CommanderInTheRye

Here's the full 8 minute interview with Coleman's college head coach...

Rather than grading our 2024 draft which at best would be just a wild guess, this guy goes back and grades our 2021 draft with the benefit of hindsight. Probably one of the worst NFL drafts in the last 10 years. No wonder AP and DQ are just tossing jokers out the back door. Can’t really argue with any of his grades. Guess who gets an F- Home Sports NFL Re-Grading Washington’s 2021 Draft by Ryan Cooley May 8, 2024 https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/lists/how-did-washington-commanders-2021-nfl-draft-class-grade/ MandeBy: Ryan Cooley *All stats/grades are via PFF I am sure everyone has seen about 50 different “grades” for the Washington Commanders 2024 draft. I am not a fan of grading drafts right out of the gate because no one has a clue how those picks will turn out. After last year’s drafts, I decided to go back and grade their one from 2020. I feel three years is a good timetable to see how an organization’s draft went. So, I am doing that again for the 2021 draft. Jamin Davis (round 1, pick 19): C- I could go with a lower grade here, but I think that would be a bit harsh on Jamin Davis. He has taken the steps on the field that you would want to see from a developmental LB. However, that doesn’t excuse taking a developmental LB 19th overall. The low grade is more of a reflection of the decision to take someone like Davis in the 1st round. Davis only started 11 games in college. Yes, you read that right. The last regime thought a LB with only 11 starts in college would come in and play at a high level in his first two years. As I mentioned, Davis has improved each year. He has taken strides when it comes to run defense. In his rookie year, he only managed a run defense grade of 48.6 (43rd) and a missed tackle rate of 14.3% (54th). In 2023, he posted a 76.1 (19th) run defense grade and only a missed tackle rate of 5.6% (4th). Sam Cosmi (round 2, pick 51): A Cosmi will likely go down as the best pick from the Rivera era. He spent his first two years at RT where he played well, but struggled with consistency and injuries. He took a big leap when he moved to RG in 2023. He had some ups and downs to start the year but played like a man possessed from week 11 on. In those 7 games, he managed both the highest pass-blocking grade (88.3) and the highest run-blocking grade (88.1) among all guards. I have the utmost confidence that he can be a top-five guard in the NFL if he can stay healthy. Benjamin St-Juste (round 3, pick 74): C St-Juste has had so many highs and lows in his first three seasons. In just 2023, he had three games with an 80+ grade. However, he also had three games with a grade of 45 or lower. Coming out of Minnesota, St-Juste’s physical tools (specifically his massive wingspan) were intriguing. Many believed he could be a high-end CB with enough reps and development. Unfortunately, he has not taken the steps everyone had hoped. There is a possibility with better coaching, he could improve in 2024. Dyami Brown (round 3, pick 82): F We see a ton of success from day two receivers, but not so much from Brown. Dyami was projected to be a 2nd rounder by some. He ended up falling to Washington at pick 82. Since then, he has only managed 476 yards and 3 TDs on 29 receptions in three seasons. I thought with Howell becoming the starter in 2023 that there was a possibility their connection from college could be revived. That obviously did not happen. John Bates (round 4, pick 124): D Bates looked like a solid pick after his rookie season. He posted an impressive 87.6 run-blocking grade (1st) in 2021. However, he has failed to recapture that dominance in the past two seasons, only managing a run-blocking grade of 65 and 60. Bates has had little impact in the passing game as well. He has failed to reach even 200 receiving yards in either of the past two seasons. With the signing of Ertz and the selection of Sinnott in round 2, there is a strong chance Bates won’t make the team in 2024. Darrick Forrest (round 5, pick 163): B Many loved the Forrest selection and viewed him as a steal in the 5th round. After impressing in his sophomore season, there were hopes he could the next step up. Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured shoulder in week 5 and missed the rest of the year. With so much turnover this offseason, his spot at FS is not guaranteed. However, I believe he will win the starting job. Camaron Cheeseman (round 6, pick 225): F- I’m aware there isn’t a grade lower than an F, but this pick was so bad that I had to slap on the minus. I honestly can’t think of a pick that better represents the last front office. Not only did they draft a long snapper, BUT THEY TRADED UP FOR ONE! Now if you think that is bad enough, it’s not, because that long snapper quite literally could not long snap. . To make matters worse, the very next pick was Trey Smith. Smith has been the Chiefs starting RG all three years and has yet to have a season with a blocking grade lower than 72. William Bradley-King (round7pick 240) :D It might be a harsh grade for someone taken 240th, but there were hopes that he could be a good depth piece for Washington. Instead, Bradley-King barely played for the burgundy and gold and was with the Patriots in 2023. In 2021, he was on the field for 59 snaps and posted a 40.4 overall grade. In 2022, he played even fewer snaps at 24 and only mustered a 33.7 grade. Shaka Toney (round 7, pick 246): F I initially liked the Toney pick and believed out of the two Edges taken in the 7th round, he had the most potential. Instead, he thought it would be a stupendous idea to bet on NFL games. This led to a year-long suspension. Shortly after being reinstated into the league, Adam Peters cut Toney from the team. I believe he has potential, but he will need a team to give him another chance. Dax Milne (round 7, pick 258): C+ Milne has not been a fan favorite, but I still think he has done well for being the 258th pick. On offense, he has barely played, only catching 15 balls in three seasons. He instead was the primary returner in 2022. This is where most of the negativity surrounding Milne has spawned. Fans got tired of seeing his fair catches with no explosive returns. Though, I believe Milne was much better than people gave him credit for. That being said, Crowder did very well with return duties in 2023 and I expect him to be the favorite going into 2024. Overall: D Sam Cosmi is the main reason this draft didn’t receive an F. He is the only player out of 10 picks who is a guaranteed starter in 2024. I believe Davis and Forrest are decent pieces, but they don’t move the needle enough. The last regime is gone, so I don’t want to harp on them too much. So, the only thing I will say is that I couldn’t be happier Adam Peters is in charge now. . .

