talk football. I live in the D.C. area and I see apparently "unapathetic fans" who root for Buffalo (or another winning team) but who are not from Buffalo (or the other area), nor have they ever lived there. That's easy. Try being from the D.C. area and still root for the team through all of this. I think I am more inclined to give the fans a bit of a break for being slow to get all fired up right now.

I know you weren't necessarily criticizing Comm fans but just thought I'd add a different perspective.

 

[MikeApf]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

It's the Snyder effect. The same reason the fans were chanting "Sell The Team" at the end of the 1st half.

Ironically, we're bitter because we DO care.

"A cynic is a heartbroken idealist."

 

[facook]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

Just speaking for myself, it's not so much apathy as it is that I'm sort of snake bit and slow to get my hopes up. Apathy would mean that I don't watch the games or follow the team, but I do watch all the games and do things like read articles and listen to pods. I care about the team and want them to win.

What I'm more hesitant to do is to get on and get all fired up about one good week. So maybe I'm less likely to post. But I definitely follow the team and care about them.

Honestly, I think the people who post to this thread are true fans. They have suffered under Snyder for decades and yet still come on here to talk football. I live in the D.C. area and I see apparently "unapathetic fans" who root for Buffalo (or another winning team) but who are not from Buffalo (or the other area), nor have they ever lived there. That's easy. Try being from the D.C. area and still root for the team through all of this. I think I am more inclined to give the fans a bit of a break for being slow to get all fired up right now.

I know you weren't necessarily criticizing Comm fans but just thought I'd add a different perspective.

Absolutely, not meaning it critically at all. I feel bad for you all. I'm a west coast Niners fan for life, but I found the Sports Junkies way back when and still listen to their show on podcast most days. Bickel's homerism is super annoying (most things about him are), but when he tries to be objective about his team it can be refreshing. I guess I thought there was a large contingent of WFT fans that were as passionate as him about rooting for the team. And maybe they are, but most of you folks who post here are just more pragmatic than knee-jerk homers.

 

[dgreen]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

Just speaking for myself, it's not so much apathy as it is that I'm sort of snake bit and slow to get my hopes up. Apathy would mean that I don't watch the games or follow the team, but I do watch all the games and do things like read articles and listen to pods. I care about the team and want them to win.

What I'm more hesitant to do is to get on and get all fired up about one good week. So maybe I'm less likely to post. But I definitely follow the team and care about them.

Honestly, I think the people who post to this thread are true fans. They have suffered under Snyder for decades and yet still come on here to talk football. I live in the D.C. area and I see apparently "unapathetic fans" who root for Buffalo (or another winning team) but who are not from Buffalo (or the other area), nor have they ever lived there. That's easy. Try being from the D.C. area and still root for the team through all of this. I think I am more inclined to give the fans a bit of a break for being slow to get all fired up right now.

I know you weren't necessarily criticizing Comm fans but just thought I'd add a different perspective.

Absolutely, not meaning it critically at all. I feel bad for you all. I'm a west coast Niners fan for life, but I found the Sports Junkies way back when and still listen to their show on podcast most days. Bickel's homerism is super annoying (most things about him are), but when he tries to be objective about his team it can be refreshing. I guess I thought there was a large contingent of WFT fans that were as passionate as him about rooting for the team. And maybe they are, but most of you folks who post here are just more pragmatic than knee-jerk homers.

It's definitely a shrinking contingent. Notice how there are four Junkies and EB is really the only dedicated Commanders fan. And they all grew up in the DC area. And that's a group of older people who grew up during the glory days of Gibbs 1.0. And I think most of us are just getting old which tends to lessen the knee-jerk homerism. Bickel might be at least somewhat playing it up for the show. What he presents is probably part him and part schtick for entertainment pursposes.

At HS football games, the student section dresses up in themes each week. A few weeks back, my kids' HS did a jersey theme where the whole student section wore jerseys. The number of Redskins/WFT/Commanders jerseys was pathetically small. The main damage Snyder has done is he failed to capture an entire generation (and maybe two whole generations at this point.) When I was in elementary school, we learned Hail to the Redskins in music class. It was an amazing time.

