***OFFICIAL*** Washington Commanders Thread (8 Viewers)

[King of the Jungle]

Chris Rodriguez RB seems to be getting some run as of late. Anything to see there?

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I think so about Rodriquez. But maybe more looking into later in the season. I posted during preseason that I thought he looked great and was a more powerful runner than Robinson or Gibson. Plus Bienemy was here when Rodriquez was drafted... so one of "his guys". Due to the OL being horrible at run blocking I think WAS RBs are mostly avoid. But seems a more powerful back would do better behind this horrid OL.

Also, I've changed my stance that Ron should be fired after the season or Dec 4 before the bye week and after they get slaughtered by MIA. Yesterday was the day to do it. This team did not show against CHI or NYG. That's ludicrous. Heads need to role to let everyone else in the building know it's not acceptable. Ron is stuck in the 1950s and he's slightly below average in every possible way.

 

[Snotbubbles]

I think so about Rodriquez. But maybe more looking into later in the season. I posted during preseason that I thought he looked great and was a more powerful runner than Robinson or Gibson. Plus Bienemy was here when Rodriquez was drafted... so one of "his guys". Due to the OL being horrible at run blocking I think WAS RBs are mostly avoid. But seems a more powerful back would do better behind this horrid OL.

Also, I've changed my stance that Ron should be fired after the season or Dec 4 before the bye week and after they get slaughtered by MIA. Yesterday was the day to do it. This team did not show against CHI or NYG. That's ludicrous. Heads need to role to let everyone else in the building know it's not acceptable. Ron is stuck in the 1950s and he's slightly below average in every possible way.

Can they please not show up for one more week. Then you can right the ship all you want after that. TIA.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

These days you need an offensive minded HC. And I mean a modern offense HC. Ron isn't that. Nor is he a good personnel person.

I'm not sure if EB is good enough either. It's impossible to tell if he's limited by Ron's personnel decisions. Ron certainly did him no favors drafting CBs in round 1 and 2. Nor Davis in round 1 a couple years ago.

Our TEs are a 5th round draft pick and a converted QB. There has been no attention to the OL. We have a 5th round QB that is backed up by a late 3rd rounder that wasn't kept by two teams. Samuel is one of Ron's guys and pretty useless. 1st rounder Dotson has gone incognito. The weapons really aren't there. McLaurin and a developing Sam Howell are all we really have.

Fact ... Ron has a winning season in 3 of his 13 years coaching. One great season with Cam Newton at his short peak has kept this guy in a HC job for additional 8 mediocre seasons.

 

[dgreen]

Chris Rodriguez RB seems to be getting some run as of late. Anything to see there?

I agree with @Brunell4MVP . He seems to be the best runner of the group. Robinson doesn't use his best asset, his size, as well as I'd like. And the coaching staff doesn't use Gibson's skill set very well, despite talking in the offseason how they were going to be more creative with him in the passing game. Rodriguez has looks pretty good in his limited carries. The biggest problem is probably going to be the fact that they refuse to run, so even if he is elevated over Robinson, he probably won't get a ton of touches.

 

[fatness]

More importantly, though, is the coaching. It took until later in the third quarter for them to run more, have Howell sprint out. It was the very end of the third quarter when they finally threw a quick deep sideline pass to Terry. There was no chance for a sack on that play because the ball was out immediately. EB for most of the game showed no ability to call plays to beat the blitz. They seemed shocked that NY was blitzing. Not surprisingly, I think they were out-coached.

The other thing they did in the second half, where they at least resembled a professional football team, was use 6 offensive linemen. The goal was to open up deeper pass routes by giving Howell more time. Why it took until halftime to make that adjustment is beyond me.

 

[ffmail4me]

More importantly, though, is the coaching. It took until later in the third quarter for them to run more, have Howell sprint out. It was the very end of the third quarter when they finally threw a quick deep sideline pass to Terry. There was no chance for a sack on that play because the ball was out immediately. EB for most of the game showed no ability to call plays to beat the blitz. They seemed shocked that NY was blitzing. Not surprisingly, I think they were out-coached.

