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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Washington Post (paywall)
Frankie Luvu wants to put a charge into the rebuilding Commanders
The fiery linebacker, long overlooked, plans to show he’s more than just a glue guy in Washington.
The team handed Luvu one of the largest contracts — a three-year deal worth up to $36 million with incentives — during its offseason spending spree, signaling faith he could help establish its new foundation.
“Frankie just jumps off the tape — the way he plays, his play style, his mind-set, his mentality,” General Manager Adam Peters said in March. “… I didn’t know much about Frankie … other than watching him play and saying, ‘I want that guy on my team.’ But you do research, and all his teammates absolutely love him. He’s a great leader.”
The 27-year-old American Samoa native has a varied skill set, with the size (6-foot-3, 236 pounds), length and athleticism to make him a commodity.
“He always shows up on tape,” said Greg Cosell, a longtime analyst and producer for NFL Films. “He can do everything. … I think he’s one of the most overlooked really good linebackers in the league who can pretty much do whatever you ask him to do.”
in Luvu, Quinn may have landed a coveted Swiss Army knife that can plug the run, give receivers fits in coverage, create havoc while blitzing and resemble a human wrecking ball — with control. Or, as Quinn calls him, “an impact hitter.”
“And our team needs more hitters,” Quinn added.
“Frankie was a DB by trade,” said Joe Salave’a, the former NFL defensive tackle who recruited and coached him at Washington State. “When you project a Poly kid, it’s rare that you get a kid that’s remained a skill position kid. So, with Frankie, he continued to get bigger and better, so he ended up being a linebacker. The kid is ferocious. He arrives to the ball with bad intention, and it wasn’t hard to spot him on the field.”
Jesus, Frankie Luvu lol
Straight car crash and lets his friends clean it up pic.twitter.com/q7UqH6iobV
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 8, 2024
Commanders.com
Four things to watch during Commanders training camp
3. The shuffling in the secondary
The Commanders’ secondary is like a puzzle. There’s a lot of pieces that could work together, but there’s no instruction manual on how those pieces will fit.
At first glance, the group appears to be more talented than it was in 2023, when it was at the bottom of the league in passing yards allowed. Michael Davis, Jeremy Chinn and other depth pieces were brought in to add some stability and a new attitude to the backend of the defense. Both appear to be locks as starters, but the rest of the position is a mystery.
The starting cornerback position opposite Davis was a mix of Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Benjamin St-Juste in June. Both have their positive traits, with Forbes showing improvements from his up-and-down rookie season and St-Juste have some success against No. 1 receivers; both also have areas of growth they need to address.
4. The backend of the WR room
The top of the Commanders’ receiver room might feature two of the surest locks on the roster. Terry McLaurin is the clear No. 1 wideout, while Jahan Dotson is firmly placed as the No. 2.
How the rest of the position works out is anyone’s guess.
At the center of it all is where third-round pick Luke McCaffrey ends up landing on the depth chart. McCaffrey was one of the most impressive players during OTAs and could already have a leg up as the slot receiver. If that’s the case, then the rest of the position becomes a bit clearer.
Washington’s receiver position is also filled with players from the previous regime who are looking to show they can add value to the new system. Players like Dax Milne and Jamison Crowder have the added benefit of special teams experience, which could help their case. Others, like Dyami Brown, are looking to show they can finally put it all together and live up to their potential.
Like most positions, it’ll come down to how many receivers the Commanders decide to keep after camp. No matter the number, however, it’s sure to be one of the most competitive groups for the next few weeks.
Riggo’s Rag
How will the Commanders utilize wide receiver Luke McCaffrey in 2024?
Luke McCaffrey is looking to enhance his family’s NFL legacy.
John Keim of ESPN believes Washington’s lack of receiving depth suggests targets should be in plentiful supply. This was a sentiment echoed by wide receivers coach Bobby Engram, who highlighted the player’s high football IQ as something that’s impressed the staff so far.
“[Luke] McCaffrey was moved around in the spring and has a chance to at least become the Commanders’ third receiver alongside Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Washington lacks solid depth so there’s an opening for McCaffrey. He has the bloodlines — his brother, Christian, stars for the 49ers, and his father, Ed, played receiver for 13 years in the NFL. But Luke is new to receiver, having played it only two years after moving from quarterback. “He gets the ins and outs of the game,” Washington receivers coach Bobby Engram said. “He has played multiple positions so he sees the game a little differently but physically I like his size, I like his speed and I like the way he catches the ball.””
