Daily Slop – 20 Jun 25 – John Keim on Noah Brown’s injury: “I don’t believe it’s anything serious”

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

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Articles

Commanders.com

Beathard family reacts to unveiling of new Bobby Beathard Draft Room

Named after the most successful general manager in Washington’s history and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the space is a tribute to and a reminder of Beathard’s inspiring legacy on and off the field.

In a world where winning means so much, there’s little question as to why a team would want to carry forward and exalt the work of Bobby Beathard. He was a winner. Four Super Bowl appearances, three Lombardi trophies and several gold jackets were produced by his brilliance in Washington.

“Shoot, if we’re half as good as him, we’ll be alright,” general manager Adam Peters said with a laugh.

“People write stories, and they write about what he’s done, but that room made me think people understood that he was so much more than a good GM,” Christine Beathard said. “So many of the pictures, he was smiling or laughing. And I look at some of the videos where he is running out on the field and he embraces virtually everybody he meets.”

Beathard’s approach to his work – which he said never felt like work – built a one-of-a-kind culture in Washington and impacted everyone he crossed paths with.

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The Athletic (paywall)

What Commanders’ offseason program taught us about each position group

[T]here was the social media fuss when a clip from practice showed Samuel jogging while running a route. Players often do not run full speed during certain portions of practice where the focus is on communication more than execution. People also took the opportunity to question the ex-San Francisco 49ers’ physique. There’s a history of weight struggles over his career, which is something to monitor, but claiming Samuel is currently chunky seems off.

Samuel has a natural, thicker build, more like a running back than a receiver. He garners backfield snaps accordingly. Coach Dan Quinn, likely aware of the criticisms, praised Samuel’s speed and performance last week.

Training camp becomes about cohesion. One question was resolved when Quinn stated that Brandon Coleman’s transition from left tackle would involve shifting one spot over.

That doesn’t mean the second-year lineman is the definite starter between Tunsil and center Tyler Biadasz, but it’s his job to lose. Nick Allegretti would then slide to right guard until Sam Cosmi recovers from January’s ACL surgery, though Nate Herbig should not be ruled out.

Coleman at guard also means the starter at right tackle will be either first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. or Andrew Wylie. Granted, the staff could platoon the pair. Washington split left tackle work between Coleman and veteran Cornelius Lucas for half the season in 2024.

Conerly, 21, is the long-term play. Wylie, the right tackle starter two years running, might be the best bet for Week 1.

Rolling out cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore, Mike Sainristil, second-round rookie Trey Amos, two-time Super Bowl champion Jonathan Jones and 2024 slot starter Noah Igbinoghene is a significant on-paper upgrade over last season’s initial group. That the lengthy Amos looked the part in OTAs and minicamp, and Lattimore arrived healthy and humble after a trying time post-trade, increased the optimism.

Per TruMedia, Washington played with five defensive backs on a league-high 82.7 percent of defensive snaps last season, and foes took advantage of that smaller lineup in the run game. Bobby Wagner’s return also means another year for Magee to learn from the future Hall of Famer.

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WUSA9

Commanders detail ambitious stadium vision amid growing concerns over DC Council delays

The Washington Commanders are pushing for a $3 billion stadium at RFK, but Council delays could jeopardize the 2030 opening.

Design Process Underway

The Commanders are currently in the middle of reviewing proposals from design firms, and the team expects to make a selection by fall, with the source noting the importance of finding architects with proven stadium experience.

While official renderings are not yet available, the team has seen conceptual designs that highlight the unique opportunity presented by the RFK site. Unlike other urban stadiums that had to be built in existing neighborhoods, the Commanders will be replacing a stadium that already exists on the site.

The source also described plans for a distinctive approach to the stadium that would include a processional walk-up experience reminiscent of the original RFK Stadium, but enhanced with modern entertainment and dining options. This approach draws inspiration from successful mixed-use developments like The Battery in Atlanta, which surrounds Truist Park, home to the Atlanta Braves.

The Battery complex is a mix of shops, dining, living and workspace in the area surrounding Truist Park. The Battery spans 60 acres and includes numerous amenities for visitors with a mixed-used development, open on non-game days in addition to game days.

Roof Design

One of the most significant features of the proposed stadium will be some version of a translucent roof, a design element that was important to Mayor Muriel Bowser and city officials. The roof will enable year-round use of the facility, while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.

While the team appears reluctant to alter major economic provisions, they have indicated some willingness to work with the Council on community benefits packages. The source noted that this aspect of the agreement was intentionally left vague to allow for input from city officials and community members.

However, the team emphasized that significant work went into reaching the current economic framework with Bowser. The source expressed hope that continued discussions with the Council would demonstrate the deal’s value.

