Daily Slop – 2 Jun 24: Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury, CB Michael Davis, WR Luke McCaffrey

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

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ESPN

What new OC Kliff Kingsbury brings to Commanders

Turning Washington around won’t be easy. The Commanders’ returning players will be learning a new offense for the second time in two seasons, going from the West Coast system used by Eric Bieniemy to Kingsbury’s version of the Air Raid. They’ll also have to learn new assistants, namely former Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson (pass-game coordinator) and former Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn (run-game coordinator).

When Kingsbury was hired, while many praised his offensive acumen, others were skeptical. However, the Commanders’ players have liked what they’ve seen from the installation of this offense and what they’ve heard from their new OC.

“I don’t think you can put labels on it,” Washington quarterback Marcus Mariota said. “I think that’s what’s the beautiful thing about it. For us [the offense is] fun to play in. There’s so many different aspects that you can get into. But to label it something I think does it a disservice.”

One coach who has faced Kingsbury multiple times said he likes how Kingsbury has evolved as an offensive coach in the NFL. The coach said early in his Arizona career, Kingsbury did not throw enough between the hashes — they were 25th in his first two seasons. But in his final two seasons, Arizona ranked 13th.

“It looks like he’s gotten a better feel for it,” the coach said.

The coach also said he likes how Kingsbury incorporated the tight end more, something that likely will take place in Washington. The Cardinals were 12th in his first year and 10th in his final three years combined using two-tight end sets. Arizona also ranked 30th in his first two seasons and 15th in his final two years in passes to the tight end.

Some of that will be incorporated in Washington. The Commanders used more three-receiver sets than the Cardinals season. The Commanders also used less no huddle compared to the Kingsbury’s Cardinals. During Kingsbury’s four seasons in Arizona, the Cardinals ran no huddle on 1,491 plays; no other team ran more than 865. Washington used it 328 times in that span, including 49 times last season.

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Riggo’s Rag

Sam Howell reveals primary catalysts behind Commanders’ demise

Sam Howell opened up about his time with the Commanders last season.

The Washington Commanders came into the 2023 season with Sam Howell as their starting quarterback. Ron Rivera made him earn it by beating out veteran Jacoby Brissett in a training camp battle, something he managed to accomplish with minimal fuss to get a big-time opportunity under center.

Howell wasn’t in the easiest situation. There were some tremendous moments – most notably during Washington’s two losses against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, some critical flaws emerged as the campaign wore on.

When discussing what went wrong with the Commanders recently, Howell took the accountable route based on comments via Pro Football Talk. He acknowledged forcing the issue when chasing games proved to be his undoing. The player is also looking to limit turnovers moving forward in pursuit of progression.

“I think I could play some smarter ball. I think there were times where we were down big in some games, I was a little too aggressive just trying to make something happen trying to get us back in the game. The turnovers are just way too high for what I wanted and what the team needed. I think that’s definitely something I can take from last year.”

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Commanders Wire

Cornerback Michael Davis honored to be part of Commanders

Why did Davis want to play for Dan Quinn?

“He’s a leader. He’s what you want in a head coach. He’s super energetic. He’s genuine. You don’t want a leader that’s fake. I feel like DQ’s a real dog. I am honored to be a part of his team. I am honored for him to coach me.”

There will be new coaching relationships on the defense as well. “I am excited to go work with Joe Whitt. I know he can develop corners. I know I am eight years in but I know that I have an extra level to go to. I know that he is able to tap into that potential for me. I know I can skyrocket by game with him.”

While playing college ball at BYU, Davis was undrafted, yet he has made it for seven NFL seasons. Coming to Washington, Davis said he feels again undrafted. “I know I am going to have to prove myself again, prove I am still that dog.”

It was good to hear Davis express that he does not feel entitled. He stated, “Nothing is given to me; everything has to be earned.”

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Sports Illustrated

Washington Commanders WR Luke McCaffrey Showing the Signs of a ‘Great Professional’

Coming from a great football family is one thing for Washington Commanders receiver Luke McCaffrey, but adding to that legacy is another.

“Luke McCaffrey has done a really nice job (of) just kind of being the person you thought he was going to be. And what I mean by that is he practices hard, he’s detailed, he’s paying attention, he’s deliberate, he’s a pros pro,” Paulsen said on the Locked On Commanders podcast. “And he’s made the transition from quarterback so there’s some speculation about where he is in the developmental process, but after watching him over those first three days, you’re like, ‘Man, this guy’s going to be a great professional.’ He might not have the ceiling of some of these other prospects in the last year’s draft, but his floor gives me such tremendous confidence and his ability to work, his kind of passion for the game is just so evident. The professionalism of his family is evident when you watch him. He just gets it. And there is so much value to that.

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Podcasts & videos

Logan Paulsen on Washington Commanders Jayden Daniels, Bobby Wagner, Dan Quinn, OTAs and More!

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Roster breakdown, camp battles, and more: resetting you as to where the Commanders stand

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