Commanders Beat the Clock With Blough Hire

Multiple media portals have blurted out the hire of QB Coach David Blough as the Washington Commanders new Offensive Coordinator.

Blough Hired As OC!

DECISION: Washington Commanders Go All-In on David Blough—Make BOLD Move ELEVATE Jayden Daniels?

WSH Hires David Blough As Offensive Coordinator! | WHO IS HE?! The Next McVay, Shanahan?!

Quarterback 'PIG' a competitive tradition for Jayden Daniels and QB coach David Blough

Commanders Hire David Blough as Offensive Coordinator

Washington Commanders News: Offensive Coordinator Named David Blough

Detroit LIons TOTAL FAILURE To hire Dave Blough?

This sets the Offense up in a timely manner as they concoct strategy for 2026. The Commanders are well ahead of the Offseason Timetable and have plenty space to do a lengthy postmortem on 2025 and R&D on coaching, players, and playbooks.

It is both a conservative and a risky move. But apparently with solutions to the running game irony and continuity in the Jayden Daniels Offense. 

The Running Game is ironic in Washington because it posts flashy numbers with lousy timing. It is Blough's feel for the running game that many RTDB Commanders Fans are going to watch.  

Blough has worked with Ben Johnson in Detroit. The Lions were the envy of the league in the running game. He worked with Kliff Kingsbury as player and coach. He has two years on his bucket list with Jayden.

He is a risk because he has never called plays. And there is no guarantee he has a better feel than Kingsbury for running the ball. But his work with Johnson suggests he just might. 

He is not a mystery to the Quinn Contingent. The due diligence is built in. So it is a conservative move in that the Commanders know what they are getting in Blough.

The Offense is now in 2026 Mode. 

Dallas Laps Washington 44-22

The Dallas Cowboys doubled up on the Washington Commanders yesterday 44-22. 

Riding Dak Prescott's hot hand. 

Quinn says injuries were not the reason the team lost. 

Washington is an early 5.5 point underdog to Kansas City Monday Night. 

John Keim Response. 

Kevin Sheehan Response 

Commanders OutWhitt Chargers, 27-10

The Washington Commanders, featuring a JD5-led offense and an electrified defense, defeated the banged up Los Angeles Chargers 27-10.

The Chargers won time of possession but scored just 10 points in 34 minutes 19 seconds. The Commanders were the more efficient scoring machine putting up 27 points in 25 minutes 41 seconds. 

The Chargers ran for 155 yards but 60 of those came from gritty, combative QB Justin Herbert. Omarion Hampton was limited to 44 yards. A paltry total when compared to his dominant output versus the Giants.

The Chargers were over 50% on third downs. So it is hard to see Jim Harbaugh looking at the offensive stats and not accepting them had they been offered before the game.

The difference may have been the 5 sacks and 2 turnovers generated by the Commander Defense. Their line looked like a tsunami at times. Dorance Armstrong continued his strong season in the sack department pocketing two. Von Miller had a sack and a half and Jacob Martin had a half sack. Johnny Newton had a sack. 

The defense played better team ball. Newly acquired (Preston Smith, Darnell Savage) and developmental talent (Jordan Magee) made contributions.

The return of dynamic point guard Jayden Daniels expanded the separation gains between Commander receivers and Charger DBs. JD5's no name receiving corps performed well. Deebo Samuel, the biggest name and veteran mentor, led the way once again with 8 catches. Interestingly, Jacory Croskey-Merritt caught 2 for 39 yards and Luke McCaffrey caught a 50-yarder. Giving future opponents more to think about.

That on a team already offering a surplus of problems to think about for NFL defenses. It means Kliff Kingsbury has more notes he can hit during improv sessions.

It was Bill's first 100 yard game, 111 on 14 carries. He scored two tuddies. His light-heartedness and enthusiasm was definitely a sunny day for a team singing the blues. 

Bill is second only to Jayden in that regard.

This was a light-heartedness you could see coming in Joe Whitt Jr.'s press conference. 

He definitely looked as if he knew something we didn't.  

Hopefully Coach can keep them playing with each other and not against each other.

Continue being light on their feet.  

John Keim Assessment

Kevin Sheehan Assessment 

Crib Notes: Release the Kraken

Omarion Hampton is the key on Sunday versus the San Diego... the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Omarion Hampton is not Bijan Robinson. 

Maybe not. But he can do what Robinson did against the Commanders.

Do we believe the Commanders can stop a good running back from scoring on the wheel route? 

It is not a good bet right now. 

Where does the Commanders pass rush come from? Put Newton at end? Preston Smith? Dexter Manley? 