The other thing they did in the second half, where they at least resembled a professional football team, was use 6 offensive linemen. The goal was to open up deeper pass routes by giving Howell more time. Why it took until halftime to make that adjustment is beyond me.

Because Ron is way past cooked, and forgets as many things as he knows on any given Sunday...

 

[fatness]

Commanders' trade deadline plan hinges on Eagles game, sources say

The Washington Commanders' decision on whether to proceed with trading players or pushing for the playoffs is expected to be influenced by Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, sources told ESPN. A win against the NFC East-leading Eagles would supercharge the Commanders' season and leave them 4-4, with a chance to fight for a playoff spot. But a loss against their division rivals would drop the Commanders' record to 3-5, including 0-3 against NFC East opponents, and leave them as potentially looking to unload players as soon as Monday morning.

If the Commanders do end up trading away players, the focus will be on their defensive line, where Chase Young and Montez Sweat each are in the last year of their contracts, ready to become free agents. Washington is not expected to be able to retain both pass-rushers, and at least one team already has inquired about Sweat, according to sources. The Commanders are proceeding patiently, waiting to see where their season is going as well as what a team might be willing to offer. So before losing Young or Sweat in free agency, Washington first could decide to trade one to maximize compensation in the 2024 draft instead of getting a compensatory pick in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Commanders also received trade inquiries on Jonathan Allen after the defensive tackle's postgame eruption after last Sunday's loss to the New York Giants, but Washington said it is not willing to deal him and wouldn't even have the conversation with other teams, according to sources.

 

[ffmail4me]

I feel guilty saying this as a life long fan of the Redskins since the 70s, but I want to get blown out today. If that gets Ron and Jack fired that's a win. And it sounds like if we lose we might trade Brissett, Sweat or Chase, and I'm all for that since we can't sign all these DT studs....as long as we aren't stupid and get a good return. But if we win, or barely lose, I'm afraid it changes everything, and we'll have this false/stupid hope of contending and they will try and keep the team as is. So yeah, I'm hoping we lose. Sorry not sorry

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Nothing new to see.

The offensive schemes are good but the OL isn't quite there. They played better but still not good enough. I think EB's offense is still limited by not having a stud TE and he is mostly stuck w the personnel Ron wanted the last few years. I do think he goes downfield better than our last few years, and I like Howell throwing it a million times. That's how he will get better. Still pissed about not taking Levis in the draft. No matter how good or bad he ends up. Or how good Howell ends up. You are a GM and have two choices ... a 160 pound CB that now plays 6 snaps a game and gets beat on them, or a 6'4" QB with a cannon that was once considered for the #1 pick. Make the easy decision.

The defense is talented in spots but horribly misused. I mean, Jamin Davis tackled Devonta Smith over 10 yards downfield several times. 1) how the hell is Jamin Davis supposed to cover Devonta Smith? 2) why isn't there a LB adding pressure (answer because we only have one LB). Or why is Forbes covering AJ Brown after playing so few snaps and after he toasted him 3 weeks ago? Even if our 4 man rush gets pressure, who is there to finish the play when only 3 other guys are coming? There's not the extra player to finish it off. Why isn't Jamin Davis at the line or even Toohill playing the 5th rusher at times. You got a hobbled Jalen Hurts and he's running around untouched once he leaves the pocket. The defensive schemes are horrid.

Even the dumbest fan can see the coaches are so stuck in their own way (be it talent evaluation or def schemes) that they can't adjust at all. If it wasn't for Ron needing a scapegoat Turner would still be here running a putrid offense. Ron is above all else stubborn.. That is his #1 attribute. Which would be fine if he was winning but he isn't.

Maybe they should unload a couple of defensive players, but frankly I don't think they'll get much value in return. I guess if you could get a 2nd for Young or Sweat maybe do it so you don't have to pay a ton more for the DL this offseason. But if the return isn't meaningful fire Ron and let the next GM and coach hash through the roster decisions.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Think Montez Sweat might have been traded already. He updated instagram from Commanders to #404 (Atlanta area code). Hate to see him gone if this is so. Dude gonna get paid and earned it.

