SonnySideUp

I am perfectly content to let them take as much time as he needs to recover fully and not rush him back. I also firmly believe that when he does return, he will duplicate Clinton Portis's first regular season game with the Commanders i.e., he got the ball on the first play from scrimmage in the game and took it right straight into the end zone. Well, we can always hope. It was such a great start to a great NFL career in Washington for Portis and I'm hoping for the same for B Rob.

First and foremost, while we all hope B Rob can recover fully and be the back we saw in camp and pre-season again, it's much more important that he pulls through this mess wtihout complications, heals completely and gets back to being the man and person his family and friends have already known for years. We all hope that he will be able to resume his same career track eventually but there will be time for that later. Right now, nothing but prayers and best wishes go out from me to him, his family and teammmates and job one for him now is to take care of himself at the moment and get better. The Commanders have a pretty good certain ex-Commander who goes by the name of one Alex Smith who I am sure is just a phone call or a visit away if B Rob would like some personal inspiration and coaching on just how you go about turning shi**y situations back into victories. Hopefully B Rob's injuries are no where near as severe as Alex's was but it certainly can't hurt to have someone of Alex's skill, stature and experience showing him how to kick ass when it comes to recoverying from serious inujuries. For that matter, B Rob strikes me as the kind of guy who may not even need any inspiration from Alex about how to do that. One last point....which is about car jackings. They have increased dramatically over the past few years since auto makers have been substantially improving anti-theft devices and as a resort, more thief's have had to resort to car jackings instead. Quite often, these Einsteins attempt to jack a car only to discover that they are too stupid to be able to drive it (because they can't drive stick shifts). Here is an example of one particular rocket scientist figuring this all out. I don't know if that was the case in Brian's incident however. I think the circumstances might have been different in his case.

First of all, he's a brand new face on a team that's had catastrophe after disaster after meltdown after misfire after just plain mediocrity at the QB position for many years now. Also, that team has a history of unsuccessful drafts at QB position (and many other positions for that matter), no matter how bright the prospect looked. So here comes a guy who looked all pre-draft like a guy who was clearly a 2nd rounder with even a good shot at 1st round and we end up picking him up in the 5th round.....and he comes into his first NFL game and he doesn't suck! Yes, it was only one game and a pre-season one at that and yes, he was playing the 3rd team defense (but he only had our 3rd team offense as well) yet he brought the team back from a 2 TD deficit at the top of the 4Q to a lead that would have won the game if the D had held for him. He could end up making the FO look guilty of thievery by drafting him so low. The point is, everyone here always hopes that the Commanders finally hit on a guy in the draft who can finally be their long time answer at QB, bring some stability to the position and possibly even be a franchise QB some day. People in this forum and elsewhere as well as the team FO have agonized for years on who that person should be and how we could best acquire him. Now we finally have a real, live, legitimate breathing specimen who seems possibly to have major upside in that position and we can all study what we finally have. If he can keep this up. Doesn't mean that he will be the next Brady, Rodgers or Wilson some day, he might even suck totally next game (although I suspect he won't). He just didn't burst that bubble, he.....just....didn't...suck today and that's why so many people liked what they saw from him today. He is a fresh face at what has been a stale position for this team. He is not a re-tread or hand me down or trade from another team. Let's see what he can do. Regarding only 3 good throws, I realize that more good throws is always better but one could say he didn't need more than the 3 today because he produced the two touchdowns that put the team in the lead by running them himself. The above is just my own .02 cents.

https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/commanders/who-stood-out-and-who-struggled-commanders-offseason-practices Those who stood out Jahan Dotson With no Terry McLaurin in the mix, Dotson emerged as Carson Wentz's favorite target. Actually, that may not be enough emphasis. With no Terry McLaurin in the mix, Dotson emerged as Carson Wentz's FAVORITE TARGET. There, that's better. When Washington drafted Dotson at pick No. 16 in the NFL Draft, some — including the person writing this story — worried that it wasn't the best possible outcome for a club that could've instead ended up with receiver Jameson Williams or safety Kyle Hamilton at No. 11. How Dotson has looked thus far is easing those concerns. With the acknowledgment that Dotson will cede plenty of catches to McLaurin when he returns (Logan Thomas, when healthy, will be a factor, too), the Penn State rookie was a force at OTAs and minicamp thanks to his polish and duct tape-like hands. He just seems so professional already.