Short vid on how LSU incorporated Cognilize VR training into regular practice sessions with Daniels... .

Here's the remainder of the article partially posted above... What’s next for Daniels? Before LSU’s matchup with Missouri Kelly approached Daniels on Faurot Field. Kelly thought he’d offer a few reminders for the day that would become part of the lore amid a historic season. Kelly mentioned to Daniels that he made sure he knew where the play clocks were. Without hesitation, Daniels swiveled around. “Coach, there’s one here,” he said, pointing. “And then there’s one here.” Kelly was aware of the technology but still wondered how Daniels had already been so on top of it. Kelly mentioned the moment later on to Marucci, who shared details about the in-stadium replica that included details like the location of the play clock. “You know,” Kelly said, “it all makes sense now.” The depth of what Krakau and Hartmann built out on a whim wowed many of LSU’s coaches. They knew Daniels had taken to the technology behind the scenes, and they trusted Marucci and Macaluso to fuse it into open pockets of the weekly schedule during the season. The coaches also heeded Kelly’s belief that a scientific approach is important to measuring and improving. That Daniels enjoyed the exercise only furthered the coaches’ willingness to do something non-traditional. “It kind of put him in a visualization,” Sloan said. “I think it’s just about making decisions. Make a decision. Make a decision. Make a decision. It was an opportunity to sit there and make a lot of decisions in a short amount of time, and you’re not sweating. It’s huge.” Before LSU’s final game against Texas A&M, Marucci met Daniels in one of the offices before a “Cognilize” session. “Look Jayden,” Marucci said, “You don’t have to make me feel better. I know you’ve done a lot with this. How much has this helped you with scanning the field? How much does this really impact the way you’re seeing it?” Marucci’s hope was that Daniels’ response would be at least 5 percent. If we can get 5 percent more for a quarterback out of this, he thought, we’re doing pretty good. Daniels pondered for a few seconds, then responded. “Seventy-five to 80 percent,” Daniels said. That level of praise already has Marucci, Krakau and Hartmann considering what’s next. They’ve discussed the possibility of creating a viewpoint for linebackers. They’ve talked about establishing exact biomechanical movements of players by motion-capturing LSU’s specific roster and using the data points from those motion captures within the technology. Krakau and Hartmann have started to pursue some of these possibilities. Sleep remains secondary. They do, however, have plans to stop their work for a brief time in the early Sunday morning hours in Giessen. A notable trophy presentation is scheduled in New York City. They will be watching nervously in support of a quarterback who made a massive leap, a quarterback who saw the vision for what they believed their product could provide. .