 

[fatness]

The offensive schemes are good but the OL isn't quite there. They played better but still not good enough.

They replaced 2 starting o-linemen for the game (Gates and Charles, who both stunk) with Larsen and Paul. The improved line and playcalling that featured quick passes vastly improved the offense. The offense wasn't the problem yesterday.

 

[dgreen]

Sweat to Bears for 2nd round pick. That should end up being a high 2nd.

 

[nittanylion]

Wow. Both Ends.

 

[fatness]

With Sweat and Young traded for a 2nd and a 3rd, it's pretty clear they've given up on this year and are playing for next year and a total overhaul.

 

[ffmail4me]

With Sweat and Young traded for a 2nd and a 3rd, it's pretty clear they've given up on this year and are playing for next year and a total overhaul.

Sounds like it. Let's go ahead and fire Ron and Jack and see what EB can do...and I still think Chase should have gotten the same value (or better) than Sweat seeing as he's what, 2-3 years younger? a late 3rd for Chase seems light...especially 2nd pick in the draft

 

[dgreen]

With Sweat and Young traded for a 2nd and a 3rd, it's pretty clear they've given up on this year and are playing for next year and a total overhaul.

Sounds like it. Let's go ahead and fire Ron and Jack and see what EB can do...and I still think Chase should have gotten the same value (or better) than Sweat seeing as he's what, 2-3 years younger? a late 3rd for Chase seems light...especially 2nd pick in the draft

Yeah, I was happy with the return for Sweat and disappointed with Chase.

 

[Da Franchise]

What a great day! Picks and cap space for next year. Love it.

 

[Fat Nick]

With Sweat and Young traded for a 2nd and a 3rd, it's pretty clear they've given up on this year and are playing for next year and a total overhaul.

Sounds like it. Let's go ahead and fire Ron and Jack and see what EB can do...and I still think Chase should have gotten the same value (or better) than Sweat seeing as he's what, 2-3 years younger? a late 3rd for Chase seems light...especially 2nd pick in the draft

Yeah, I was happy with the return for Sweat and disappointed with Chase.

X2. Especially AFTER just trading Sweat. Chase was relatively more valueable to us after trading Sweat but it didn’t come through in what we got. The pick was also a compensatory pick the 49ers got so I think it’s a low 3rd, right?

 

[fatness]

Apparently other teams felt "talented and usually available to play" has more value than "great potential and sometimes plays."

 

[fatness]

With 5 picks in the first 3 rounds we can get a complete offensive line!

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I think Sweat is very talented. But I get it, they were either gonna cost a boatload or leave so it is what it is. I think Chase played as good as he can this year all for the contract. I expect him to regress back to the mean once he has that. I like the other DEs on the team anyway. Toohill and Smith-Williams are good. Let's see what they can do.

I am surprised Brissett is still here. I thought there would be a market to get a 4th for him, and they would bring up Fromm. There's no reason to have Brissett at this point. He's gone next year anyway. Must have been no market for him

 

[fatness]

I like the other DEs on the team anyway. Toohill and Smith-Williams are good. Let's see what they can do.

I like them too. Defensive line play never seemed to suffer when Young and/or Sweat were out of the game. Allen and Payne are the ones sucking up blockers and making the d-line play go.

 

[Da Franchise]

Yeah I don’t get the hand-wringing over Chase. If he was worth more, they would have got more. The league spoke on the guy and that’s all there is to it. So you either take a late 3rd or bring him back either on a tag or big $$ deal? Easy decision.

Direct that energy at Chase for having about as bad a 3.5 years as he possibly could have. He’s a bust and whoever is going to be steering this ship next year won’t have to inherit that dark cloud.

We’re almost there boys. A couple more months and they’ll have the whole stench gone, except for FedEx.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re already in discussions with a short list of candidates to run the FO and these moves were approved by the candidate(s). Maybe they even have their guy locked down already.