>>Dwayne Haskins’ widow releases statement Posted by Charean Williams on May 23, 2022, 7:03 PM EDT Getty Images After the Broward County Medical Examiner released the finding that Dwayne Haskins’ death was accidental, Haskins’ widow issued a statement. “Dwayne Haskins Jr. was tragically killed on April, 9, 2022,” Kalabrya Haskins said in a statement released by attorney Rick Ellsley. “He was a loving and dedicated husband, a son, and a brother. He wanted to be a father and eventually a grandfather. He was a humanitarian who loved children and animals. “As a young man, Dwayne was a nationally recognized scholar-athlete while in high school in Maryland. Dwayne was a record-breaking quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was an All-Big Ten academic student-athlete. Dwayne was the MVP at the Big Ten Championship. He was MVP at the Rose Bowl. He was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Dwayne was the 15th overall pick at the 2019 NFL draft for Washington. “When he passed away, he was a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and he was loved by his coaches and teammates. “Dwayne Haskins was all these things and so much more. “On behalf of Dwayne’s wife, his family, and his memory, and on behalf of the truth, we respectfully request and pray for privacy, for patience, and for the public to withhold any judgment during this period while the law enforcement authorities continue to investigate and conduct their important work.” Haskins was struck by a dump truck on Interstate 595 on April 9. According to a toxicology report, Haskins had alcohol levels of .20 and .24 on separate samples taken from his body, which are above the legal limit in Florida of .08.<< https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/05/23/dwayne-haskins-widow-releases-statement/

He reminds me of James Thrash.

Ron inherited a team with so many holes, he pretty much has had no choice.

I guess that must be the reason I never got any phone calls from the FO asking me who they should choose for the next pick.

I don't think this has been posted here yet. I'm comfortable with Dotson. It's nice to have 2 additional picks when we started with the 3rd fewest picks in a draft that's the deepest in a while. Frankly, I wouldn't mind if they traded down again and picked up even more picks.

LaVar is only just now figuring out Snyder is a problem? https://www.si.com/nfl/washingtonfootball/news/washington-commanders-lavar-arrington-daniel-snyder-apology-update#gid=ci029eb09d20002650&pid=dan-snyder-roger-goodell >>Arrington spoke about Snyder and questioned why all of this is just now being made public, and why Snyder is being targeted by the NFL. “I’m just wondering why now is it such an intensified approach or focus on Daniel Snyder,” he said. “I feel like there’s something there.”<<

Such a sad and awful shock. RIP Dwayne.

Awful news. RIP to Dwayne and condolences and comfort for his family and loved ones.

NFL QB's right and left will now be going out and assaulting 22 women each in hopes of getting a contract just as good.

I'm not that upset with this move as long as they draft a QB this year as well. I have to believe that's the plan. Any QB drafted this year save for one or maybe two was going to have to stay on the bench for his first season anyway (especially if it's Willis). They needed a vet as a stop gap for any drafted QB and the price wasn't that high for Wentz. Their options for vets have been dwindling fast too, particularly now that Rodgers is off the market (that means Denver and Pittsburgh have a greater need for a QB now as well).