I wish. Who has Manley-type energy on this team? Kinlaw, I think. Payne, Newton or Kinlaw at end. Goldman at tackle. And a Buffalo Nickel at linebacker. A hybrid. Hybridize that sucker.

Last win versus the Chargers was in 2013. 

Time for Kain Medrano (4.46) on third down? Tyler Owens at linebacker? Some speed on third down would be good. Some tackling would be better. 

The Defense needs the same emotional turnaround Coach Raheem Morris got from his football team last Sunday. 

The Chargers lost their ball game last week. They did the cross country losing thing. They're home like the Falcons were last week.

Could be bad timing again for Washington. 

The Washington Defense needs to think everybody thinks they suck. Everybody on defense is getting cut or fired. 

Because the Chargers are going to check that gut. Harbaugh is going to ask you: Have you hit rock-bottom or are you a bottomless pit? 

Should Robbie Anderson . . . uh Robbie Chosen play? Chosen's career. Name change story. 

Can he still make plays?

And I guess the question is: Would the Chargers consider Chosen a threat? Or another fading elder statesman?

If the Chargers do respect Chosen, yeah. I guess play Chosen. If only to get the Chargers thinking. Thinking equals stinking. We want the Chargers to stink. Stink of overthinking. Overthinking is like Peanut Butter. It gunks up the engine.

Or should Ja'Corey Brooks play? 

Brooks would make plays. He's a playmaker. Not a GRE taker. Like Donovan Edwards.  

Edwards is a playmaker. He can't block? You don't put him in to block. 

You put Edwards in to run the ball. To catch the pass. To throw the halfback pass. To take it to the house. He's a threat. Defenses react to threats. Once they react you've got ways to manipulate them. 

Edwards also played for Harbaugh who may overcompensate when he sees Edwards in there. Thinking he will do to me what he and I did to Ohio State. 

I think the Chargers will think Jayden Daniels is the only threat. Most people would agree with them. Including Commanders fans. 

He's the Kraken. Release the Kraken. 

The Offense doesn't need fixing? 

No. It needs more octane. It is going to have to score even more points. Multiple threats are required. Jayden equals more points. But enough points?

Seems we are in Air Raid Philosophy. 55-50 type games required.  

Long trip west. Early arrival to defray fatigue? Is mental energy on defense going to be possible given cross country travel? Does confusion on defense clear up with jet lag? Or will the defense still lag behind?

Good news for anti-public bettors. Chargers are scheduled to win according to 80% of the Public. The Chargers are -3 favorites according to Wunderdog.

Congratulations to the Chargers for their victory in advance.  

Falcon Game is Uncanny: Trick, Trap, Trouble

Tough situation for the Washington Commanders this week. 

Seems people have broken the Falcons game down to if Jayden plays, they win. If Marcus plays, they lose. I'm of the opposite intuition. That is based on feelings. Nothing more than feelings. Trying to forget my . . .

Feelings of love.

The meme is floating that Kingsbury lets Jayden create and doesn't create himself. When Marcus plays, Kliff feels free to create. Is it a deeper into the playbook thing?

The Falcons are talented. But they have some tectonic problems going on. They should have some things figured out by now. But they don't. They give off a little 86 Bears energy. All the talent in the world. But they couldn't stop bickering. 

The Falcons need to stop bitching and get to it. Run the ball. Play defense. Especially against Washington. Why?

Because the game plan doesn't change much whether they play Marcus or Jayden. Neither one needs to be on the field for long stretches if you are the Falcons. 

If they are going to beat the Commanders this year, now is the best time. Commanders are banged up on Offense. Their receiving corps is depleted. So they probably are gonna come with the running game. 

Atlanta is hit and miss against the run. Some don't agree. They see a weak middle. They need to play a Vikings type game versus the Commanders run game.

I wouldn't assume the Falcons are going to lose because they lost to the Panthers. The Early Season in the NFL is the uncanny valley. Weird things happen because teams aren't ready. They are not grooving. They are not calibrated. There are wild mood swings week to week.

They don't have the right look. 

And because the season takes an eternity to complete, being 2-2 at week four doesn't mean you are out of it.  

Neither of these particular ball clubs will be out of the running with a loss.

I think the spread should be Falcons -3. 

I see zero difference between them. With the home team getting the traditional field goal gratuity. 

Public is still on Washington at 62%. 

Commanders Control Raiders

The Washington Commanders controlled the Las Vegas Raiders yesterday, 41-24.

QB Marcus Mariota was a steady presence for a re-calibrated Commander Offense that asserted its running game against a Raider Defense that prior to this particular contest had done well versus the run.