Absolutely amazing article on Daniels quantum leap last year after using the VR system. I know it's long but trust this old man-- it's really worth the effort. If nothing else just read the bolded parts lol. XXX The headsets crackled, and Brian Kelly’s voice sliced through the static. “We’re going for this,” he said. LSU faced a fourth-and-7 situation early in the second quarter of an early September game against Mississippi State. The Tigers already possessed a 10-point lead. This was not so much a dice roll for the head coach as it was a heat check. Keep the ball in Jayden Daniels’ hands, and allow the quarterback to blossom in an arena of clattering cowbells. Joe Sloan, LSU’s quarterbacks coach, listened to the play call from his seat in the press box, then leaned forward in his chair and focused on Daniels. From the shotgun, Daniels received the snap and shuffled backward a few steps. Sloan noticed Daniels’ eyes, first scanning the middle of the field, then moving swiftly to the right. As Mississippi State’s pass rushers besieged him, Daniels acted quickly and launched a deep ball down the right sideline. Sloan’s eyes followed the football, which dropped perfectly into the hands of wide receiver Malik Nabers at the front pylon for a touchdown. The sideline erupted. The fans at Davis Wade Stadium seemed shocked. Sloan high-fived his coaching counterparts, sat down in his seat, turned to one of LSU’s other staffers in the box and mouthed the word: “Whoa.” Few descriptors are more apt for what Daniels would ultimately accomplish in 2023. Among 131 FBS quarterbacks who have attempted 150 passes this season, Daniels leads in passing efficiency, yards per attempt, expected points added per dropback and completions of 20 yards or more, per TruMedia. He’s poised to set the single-season FBS record for passing efficiency, and, by the way, he leads all quarterbacks in rushing yards. Treating play in the Southeastern Conference like he’s on rookie mode in a video game is why Daniels is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, which will be presented Saturday night. “He’s always been a fine thrower,” Sloan said this week, “but he went from being an above-average high-level college thrower to the best passer in the country. It was really cool to watch.” Daniels’ development is not random nor difficult to spot for evaluators. Jack Marucci, LSU’s director of performance innovation, said an NFL staffer told him recently: “It looks like he’s throwing to a spot more.” Improved pass protection played a role in Daniels’ willingness to trust his progressions. So, too, did having potential first-rounders like Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. at wide receiver. But there is another layer to his growth, one that involves an iPad, a virtual reality headset, and a platform built by two folks in Germany who had a vision for a better way to help athletes make split-second decisions. “Listening to him gives us a great feeling that this tool,” Marucci said, “is something that’s made him better.” A ‘flight simulator for quarterbacking’ In March, business partners Verena Krakau and Christian Hartmann flew from Giessen, Germany, located about an hour north of Frankfurt, to Baton Rouge, La. This was not the first time they’d been to the United States, nor the first time they’d shown their technology to high-level college football programs. In the year prior, they’d visited elite high schools on the West Coast. They’d also placed their technology in front of coaches and quarterbacks at the college and NFL level. Most of the time, the coaches and quarterbacks reacted similarly. They’d strap on the virtual reality headset and be transported into an on-field setting from the perspective of the quarterback. Players around them would not move robotically (a criticism of much VR tech) but realistically. Colors matched the real colors of a stadium. The action moved as fast as live football, if not faster, and simulated real action. Krakau and Hartmann sought feedback. Their company, Cognilize, was founded in 2019 and spawned with the idea that elite soccer players could increase reps without needing to be on a field with 21 other players. Hartmann, who coached youth teams for FC Giessen, did not think three or four practices a week were enough to maximize what a player could become. Studying the intricacies of neuroscience and biomechanics shaped his perspective: If he could not address improvement in regions of players’ brains, his coaching could only offer so much impact. Alongside Krakau, whom he’d known since high school, Hartmann pursued an answer to the following question: How could they present information to athletes’ brains that the brain would treat as if it is real practice? They settled on building an artificially intelligent platform that can be funneled to the athlete through a virtual reality headset. “It’s really about how we can control an environment to bring the athlete in the best practice situation possible,” Hartmann said. Krakau added: “We created everything with real biomechanics movements. It’s not just like Madden where people are moving around more robotically.” Both had taken to American football, and a deeper dive into the sport crystallized the complexity of playing quarterback. Playing the position requires the human being to make multiple tens of decisions in fewer than three seconds. Replicating that realistically without the physicality and strain was a gap they believed they could fill — in essence, a flight simulator for quarterbacking. Throughout 2021 and ‘22, Hartmann and Krakau connected with numerous coaches in America. One of them was Greg