Wyvern

Sorry Logan Paulsen. Washington's history has shown, time and time again, that unless their starting QB delivers consistently stellar performances and routine team wins -- a percentage of the fan base will start to press for the team's backup QB as a better option. All it would take is a 3-pick game from Howell, and folks might start clamoring for Fromm or the vet backup, or the newly drafted QB, to have a chance at the helm. And the sad part is Washington WILL need a reliable backup QB, should Howell, during his learning process, exhibit flaws that opponents learn to regularly exploit. And I don't think that's Fromm. IMHO, the team can (and will) find a backup QB with a higher athletic ceiling than Heinicke, at least to better diversify what the offense could do. And frankly, the "moxie factor" may not play out for Heinicke in 2023 as more fans realize their need for a QB2 who can offer more than a fiercely competitive personality. But as to avoiding "distractions", I think the QB1-QB2 squabbles amongst Washington's fans will still continue, especially should the team happen to lose a bunch of games.

First of all, I'm a little conflicted about challenging a statement from a great ES'er who has produced so many posts on which I've posted "likes" and "thumbs-up." That said, I'm kind of surprised by this comment, unless KDawg was worried that Tannehill will be too expensive, for the interim Commanders FO to sign up. IMHO, Tannehill would be a decent 'transition' QB -- Someone comfortable with a 'run first' offense but with a decent arm, while most importantly, a great veteran mentor (with unique insights on the QB-to-WR connection) for Washington's QB-1 in waiting (likely, Sam Howell, or some other 2023 draftee QB.) But Tannehill, and his new contract would need to reflect that understanding. ... And I'm not even Tannehill is even mentally ready for that, much less willing to sign on to the chaos this Washington franchise has become, without guaranteed mega-bucks. 😕 Bottom Line : I'm staying medium on the chances of Howell fully ascending to the level of Washington's long-awaited "franchise-QB" in 2023 and believe some kind of mentorship and bridge might be needed, at least for the 2023 season. If Howell proves to be the "answer" -- it's probably in 2024, and Washington needs to avoid subjecting Sam to the David Carr treatment. Moreover, I'd rather have a veteran QB absorb the pains of the team learning a new offensive strategy -- while Howell absorbs the lessons learned.

I know it's the off-season for Washington, and I've noted how ES'er posting can get really "speculative" even to the point of blue-sky ideas being tossed around. Sorry, IMHO, The bigger issues to focus on first, is how things get resolved regarding the turmoil around the: ownership of the franchise, and when a transfer might occur long-term status and structure of the current FO, possible limits on 2023 FO spending/guaranteed money/cap-management, mindful of impending change in ownership Status of the current HC (and his coaching staff) in 2023 and beyond Identity of new OC as well as whether the 'new' OC changes what should be the team's offensive identity in 2023 The discussions around which FA QB Washington brings in, is really far downstream of these issues. Come to think of it, even the commitment to Howell as 2023 QB-1 needs to be taken with a graIn of salt. Maybe with an improved O-line, the team's identity doesn't have to be a 'ground-&-pound' type of offense -- after all, the Washington WR corps is probably as good, or deeper than the current RB corps. With a decent O-line, and a QB with an NFL arm, and a credible running attack, Washington could easily become an explosive passing team. And maybe the next OC tries to go that way, especially as high-scoring teams are very "marketable" -- at least for putting fans in the seats, and free extra items on pizzas. The point I make, is simply to take Rivera/Mayhew's comments about a 2023 running team identity with many grains of salt. I think the selection of an OC might m-i-g-h-t give us a hint about the team's 2023 offensive identity, but it too might be overtaken by the other more dominant factors I've listed. But, if pressed, I predict it'll be Shurmer, Keenum, with some major O-line upgrading in the draft (with maybe a more durable TE too) ...at least to balance the offense and tilt it more towards leveraging all the talent at WR. I just think the Heinicke-driven, ground-&-pound offense of the last half of 2022, was a desperation measure because the ravaged O-line could not support a reliable passing game. The 2023 Washington offense can be better than that, regardless of the OC.