Jeremy McNichols was pinballed at the line of scrimmage on one play, realized he still was upright, then bolted 60 yards to the end zone. The running game secured itself as a threat in the Raiders' collective unconscious.

Commanders went 32 carries for 201 yards and 3 Tuddies. Bill Croskey-Merritt had a touchdown. Mariota scrambled for a Tuddie. Combined with the afore-mentioned jaunt by McNichols.

The Running Back room had a good day. 

A feisty Commander Defense returned to play Sunday. They generated 8 QB hits, 8 Tackles for Losses, and 5 QB Sacks. Young man Javontae Jean-Baptiste came up with a sack. Dorrance Armstrong continued his strong start--5 tackles, 3 solo, 1 sack and 2 tackles for losses. Sackmeister Emeritus Von Miller had a sack. But the best of the best was Bobby Wagner. 

Wagner played inspired professional football in front of former Head Coach Pete Carroll, garnering 11 tackles, 6 solos, 2 sacks, and 2 tacles for losses. 

Deebo Samuel and Jaylin Lane headlined special teams. Samuel took the opening kick 69 yards. Lane returned a punt 90 yards for a Tuddie.

Geno Smith, Tre Tucker, and Maxx Crosby stood out for the Raiders. 

All three phases worked for the Commanders who next face the Atlanta Falcons. 

Interesting result in the Packer Game. 

John Keim breakdown. 

Kevin Sheehan Post-Game 

What Good Backup QBs Can Do

Just a reminder of what backup NFL QBs can do.  

Earl Morrall was the backup QB for the Miami Dolphins in 1972. 

When Bob Griese went down game 5, Morrall came in and went 11-0. Morrall came in second for AP Player of the Year. Our beloved tough guy RB Larry Brown was MVP that year. 

Don Shula, then Coach of the Baltimore Colts, started Earl in Super Bowl III. He had a rough game. Lost to Namath and the Jets. 

That memory must have stimulated Shula to go with Griese in the Super Bowl versus our Washington Redskins. 

Morrall had a career record of 63-36-3.  

One memorable backup in the Gibbs Era was Jeff Rutledge of the 1990 Skins. 

The Skins were down to Detroit 38-21. 

Rutledge came in for Stan Humphries. Went 30-42 for 363 yards a TD Pass and a TD run. The Skins won 41-38 in OT.

Coach Gibbs was inspired and started Rutledge in the Body Bag Game. Brian Mitchell finished that game at QB. That's how that game turned out.  

Ordinary starter Mark Rypien came back in the rubber match versus the Eagles in the Playoffs and ended Buddy Ryan's Eagles Career.  

It's OK If Marcus Starts

Marcus Mariota is an NFL Starter.

Maybe not the best starter. But he is starter level. He could start for several NFL teams.

Especially Chip Kelly, Kliff Kingsbury, and Kyle Shanahan space-based offenses.

His signing was one of the best moves Adam Peters made. 

Relax.

I was actually surprised Adam Peters and Tom Brady didn't do a deal to send Marcus to the Raiders.

Chip Kelly is offensive coordinator there. 

In other news, Preston Smith is back in D.C. Good move. He can help.

Is Jayden's brain fog related to absence of running game? I understand critiquing the offensive line. But the running game (and the screen game, a Washington forte) creates space for the QB in play action activity. And lightens the load of the O-Line.

Reduces the cognitive flood. Doesn't mean the QB or O-Line can't play better. They can and demonstrably have. 

Washington has good running backs. Croskey-Merritt. Rodriquez. McNichols. 

And I think Donovan Edwards could be a surge element later in the year. Like Ricky Ervins was for the 91 Skins. Here's one of Ricky's best performances.

Edwards can help now. Kickoff returns. Run only plays. Big in big games. Explosive take it to the house plays.  He could back off a defense in a hurry. If Washington can keep him on the roster, keep an eye out for Edwards emerging as a breath of fresh air come Playoff time.

Of course one of the best teams at platooning backs was the 17-0 Miami Dolphins, who defeated the Skins in that year's Super Bowl. 

They had two 1,000 yard rushers. And one 500 plus yard rusher. In order, they were Mercury Morris, Larry Csonka, and Jim Kiick. 

I think I'd take Terry McLaurin in fantasy football this weekend. Especially if Marcus starts. 

Conversely, Ashton Jeanty might be the fantasy pick on the Raiders side. He is due to break out. 

Unless the Commanders Run D resurfaces. 