 

[facook]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

Just speaking for myself, it's not so much apathy as it is that I'm sort of snake bit and slow to get my hopes up. Apathy would mean that I don't watch the games or follow the team, but I do watch all the games and do things like read articles and listen to pods. I care about the team and want them to win.

What I'm more hesitant to do is to get on and get all fired up about one good week. So maybe I'm less likely to post. But I definitely follow the team and care about them.

Honestly, I think the people who post to this thread are true fans. They have suffered under Snyder for decades and yet still come on here to talk football. I live in the D.C. area and I see apparently "unapathetic fans" who root for Buffalo (or another winning team) but who are not from Buffalo (or the other area), nor have they ever lived there. That's easy. Try being from the D.C. area and still root for the team through all of this. I think I am more inclined to give the fans a bit of a break for being slow to get all fired up right now.

I know you weren't necessarily criticizing Comm fans but just thought I'd add a different perspective.

Absolutely, not meaning it critically at all. I feel bad for you all. I'm a west coast Niners fan for life, but I found the Sports Junkies way back when and still listen to their show on podcast most days. Bickel's homerism is super annoying (most things about him are), but when he tries to be objective about his team it can be refreshing. I guess I thought there was a large contingent of WFT fans that were as passionate as him about rooting for the team. And maybe they are, but most of you folks who post here are just more pragmatic than knee-jerk homers.

It's definitely a shrinking contingent. Notice how there are four Junkies and EB is really the only dedicated Commanders fan. And they all grew up in the DC area. And that's a group of older people who grew up during the glory days of Gibbs 1.0. And I think most of us are just getting old which tends to lessen the knee-jerk homerism. Bickel might be at least somewhat playing it up for the show. What he presents is probably part him and part schtick for entertainment pursposes.

At HS football games, the student section dresses up in themes each week. A few weeks back, my kids' HS did a jersey theme where the whole student section wore jerseys. The number of Redskins/WFT/Commanders jerseys was pathetically small. The main damage Snyder has done is he failed to capture an entire generation (and maybe two whole generations at this point.) When I was in elementary school, we learned Hail to the Redskins in music class. It was an amazing time.

I agree Bickel is mostly schtick at this point.

 

[fatness]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

Just speaking for myself, it's not so much apathy as it is that I'm sort of snake bit and slow to get my hopes up. Apathy would mean that I don't watch the games or follow the team, but I do watch all the games and do things like read articles and listen to pods. I care about the team and want them to win.

What I'm more hesitant to do is to get on and get all fired up about one good week. So maybe I'm less likely to post. But I definitely follow the team and care about them.

Honestly, I think the people who post to this thread are true fans. They have suffered under Snyder for decades and yet still come on here to talk football. I live in the D.C. area and I see apparently "unapathetic fans" who root for Buffalo (or another winning team) but who are not from Buffalo (or the other area), nor have they ever lived there. That's easy. Try being from the D.C. area and still root for the team through all of this. I think I am more inclined to give the fans a bit of a break for being slow to get all fired up right now.

I know you weren't necessarily criticizing Comm fans but just thought I'd add a different perspective.

Absolutely, not meaning it critically at all. I feel bad for you all. I'm a west coast Niners fan for life, but I found the Sports Junkies way back when and still listen to their show on podcast most days. Bickel's homerism is super annoying (most things about him are), but when he tries to be objective about his team it can be refreshing. I guess I thought there was a large contingent of WFT fans that were as passionate as him about rooting for the team. And maybe they are, but most of you folks who post here are just more pragmatic than knee-jerk homers.

There used to be a lot more of us here. We used to have arguments amongst ourselves about whether Griffin or Cousins should be starting, whether Alfred Morris was overrated or underrated, and a million other things. But that was all before the constant stench of Snyder pervaded things on and off the field.

Most of us remember Gibbs 1.0 and loved those days, but they're not coming back under this owner. And each year fewer of us show up to talk. We watch the games and hope and cheer but we know the team's not going anywhere and we hate Dan Snyder. It's like we each have great seats to all their games, but at each game all the toilets are overflowing and running down the steps and under the seats. Yeah they're great seats and watching the game is great, but there's that pervasive slop and smell the whole time.

 

[fatness]

Did anyone else notice in the second half of last week's game how close Heinicke was to being hit when he let go of passes in the second half? Either his timing got better or he was lucky a lot of times. He's a fun guy to watch, and it was fun seeing how happy McLaurin was with him back.

