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- Joined
- Jul 24, 2009
- Messages
- 713
- Reaction score
- 912
- Points
- 143
- Alma Mater
It was a Sunday Night and all through the house, not a creature was stirring not even a... ya, you get the idea. We played on Sunday Night Football. Night games have been embossed in any Washington fan's DNA as being a murky water that one shouldn't traverse without adequate safety equipment. But that, like all things, are capable of change.
Last night, the Commanders won their 11th game of the season. This is our best record since 2012 when the team went 10-6. The last time the Commanders won 11 games or more was the 1991 season when the Redskins went 14-2. Thirty three years. I write it out long form to make it hurt a bit more... but then snap back and say: It happened again in 2024. Our first full year with a new ownership group in tact and with their people in place.
A bit of side trivia, the Redskin Team Commanders have only one 11+ games seven times in their history (2024, 1991, 1987, 1986, 1984, 1983, 1972).
This is a team that hadn't won a game in December since 2021 and a home game in December since 2017. And this year we managed to go 4-0 in the month of December and 3-0 at home in December.
Before going into individual performances, let's talk about the job this group of personnel (owner, front office, coaches and players) have done with this franchise.
We went from not having any facilities, to our ownership group looking to improve every aspect of them. We went from a roster with no talent outside of a receiver, a punter and occasionally another position or two... to a team that still lacks some talent but makes up for it with camaraderie, togetherness and culture. We went from years of quarterbacking hell to having the best rookie quarterback in the NFL. We went for years without a capable linebacking corps to one with two absolute behemoths. This team plays with every bit of heart that you want to see in a football team. This team is aggressiveness and not afraid of taking chances. This is the football team we've all been hoping for.
And it's all bonus points. If anyone said to me that we'd win 9 games this year I'd have been over the moon ecstatic. You tell me we beat Philly in a meaningful game late in the year and I'd have thought we won a Lombardi.
Enjoy this. Seriously. No salt. I understand we as a fanbase have tremendous amounts of PTSD and are afraid to let our guard down - but this team has heart... and Jayden Daniels.
So let's talk Jayden. For the past few weeks I've been mentioning that he should be in MVP consideration but he wouldn't win. The sad part is I still don't think he's going to win - but he should make it a lot closer than it has any business being. When I think of MVPs I try to put it in the framework of: If this team didn't have this player, would they be able to find success?
For this season I think this applies to three guys: Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Jayden Daniels.
Lamar Jackson has Derrick Henry this year, though. But he has absolutely absurd numbers.
Josh Allen and Jayden Daniels are in a similar space, though. There isn't a lot around them. Allen has an even worse defense than we do. For that reason, I think Allen is going to win it. But I think Daniels is more important to his team, this year, than Lamar Jackson is to his. Make no mistake, Lamar has carried that franchise for years, essentially alone offensively. I am taking nothing away from Lamar when I say this. But THIS year, Lamar has one of the two best backs in the NFL on his side of the ball. Should that subtract from his greatness? Probably not. But I am a Commander fan and I want Jayden to legitimately be in the conversation, so I am willing to let Henry discount him a bit this year. Sue me (please don't...)
For single season leaders - Jayden Daniels is currently tied for 7th all time in passing touchdowns in a single season. As a rookie. The only other quarterbacks to throw for more are Sonny, Kirk, Joe and Mark. And that's it. Oh, but they all had double digit interceptions in 16 game seasons. In 16 games, Daniels only had 9.
For yards in a single season, he sits at 13th.
Oh but wait, there is more. For rushing yards in a single season he is currently 36th. For rushing TD he is tied for 32nd.
Jayden Daniels 16 game sample size of a season is very likely the greatest statistical season for any quarterback in Redskin Team Commander history.
This team is different, and it starts with him.
Let's talk about OZ, Olamide Zaccheaus. Last week, at the beginning of the game, I had seen enough of him. I was over him completely. Then they took him off of return duty and everything changed for OZ. He has been downright dominant the last two weeks. 8 catches, 85 yards and a touchdown... and it felt like a lot of his plays came in big moments with big stakes. Now, if we had lost, I'd be sitting here saying that the OZ of old showed his face at the end of the game and dropped a perfect pass that was in his hands that aided in our loss. But we didn't. So I don't remember that play happening.