If Snyder won't sell to Bezos, then why doesn't Bezos just buy the franchise from the winning bidder who Snyder wound up selling the team to? For example, if Harris wins with a bid of 6.3 billion , he could then turn around and sell it to Bezos for 7.8 billion and make 1.5 billion for a few weeks worth of time. Making that kind of money in a short time would probably be very tempting for Harris' financial group.

A few comments: I very much agree on the need to upgrade the O-line, at least 3 of the spots, and mainly though the draft. Let's give Matsko some really decent talent to groom, while he's still here. IMHO, it's not good idea to try trading for Fields; he's still not that great of a passer and while a dangerous scrambler he'll eventually take enough hard hits to devalue that talent. If Brissett is too expensive, perhaps a placeholder vet/mentor like Keenum would do (supplemented by a lower-round 2023 draft pick QB.). I don't think it's likely that Washington's would be able to coax a marquee FA QB to sign up, without seriously blowing up their salary cap management. (Nor would that be wise!) The main point I wanted to make for thread is that Rivera & Co really need to start hustling in order to quickly land their preferred OC, because other franchises will soon be looking for OCs as well (I suspect the Chargers are going to dump their OC, after their playoff meltdown.). Shurmer would be nice, but I still think Washington should try to poach the Giant's new OC, Mike Kafka, away from Daboll's staff.

Here's one the cites on what Griffin III said. I'm hoping it was just empty talk, but you never know. Perhaps, one of those various groups that are considering bidding for the franchise might see a reason why they'd let him join their group's bid, even with a very minor stake. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/commanders-news-robert-griffin-iii-drops-eye-opening-ownership-proposal-after-dan-snyder-announcement/ar-AA13Flm1

Just want to go on record -- I'm praying that Robert Griffin III, doesn't get his tendrils/hooks into the new ownership of the Washington franchise. He truly was a "flash-in-pan" QB, but he's also turned out to be a "dump-in-the- pan" blogger/analyst. Griffin should not be anywhere near involved in a decision-making role for this franchise; heck, he couldn't figure out how to slide, much less make more complicated spot decisions. My apologies, in advance, to all you "RG3" fans who really loved Griffin's breakout run vs. the Vikings that happened n the previous decade.

This was an interesting exercise, but really hard to predict, considering the franchise is up for sale. I'm really hoping the new owner doesn't blow up everything... but I've seen that kind of thing happen before. I'm just hoping the baby doesn't get swept out with the bath water.

What about Cheeseman?

How about Mike Kafka (Giants) -- he kind of fits what Ron has been projecting for Washington's offense in 2023.

First of all, I enjoy reading your posts. You really tell it like you see it, and it's great food for thought. However, if Payne is looking for a contract at the level of McLaurin or Allen, he'd need to be the kind of team leader as those two are. He's so talented, physical, durable and showed so much drive and follow-through during the 2022 season. But outside of his bond with Allen, he doesn't seem to be the guy you'd want for team captain. Rather, Payne's the kind of guy that a team captain is making sure gets fired up for the game and totally dedicated to bringing his best effort to the contest. Payne doesn't seem comfortable in one-on-ones with the media, much less giving a passionate motivating speech to all his team mates. So Allen over Payne, but frankly -- if the contract is not ridiculous -- I'd keep them both. I'd even consider the franchise tag to buy more time for the next owner and to see whether Mathis could be a decent replacement.

With the uncertain status of future ownership of the Washington franchise, I see the above as the likely way the current front office (FO) might want to go. No big investment in a new QB, for now, and instead just spend to keep the proven parts of the team intact and replenish the team's gaps via the draft rather than top-tier free agents that fit Turner's/Del Rio's systems. Work to position the team's cap space to look good in 2024, so potential buyers will have room to make their mark on the 2024 team right away. If need be, the current FO might leverage the Wentz 28 million in savings to simply consider franchising Payne as a short-term option, and leave the long-term decision for the next owner. It's evident Payne is a proven performer, and most would consider it a safe investment along with restocking the O-line. I don't see the FO spending a lot to bring in a 'name' FA QB, much less any other FAs. They've already got the 2023 season's 'marketing lure' -- come see the growth and the testing of a popular new rookie QB, but with popular veteran backup also in the wings. And this way, they avoid creating mega-expensive long term contracts that the new ownership be reluctant to have to deal with. The big issue is whether the current FO can sign Heinicke to modest 1-2 year contract. If not, then the FO might try get a 1-year "prove it" deal with someone like Brissett, Minshew, Keenum,,or some other lower tier vet QB (even ancient backup Chase Daniels) who was willing to mentor Howell and step in on an emergency basis.