Some Picks 

NFL Game Preview Picks offers a 6-4 Supreme NFL Court Decision for Washington. 

PFF Picks Commanders behaving as if Jayden Plays.

Marcus the Magic Man

Last five games between Washington and the Raiders franchise?

Washington is 4-1.

Pete Carroll 3-2 versus Dan Quinn 

October 16, 2016. Seattle 26, Falcons 24. Boxscore. 

January 14, 2017 Falcons 36, Seattle 20. Boxscore. 

November 20, 2017 Falcons 34, Seattle 31. Boxscore. 

October 27, 2019 Seahawks 27, Falcons 20. Boxcore. 

September 13, 2020 Seahawks 38, Falcons 25. Boxscore. 

Kyle Long takes the Raiders. During the which post, Kyle states controversially that there's not that big a drop off from JD5 to Marcus. Not that it matters, but ... every time I draft Marcus in Madden in a fantasy draft to save cap money, with the Kingsbury Playbook, I stick with him and he wins Super Bowls.

The Tracy Take Picks Commanders 

Marcus Mariota

Versus Panthers

Versus Cowboys 

Pro Football Reference's Marcus file 

Two teams slowly getting to know themselves. Both have had their struggles.

But Mariota was made for the Kingsbury Offense. 

Close game. Down to the wire. With a Dallas type ending.  

Knee Sprain Recovery

I wanted to know standard evidence based practices for knee sprains since our Quarterback has a knee-sprain. So I asked A.I.

Teach me about the recovery process for a sprained knee. What is the recovery period?

"Got it—let’s focus strictly on evidence-based medical guidance for recovering from a sprained knee."

---

"🧠 What Is a Knee Sprain?

"A knee sprain occurs when one or more of the ligaments in the knee are stretched or torn. The most commonly affected ligaments are:

• MCL (Medial Collateral Ligament) – inner knee
• LCL (Lateral Collateral Ligament) – outer knee
• ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) – center/front knee
• PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament) – center/back knee"

---

"⏳ Recovery Timeline by Severity

Sprain Grade	Ligament Damage	Recovery Time
Grade I	Mild stretch	1–2 weeks
Grade II	Partial tear	3–6 weeks
Grade III	Complete tear	8+ weeks (may need surgery)"

---

"✅ Standard Recovery Protocol

"1. Acute Phase (Days 1–7)

• Rest: Avoid weight-bearing activities.
• Ice: 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours.
• Compression: Elastic bandage or knee sleeve.
• Elevation: Keep knee above heart level."

"2. Subacute Phase (Week 2–4)

• Gentle Movement: Begin range-of-motion exercises.
• Pain Management: NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) if needed.
• Bracing: May be recommended for support."

"3. Rehabilitation Phase (Week 4+)

• Physical Therapy: Focus on strength, flexibility, and proprioception.
• Progressive Loading: Gradual return to walking, then sport-specific movements.
• Monitoring: Watch for instability, swelling, or pain recurrence."

---

"🧩 When to See a Specialist

• Inability to bear weight after 48 hours
• Significant swelling or bruising
• Feeling of instability or 'giving way'
• Suspected Grade III sprain or ACL/PCL involvement"

---

"If you’d like, I can walk you through a sample rehab routine tailored to a specific grade of sprain or help you assess symptoms to estimate severity."

What are standard sports rehabilitation best practices for knee sprains in the professional athlete?

"For professional athletes recovering from knee sprains, rehabilitation is a highly structured, evidence-based process designed to restore full function, minimize re-injury risk, and support return-to-play readiness. Here's a breakdown of current best practices drawn from clinical guidelines and sports medicine protocols:

---

"🧠 Core Principles of Rehab for Knee Sprains

"1. Early Controlled Motion

• Avoid prolonged immobilization unless necessary for severe sprains.
• Begin passive and active range-of-motion exercises within days to prevent stiffness and promote healing."

"2. Cryotherapy & Inflammation Management

• Use ice therapy during the acute phase to reduce pain and swelling.
• NSAIDs may be used short-term, but not excessively, to avoid impairing tissue healing."

"3. Neuromuscular Re-education

• Incorporate balance, proprioception, and coordination drills early.
• Tools like wobble boards, single-leg stance, and dynamic stability exercises are key."

"4. Progressive Strength Training

• Target quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calf muscles.
• Emphasize eccentric control and closed-chain exercises (e.g., squats, step-downs).
• Avoid open-chain knee extension early on to reduce ligament strain."

"5. Functional Movement & Sport-Specific Drills

• Gradually reintroduce cutting, pivoting, and jumping mechanics.
• Use video analysis and force plate feedback when available to assess movement quality."