Our pass catching group is actually really interesting to look at statistically.
Terry stands out, obviously. 74/1,034/12 are huge numbers.
From there, we have three pass catchers with at least 400 yards (Ertz 610, OZ 455, Brown 453) and two more within the 250-350 (Ekeler and Dyami) range. Last night we played without three of our top pass catchers (Ekeler, Dyami and Noah). But no excuses were made, other guys stepped up and made plays when they counted.
Rushing wise it looks like Kingsbury's streak of not having a 1,000 yard rusher is going to hold. For all the love I give Kingsbury, I'd love to see him find a groove with the running game. And that may mean we need to add a meaningful back to the stable to split carries with our current group. Daniels has the best chance of getting there as he has 864, and if this game against Dallas was completely meaningful I'd say he has a shot at getting there. And, if they leave Daniels in... I think he actually could get there because he has no parking brake. But I have a feeling that they won't leave him in for the whole game. Robinson has 789 and is second. I suppose it's theoretically possible he rushes for 210 against Dallas, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Oh, and I'd be wrong to not give Zach Ertz his own line. Thank you for signing with this franchise. You have made a difference.
Defensively we had one major issue and a few not so good issues last night... corner is a major problem for us without Lattimore in the game. Michael Davis was... lackluster. Atlanta picked him out as a fish early and went at him often and they almost won because of it. Davis looked slow and robotic out there and really seemed lost for the majority of the game.
But our safety duo showed up to play last night. Jeremy Chinn has been a consistent difference maker - jarring the ball loose on a big play early in the game was a huge deal that helped slow the Falcons down. But Quan Martin made the biggest defensive play of the night, which wound up converting to the first seven points of the game. Now, I noticed that we use our safeties in man coverage a lot. And while I think that is a good strategy at times it's incredibly difficult to do for entire games without the offense scheming things open. Trail routes that brought the receiver vertical and sat the safety in the hook area were open often and there wasn't a whole lot we could do about it. And Quan got burned on one play that Penix missed that would have been tough. But, those guys are asked to do a lot and they have been all over the field for us.
Projecting forward, this team is in dire need of some help in quite a few places - offensive line is a big one. If they like Coleman, I get it. But I'd like to see him either solidify that LT spot or move to the right side and us snag a big deal FA or draft a high end OT in this year's draft. I think OT is a deep group. There are several who could be an upgrade. I wasn't all that sold on Allegretti until last night, and now I'm not sure I'd replace him. When Biadasz went out, Allegretti took over calling out assignments. You could hear him, clearly, on the broadcast barking things out. That leadership isn't easy to replace and is core to this team's success. At this point I think one tackle changes our line, two could be a major difference.
Corner is a major need. Lattimore and Sainristil are a damn good duo. But the concern is Lattimore's health. You can't go into 2025 with Lattimore, Sainristil, BSJ and Davis. You need a third guy that can start should Lattimore have health concerns. And, in the mean time, you can start Sainristil in the slot if everyone is healthy. I think corner needs a major talent overhaul outside of our top two. I'd change the whole thing out.
Wide Receiver is a major need. I gave a lot of kudos to our group earlier, but they are still sub par as a group. OZ, Noah Brown and even Dyami are adequate 3/4/5 or 4/5/6 guys. But we are missing that 2 and MAYBE 3 kind of guy. I'd break the bank for a 1A/B set up with Terry and a big time target. I'd have my sights on Tee Higgins, as long as the culture fit is there. I'd also poke around the Jets to see if Garrett Wilson is available and if we could get him for a song (I doubt it, I know that is far fetched, but he doesn't seem happy in NYJ land and they may be sellers... having said that I think his draft pick cost would be too heavy for me).
Defensive Tackle is a major need as well - Newton is starting to show signs. But I am concerned with Payne and Allen. With the culture change, the two of them seem to have fallen way back. You don't hear a lot about them anymore. Their hype is non-existent. They may not last this offseason. But we'll see.