Studrawa, who coached the offensive line at LSU from 2007-13, and who informed Marucci about what he’d seen. Marucci invited them to LSU. Before he viewed a demo of their product, they relayed their backstory, mentioning neuroscience, decision-making processes and cognitive performance. Marucci marveled at their willingness to learn. Then he and others strapped on the headset and were thrust into the world they’d created. “I was actually blown away,” Mario Macaluso, an LSU analyst, said of the demo. When Sloan tried on the headset, he thought: This feels real. Like you’re inside of an amazing video game. He suggested some tweaks. What if they altered the splits between the linemen? What if they added the opposing teams’ stadiums? Krakau and Hartmann scribbled these suggestions on a whiteboard. At the end of their afternoon-long session, Marucci began to ask when Krakau and Hartmann planned to return to Giessen. “He was, like, ‘We don’t want you guys to leave,’” Macaluso said. “‘We wanted to help build out this product.’” This time, the LSU staffers’ reactions resulted in a full-on partnership. As coaches prepared for the season, Marucci and Macaluso essentially transformed their roles into the beta testers for a new player development tool. ‘Man, he looks different’: Programming plays to play clocks Daniels first used the technology in the leadup to LSU’s game at Mississippi State. He had been invited into the initial session and he’d told Marucci that he’d be willing to use Cognilize’s platform as a preparation device in addition to his weekly film study and walkthrough. Now, here he was, crouched down into a quarterback position with a headset wrapped around his face. In the months between their first meeting and this first session, Krakau and Hartmann worked with LSU to add thousands of details. LSU educated them on different coverages and sent them their plays, and Krakau and Hartmann adapted their product so that players moved fluidly the same way they would on the field. Macaluso recalled Krakau and Hartmann’s conversation informing him and Marucci that they hadn’t slept in 36 hours because they’d been working tirelessly on changes. “They would’ve spent every moment trying to get it up and running,” Marucci said. “It’s like anything. They have a love for it. When you have a passion for something, it makes the work that much more rewarding.” The result was this scene days before the matchup with Mississippi State: Daniels wearing the headset, and Macaluso holding an iPad. Macaluso pressed a specific play on the iPad, then said it aloud to Daniels: “Tree Right Hug Y Swift Iowa Cold Flash Z Stop.” Macaluso then selected a specific defense but did not inform Daniels of the defense he picked so he would have to react to coverage movement in real time. Daniels received the snap (virtually), and the technology forced him to read out the plan in 1.7 seconds — faster than game speed. The effect, tying back to Hartmann’s neuroscience study, is similar to a baseball player throwing a different-sized ball to train different movement patterns. Daniels went through this process for each play on LSU’s callsheet for that week and told Marucci and Macaluso that he enjoyed the process. That weekend, he converted the fourth-and-7 touchdown to Nabers and finished 30 of 34 for 361 yards and two touchdowns. After the game, one LSU staffer told Marucci: “Man, he looks different.” Marucci knows quarterback play is contingent on a boatload of factors, but Daniels visited him after the game and said: “I love this thing. I need to do more of it.” Marucci texted Daniels’ comments to Krakau and Hartmann, who watched the game in the evening in Giessen. “We went crazy,” Krakau said. “We never expected anything. We never thought he’d say something like our product made him better. We just thought that we could find a little way to contribute to everything this guy has to do playing quarterback.” Daniels ramped up his usage of the technology to three times a week as the 2023 season progressed. Each week, Macaluso sent Krakau and Hartmann the call sheet, numerical data and film examples of LSU’s concepts, as well as examples of that week’s defense. Krakau and Hartmann added in the different stadiums with details down to the black and gold at Memorial Stadium in Columbia, Missouri, to the exact spot where the play clock would be located so that Daniels would not have to acclimate himself to it for the first time when he arrived. Ahead of the Ole Miss matchup, Krakau and Hartmann added an option to change the Rebels’ jersey color to the four different combinations that Ole Miss would most likely use. Some weeks, Daniels would spot new intricacies randomly. Once, while trying to progress through a read, he blurted out: “Oh my! This dude at cornerback just pressed up to the receiver right there.” He, Macaluso and Marucci came to find out that in Hartmann’s spare time, when he was not implementing nearly 800 LSU offensive plays into the system, he was watching coaches’ clinics on YouTubes of defensive back fundamentals and adding them as random easter eggs that pop up the way different techniques would on Saturdays. “You need to understand what the quarterback is supposed to do (to make it realistic),” Hartmann said. “If you have the play, and the defense is running Cover 4, and the safety is in conflict, (how he moves) may be dependent on maybe the seam route or the dig route.” A few weeks ago, Marucci joked with Hartmann that he and Krakau had learned so much about football in less than a year that he could become the reverse Ted Lasso. <snip> --Got to head out now. If interested will post rest later. .