"6. Psychological Readiness

• Address fear of re-injury and build confidence through graded exposure and mental skills training.
• Use validated tools like the ACL-RSI scale for psychological assessment."

"7. Return-to-Play Criteria

• No pain or swelling
• Full range of motion and strength (ideally ≥90% of contralateral limb)
• Completion of sport-specific functional tests (e.g., hop tests, agility drills)
• Clearance from sports medicine team"

---

"🧰 Advanced Modalities Often Used

• Manual Therapy: Joint mobilizations to improve motion and reduce pain
• Electrical Stimulation: For muscle activation in early stages
• Blood Flow Restriction (BFR): Allows strength gains with low-load exercises
• Isokinetic Testing: Quantifies strength deficits and symmetry"

---

"Would you like a sample week-by-week protocol for a Grade II MCL sprain or a breakdown of hop test metrics used in elite return-to-play decisions?

https://nmsra.org/top-5-exercises-for-athletes-recovering-from-knee-injuries/

https://med.stanford.edu/content/dam/sm/pain/documents/knee-ligament-sprains-and-tears-clinical-practice-guidelines-ensuring-best-care.pdf

Can you describe 1) Blood Flow Restriction; 2) the ACL-RSI scale; 3) the difference between open and closed-chain exercises and the danger of open chain to knee sprains?

"Absolutely. Here's a clear, evidence-based breakdown of all three concepts."

---

"1️⃣ Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training

"Definition: BFR involves applying a pneumatic cuff or band to the upper thigh to partially restrict venous blood flow while allowing arterial inflow during low-load resistance exercise."

"Purpose in Knee Rehab:

• Enables strength and hypertrophy gains using only 20–30% of 1RM (one-rep max), ideal when high loads are contraindicated post-injury or surgery.
• Reduces muscle atrophy and supports tendon remodeling without stressing healing tissues."

"Benefits:

• Preserves muscle mass and strength during early rehab.
• May reduce pain and swelling.
• Enhances tendon stiffness and aerobic capacity."

"Safety:

• Requires proper screening (e.g. for clotting disorders, hypertension).
• Should be administered by trained professionals using validated equipment and limb occlusion pressure (LOP) protocols.
• Not suitable for running or plyometric exercises during BFR sessions."

---

"2️⃣ ACL-RSI Scale (Return to Sport after Injury)

"Definition: A validated psychological assessment tool used to measure an athlete’s mental readiness to return to sport after ACL injury or reconstruction."

"Structure:

• 12 items scored from 0–100 (higher scores = greater psychological readiness).
• Assesses three domains:
  • Emotions (e.g. fear, frustration)
  • Confidence (in knee stability and performance)
  • Risk Appraisal (perceived likelihood of re-injury)"

"Clinical Use:

• Helps identify psychological barriers to return-to-play.
• Scores <60 often correlate with delayed or failed return to sport.
• Can guide mental skills training or counseling alongside physical rehab."

---

"3️⃣ Open vs. Closed-Chain Exercises

Type	Definition	Examples
Open-Chain (OKC)	Distal limb segment moves freely in space	Seated leg extension, hamstring curl
Closed-Chain (CKC)	Distal limb is fixed; movement involves multiple joints	Squats, lunges, step-ups"

"Clinical Differences:

• CKC: Safer early in rehab; promotes joint compression and co-contraction of stabilizers.
• OKC: Allows isolated muscle strengthening, especially quadriceps, but may increase anterior tibial translation if done improperly."

"Risks of OKC in Knee Sprains:

• In ACL-deficient or post-op knees, early OKC (especially full-extension leg extensions) may stress healing grafts or ligaments.
• However, recent meta-analyses show that OKC can be safely introduced with proper timing, limited range (e.g. 45–90° flexion), and load control."

---

"If you'd like, I can help you build a phased rehab plan that integrates BFR, ACL-RSI monitoring, and safe OKC/CKC progression. Just say the word."

https://sportsmap.com.au/blood-flow-restriction-training-in-knee-rehab-its-not-if-its-when/

https://www.physiotutors.com/questionnaires/acl-rsi/

https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2024.1416690/full

https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-025-00843-8

https://www.physio-network.com/blog/open-closed-kinetic-chain-exercises-post-acl-reconstruction/

Awesome. Thank you.

Now instead of D.Q.'s boilerplate, matter of national security injury report, you can use the above at the Water Cooler or when you call in to the Radio Shows. 

Offseason Excitement Begins

It was a great year for the Washington Commanders.