 

[massraider]

I'm a big fan of these moves. True, they need DE, but overpaying for the ones you have isn't the right move, and getting top 35-ish pick for Sweat is excellent. Feel like if he was going to be really good, he would have showed more by now.

And more ammo for a QB move, if needed

 

[fatness]

5 draft picks in the first 3 rounds.
The season may be interesting but it's lost so we don't have to go through so much agony til the end.

What to do with 5 draft picks in 1st round?
1. Trade up for franchise QB chance
2. Whole new offensive line
3 - 999. [ Your plan here ]

 

[Brunell4MVP]

It’s simple because management fixed none of our needs w last years draft. So they are the same as last year. OL. TE. LB. 2nd QB.

we have learned over the season that Howell could be good. I’d still take another qb somewhere in the draft. You can’t have enough young qbs for injury backup, development, etc. Unless the next GM likes Fromm in which case we already have that guy.

Either way our qb situation is cheap and we have tons of salary cap. The next Gm will start in a good place.

 

[(HULK)]

I am surprised Brissett is still here. I thought there would be a market to get a 4th for him, and they would bring up Fromm. There's no reason to have Brissett at this point. He's gone next year anyway. Must have been no market for him

Apparently we held firm for a day2 pick for Brissett. There was a lot of interest but we never got one so we kept him.

 

[fatness]

Apparently we held firm for a day2 pick for Brissett. There was a lot of interest but we never got one so we kept him.

I'm glad to hear that they're being tougher than they used to be when negotiating with other teams. I'm more than satisfied with what they got for Sweat and Young. Sure it's a low 3rd rounder, but it's also a high 2nd rounder.

 

[Fat Nick]

I like the other DEs on the team anyway. Toohill and Smith-Williams are good. Let's see what they can do.

I like them too. Defensive line play never seemed to suffer when Young and/or Sweat were out of the game. Allen and Payne are the ones sucking up blockers and making the d-line play go.

I agree...but I hope Allen and Payne see this too...I'm worried this purge won't sit well with them and we'll need a ton of those picks to replace the guys we just got rid of or may lose.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I like the other DEs on the team anyway. Toohill and Smith-Williams are good. Let's see what they can do.

I like them too. Defensive line play never seemed to suffer when Young and/or Sweat were out of the game. Allen and Payne are the ones sucking up blockers and making the d-line play go.

I agree...but I hope Allen and Payne see this too...I'm worried this purge won't sit well with them and we'll need a ton of those picks to replace the guys we just got rid of or may lose.

If I'm Allen/Payne I'm happy. They will have $80M+ in cap space. Putting $45M into two DEs when they could put it into OL to keep the O on the field more and into LBs to cover the run gaps/blitz. That seems like a win to me if I'm a DL There are 4 active LBs on this roster (most teams have 7) ... Davis, Mayo, Hudson, and Harris. I could not pick the latter two out of a lineup if they had name tags on. The interior DL needs some guys that can take the pressure off them having to play both pass and rush on every single play. I firmly believe Ron constructed the roster this way thinking the DL would dominate and they bring safeties up when needed. But a safety isn't gonna tackle like a LB, or pressure the QB when a TE is blocking. It's poorly constructed and spending money on a second level of defenders will help.

 

[fatness]

There are 4 active LBs on this roster (most teams have 7) ... Davis, Mayo, Hudson, and Harris. I could not pick the latter two out of a lineup if they had name tags on.

Watch for number 47. That's Khaleke Hudson. He's all over the field making good plays.

But OL and LB are definitely their biggest weaknesses.

 

[fatness]

This is a long article by John Keim. It's pretty good.

Why did Commanders trade both of their defensive ends?​

Both would be free agents this offseason, and, based on these moves, the team no longer wanted to invest as heavily in one position group. Now, one source said, the Commanders can build a more balanced roster through spending and draft picks. Washington already had paid two other first-round picks along the front in Payne and Allen.