Defensive End is another need. Fowler negates that a bit, but he is a UFA this year. He may take a bit of a discount to stay here, with this team, but he is being paid 3.25M this year. Fowler has 10.5 sacks. He is 10th in the NFL. He is 19th in single season sack numbers in Washington Commander HISTORY. Even if he takes a bit of a discount to stay, his price is going to rise. And then the question becomes: How much is he worth?
And last, but not least, running back is a need. I think we have four really quality running backs on the roster. But none of them are game breakers. Ekeler is close but he is on the wrong side of the equator age wise - so used in a sparing role he is still a big play maker type. But he can't do it down to down. Robinson is a grinder who got in a little funk, McNichols is not being used as much as I'd like (there has to be a reason that we aren't privy to) and Rodriguez is a good power back. But none of these guys are difference makers. This is a spot where I think we can upgrade significantly. Robinson is under contract next year - and he should be here and seeing carries. He's earned that. Ekeler should return and add some explosivity and a change of pace. But we need a guy who can take the lion's share and be productive. This isn't a spot where you settle, though. We have guys who can get the job done well enough. But if you have a shot at a guy that is highly rated in FA or the draft that you think could be a difference maker... you need to go after it. I like Quinshon Judkins.
Long story short: We're the 6 seed, we're lining up against Dallas next week but we're in the playoffs regardless. What a time to be alive.
Studs:
Daniels - ***
OZ - ***
Ertz - ***
Fowler - **
Martin - **
Chinn - **
Allegretti - **
Duds:
Michael Davis -
Season Total:
Studs:
Jayden Daniels - 13x*
Terry McLaurin - 10x*
Frankie Luvu - 9x*
Mike Sainristil - 6x*
Jeremy Chinn - 6x*
Olamide Zaccheaus - 5x*
Marcus Lattimore - 5x*
Dante Fowler - 4x*
Bobby Wagner - 4x*
Jer'Zhan Newton - 3x*
Daron Payne -3x*
Zach Ertz - 3x*
Nick Allegretti - 2x*
Quan Martin - 2x*
Chris Rodriguez - 2x*
Tyler Biadasz - 2x*
Jamison Crownder - 1x*
Jalyn Holmes - 1x*
Clelin Ferrell - 1x*
Duds:
Austin Seibert - 3x
Michael Davis - 3x
Zane Gonzalez - 1x
Last night, the Commanders won their 11th game of the season. This is our best record since 2012 when the team went 10-6. The last time the Commanders won 11 games or more was the 1991 season when the Redskins went 14-2. Thirty three years. I write it out long form to make it hurt a bit more... but then snap back and say: It happened again in 2024. Our first full year with a new ownership group in tact and with their people in place.
A bit of side trivia, the Redskin Team Commanders have only one 11+ games seven times in their history (2024, 1991, 1987, 1986, 1984, 1983, 1972).
This is a team that hadn't won a game in December since 2021 and a home game in December since 2017. And this year we managed to go 4-0 in the month of December and 3-0 at home in December.
Before going into individual performances, let's talk about the job this group of personnel (owner, front office, coaches and players) have done with this franchise.
We went from not having any facilities, to our ownership group looking to improve every aspect of them. We went from a roster with no talent outside of a receiver, a punter and occasionally another position or two... to a team that still lacks some talent but makes up for it with camaraderie, togetherness and culture. We went from years of quarterbacking hell to having the best rookie quarterback in the NFL. We went for years without a capable linebacking corps to one with two absolute behemoths. This team plays with every bit of heart that you want to see in a football team. This team is aggressiveness and not afraid of taking chances. This is the football team we've all been hoping for.
And it's all bonus points. If anyone said to me that we'd win 9 games this year I'd have been over the moon ecstatic. You tell me we beat Philly in a meaningful game late in the year and I'd have thought we won a Lombardi.
Enjoy this. Seriously. No salt. I understand we as a fanbase have tremendous amounts of PTSD and are afraid to let our guard down - but this team has heart... and Jayden Daniels.
So let's talk Jayden. For the past few weeks I've been mentioning that he should be in MVP consideration but he wouldn't win. The sad part is I still don't think he's going to win - but he should make it a lot closer than it has any business being. When I think of MVPs I try to put it in the framework of: If this team didn't have this player, would they be able to find success?