This is not about any value judgement of the merits of Sam Howell. Rather I was wondering whether Sam was able to retrieve the ball he threw to McLaurin for the TD during the Washington's first possession of the 1st quarter of the Washington-Dallas game. As I recall, it looked like Terry tossed that ball off into the stands, as part of his own TD celebration. I ask, because it seems like that ball would have some sentimental value to Howell because: 1. That was Howell's first pass in his first NFL start 2. It was also his first completed pass. 3. It was also his first TD pass. I hope they were able to retrieve the ball -- because all three of those things don't happen on the same ball for a rookie QB. So I was really surprised when McLaurin tossed the ball up into the stands. I hope they can somehow get THAT ball back to Howell. Likewise, a QB's first rushing TD is often given back to the player for his memento cabinet. Not sure what happened there. Maybe Terry knew Howell doesn't collect those kind of "momento footballs" to commemorate his achievements. If that's the case then McLaurin gave some random fan got a very nice souvenir that could appreciate in value should Howell become a significant starting QB for Washington.

IMHO, the ref call on the fumble "pick-6" that put the Jags ahead, was a bad call. It essentially like a blocked pass that went forward a long enough way to be considered a tipped pass- it didn't behave like a fumble Too bad, looked like it was going to be a closely fought game for the last five minutes. -- not sure who would have won.

How about "John Madden"ing the suspended game, with selected players representing their teams? It's probably more fair, than a simple coin-flip to determine the winner. Besides playoff seeding implications, there might also be contractual performance clauses being affected by the results of the suspended game. At least this way, they'd have some proxy performance numbers they could use.

IMHO, the best decision was hiring Bobby Turner -- one of the best RB coaches in NFL history. (Look him up). Randy Jordan isn't even in his league. You want a good RB coach? ... Search who Bobby Turner has been mentoring.

Jumbo - keep on posting! I really appreciate your sense of humor. Heck, we're eliminated from consideration for the playoffs, so why not make some amusing posts?

As far as Wentz goes, it looks like they listened to Jumbo.

If Washington is going to keep rolling out defensive scheme relying on 2 LBs, it needs to resign Payne to strengthen the middle versus the running game. Payne seems to keep getting better with season -- I don't think we've seen his ceiling yet. Also, he seems to be very durable and , mind-set wise, seems to be focused on getting even better.

For the sake of this thread making it to 2000 pages ... there's a twisted part of me that wants Rivera to declare Wentz as the starter for Washington's game against Dallas. First of all, beating Dallas - while always a nice feeling -- could worsen our draft position. So do we want to be putting our best QB out there in the first place? Second, if we go with Howell, I'm worried about the long-term effects of the shock factor on the rookie, mindful of our porous O-line protection versus a Dallas D going full shore to shock the rookie trying to cope with will likely be a lot of 3rd-&-long situations. Dallas needs this game, so it might not be best the best debut for Howell -- especially since Washington is really limping into this game (both physically and mentally) Third, some of you who really don't care for Wentz as Washington's starting QB, will want to watch to see how much your opinion of him was valid, as he gets pummeled by Parsons & Co. Meanwhile any folks who still think he might still have value as a backup, maybe, might peek hoping he do something can help you in supporting him for an economical backup during the off-season. (Moreover, if Dallas pummeled him, no one could claim Carson didn't get enough chances to show if he still had the "stuff" to be a starter for Washington.) Now my twisted reason for starting Wentz, is that I am continually surprised how this team winds up with the craziest results at all the wrong times. So in a weird way, it would be very "Washington" for Wentz to weirdly have the game of his career and somehow put up mega-points and be an undeniable factor for Washington beating Dallas in a game that the Cowboys really wanted (and ironically in a game where the Commanders would be better served with a loss.). Should that 'weird' scenario actually happen -- ES'ers would then be spending the whole off-season debating the merits of keeping Wentz as a starter (or costly backup) for the upcoming season, based on his last performance. Washingtonians for Wentz would be battling the Hovers and the Sons of Sam....easily pushing this thread up to the 2000 page mark and spilling over into so many other threads. In other words, starting Wentz against Dallas opens the possibility for a very "ES"-like off-season. Even if Wentz bombs, and gets pulled for Howell's debut and Sam does well -- we're laying the groundwork for at least another 500 pages! Wishing you all a very happy "ES"-Like 2023 off-season. ....And you all know how Washington always wants an exciting off-season