Ron seems pretty high on Willis. Compares him to Cam Newton in his prime. This is the solution I like best (Ridder is quickly growing on me however) but I think Willis may very well be gone by #11. If so, do you move up for him? I think you will have to if you want Willis. Detroit, Texans, Carolina, Denver and Atlanta all pick ahead of #11 and all of them need (or at least *want* QB's). Then there are teams like Pittsburgh and New Orleans who may try to move up to get in line before #11. Obviously not all of those teams will be picking QB's in the first round. On the other hand, FWIW Kyle Stockpole at CBS said that the QB performances at the combine were so impressive that he predicts 5 QB's will be picked by #32. In his mock draft, he now has Carolina picking Pickett at #6, Denver picking Willis at #9 (if they haven't gotten Rodgers by then), Washington picking Ridder at #11, Pittsburgh picking Corrall at #20 and Detroit picking Howell at #32. It would certainly help Washington if Rodgers went to Denver because that would eliminate one QB needy team ahead of us in the draft order. He has now said he would only play for Pittsburgh, Tennessee or Denver if he leaves GB. I think that either Malik Willis or Desmond Ridder will be Washington's next young (and hopefully, franchise) QB (along with a vet like Trubisky or Mariota to carry the load till the drafted QB gets up to speed). *IF* Ron truly sees Willis as another Cam Newton in his prime, it's gonna be Willis. Ron will absolutely make it happen and trade up if he has to. Washington is starting to quickly run out of plays for a new, decent QB let alone a high quality one. I have added the blurbs on Willis and Ridder from the CBS mock draft below. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2022-nfl-mock-draft-five-quarterbacks-go-in-first-round-as-nfl-combine-performances-boost-stock-of-prospects/ >>2022 NFL Mock Draft: Five quarterbacks go in first round as NFL combine performances boost stock of prospects Quarterback mania is at an all-time high in the NFL, and it's not going away any time soon<< Malik Willis QB Liberty • Jr • 6'1" / 215 lbs Projected Team Denver PROSPECT RNK 12th POSITION RNK 2nd He's not there yet, but it wouldn't be surprising if Willis ended the draft process as the consensus top quarterback prospect. His physical traits are undeniable, and there have been numerous reports about him blowing teams away with his football intelligence during interviews. He's not ready to start right away, but the Broncos get an exciting talent who could end up being better than all of this year's free agent quarterbacks. Desmond Ridder QB Cincinnati • Sr • 6'4" / 215 lbs Projected Team Washington PROSPECT RNK 55th POSITION RNK 5th Washington has reportedly contacted every team about quarterback availability, but the reality is that the biggest names don't look like they'll be traded and the free agent class is mostly uninspiring. Ridder is a proven leader and winner who just dominated the testing portion of the NFL combine and can orchestrate an offense with the right pieces around him. He'd endear himself to Ron Rivera and the coaching staff quickly.<< https://washingtonfootballwire.usatoday.com/2022/03/05/ron-rivera-compares-malik-willis-to-cam-newton-washington-commanders-2022-nfl-draft/?itm_source=parsely-api The Washington Commanders are busy looking for a quarterback at this week’s NFL combine. Washington’s pursuit of Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson ended this week when the Seahawks reportedly turned down the Commanders’ offer of “multiple” first-round picks. While not landing Wilson or Aaron Rodgers is undoubtedly disappointing for Rivera, he knew entering the offseason it would be difficult to pry Wilson or Rodgers away from their respective teams. One, the player must want to come to Washington. Secondly, why would you trade an elite passer unless the relationship was untenable? That means Washington is likely to sign a veteran in free agency and look toward the 2022 NFL draft for its future quarterback. There is always Deshaun Watson, but his legal issues present a problem for Washington. As for Jimmy Garoppolo, no thanks. Rivera and Washington have met with multiple questions at this week’s NFL combine. Sure, the meetings are short, but it gives you enough time to get a feel for the player and use one of your pre-draft visits on him. One quarterback linked to Washington frequently is Liberty’s Malik Willis. Willis put on a show in passing drills and also made an impression off the field. But it was during his interviews that he stood out the most. In an interview with Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, Rivera raved about his chat with Willis, bringing up the franchise quarterback he coached for nine years. “Malik wanted to stand up when we put on the tape and look and point,” Rivera said. “You could see how animated he got: ‘Watch me use my eyes. Watch me use my eyes!’ Even though he’s raw, you know he understands the concepts. And when I saw that, it reminded me of Cam Newton because that’s one thing — Cam understood the concepts.” Willis makes sense for Washington, especially if the Commanders sign a veteran. Most analysts believe Willis should “redshirt” his rookie season. However, if you draft him, why not tailor your playbook to him? Rivera clearly likes Willis, and if you’re looking for the quarterback with the highest upside, then Willis should be your guy.<<

Wow. This is interesting. According to SI, Odds makers now have Watson to Washington. 3 first rounders and maybe Chase Young gets it done. I don't know that I have much confidence in this prediction, but who knows? Ron has said that they are willing to go all in and pay a big price for a franchise QB but I have to believe that this wouldn't happen without them being pretty certain about his legal issues and playing status. https://www.si.com/nfl/washingtonfootball/news/washington-commanders-trade-deshaun-watson-houston-texans-odds-aaron-rodgers >>According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Washington Commanders (+300) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+350) are the two odds favorites to land Watson in 2022.<<

Here's an interesting prediction...Ridder at #2 for Detroit. There's some film on his 2021 games below. I'm not sure about him. He looks pretty inconsistent to me and I don't see him at #2. https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2022/02/15/2022-nfl-mock-draft-detroit-lions-desmond-ridder-the-ringer/ >>It’s the selection at No. 32 overall, the one acquired from the Rams, where Kelly steps in a new direction. His projection for Detroit’s second selection is Cincinnati QB Desmond Ridder. Not many mocks have projected Ridder to the Lions, and he’s usually on the board for Detroit at both 32 and 34 (when mocks extend to the second round). Ridder is a worthy gamble at this spot for the Lions. He may need some time to acclimate to the NFL after playing against inferior competition at Cincinnati, but with Jared Goff under contract for 2022, Detroit can bring their rookie quarterback along slowly. Ridder has all the tools to develop into a franchise quarterback. Ridder had an up-and-down week during Senior Bowl practices while playing for the National team, coached by the New York Jets. He does have intriguing upside and athletic tools and is a proven winner for the Bearcats, so traveling up I-75 a couple hundred miles is not such a bad idea...<< https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2022-nfl-draft-prospects-desmond-ridder-cincinnati-film-room-highlights-video/