For this season I think this applies to three guys: Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Jayden Daniels.
Lamar Jackson has Derrick Henry this year, though. But he has absolutely absurd numbers.
Josh Allen and Jayden Daniels are in a similar space, though. There isn't a lot around them. Allen has an even worse defense than we do. For that reason, I think Allen is going to win it. But I think Daniels is more important to his team, this year, than Lamar Jackson is to his. Make no mistake, Lamar has carried that franchise for years, essentially alone offensively. I am taking nothing away from Lamar when I say this. But THIS year, Lamar has one of the two best backs in the NFL on his side of the ball. Should that subtract from his greatness? Probably not. But I am a Commander fan and I want Jayden to legitimately be in the conversation, so I am willing to let Henry discount him a bit this year. Sue me (please don't...)
For single season leaders - Jayden Daniels is currently tied for 7th all time in passing touchdowns in a single season. As a rookie. The only other quarterbacks to throw for more are Sonny, Kirk, Joe and Mark. And that's it. Oh, but they all had double digit interceptions in 16 game seasons. In 16 games, Daniels only had 9.
For yards in a single season, he sits at 13th.
Oh but wait, there is more. For rushing yards in a single season he is currently 36th. For rushing TD he is tied for 32nd.
Jayden Daniels 16 game sample size of a season is very likely the greatest statistical season for any quarterback in Redskin Team Commander history.
This team is different, and it starts with him.
Let's talk about OZ, Olamide Zaccheaus. Last week, at the beginning of the game, I had seen enough of him. I was over him completely. Then they took him off of return duty and everything changed for OZ. He has been downright dominant the last two weeks. 8 catches, 85 yards and a touchdown... and it felt like a lot of his plays came in big moments with big stakes. Now, if we had lost, I'd be sitting here saying that the OZ of old showed his face at the end of the game and dropped a perfect pass that was in his hands that aided in our loss. But we didn't. So I don't remember that play happening.
Our pass catching group is actually really interesting to look at statistically.
Terry stands out, obviously. 74/1,034/12 are huge numbers.
From there, we have three pass catchers with at least 400 yards (Ertz 610, OZ 455, Brown 453) and two more within the 250-350 (Ekeler and Dyami) range. Last night we played without three of our top pass catchers (Ekeler, Dyami and Noah). But no excuses were made, other guys stepped up and made plays when they counted.
Rushing wise it looks like Kingsbury's streak of not having a 1,000 yard rusher is going to hold. For all the love I give Kingsbury, I'd love to see him find a groove with the running game. And that may mean we need to add a meaningful back to the stable to split carries with our current group. Daniels has the best chance of getting there as he has 864, and if this game against Dallas was completely meaningful I'd say he has a shot at getting there. And, if they leave Daniels in... I think he actually could get there because he has no parking brake. But I have a feeling that they won't leave him in for the whole game. Robinson has 789 and is second. I suppose it's theoretically possible he rushes for 210 against Dallas, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Oh, and I'd be wrong to not give Zach Ertz his own line. Thank you for signing with this franchise. You have made a difference.
Defensively we had one major issue and a few not so good issues last night... corner is a major problem for us without Lattimore in the game. Michael Davis was... lackluster. Atlanta picked him out as a fish early and went at him often and they almost won because of it. Davis looked slow and robotic out there and really seemed lost for the majority of the game.
But our safety duo showed up to play last night. Jeremy Chinn has been a consistent difference maker - jarring the ball loose on a big play early in the game was a huge deal that helped slow the Falcons down. But Quan Martin made the biggest defensive play of the night, which wound up converting to the first seven points of the game. Now, I noticed that we use our safeties in man coverage a lot. And while I think that is a good strategy at times it's incredibly difficult to do for entire games without the offense scheming things open. Trail routes that brought the receiver vertical and sat the safety in the hook area were open often and there wasn't a whole lot we could do about it. And Quan got burned on one play that Penix missed that would have been tough. But, those guys are asked to do a lot and they have been all over the field for us.
