Daily Slop – 13 Jul 24: Keep in touch with the Commanders and the NFL with links to articles, tweets and podcasts

A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East and the NFL in general

Commanders links

Articles

The Athletic (paywall)

Commanders coaches, defensive backs see optimism forming with revamped secondary

“(We) have a number of guys on that back end that are intriguing,” [defensive coordinator Joe] Whitt said. “That’s why we brought Jason Simmons in and Tommy Donatell, to get those guys … to believe in the techniques that we’re going to teach ’em and the scheme that we’re gonna put them in.”

The entire roster appeared highly engaged with the new staff throughout organized team activities.

“I was very excited that we hired Dan Quinn, and I like my defensive coordinator, corner coaches and all that,” [second-year cornerback Emmanuel] Forbes said.

There’s no forgetting the secondary’s implosion last year, but “the one thing that we can do first is put last year behind them,” Simmons said. “Everybody has a clean slate. Everything (now) is about competition.”

The initial teaching focused on developing consistency in performance and improving discipline with their eyes and feet. “That’s what makes a good defensive back line,” Simmons continued. “It’s not the hero plays. It’s about guys that can go out and be consistent.”

Forbes rarely sniffed steadiness in Year 1. He allowed an average of 20.1 yards per catch — with 20 receptions on 27 targets — through Week 6 and, per Pro Football Focus, finished fifth worst overall at 16.3. Seeing the 6-foot-1 corner, listed at 180 pounds, avoid engaging ball carriers contributed to the coaches not playing him in Week 6 at Atlanta. Despite those lows, Forbes maintained confidence, a must-have trait for any cornerback. He stood tall and answered questions after poor outings or when reporters checked in post-practice. That belief remained for the new coaches to witness.

“He’s a man’s man. He is definitely confident,” Simmons said. “It’s a real confidence. I’ve been impressed with his level of maturity. He understands and wants to get better.”

Whitt warned reporters he would disclose little about the defensive plan or rotations because “the advantage that we have right now is people don’t know, and we’re gonna keep that advantage until they figure it out.” The buttoned-up angle included specifics about Forbes’ development.

“But I can tell you that the kid is working his butt off,” Whitt said, “and I’m pleased with where he is. I can tell you that 100 percent because if he wasn’t, I’ll tell you. I’m not gonna come up here and BS anybody.”

Safety may become the secondary’s strength. Simmons coached Chinn’s first two seasons with Carolina when the hulking 6-foot-3 safety recorded two interceptions, two touchdowns and three forced fumbles. There was nothing but goose eggs in those categories the next two seasons. Staff changes led to Chinn’s playing time decreasing from over 90 percent of snaps in his first three seasons to 39 percent in 2023.

With Washington, Chinn projects as a significant contributor and the expected starter next to Martin, a versatile free safety. Martin was the rare defensive back to improve over the second half of last season after receiving zero defensive snaps through the first five games. The growth continued this spring.

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Commanders.com

Commanders 2024 training camp preview | Linebackers

Can Jamin Davis have a breakout year? The Commanders elected not to pick up Davis’ fifth-year option, meaning that 2024 is going to be an important season for the former first-round pick. Davis had a mixed rookie season but has continued to improve. The real question is whether he will improve enough in Year 4 to earn another contract from Commanders. Washington’s new system and coaching staff should help with some of that. They tried him out as a pass-rusher during OTAs — a role that he seemed to embrace.

How will the Commanders maximize Frankie Luvu’s athleticism? The Commanders were excited that they managed to land Luvu, who had successful 2022 and 2023 seasons as a full-time starter. His athleticism makes him a versatile piece for Joe Whitt Jr. to use all over the field, from a traditional linebacker position to a pass-rusher and even some snaps in coverage. With Wagner operating as a middle linebacker, Luvu will be able to use his speed and quickness to harass ball-carriers. It will be interesting to see all the creative ways Whitt and Quinn intend to maximize his talent.

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Sports Illustrated

Where Does Commanders’ Jayden Daniels Rank Among ‘Most Important’ Rookies?

Will the Commanders’ rookie’s success define the team’s season?

Where does Daniels rank among rookies who will make the biggest impact across the league, though? CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards ranked rookies based on their value to their team next season, with Daniels being ranked No. 5 and the No. 2 quarterback.

“Others in media were higher on Daniels during the pre-draft process but there is no denying his dual-threat capabilities and the stress that puts on opposing defenses,” Edwards wrote. “Daniels is one of the few rookie quarterbacks that will start Week 1 so his potential impact on the franchise is greater than most of his peers. There are questions about the offensive system and the offensive line, but Stroud faced similar turmoil on the offensive line a year ago.”

The system might be in question, but Daniels’ execution at the next level might arguably be more important. If he’s not ready to play in the NFL right away, the team’s jump to the next level as a franchise will be on hold as he develops.

No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams ranks atop the list, followed by wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. then two offensive linemen. Commanders rookie offensive lineman Brandon Coleman was shown some love, too, though he didn’t make the ranking anywhere.

“It is likely that third-round selection Brandon Coleman is important to the upcoming campaign as well. Washington is not flush with offensive line talent so Coleman could be pressed into action early at left tackle,” Edwards continued.

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Commanders Wire

Former Washington cap analyst praises Harris ownership group, Peters and other Commanders

Former Washington Redskins salary cap analyst J.I. Halsell joined Al Galdi on his podcast Thursday, and Halsell had some direct comments regarding some current Commanders’ players and staff.

Josh Harris ownership group: “They have been willing to think outside the box in how they have gone about their process. To bring in Bob Myers was outside the box, but leadership is leadership, whether we are talking basketball or football. When you have a leadership group that is willing to think outside of the box, I think that is great.”

Brandon Sosna: “It’s been a very fast rise for him…his rise to this role has happened very quickly, over five years. Rob Rogers is going to be a tremendous resource for Brandon on the nuances of the negotiations and managing the (salary) cap.”

Adam Peters: “The end goal of cap management is to create enough flexibility so that you are not hamstrung in how you build the roster…It tells me they are thinking, ‘Let’s try to build this thing through the draft, cheap(er) rookie contracts and marginal to not expensive veteran free agent contracts’. Yes, I do like how they have gone about it, this first offseason.”

Jonathan Allen: “Roster construction, roster management is really an exercise in succession plan and risk mitigation…It’s not by chance that they drafted in the second round a defensive tackle out of Illinois…If we decide to move on from Jon Allen, then we already have his successor in place. We drafted him in the second round, so we think he can play.”

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Podcasts & videos

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