Jayden Daniels turned out to be phenomenal. You worry about him being Archie Manning, Sonny Jurgensen, or John Elway. With the team thinking a great QB is all they need. I don't think the football operations people feel that way in D.C.

There are some in the media who absolutely feel that way. There are great Quarterbacks who didn't win championships because management placed everything on their shoulders. 

Maybe the best thing Jayden accomplished was integrating new people in the offense as they came in. And realizing who was next man up. Getting the next men up involved.

That may help take the pressure off Adam Peters in the player acquisition department. At least on offense. 

They have work to do on defense. I'm not convinced you can stop the run with two linebackers. No matter how great those two are. My bias is three or four. If you run big nickel. It should be three d-linemen and three linebackers. I thought they had enough to win with and they did win but they never improved against the run. It was a season-long struggle. If the scheme wasn't part of the problem, there would have been noticeable improvement by the playoffs.

But Peters and Quinn know what they need. And if they have a scheme in mind on defense they will have to populate that scheme with people, mentally and physically, who can execute it. 

The other thing is, a defining quality of this Commanders Defense was the effort was off the charts. I can't help but think oftentimes they ran out of gas. To some extent, playing up tempo will gas your own defense. It makes the fourth quarter hard. Unless you have excellent second teamers you'll never be out of danger. Gunning the engine did not help this defense.

They played ball control at times. And the effects of up tempo were often offset by the NFL's best two-minute offense. Regardless, the defense couldn't put their capes on for four quarters. That's depth. Scheme. And complementary football. That's all got to get better.

I'm personally going to look at good tacklers and corners good at man coverage with power on the interior offensive line, offensive tackles who have tight end speed, an edge, and maybe a receiver or running back. We'll see what's happening in mock drafts. Try to define who's who and see what magic Peters can make in free agency.

But hands down, this was an impressive first season from Josh Harris and his football guys.

No Rookie QB Has Ever Won the Super Bowl But . . .

In 1937, Rookie Slingin Sammy Baugh, official job title "Tailback", but in reality, Quarterback, led the Washington Redskins to the NFL Title.

 

Source: JSTube36

Could Jayden Daniels be the second Washington Rookie QB to take the League Title and the first to win the Super Bowl?

Seeing the Field

There has been much discussion about Terry McLaurin's status. Seems like it happens every year.

To get the ball to Scary you have to see Terry.

And Jayden hasn't been seeing Terry and Terry is not the only one.

QB School pointed that out in a recent post. It was very instructive and goes a long way toward balancing out the discussion about the Commanders' receivers. 

The truth is they are getting open. 

I'm sure JD5 watches the same film we do. I'm sure open receivers are pointed out to him. Maybe he's jumpy about his line. Maybe he needs to trust what he sees on film and transfer it to the field. 

I figure with enough film study he'll get these open guys installed in his subconscious. Using virtual reality, they'll get the green light. 

I don't know how long it will take because there are trust issues involved but I'm confident we can look forward to an eye-opening experience.

The Water Cooler on Training Camp

Hanging around The Water Cooler trying to overhear what dudes are thinking about the Washington Commanders 2024 Training Camp..

Commanders 2024 Media Guide

Commanders Lives

RB3 Job with David Harrison of Locked on Commanders

Training Camp Day 6 Ed Oliver 

Training Camp Day 6 Street Scores

Training Camp Reactions Josh Taylor 

JD5's Best Day According to Rio Robinson

Impressions of First Week of Camp by John Keim and Bram Weinstein 

It does not look like the New York Jets have their media guide out yet. Here's their 2023 Guide,. Aaron Rodgers latest presser, and the Jets Channel in case you wish to prep for that first preseason game next week. Don't go to The Water Cooler unprepared. You may be assessed as trash and thrown in the dumpster.

Tony McGee was one of my heroes back in the Gibbs Super Bowl Days. What was it? He and Doc, he and George Starke, he and Mark May on Home Team Sports? His channel deserves some love from Washington Football Fans. You can catch him and the legendary Donna Hopkins over at the Tony McGee Pro Football Plus TV Show YouTube Channel. Here's a representative sample.

There is not much to comment on myself as nothing seems dispositive about the team until the first regular season game.

I am going to sit back and enjoy the preseason as that is when everybody's wishes, hopes, and dreams get pursued with the utmost gusto.

Even the stars of those games may end grocery baggers. Outside of Olympic Beach Volleyball, nothing could be more intriguing.

All because the NFL won't go to 90-Man rosters.

McCaffrey in the Kilmer Niner Strong-I

It is hard linking up the generations but people are already touting the Luke McCaffrey trick play where he passes for a touchdown.