Adding Murray to the mix becomes an interesting prospect but if he becomes available, the price will be too high for Washington. There are just too many teams chasing way too few QB's this year and too many better options than Washington for QB's who are any good. https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2022/02/09/kyler-murray-trade-speculation-arizona-cardinals-runs-rampant/6722564001/

I'm surprised at the number of people who want to go after Wentz. If you are willing to give up anything at all to take a chance on him (with an out after one year), given the rest of the (not good) choices shaping up now you are better off sticking with TH for that year (a known quantity), drafting Pickett or Willis at 11 and having a QB competition during the summer. Wentz has been a bust at two teams now.

I can hardly believe that we've actually reached the point where it's now being talked about in public. Here's what it looks like in print. I guess Dan's attempt at a new, younger, hipper look isn't working as well as he'd hoped. Interesting how the second pic below looks like a perp walk. >>Mike Florio confirms Junkies report that Beth Wilkinson suggested Dan Snyder sell the team; Owners could be ready to push him out The bombshell that the Junkies reported was that Wilkinson had suggested that Dan Snyder be forced to divest his interest in the team. This was reportedly due to his interference in the investigation, and the workplace violations that had happened under his watch for years. The written report was never released. or even submitted if you believe the NFL. Details of the findings were also never released due to an agreement that reportedly allowed either side to control what is made available to the public or other entities like Congress. The Congressional Committee on Oversight and Reform has been trying to investigate Snyder and the Washington franchise further, but is reportedly being stalled by Washington’s refusal to turn over 109,000 documents due to attorney/client privilege. When they held a roundtable over a week ago, a new accuser emerged. Tiffani Johnston accused Dan Snyder of inappropriate behavior that wasn’t previously reported. Her accusations were immediately called “outright lies” by Snyder’s attorney. Snyder then decided to open up a new “independent” investigation into Tiffany Johnston’s accusations. This was done without consulting the NFL, and they swiftly said they would once again be taking over the investigation. Roger Goodell said that teams can’t investigate themselves. There has been no word on who will be running the NFL’s investigation. That brings us back to Mike Florio’s report that came out today. He was speaking on a Super Bowl pregame show, and confirmed the Junkies report from last year. Beth Wilkinson suggested that Dan Snyder be forced to sell the Washington Commanders. He also said, and later wrote about, a growing frustration among other NFL owners. As one ownership-level source recently put it, the Johnston allegations could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back for the league, prompting Snyder’s partners to take steps to push him out. https://www.hogshaven.com/2022/2/13/22932149/mike-florio-confirms-junkies-report-beth-wilkinson-dan-snyder-sell-team-owners-ready-push-him-out

It wouldn't surprise me if another reason the NFL may be starting to distance themselves from Washington is because they now have the Brian Flores/Giants mess to contend with as well. That may be motivating them to try and clean some things up some and get their house in a little better shape. Especially now that Congress has gotten involved too.

Do you include Chase Young in the offer for Wilson if necessary? I think you have to. The pickings are quickly becoming slimmer now that TB also needs a QB and Rodgers is apparently a lock for Denver (if he goes anywhere at all). Willis is apparently impressing Detroit more and more and they have the #2 pick. Bleacher Report has Willis pegged as a 3rd rounder but he is apparently impressing more and more teams. They say he has the most potential upside though and could eventually become like Josh Wilson, starting slow but eventually becoming top flight. The problem is, I don't know if this team has the capability of developing a draft pick that needs work into a really good QB the way many other teams have been able to. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2952630-malik-willis-is-nfl-drafts-most-polarizing-qb-prospect-in-weak-class

Florio is going after Snyder and Goodell hard now. As far as the first link goes, all I can say is "wow". Florio is convinced that the NFL is hiding something regarding the Commanders that is "gigantic". https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/02/03/nfl-contends-tiffani-johnstons-allegations-against-daniel-snyder-are-new/ .https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/02/04/amid-claims-of-lies-and-deceit-by-roger-goodell-nfl-says-it-will-review-and-respond-to-new-letter-from-congress/

Dear God, please make Snyder sell and make this happen. If Bezos ends up buying the Broncos, Tom Brady as owner of this franchise instead of Snyder would be incredible! https://www.nbcsports.com/video/tom-bradys-next-step-could-be-owning-nfl-team-becoming-oligarch?ls=pftvod

Now that the Raiders have moved, FEDEX is officially the worst stadium in the NFL https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/01/04/jalen-hurts-seeks-answers-about-fedex-field-railing-collapse/