Check these links out if you haven't already. I'm still going through stuff. This is enthralling, cutting edge material. Harris's business is taking over companies on the verge of hitting the big time. Man if I were him I'd be all over this ****. This is not just the future of football-- it's the future of quite possibly every human endeavor. That may sound like hyperbole, but so was the computer when people first started talking about their future utility shortly after wwii. Great video here talking about Daniels using this revolutionary system...

Damn! I was hoping we were finally on the brink of discovering a practical working orgasmatron for the common man (and woman). lol Tt Born 20 years too late! .

Does the Pimax 8k system feel (almost) real? Whatever system Jayden was talking about it was clear that he was blown away by how close to reality it apoeared. .

Interesting behind the scenes "take"... Apparently, after the Top Golf event JD taught Quinn his secret, eyes only, fast attack dap and Quinn told him on the ride to the airport, "Next time I see you it will be after the draft. Can't tell you who we're picking as AP's a stickler about that, but let's just say-- I'll practice dapping up this week because you're my guy!" Then last week after the draft JD5 showed up to Commanders Park smiling with his hat on straight and pointed forward. When he met up with his new buddy DQ they hugged and elaborately dapped it up super fast and furious. Then they both spontaneously broke out laughing and hugged it out super tight while miving side to side along with plenty of back slaps aand loud popping hand stinging high fives. Then Quinn looked at Jayden shook his head with disapproval and said, "Kid you in the pros now, let me show you how us old school playas from way back in the Himalayas do things", and he rotated his cap backwards for him. Daniels hasn't changed it since. . The legend of Jayden Daniels grows.

A couple of questions for those of you familiar with this new hi tech virtual reality stuff. First, I'll tell you what I think I already know (Which may be completely wrong, so please don't hesitate to correct any misapprehension I might have.): My understanding is that anyone can buy VR glasses that reproduce a 3d world with surround sound to play video games. You buy the games separately from the actual VR hardware. I believe Occulus is either the best or the most popular of these VR systems. Now, as far as the VR system that Jayden used, to such great effect, at LSU: 1. Does it use the same Occulus hardware that anyone can buy at a store or on Amazon? Or is it a non-commercial, not for sale to the public, system with special caoabilities. 2. Is the software (disc?) available online to anyone or is it some special proprietary software that is strictly limited to a select few major corporate entities or businesses? If so, what is the cost (ball park guess if you're not sure). 3. Will all players have access to it or just the qbs? 4. At LSU Jayden apparently could only access the VR System at the team facility. Is it possible for him to use it at home or is that a neccesary restriction on its use.