He's a former QB. He puts me in mind of one Billy Kilmer, who was Slash before Kordell Stewart. Startling claim? Well, I mean Billy Kilmer was a part of the evolution of NFL Offense believe it or not.

It is hard for Washington fans to believe the nearly immobile QB they saw gutting out victories for George Allen actually played some tailback but there it is. He was, as you can imagine from his courage, a tough runner. 

Here's Old Whiskey actually running the football and doing a little run-pass option with his first team, the San Francisco 49ers. Kilmer was playing under Kliff Kingsbury precursor Red Hickey, inventor of the shotgun formation, who would use a Kilmer-John Brodie combo to throw wrenches in the game plans of opposing defenses.

One could imagine McCaffrey, or indeed young Jordan Magee, another ex-QB, vaulting the ball over to Jayden Daniels, essentially the same size as Randy Moss, for the unexpurgated touchdown.

LSU didn't throw to Daniels but what a threat that would be! All because John Brodie and Billy Kilmer used to do it for Adam Peters's 49er squad back in the day.

How many NFL players have ever run, passed, or caught TD passes in a game, even in a season? Could the much ballyhooed Daniels set some records in that regard?

Kilmer almost ran for as many yards as he passed for his senior year at UCLA. 

What would the nature of NFL Offense have been had Billy Kilmer somehow avoided the accident that almost ruined his career? Would RPOs and Pistol Formations and RGIII have come earlier in the growth of the sport of NFL Football?

It's Only a Paper Moon

It is a Barnum and Bailey World. As phony as can be. 

Wise words from Nat King Cole. 

Take the NFL Offseason with a grain of salt. Speaking of salt, here is an interview with an Old Salt, Old Whiskey, jawboning with Dick Schaap.

I thought it was interesting. Joe Whitt mentioned playing 18 guys on defense at one of the Commanders' Press Conferences. It is a bit Barnum and Bailey to back engineer that comment. But I put that together with clownish phrases like "Air Raid" and "shootout" and I start thinking high scoring games and worn out defenses. 

Plus, the Commanders are still working on their DBs and their Offensive Linemen. Meaning they're not ready. It is Circus time. Of course they're not ready. If we're still here in September it is time to worry.

Meantime, it is time, at least for me, to add to our Billy Kilmer Scrapbook.

First Saints Quarterback Ever

Buddy D When Men Were Men 

Doc Interviewed Whiskey a Few Years Ago

Is Jayden Daniels the Beginning of the End for the NFL?

I enjoy the speculation all the fan blogs and channels are doing on the Washington Commanders. 

But there won't be tangible evidence of really ANYTHING until the NFL regular season kicks off. I think they maybe, the Commanders, can lead the league in rushing and field a Top Ten defense but that is all I can imagine at this point without seeing them in the line of fire.

From a football futurology standpoint, there are interesting things to consider.

Such as the following: Will the NFL still be in business in 2050? Is College Football going to end up KEEPING players the entirety of their football-playing careers? Is AI going to eject humans from the game of football? Or is AI Robotics going to inject humans of all shapes and sizes into the game based on motion capture, robot avatars, and Madden 2050? 

By Madden 2050, there should be tech in place allowing a four-foot four hundred pound video game master to insert his cybernetic ectoplasm into a robot avatar and play any position in football. And excel at it. 

Avatars made of titanium chassies rendering Team Doctors Unemployed. Humans participating only as pit crew members replacing parts, rebooting wi-fi, coaches calling plays. Hell, AI calling plays. 

And talk about nostalgia. All the greats could have avatars constructed of themselves and return to the gridiron. Play against each other once again. Easy enough right? Load the 2D tape of the classic games. Use the 2D to transfer to 3D Holograms. Use the 3D Holograms as motion capture. Load it into a Bot. Et voila! Super Bowl 22 relived in titanium crunching three dimensions!

People talk about football immortality. What about our heroes choosing to live forever in their newly constructed football avatar bodies? 

All of this because of 3D QB and Jayden Daniels? Is Jayden Daniels going to load the NFL into the Matrix? And if they go, do we all go?

Touchdown Technology

I mean, I don't believe the NFL can compete with College Football. College Ball can promise full employment figures. The NFL's elitist structure surgically removes the "bums" and only employs 50 people a team.

College Ball has bigger rosters and can offer lifetime involvement in football with career tracks that last beyond playing into coaching and lecturing with things like tenured football professors and football experts emeritus.

The NFL just isn't all that interested in full employment. It is interested in making money. They should have 90-man rosters but instead offer these American Football Has Talent Shows every year that breaks hundreds of hearts and dashes dreams as a matter of course.