– John Keim, ESPN
McCaffrey is eager to make his way without being reliant on the reputation of his family members around the league. He’s taking nothing for granted despite becoming the No. 100 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. The wideout knows that comes with a responsibility to be professional and do everything possible to lay the foundation for a productive career in the pros.
Actions speak louder than words. McCaffrey was the first into the building each day over early workouts with fellow rookie Jayden Daniels. They’re preparing mentally together and developing encouraging chemistry. Helping each other along the way is only going to help the Commanders. Hopefully, the results will show when the real action arrives.
Commanders Wire
5 storylines to follow for the Commanders during 2024 training camp
The Dan Quinn effect
Dan Quinn is known as a culture builder. Washington fans are tired of hearing about culture after four years of Ron Rivera, who talked about culture daily as the team got worse every year. Quinn is here to fix the culture but, more importantly, win. Winning fixes almost everything, including the culture. Every player who has spoken to the media since Quinn’s hiring has praised him and his new coaching staff. Players came to Washington to play specifically for Quinn. Following Quinn this summer as he begins his second stint as a head coach will be interesting. One thing to watch is how involved Quinn will be with the defense. He’s insisted that defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will handle all play-calling duties.
Who steps up at defensive end?
The Commanders didn’t land a premier pass-rushing talent to replace the traded Montez Sweat and Chase Young. For one, Washington believes Quinn can create pressure much better than the previous regime. The Commanders signed three veterans: Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell and Dante Fowler. Only Armstrong is on a multi-year deal. Quinn has coached Armstrong and Fowler for years and understands better than anyone what they can provide. Quinn believes that Armstrong can be a double-digit sack guy with increased playing time, which he will have in Washington.
Will one of the Commanders’ young pass rushers emerge? K.J. Henry and Andre Jones are entering their second season, while Javontae Jean-Baptiste is a rookie. Ideally, all three of those players show promise throughout camp and in the preseason. Quinn will also use linebackers Frankie Luvu and Jamin Davis as pass rushers at times.
Sports Illustrated
Washington Commanders Receiver Terry McLaurin Lands in NFL Top 100 Players of 2024
It’s not as high a ranking as many would have liked, but Terry McLaurin is one of the NFL’s top 100 players again.
One player who has maintained a solid reputation as an impact player is receiver Terry McLaurin, this year’s No. 97 player on the list.
“McLaurin has played with 10 different starting QBs since entering the league in 2019, but he still finds ways to produce,” says NFL.com’s Krissy Hetherington. “Case in point, McLaurin can become the first player to post five straight seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards with each coming with a different primary starting QB. Heading into training camp, Around The NFL’s Kevin Patra ranked McLaurin’s connection with rookie QB Jayden Daniels as the fifth-best rookie-to-veteran duo.”
Last year McLaurin ranked No. 94 on the list before heading into a relative down season for him as the Commanders offense struggled to get off the ground with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and quarterback Sam Howell.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was No. 52 last year and represents one of the few remaining members of the roster in Washington that could also be in the top 100 this preseason.
Linebacker Bobby Wagner was No. 62 last year with the Seattle Seahawks and after putting together another Pro Bowl season he should be on the list as well.
Commanders.com
Former Washington GM Charley Casserly named to DC Sports Hall of Fame
After starting his professional career as an unpaid intern under Hall of Fame coach George Allen, Casserly rose through the ranks to become a scout, assistant general manager and eventually general manager, a position he held with the team from 1989-99.
Casserly’s input and leadership in crafting Washington’s rosters over the years led to the franchise acquiring some of its all-time great players. He advocated for players like Joe Jacoby and Jeff Bostic, two of the famous Hogs offensive line. He led the effort in putting together a team of replacement players during the 1987 strike — a monumental effort that was done in less than a week — that went 3-0, including a Monday Night Football win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Casserly also played a key role in building all three of Washington’s Super Bowl-winning teams. The 1991 team, the last Washington team that won a championship, went 17-2 and is still considered one of the best teams ever. USA Today ranked it as the best team in the first 50 years of the Super Bowl era.