But, while Sweat and Young had combined for 11.5 sacks this season, the team had lost five of its past six games. Internally, multiple sources said, it became clear the Commanders needed more help elsewhere -- and it would be difficult to keep Sweat or Young.

it would be difficult to keep Sweat or Young. Sweat would have been the preferred choice long term, one source said, but the potential cost of his deal -- Spotrac listed his market value around $25 million a year -- combined with the Bears' offer made trading him the best option. Had it only been a third-round pick, a source said, it's unlikely the team would have traded Sweat.

There was also concern, multiple sources said, about Young's long-term durability after he suffered not only a torn ACL but also a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee in 2021. Indeed, sources said, medical concerns prevented some teams who had expressed interest from making an offer.

There were also concerns about the lack of on-field chemistry among the starting defensive line, multiple sources said. According to sources, when Rivera said three weeks ago that the mantra of "Do Your Job" was directed as much at the defensive line as any group, Young was a particular target of that message; one source said the team viewed trading him as "addition by subtraction." A source said a lack of gap discipline impacted not only the pass rush but defending the run.

 

[fatness]

In this situation, Harris tasked the front office with collecting information -- in the form of offers. General manager Martin Mayhew and assistant general manager Marty Hurney solicited offers on multiple players, then involved Rivera. The group then took those offers to Harris, who quizzed them about the potential deals. He wanted to understand the process, why they might want to keep a particular player, or why, say, a third-round pick for Young represented good value. Then they'd make a collective decision. Sometimes they rejected a deal -- like a sixth-round offer by one team for quarterback Brissett, according to sources.

 

[fatness]

Please. No.

 

[Snotbubbles]

This is a long article by John Keim. It's pretty good.

Why did Commanders trade both of their defensive ends?​

Both would be free agents this offseason, and, based on these moves, the team no longer wanted to invest as heavily in one position group. Now, one source said, the Commanders can build a more balanced roster through spending and draft picks. Washington already had paid two other first-round picks along the front in Payne and Allen.

But, while Sweat and Young had combined for 11.5 sacks this season, the team had lost five of its past six games. Internally, multiple sources said, it became clear the Commanders needed more help elsewhere -- and it would be difficult to keep Sweat or Young.

it would be difficult to keep Sweat or Young. Sweat would have been the preferred choice long term, one source said, but the potential cost of his deal -- Spotrac listed his market value around $25 million a year -- combined with the Bears' offer made trading him the best option. Had it only been a third-round pick, a source said, it's unlikely the team would have traded Sweat.

There was also concern, multiple sources said, about Young's long-term durability after he suffered not only a torn ACL but also a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee in 2021. Indeed, sources said, medical concerns prevented some teams who had expressed interest from making an offer.

There were also concerns about the lack of on-field chemistry among the starting defensive line, multiple sources said. According to sources, when Rivera said three weeks ago that the mantra of "Do Your Job" was directed as much at the defensive line as any group, Young was a particular target of that message; one source said the team viewed trading him as "addition by subtraction." A source said a lack of gap discipline impacted not only the pass rush but defending the run.

Don't post this in the 49ers thread. They think they got another Nick Bosa, with the Young trade.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

The sad thing is a solid Montez Sweat got banished to CHI's crappy coach and crappy record. And oft injured not living up to his draft pick Chase Young gets to go to San Fran coached by one of the best. Sometimes life ain't fair.

 

[fatness]

More on Chase Young trade:

The Commanders, however, lowered their asking price for defensive end Chase Young after some teams expressed medical concerns about him, according to sources.

Washington initially was seeking second- and fifth-round draft picks in return for Young, according to sources. But when teams expressed concerns about Young's medicals, the Commanders dropped the price to the 49ers, who wound up sending a compensatory third-round pick to Washington for the former Ohio State star.

 

[G-King]

More on Chase Young trade:

The Commanders, however, lowered their asking price for defensive end Chase Young after some teams expressed medical concerns about him, according to sources.