Just giving a heads up. This old geezer may not be as sharp and as energetic as he once was, but he's still got something left. It just takes a bit longer for the oil to get up to the crank case these days. Anyways, I've been working (on and off) on a comprehensive post-draft poll the past week. I hope you guys and gals like it, and take it. Been putting a lot of thought into it. I realized after day one of the draft and the reactions of some, that it was best to wait a while before I posted a new poll. While the majority were fine, some people's feelings were really raw, for good reason, and I was very mindful of that. I noticed that even a few of our very best posters/members were hurting bad. The forum needed time, not some poll that might be interpreted as rudely twisting a knife that was already stuck deep in their belly. I couldn't add to anyone's pain. We all heal in our own way, and in our own time. Anyways, it's been a week for things to sink in and I think we'll get less emotional/angry responses now, than we would have a week ago. Semper Veritas! Above all I seek the truth. My intention is to post the poll by Friday. Which means, if anybody has any suggestions, including possible questions or areas of concern please post them here and put @CommanderInTheRye along with it so I won't miss it. I hope this turns out well. Cheers! EDIT: I have a major question for anyone that can answer it: Is there a way to end the polling at a certain time/date, and if so how do I do it?

When good old "Hot Take Freddy" is giving one of his patented world famous "hot takes", there's only two things a discerning man can do-- 1. Listen closely. 2. Believe whatever you hear. 👍

I think our overall game plan for year one of the Daniels era, is to focus on playing solid takeaway defense combined with a consistent running game on offense. So that we won't be put in positions where we get behind quickly and are forced to rely on the passing game-- and our less than stellar o-line for protection. They'll likely use Jayden's arm and running ability judiciously, so as to lessen the pressure on the young man, as he adjusts to the pro game. Essentially, the exact opposite strategy of what our former dynamic duo, of Rivera and Bienemy, asked of Howell last season. .

JP Finlay previews Friday's upcoming rookie mini-camp. Gg

Hey, a man is still allowed to dream in this crazy mixed up world, aint he? 🤪

I'm visualizing a dual same day announcement, as early as next off season-- Josh Harris pimp walks to the podium, wearing hi heeled gators, a sparkling pinkie diamond ring, blackout shades, and an Al Davis style custom fit leather jacket and says, "I'm proud to announce that the RFK stadium sight, soon to be renamed "The Wolf's Den", will be the new home of the Washington Red Wolves!"

Keim says Jayden's new number is essentially a done deal. Will be announced officially at a later date. Video says it's members only, but it showed up on my reccomends this morning and it works. Maybe they're giving it away free to drum up interest. I love Keim, but paying extra for a youtube vid, at this stage of my life, would eat into my Colt 45 money. 😆 Maybe some of you big time youngins with disposable income can do it... Hh Spoiler space for those bottom liners not interested in watching the vid-- he spills the beans within the first 2 minutes. . JD5, it is!

New Hoffman interview of Keim on what was really going on privately behind the scenes at Commanders Park while they were publicly telling everyone that they hadn't made a decision which qb they wanted to draft...

When it comes to the o-line I'm starting to get desperate. If I were calling the shots I'd be tempted to pull a Dr. Frankenstein and tell Igor to "Fetch me a fresh body!" According to this new report we just might be working on a fresh body right now. Take a deep breath and hold your nose before you read who it is though... Washington Commanders Scout ‘Best Fit’ Ex-Chiefs Tackle Donovan Smith Brent Edward 18 mins ago Ww Key Takeaways: – Washington Commanders secure QB Jayden Daniels with No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL draft – The team’s high priority is protecting Daniels following last season’s rampant sack challenges – Pro Football Network opines free-agent Donovan Smith, a former Super Bowl champion, as ‘the best fit’ for Commanders – Donovan Smith tops the active free-agents list with a market value of $10.2 million – Despite Smith’s above-average pass-blocking grades, penalties and a previous neck injury might deter potential deals Commanders Review Protector Options The Washington Commanders recently made a bold move in the 2024 NFL draft, bringing in promising talent Jayden Daniels as their quarterback. Following a shaky season marked by numerous sacks, the team’s focus for the coming games is clear – protecting their new hope Daniels. Commanders Eye Donovan Smith as Potential Guard The team is considering adding hiring power to bolster their offense in the form of Super Bowl winner Donovan Smith. Dallas Robinso from Pro Football Network suggests that Smith could be the “best fit” as an offensive tackle for the Commanders. In his May 3 article, Robinson underlines the need for a seasoned tackle in the lineup. He mentions that despite filling in most gaps during the draft, the Commanders could require backup when defending Daniels. Smith’s Impressive, Yet Checkered Track Record Over his career, Smith has made 136 starts. Although injuries hindered him in the 2023 season, he managed to participate in 12 regular-season games and four playoff games, which led him to a Super Bowl victory. His decent performance considering his conditions, along with a market value of $10.2 million, makes him a viable contender for the Commanders. The team’s cap space, according to Over the Cap, is a comfortable $43.4 million, making financials no issue for this potential acquisition. Penalties Remain a Concern Despite Smith’s commendable performance, his penalty record has attracted considerable attention. During his run with the Kansas City Chiefs, he ranked 11th for the most penalties at his position, drawing 11 flags in 12 games. Over the past four seasons, Smith has incurred 29 penalties, a record that ties him at third-most among all players, per ESPN’s Bill Barnwell. He points out that Smith’s penalties do not place him at a disadvantage, using the example of Jawaan Taylor, who, despite frequent penalties, won a Super Bowl. Injury Concerns Barnwell also raises concerns about Smith’s health following his neck injury last season, which kept him off the field for the last five games in the Chiefs’ regular season. OT Necessity for Commanders While Smith’s penalties and previous injury are points of concern, his pass block win rate of close to 91% reflects his value as an offensive tackle. In the 749 offensive snaps he played last season, he permitted only two sacks and consistently scored above-average pass-blocking grades. By recruiting Smith, the Commanders could also assuage fans’ concerns over protection for Daniels, which seems to have been an issue post-draft, despite the third-round selection of Brandon Coleman. .