Projecting forward, this team is in dire need of some help in quite a few places - offensive line is a big one. If they like Coleman, I get it. But I'd like to see him either solidify that LT spot or move to the right side and us snag a big deal FA or draft a high end OT in this year's draft. I think OT is a deep group. There are several who could be an upgrade. I wasn't all that sold on Allegretti until last night, and now I'm not sure I'd replace him. When Biadasz went out, Allegretti took over calling out assignments. You could hear him, clearly, on the broadcast barking things out. That leadership isn't easy to replace and is core to this team's success. At this point I think one tackle changes our line, two could be a major difference.
Corner is a major need. Lattimore and Sainristil are a damn good duo. But the concern is Lattimore's health. You can't go into 2025 with Lattimore, Sainristil, BSJ and Davis. You need a third guy that can start should Lattimore have health concerns. And, in the mean time, you can start Sainristil in the slot if everyone is healthy. I think corner needs a major talent overhaul outside of our top two. I'd change the whole thing out.
Wide Receiver is a major need. I gave a lot of kudos to our group earlier, but they are still sub par as a group. OZ, Noah Brown and even Dyami are adequate 3/4/5 or 4/5/6 guys. But we are missing that 2 and MAYBE 3 kind of guy. I'd break the bank for a 1A/B set up with Terry and a big time target. I'd have my sights on Tee Higgins, as long as the culture fit is there. I'd also poke around the Jets to see if Garrett Wilson is available and if we could get him for a song (I doubt it, I know that is far fetched, but he doesn't seem happy in NYJ land and they may be sellers... having said that I think his draft pick cost would be too heavy for me).
Defensive Tackle is a major need as well - Newton is starting to show signs. But I am concerned with Payne and Allen. With the culture change, the two of them seem to have fallen way back. You don't hear a lot about them anymore. Their hype is non-existent. They may not last this offseason. But we'll see.
Defensive End is another need. Fowler negates that a bit, but he is a UFA this year. He may take a bit of a discount to stay here, with this team, but he is being paid 3.25M this year. Fowler has 10.5 sacks. He is 10th in the NFL. He is 19th in single season sack numbers in Washington Commander HISTORY. Even if he takes a bit of a discount to stay, his price is going to rise. And then the question becomes: How much is he worth?
And last, but not least, running back is a need. I think we have four really quality running backs on the roster. But none of them are game breakers. Ekeler is close but he is on the wrong side of the equator age wise - so used in a sparing role he is still a big play maker type. But he can't do it down to down. Robinson is a grinder who got in a little funk, McNichols is not being used as much as I'd like (there has to be a reason that we aren't privy to) and Rodriguez is a good power back. But none of these guys are difference makers. This is a spot where I think we can upgrade significantly. Robinson is under contract next year - and he should be here and seeing carries. He's earned that. Ekeler should return and add some explosivity and a change of pace. But we need a guy who can take the lion's share and be productive. This isn't a spot where you settle, though. We have guys who can get the job done well enough. But if you have a shot at a guy that is highly rated in FA or the draft that you think could be a difference maker... you need to go after it. I like Quinshon Judkins.
Long story short: We're the 6 seed, we're lining up against Dallas next week but we're in the playoffs regardless. What a time to be alive.
Studs:
Daniels - ***
OZ - ***
Ertz - ***
Fowler - **
Martin - **
Chinn - **
Allegretti - **
Duds:
Michael Davis -
Season Total:
Studs:
Jayden Daniels - 13x*
Terry McLaurin - 10x*
Frankie Luvu - 9x*
Mike Sainristil - 6x*
Jeremy Chinn - 6x*
Olamide Zaccheaus - 5x*
Marcus Lattimore - 5x*
Dante Fowler - 4x*
Bobby Wagner - 4x*
Jer'Zhan Newton - 3x*
Daron Payne -3x*
Zach Ertz - 3x*
Nick Allegretti - 2x*
Quan Martin - 2x*
Chris Rodriguez - 2x*
Tyler Biadasz - 2x*
Jamison Crownder - 1x*
Jalyn Holmes - 1x*
Clelin Ferrell - 1x*
Duds:
Austin Seibert - 3x
Michael Davis - 3x
Zane Gonzalez - 1x