Also, their defense is very slowly getting better.

 

[facook]

Did anyone else notice in the second half of last week's game how close Heinicke was to being hit when he let go of passes in the second half? Either his timing got better or he was lucky a lot of times. He's a fun guy to watch, and it was fun seeing how happy McLaurin was with him back.

Also, their defense is very slowly getting better.

Only saw Redzone stuff, but yes I noticed both of these things. It is such a Catch-22 with Taylor starting. That team wants NOTHING to do with Wentz as QB, they love Taylor, he will win them more games. But that probably means Ron comes back and they don't get a real QB in the draft, most likely. Hell, with Taylor they might make the Playoffs as the 3rd WC which is like the worst of all outcomes for the team going forward.

 

[fatness]

Only saw Redzone stuff, but yes I noticed both of these things. It is such a Catch-22 with Taylor starting. That team wants NOTHING to do with Wentz as QB, they love Taylor, he will win them more games. But that probably means Ron comes back and they don't get a real QB in the draft, most likely. Hell, with Taylor they might make the Playoffs as the 3rd WC which is like the worst of all outcomes for the team going forward.

I think Wentz is done in Washington also. Taylor will win them more games but he'll lose some too; last year showed that. Defenses will begin drawing the secondary closer to the line of scrimmage because he can't throw deep, the field will get compressed, and he'll make more mistakes in a crowded field. I like the guy a lot but he's quite limited. And I don't think the team will make any difference in the NFC East this year. There are 3 strong teams ahead of them in the division and at best I can see them passing one of those teams in the standings. I hope Rivera is gone after this year, and del Rio, and they get someone competent to draft/trade/sign personnel, and to coach. Rivera's a great guy but not a great coach. And when he's hamstrung by his own personnel decisions he's not a good coach.

They also perennially hang onto often-injured players far too long, and I hope that habit changes. How's Logan Thomas doing this year? Oh that's right, he's out hurt again again. Forget Logan Thomas. Draft a top QB and a top TE and restock the terrible offensive line, and give the team a chance to build.

 

[fatness]

Today's injury report
DNP: Saahdiq Charles (illness), WR Jahan Dotson (hamstring), TE Cole Holcomb (foot), CB William Jackson III (back), TE Cole Turner (concussion)

Limited: WR Dyami Brown (groin), TE Logan Thomas (calf), RB Jonathan Williams (knee).

Full: T Sam Cosmi (finger)

https://dknation.draftkings.com/nfl...s-vs-colts-fantasy-football-john-bates-week-8

I don't think Jackson will play any more this year. He's been terrible, and cost a lot of money too.

 

[MikeApf]

Did anyone else notice in the second half of last week's game how close Heinicke was to being hit when he let go of passes in the second half? Either his timing got better or he was lucky a lot of times. He's a fun guy to watch, and it was fun seeing how happy McLaurin was with him back.

Also, their defense is very slowly getting better.

The resurgence of the defense isn't talked about as much but you are right. After the first two games, they've really kind of got together...

 

[MikeApf]

Wow. Big upset win over a HOF qb, and the feel of the team is totally different, and not one comment? Is that how apathetic fans of this team have become?

Just speaking for myself, it's not so much apathy as it is that I'm sort of snake bit and slow to get my hopes up. Apathy would mean that I don't watch the games or follow the team, but I do watch all the games and do things like read articles and listen to pods. I care about the team and want them to win.

What I'm more hesitant to do is to get on and get all fired up about one good week. So maybe I'm less likely to post. But I definitely follow the team and care about them.
yey
Honestly, I think the people who post to this thread are true fans. They have suffered under Snyder for decades and yet still come on here to talk football. I live in the D.C. area and I see apparently "unapathetic fans" who root for Buffalo (or another winning team) but who are not from Buffalo (or the other area), nor have they ever lived there. That's easy. Try being from the D.C. area and still root for the team through all of this. I think I am more inclined to give the fans a bit of a break for being slow to get all fired up right now.

I know you weren't necessarily criticizing Comm fans but just thought I'd add a different perspective.