I think the evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that nobody could win with Snyder as the owner over the long haul, but who cares. lol My last inflection on this argument will be to remind you that the entire reason for my posting anything at all on this subject was Rivera's self-serving statement, and my belief that it was the final act of a desperate man, well beyond reason, hope, or personal career redemption. Regardless, this is a minor skirmish in an insignificant battle that's already been fought and won. Snyders gone, Rivera's gone, I suggest we conclude this cordially by saying-- good riddance to both of them! Onward and upward with a new cast of warriors. That's the battle we need to fight-- not some tempest in an old discarded teapot. Cheers!

why is there this constant need to defend and make excuses for Rivera... <clip> yada yada repeat of stuff that everyone already knows... I love the passion! Just question your comprehension of my original posts intent. 🙂 That could well be my fault, in that I could have explained my position in a way that you might have understood it better. I'll briefly attempt to remedy that now. I didn't intend, as you put it, to defend or make excuses for Rivera? He's an adult. He knew the problems that other coaches and GM s had experienced here. No one put a gun to his head. He negotiated a lucrative contract and came here fully aware of the reputational risks involved. What you have called defending or making excuses for Rivera is actually my effort to express the shame-- I feel-- for this once proud and well respected man, who in desperate need of personal validition, resorted to making this pathetic statement... Those words are nothing less than a transparently self-serving effort to bring some minute semblance of validity to what is objectively-- his complete and total failure as coach, and general manager of this team. And that he actually went ahead and said it, hoping that it would improve his situation, even though it only served to further debase what little honor he had left, is indeed a terrible shame, and something that continues to give me pause--- even though I sstill can't help but laugh when I read it. .

Wow!! There is power in 5s today! I'm heading out to play tge MegaMillion and Powerball!! Also doing pick three-- straight 5s all the way baby! .

Not so sure about that. According to his pre draft scouting report bio... "...born on May 5th at 5 am after mother endured 5 hours of labor. Father is one of five siblings and Tress, whose name incidentally has 5 letters, is the 5th and youngest of five brothers who all played college sports. Has small tattoo of the number 5 above his heart and another large tattoo of the Roman numeral V which spans his entire back. The first time he punted in high school it went for 55 yards and was returned for 5 yards.. " .

Every time I see it I laugh at it, like we all do. Then I start to think how sad, frustrated, and unfulfilled Rivera must feel inside to have publicly said it in the first place and while I don't exactly feel sorry for him, it does give me pause. We all know he was basically a decent guy (but a poor coach) who was stuck in a nearly impossible situation. He tried valiantly m, but ultimately ineptly, and like so many others before him, he eventually succumbed to Snyder's inertial damping field that became the ruin and final resting place of many sterling reputations and careers. Shame really. .