I was so P.O.'d about "DePerv" Watson being able to 'prance' on our defense on his way out of bounds. It's already irritating this P.o.S. is even in the league and then worsened by the fact that 'DePerv' feels he can start strutting on Washington? With this level of irritation, I am sorely tempted to break my long-time vow to never wish an injury on a player. But at this point I'm really hoping that, somehow, Karma winds up kicking 'DePerv' Watson in the nuts. This guy is scum!

Sorry, I got tired of the Anti-Cousins dialog, especially when the Vikings put up more points in last half of the game, than the TH-led Washington team mustered up in 2 games. But I agree, its really not relevant to this thread; so I'll not stoke the fires any further.

Sorry to correct an eminent ES'er who I very much respect -- but I think you meant Smith, not Cousins.

Honestly, I was glad for Cousins when he finally was able to escape Snyder/Allen. He's a decent, but probably not elite, QB and apparently a really decent person off the field. Maybe that's why I'm amazed about all the negative posts about Cousins-- such as crowing over all the sacks he takes behind a poor O-Line while trying to pass on 3rd &17's in order to keep pace (or catch up) with what the Vike's rebuilding defense is giving up -- or why he can't pluck victory from the jaws of defeat each time the Vikings are trailing in the 4th quarter. So, I'm glad for those times when he can prove his doubters wrong, about not being able to mount a comeback win, or pull out a win in the final moments of a game. Yesterday, will be a historical rebuttal of that complaint -- and yet, I know some folks are still going to try to.nibble away at that accomplishment, because of things ranging from Cousins salary to.his record with the Redskins. SMH Meanwhile, I'm shocked how these folks going after Cousins' salary, etc., are so quiet when it comes to Deshaun ("DePerv") Watson considering the salary he's getting from the Browns. Performance aside, "DePerv" Watson is a creep and shouldn't even be in the NFL, much less being awarded with mega-million contract, and I remember folks wanting Washington to do whatever it took to sign him! IMHO, If folks want to go against Snyder for these kinds of things, then they stay consistent about this measuring stick when it comes to "DePerv" Watson.Nope, nothing is being said bout "DePerv", because some folks would prefer to continue to grind on Cousins' inability to win every game behind a sub-par O-line, a bend-and-often-break defense, and shaky special teams group. (Heck, while in Washington,Cousins had the same problems as Aaron Rodgers is struggling with now --a Joe Barry defense. So should we grind on A-Rod too?) Bottom Line: I'm not a Vikings fan, and don't care how far they go into the playoffs. But, like him or not, Cousins is a competitive, NFL-level starting QB, with no significant character concerns, and he deserves some recognition for what he's been able to do. And if folks want to continue to harp on him not performing to the expectations of his contract -- maybe instead they need to focus their criticism more on Wilson, Murray, DePerv, etc. ( Heck. maybe folks should reflect on why Watson is even in the NFL, when it's supposedly trying to clean up its act.)

I'm okay with Young being out -- but hopefully he'll remember Rivera's considerate approach when it comes time for his contract's extension. (That's assuming Washington sees something that makes a case for extending him.)