Absolutely, not meaning it critically at all. I feel bad for you all. I'm a west coast Niners fan for life, but I found the Sports Junkies way back when and still listen to their show on podcast most days. Bickel's homerism is super annoying (most things about him are), but when he tries to be objective about his team it can be refreshing. I guess I thought there was a large contingent of WFT fans that were as passionate as him about rooting for the team. And maybe they are, but most of you folks who post here are just more pragmatic than knee-jerk homers.

There used to be a lot more of us here. We used to have arguments amongst ourselves about whether Griffin or Cousins should be starting, whether Alfred Morris was overrated or underrated, and a million other things. But that was all before the constant stench of Snyder pervaded things on and off the field.

Most of us remember Gibbs 1.0 and loved those days, but they're not coming back under this owner. And each year fewer of us show up to talk. We watch the games and hope and cheer but we know the team's not going anywhere and we hate Dan Snyder. It's like we each have great seats to all their games, but at each game all the toilets are overflowing and running down the steps and under the seats. Yeah they're great seats and watching the game is great, but there's that pervasive slop and smell the whole time.

Yes, I am old enough to remember Gibbs 1.0 and am grateful I had those years to follow the team when they were winning championships! Of course, I was lot younger back then, single, and was therefore more fired up/filled with alcohol. They were really fun times and I think that's why so many of us "older folk" truly despise Snyder...we personally remember what he has taken away. That said, I will never abandon the team and/or root for another.

But it is true I'm a little less "gung ho" than the old days...

 

[ffmail4me]

I really love Taylor's moxy, but you almost have to wish he gets banged up so we can get Howell in there. We need to know if we have our future starter or not. And like others have said, getting losses and an earlier draft pick seems a lot more important than squeaking out just enough wins to lose in the first round of the playoffs.

 

[dgreen]

I hope Rivera is gone after this year, and del Rio, and they get someone competent to draft/trade/sign personnel, and to coach.

Unfortunately, I don't see this happening. Well, I don't see the end of your sentence happening. I can see the beginning happening. But, I see no chance this team and identify, attract, and hire good candidates. Their only chance is if there are the only vacancy, and even then I'm not so sure. We didn't exactly miss out on a great hire with Spagnola several years ago, but remember he chose to stay a DC an extra year and wait for a different HC position to be offered rather than take Washington's offer. Any coach who is in any kind of demand won't be interested in this organization.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I don't think that Snyder is willing to eat Ron and others contracts. He used to be. But now ... he's basically running everything into the ground like he did Six Flags. I'm not sure he could get a better coach/GM to come here. So why fire Ron and eat $20M between Ron and other coaches. At one point $20M was nothing to Snyder. I'm not so sure it is anymore. He's probably in the bottom 10 of NFL owners wealth-wise if you remove the value of their franchise. I don't like Ron all that much, but I don't see Snyder moving on from him given the environment around the team.

 

[Johnny Utah #9]

I don't think that Snyder is willing to eat Ron and others contracts. He used to be. But now ... he's basically running everything into the ground like he did Six Flags. I'm not sure he could get a better coach/GM to come here. So why fire Ron and eat $20M between Ron and other coaches. At one point $20M was nothing to Snyder. I'm not so sure it is anymore. He's probably in the bottom 10 of NFL owners wealth-wise if you remove the value of their franchise. I don't like Ron all that much, but I don't see Snyder moving on from him given the environment around the team.

Agree here. Given he had to go hat in hand to the NFL for a loan to buy out his minority partners, the team being dead last in revenue generated, and his reverse Midas touch on any business venture he gets involved with, I'm guessing Danny is very cash strapped. All of his wealth is tied up in the team and I'm guessing the margins are tighter than ever.

And Ron still provides cover for him regardless given Ron's reputation as a good guy around the league. I unfortunately see no way Ron is gone next year. JDR and/or Scott Turner will likely be the sacrificial lambs if Ron needs to make a move to take some heat off of himself. Not that these two shouldn't go, but it's just as likely Ron brings in another former Panthers yes-man to replace them.

 

[MikeApf]

I don't think that Snyder is willing to eat Ron and others contracts. He used to be. But now ... he's basically running everything into the ground like he did Six Flags. I'm not sure he could get a better coach/GM to come here. So why fire Ron and eat $20M between Ron and other coaches. At one point $20M was nothing to Snyder. I'm not so sure it is anymore. He's probably in the bottom 10 of NFL owners wealth-wise if you remove the value of their franchise. I don't like Ron all that much, but I don't see Snyder moving on from him given the environment around the team.