Washington initially was seeking second- and fifth-round draft picks in return for Young, according to sources. But when teams expressed concerns about Young's medicals, the Commanders dropped the price to the 49ers, who wound up sending a compensatory third-round pick to Washington for the former Ohio State star.

Yeah, he didn’t look too hurt today, in fact it looks like the Niners robbed the henhouse on this deal. Wow

 

[Brunell4MVP]

More on Chase Young trade:

The Commanders, however, lowered their asking price for defensive end Chase Young after some teams expressed medical concerns about him, according to sources.

Washington initially was seeking second- and fifth-round draft picks in return for Young, according to sources. But when teams expressed concerns about Young's medicals, the Commanders dropped the price to the 49ers, who wound up sending a compensatory third-round pick to Washington for the former Ohio State star.

Yeah, he didn’t look too hurt today, in fact it looks like the Niners robbed the henhouse on this deal. Wow

We will see. Guys like Chase have a habit of performing well at the start and fizzling. He reminds me a lot of Kyrie Irving. Every time Kyrie gets traded he looks like an all-star ... for about 6 games. Then reverts to being the talented yet tradable guy. Hopefully Chase does well. No ill will. But sustaining his level of dedication and positional discipline was his issue in WAS. Not the talent.

 

[nittanylion]

Fire.
Rivera.
Now.

 

[davidwb]

So, so embarrassing.

 

[ffmail4me]

We are looking at a top 5 pick, I'm all for the tanking. And yes, Fire Ron and Jack NOW.

 

[(HULK)]

I watched the game yesterday with my friend who's a Giants fan. We both wanted our teams to win while watching but also were both wanting to lose for the long run. I wanted to lose because it should be enough to for Rivera and Del Rio, and he wanted to lose because he wants the Giants to be in position to draft Marvin Harrison Jr (which I really don't want to happen).

 

[Brunell4MVP]

Del Rio fired.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10098487-report-commanders-dc-jack-del-rio-fired-by-ron-rivera-after-blowout-loss-to-cowboys

They may have to keep Ron until year end. They'd need someone to put in his place. And if you promote Bienemy, you lock yourself into him being the HC or fired at year end. I don't think it is ideal for Josh Harris to put himself in that situation. Howell really needs EB to stick around. The last thing he or the rest of the offense needs is a 3rd offensive scheme in 3 years.

It may be in their best interest to fire Ron in January, find a defensive minded HC like Quinn in DAL, and keep EB at OC.

 

[fatness]

So I'm minding my own business dancing my Goodbye del Rio dance and some officer comes up and says I have to move along because I'm blocking traffic. I thought this was America.

 

[nittanylion]

"Come on Sandy baby, loosen up, you're too tight."

-#44

If you know, you know.

 

[fatness]

Jonathatn Allen sounds like he's thoroughly disgusted. I don't blame him. He's never had a good coaching staff in his entire NFL career.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/washington-commanders

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I get the frustration. Just not the logic ...

1) his salary makes it tough to trade him. If they trade him post June 1 it might be feasible, as the dead cap is "only" $8M. I'm sure he sees a guy like Chase Young traded to a good team and thinks that is better. But hey, don't sign the dotted line with an obviously bad team. You've made yourself tough to trade.

2) he might finally get a decent GM and head coach. Nobody good wanted to work for Snyder. With a new GM the coaches and players should get better. Quickly.

3) I sense some of the roster doesn't like Bienemy. Not just on the offensive side of the ball. I think that's among the reasons Ron is still here. He's obviously rubbed Terry and Jahan the wrong way. And even lit into Howell during a game. The OL looks confused. The TEs haven't done much. That tough guy style wears out the entire building when it isn't working


They simply need a fresh start. Thats not rebuilding. The players here aren't that bad. They are misused and missing talent at key positions like LB and LT. But if Kyle Shanahan walks through that door, this roster wins 11 games.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

WAS might have an interesting choice in the upcoming draft. They could easily pick top 3 if they go 1-3 the rest of the way. So if Caleb or Maye are there, what do you do?