Podcasts & videos
Episode 870 – Guest: @Mitch_Tischler. Deep dive on the #Commanders‘ offensive line. Is it good enough for Jayden Daniels to have a great season? Spot-by-spot analysis.
I also talk Johnny Newton to NFI, Terry McLaurin on YAC & #Nats‘ & #Orioles‘ weekends.https://t.co/hIG2Rq7YYY
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) July 22, 2024
On video with @NickiJhabvala talking Commanders training camp. Vets report Tuesday. How safe should some past high picks feel? State of the D. Intriguing players. A special appearance by Julien Jhabvala. More. @ESPNRichmond https://t.co/BqYBrCRmzu
— John Keim (@john_keim) July 22, 2024
S1:E3 The Hiring of Joe Gibbs | Hail Tales: Stories from Washington Football History | Commanders
Washington Commanders Face 3 Training Camp Issues: Offensive Line, Cornerback, and Jayden Daniels
NFC East links
Pro Football Focus
One move every NFC team should make before training camp
DALLAS COWBOYS: Extend WR CeeDee Lamb
This one doesn’t need too much explanation. Lamb has been on an upward trajectory since he entered the league, but the former first-round pick reached superstardom in 2023, catching a league-high 135 passes for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season. His 91.1 PFF overall grade was the highest of his career and the third highest in the NFL in 2023.
Lamb’s connection with quarterback Dak Prescott is the fulcrum of the Cowboys’ offense. Contract negotiations with Prescott are in limbo, but Dallas needs to lock up one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
NEW YORK GIANTS: Extend S Jason Pinnock
Pinnock had an excellent 2023 with the New York Giants. The former Jets safety earned a 67.7 PFF overall grade in his third NFL season across 16 starts. He showed off his ability as a blitzer, recording 10 pressures, the ninth most among safeties. He also allowed a solid 79.4 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks.
The Giants’ secondary is one of the weaker units in the NFL on paper, and Pinnock, the best player in the secondary, is a free agent at the end of the 2024 season. The direction of the Giants is unclear; they could be in a full rebuild and in search of a new quarterback in 2025. Regardless, re-signing Pinnock to lock down a key defensive player is pivotal.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Extend DI Milton Williams
Williams has been an under-the-radar performer on the Eagles’ defensive line for the past three seasons. The 2021 third-round pick started 10 games in 2023, earning a 70.4 PFF overall grade and adding a career-high 25 pressures and 26 stops.
Philadelphia’s defensive line is getting younger after Fletcher Cox retired in the offseason. The bulk of the interior snaps will be shared between Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Williams in 2024. As such, Williams is an important cog in one of the NFL’s more talented defensive lines, and he is also a free agent in 2025. He could get paid big bucks on the open market, so the Eagles will know his value and should plan to extend him.
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS: Extend G Sam Cosmi
Cosmi broke out as a full-time starter at right guard in 2023, earning an 80.6 PFF overall grade, the fifth-highest figure among all guards, while allowing just one sack. The former second-round pick is still just 25 years old and has yet to reach his prime. He’ll be a free agent at the end of the 2024 season.
Quality starting guards are hard to come by in the NFL, and Cosmi has shown that he has the potential to be a long-term starter. The Commanders can solidify their interior for the next few years by extending him.
Blogging the Boys
Trevon Diggs is expected to be put on the PUP list to start training camp
According to David Moore of the Dallas Morning News, despite Diggs being on schedule to return from his ACL injury, the cornerback is expected to start camp on the PUP list.
Diggs is expected to be placed on the physically unable to perform list later this week once the Cowboys report to Southern California, a person with knowledge of the player’s status said. That designation comes as no surprise since the cornerback is just nine months removed from surgery to repair a torn ACL.
Club officials are operating under the belief that Diggs will be ready to play when the team opens the regular season against Cleveland on Sept. 8. Video of how good the Pro Bowl corner looks in his rehab have been posted on social media in recent days.
Big Blue View
Former Raiders right guard Greg Van Roten visits the Giants
Van Roten is a familiar face, at least for new offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo, who coached Van Roten last year with the Las Vegas Raiders. He started all 17 games last year for the Raiders and played 1,024 snaps at right guard. He comported himself well as a starter for the Raiders, giving up five sacks (tied for ninth-most in the NFL), but was well-regarded by Pro Football Focus with a 75.3 overall grade (77.4 pass protection, 68.5 run blocking).