I think as long as Ron wins like 6-7 games he'll keep him. But let's say the wheels completely fall off and the team goes 4-13. On the one hand, you all are right and Snyder doesn't want to waste money as he's not as strong financially as he used to be. On the other hand, Snyder is also the ultimate Marketer...the ultimate Seller of Hope....and if the fans are in full revolt mode I can see him pulling a desperation move and throwing tons of cash he doesn't have on some hot shot college coach or NFL assistant. Because if Snyder can't "sell hope", he's got nothing...

My # 1 choice would be for him to sell the team but sadly I don't see that happening.

 

[facook]

I don't think that Snyder is willing to eat Ron and others contracts. He used to be. But now ... he's basically running everything into the ground like he did Six Flags. I'm not sure he could get a better coach/GM to come here. So why fire Ron and eat $20M between Ron and other coaches. At one point $20M was nothing to Snyder. I'm not so sure it is anymore. He's probably in the bottom 10 of NFL owners wealth-wise if you remove the value of their franchise. I don't like Ron all that much, but I don't see Snyder moving on from him given the environment around the team.

I think as long as Ron wins like 6-7 games he'll keep him. But let's say the wheels completely fall off and the team goes 4-13. On the one hand, you all are right and Snyder doesn't want to waste money as he's not as strong financially as he used to be. On the other hand, Snyder is also the ultimate Marketer...the ultimate Seller of Hope....and if the fans are in full revolt mode I can see him pulling a desperation move and throwing tons of cash he doesn't have on some hot shot college coach or NFL assistant. Because if Snyder can't "sell hope", he's got nothing...

My # 1 choice would be for him to sell the team but sadly I don't see that happening.

Offer Saban $20mill X 4 years. He probably turns it down, but Danny gets credit for trying.

 

[fatness]

Offer Saban $20mill X 4 years. He probably turns it down, but Danny gets credit for trying.

And nothing gets better on the field.

Everyone in this thread has fallen multiple times for big signings meaning a change with this team, in terms of quality of play and in terms of "well Dan Snyder must have really turned a corner". But those things never happen. That is why we're all so beat down.

Maybe Dan could sign Deon Sanders as coach.

 

[facook]

Offer Saban $20mill X 4 years. He probably turns it down, but Danny gets credit for trying.

And nothing gets better on the field.

Everyone in this thread has fallen multiple times for big signings meaning a change with this team, in terms of quality of play and in terms of "well Dan Snyder must have really turned a corner". But those things never happen. That is why we're all so beat down.

Maybe Dan could sign Deon Sanders as coach.

While I agree the rot starts with the owner, Pontoon Boat Ron and Del Rio are TERRIBLE coaches. TERRIBLE. Better coaching would improve on field play in my opinion. Maybe not to GOOD, but to better than they are.

 

[ffmail4me]

Offer Saban $20mill X 4 years. He probably turns it down, but Danny gets credit for trying.

And nothing gets better on the field.

Everyone in this thread has fallen multiple times for big signings meaning a change with this team, in terms of quality of play and in terms of "well Dan Snyder must have really turned a corner". But those things never happen. That is why we're all so beat down.

Maybe Dan could sign Deon Sanders as coach.

He overpaid him once before as a washed up CB, and one of the worst FA signings of Dan's tenure I'd say.

 

[MikeApf]

Anyone else concerned about Cole Holcomb possibly not playing this week and Johnathan Taylor running for 200 yards?

Everyone talking about the young QB from Texas but maybe he only throws 20 passes?

We have a chance. Defense needs to swarm Taylor and force the QB to throw. Indy's defense is solid. Heinicke can't wait 30 minutes to start playing.

If forced at gunpoint, I'd predict the Colts to win this one with Taylor and defense. But, if we play like we did against GB with a faster start from Heinicke, we have a chance. Like the new emphasis on running heavy with a mix of BRob and Antonio.

Honestly, I consider this pretty close to a must win game if we're harboring any chance of making a wild card run. Yes, we're mathematically right there but the next two games are Minnesota and Philadelphia...