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CBS Sports

Prisco’s NFL Top 100 players of 2025

33 – Jayden Daniels – Washington Commanders QB

Daniels showed as a rookie that he has star potential and should be a top-level quarterback for a long time. It’s scary to think how good he can be once he learns how to really play the position. (Last season: NR)

81 – Terry McLaurin – Washington Commanders WR

In 2024, when he finally had a top-level quarterback, McLaurin was even better than he had been in the past. He had 82 catches with a career-high 13 touchdown receptions as he and Jayden Daniels developed a nice rapport. (Last season: NR)

88 – Bobby Wagner – Washington Commanders MLB

At the age of 34, Wagner continues to be a good player who impacts the game. His run defense is outstanding, but he can also rush and still can play the pass, even if he doesn’t cover as much ground as he did in the past. (Last season: NR)

Here’s Prisco’s top-five quarterbacks:

1. Patrick Mahomes (1)
2. Josh Allen (4)
3. Lamar Jackson (6)
4. Joe Burrow (7)
5. Jayden Daniels (33)

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Podcasts & videos

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ESPN NFL LIVE | Jayden Daniels Is The BEST QB In The NFC With The Washington Commanders

ESPN NFL LIVE | Washington Commanders Must IMPROVE The Run Game, Not Just PROTECT Jayden Daniels

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NFC East links

Big Blue View

Giants projected to finish under 5.5 wins in 2025 by PFF

In their latest 2025 season projections, PFF listed the Giants with an over/under win total of 5.5, with the analytics site leaning toward the under. That would mark the third time in four years the team finished with six or fewer wins under general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll.

Now entering their fourth season together, the pressure on Schoen and Daboll has never been higher. After last year’s 3-14 collapse, the worst in franchise history, the Giants overhauled key parts of the roster, most notably at quarterback. Russell Wilson is now under center, brought in as a veteran presence to stabilize a position that was a revolving door last season.

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Blogging the Boys

Cowboys roundtable: Discussing team weaknesses, Micah Parsons’ contract, and WR

What position is still a weakness for the Cowboys?

Brian: For me, it’s without a doubt defensive tackle. After finishing ranked 29th in the league in run defense last year, allowing 137.1 yards per game, the Cowboys didn’t little to upgrade this glaring concern this offseason. Right now they are depending on Mazi Smith suddenly having a breakout season and Jay Toia, a seventh-round pick this year, to be their run stuffers. That sadly doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.

Howman: I’ll say the offensive line. Tyler Booker has rightfully generated excitement, but he’s still a rookie trying to replace a Hall of Famer. Tyler Guyton looks improved, but it’s hard to judge this early in the process, and Terence Steele has always toed the line between reliability and liability. The depth of this group also comes with plenty of question marks that won’t be answered for another two months or so.

Tom: Howman makes a good argument, but don’t overlook the thin cornerback group. Trevon Diggs is coming off knee surgery. We have no idea how ready he will be to start the season. Jourdan Lewis is gone and DaRon Bland took a big step back after his breakout rookie season. Add in a new defensive coordinator and scheme, and this could be a weakness other teams will exploit.

Jess: There’s more than one potential weakness, and my colleagues did a good job hitting on some. I’m going to add backup QB to the discussion. Dak Prescott has missed 25 games over the last five seasons. Say what you will about the limitations in Cooper Rush’s game, he provided stability and executed well enough to go 9-5 as a starter since 2021. We’re all excited by Joe Milton’s physical gifts, but Dallas is taking a big risk making either him or Will Grier the next man up if Prescott misses time again. It’s not so much about the season-ending injury, but what about the ankle sprain that only knocks Dak out for 4-5 games? You want a QB2 who can keep the season going, and right now, we don’t know if that guy is on the roster.

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NFL league links

Articles

Deadspin

Trey Hendrickson Contract Dispute: Why the Bengals Will Eventually Pay Their Star Pass Rusher

[G]et ready for Hendrickson to skip training camp while holding out for a massive payday.

The negotiations could stretch into September and right up to Cincinnati’s season opener on Sept. 7 against Garrett and the Browns.

After all, Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow didn’t sign his extension until three days before the team’s 2023 opener. That five-year, $275 million deal was the richest in NFL history at the time.

Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase sat out training camp last season before landing his four-year, $161 million extension — the largest ever for an NFL receiver — in March. Fellow wideout Tee Higgins played under the franchise tag the past two seasons before also agreeing to a new four-year, $115 million deal at the same time Chase signed.

Hendrickson has seen the process firsthand. He knows how the Bengals do business.

Cincinnati isn’t known for giving money away. It takes a firm stance from the player and his representatives to get the franchise to budge.

So watch — Hendrickson will eventually sign a rich deal. Probably in September.

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Discussion topics

8 News Now

Former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III spoke publicly for the first time since he was sentenced in a 2021 DUI crash that left a woman and her dog dead.

Ruggs was granted temporary prison release Tuesday to attend a Hope for Prisoners event, where he spoke with former prisoners and those currently incarcerated.

“I wish I could turn back the hands of time,” Ruggs said.

Ruggs, now 26, was sentenced on Aug. 9, 2023, after pleading guilty to driving drunk at 156 mph and crashing into a car, killing 23-year-old Tina Tintor and her dog.

The crash happened in November 2021. Prosecutors had said Ruggs’ blood-alcohol level was 0.16, which is twice the legal limit.

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All aTwitter

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