What you got on the game?

 

[facook]

Anyone else concerned about Cole Holcomb possibly not playing this week and Johnathan Taylor running for 200 yards?

Everyone talking about the young QB from Texas but maybe he only throws 20 passes?

We have a chance. Defense needs to swarm Taylor and force the QB to throw. Indy's defense is solid. Heinicke can't wait 30 minutes to start playing.

If forced at gunpoint, I'd predict the Colts to win this one with Taylor and defense. But, if we play like we did against GB with a faster start from Heinicke, we have a chance. Like the new emphasis on running heavy with a mix of BRob and Antonio.

Honestly, I consider this pretty close to a must win game if we're harboring any chance of making a wild card run. Yes, we're mathematically right there but the next two games are Minnesota and Philadelphia...

What you got on the game?

Washington should win. If Ehlinger can avoid the rush and find his guys downfield, and if Shaq Leanord can help the Colts D contain the Washington run game the Colts CAN win. But Washington should win.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Washington 24-13. Colts are pretty bad. Commanders seem to be finding their groove enough to win games against bad teams.

 

[facook]

Anyone else concerned about Cole Holcomb possibly not playing this week and Johnathan Taylor running for 200 yards?

Everyone talking about the young QB from Texas but maybe he only throws 20 passes?

We have a chance. Defense needs to swarm Taylor and force the QB to throw. Indy's defense is solid. Heinicke can't wait 30 minutes to start playing.

If forced at gunpoint, I'd predict the Colts to win this one with Taylor and defense. But, if we play like we did against GB with a faster start from Heinicke, we have a chance. Like the new emphasis on running heavy with a mix of BRob and Antonio.

Honestly, I consider this pretty close to a must win game if we're harboring any chance of making a wild card run. Yes, we're mathematically right there but the next two games are Minnesota and Philadelphia...

What you got on the game?

Washington should win. If Ehlinger can avoid the rush and find his guys downfield, and if Shaq Leanord can help the Colts D contain the Washington run game the Colts CAN win. But Washington should win.

Colts should be ashamed. What a terrible job of closing out Washington.

 

[massraider]

Irsay has been yapping about Snyder all year, I am sure he's in a great mood tonight.

 

[babydemon90]

If Washington wins a few more with Heineke, Wentz is finished. There's no way his fragile psyche can handle his backup QB coming in and winning games again.

 

[facook]

If Washington wins a few more with Heineke, Wentz is finished. There's no way his fragile psyche can handle his backup QB coming in and winning games again.

Already over. Wentz will never take another snap for WFT. If only because it impacts draft pick sent to Indy.

 

[MikeApf]

Not pretty, but a win is a win.

I get that our path to victory is running the ball + they don't want Heinicke to make a bunch of mistakes (as he's done in the past), but is Turner's offense too conservative before end game situations where we have no choice but to play aggressive?

I don't put a particularly high degree of probability on this team making the playoffs either way, but I'd rather go down swinging. The best Heinicke looked is while improvising at the end. Everyone is pointing to that 50-50 ball, in which McLaurin showed that he is elite, period. But earlier in that drive, the scramble and fourth down conversion -- in terms of Heinicke...that is what he can do.

We'll probably be sitting home end of the season either way, but let's go for it. Like maybe go for points in a close game before half time instead of taking air out of the ball...

 

[nittanylion]

Looking at the schedule thus far, I'll bet plenty of folks had the Commodes at 4-4, just a little different path to getting there!

Having made it to 4-4 after 8 weeks, think it's somewhat within reason that we at least hit the bottom end of the majority of projections for the Season (7-10).

Going to likely have to dig out of another hole back to .500, though. vs Vikings and @ Eagles, neither will probably end well. Could beat @ Texans and vs Falcons (although by the time we play them, they likely have Cordarrelle back, and that makes them a much more difficult Team to play), and hope to split home/away with Giants, with the bye sandwiched in between those contests. That's 6-7 going into the final stretch of @ 49'ers, vs Browns (with Watson), vs Cowboys. Steal one we're not supposed to, and that gets us to 7. Even stealing 2 only gets us to 8-9, and the more you project to steal, the more likely it is that you lose one you're supposed to win.

Just keep playing hard, fellas. Just keep playing hard.