They are crass and College Ball is not.

A Med School model which is what College Ball is looking like it is using would work way better than the NFL works. You get paid in Med School. You become a surgeon. You lose your skills. You lecture. 

They you play golf in the Carribean.

What's more is the football will probably be BETTER in the new College Model than what you see in the NFL where after five years they basically kick you to the curb.

The NFL is not ready for that kind of competition. They are a monopoly and their self-satisfaction has ruined them as far as competitive environments is concerned.

The NFL can be replaced. We're seeing some candidates forming. 

Question is. Does the NFL see it?

 

Commanders Raising Hail is a Cheap Trick

Since the demise of the nickname, the Washington NFL Franchise has been bereft of a Team Anthem, in essence, because the nickname was central in the lyrics of the Team's Fight Song: Hail to the Redskins.

HTTR was a college rah rah type ditty played with gusto at moments of touchdownish excitement. Bill Parcells took note of the college like atmosphere when he compared playing the Skins to playing Southern Cal.

When Rookie Camp opened, the Commanders came out with Gonna Raise Hail as a meme. Coach DQ wore a shirt featuring the now familiar inoffensive "W" with a controversial feather attached to one corner of it.

I can't think though who would find Cheap Trick's Gonna Raise Hell offensive other than really devout Christians. It is a workout anthem for a lot of people. But is it HTTR?

It is clear that the team struggles with its heritage both from a marketing standpoint and from an on-the-field performance standpoint. You can't blame them for wanting to reclaim the performance standards of the Golden Era. 

That was the Age of Camelot for Skins Fans. And many are hoping Jayden Daniels will be Prince Valiant bringing Camelot back to D.C.

                          Jayden Daniels Rides into Town
 

How can you recall Camelot without offending sensibilities? 

Well, as many have pointed out, the Colors are not offensive. And . . . the PLAYERS are not offensive. They could be offensive to opponents. And to Mike Ditka. But Camelot was an age of heroes and the folklore of our heroes help us claim what they passed down to us. 

Retiring 28 was a step in that direction.

 

You could say 28 was the Keeper of The Flame for Skins Fans. That's another Cheap Trick song.

Guess we should invite them to do a Half Time set.

Cowboys and Eagles Do Better On O-Line than Commanders

I ask myself why the Bums from Dallas are always winning division titles and I can only dredge up one answer: They always have a good O-Line.

The Dallas Cowboys got Tyler Guyton and Cooper Beebe in the NFL Draft. Guyton is a Tackle. Beebe is a guard. Beebe is slightly better than Guyton. Beebe will be plowing through the Commanders this fall.

The Philadelphia Eagles also did well on O-Linemen in the draft. That's why we're still behind the Cowboys and Eagles.

Intriguingly, the Commanders did not see Tackle as a priority or a hole as is evidenced by the fact they waited until the third round to select a purported Tackle in multi-tasking Tackle/Guard Brandon Coleman whom they "think" can play Left Tackle.

Third rounders are reputed to be starter-grade players. So Coleman is probably a starter. Is he a left tackle suited to protect the blind side of a mobile QB and all the advanced physics involved in that project?

I don't know. Are the coaches good enough to get Coleman ready? I don't know. I hear Left Tackles should be able to move like Tight Ends. Coleman seems to have that ability. Maybe he can play tight end. Add that to his cross-training.

Perhaps Coleman's experience in an Air Raid System at TCU played a big part in Washington's selection. The Air Raid does have blocking duties peculiar to it you don't see elsewhere. In that sense, Coleman could school the vets on THEIR responsibilities. Air Raid Theologians no doubt love the pick.

Good qualifications for Assistant Offensive Line Coach/Air Raid Tutor, but is Coleman ready for NFL warfare? I don't know. And I need to know. Because I'd rather be at least a little "certain" about the Left Tackle on a team with Jayden Daniels at QB. There is a lot to protect and a lot to lose.

If two-tight end sets are the base offense then there will be two players on the left and not one and routine chipping and double teaming will be taking place. That would help a multi-tasker at Left Tackle. 

I don't like multi-tasking. I think it waters down a player's focus. You're settling for journeyman status instead of Master Craftsman. Arguably, it collapses his ascension. It lowers his ceiling. It tells him he's not good enough. He's just a plug-in. A robot functionary demoted to the status of proving the Coach's ability to make do with less.

It is like saying, "Jayden you're a great QB but we need you to have some position flex and play wide receiver."

That said, zone blocking and the Air Raid Offense were inventions designed to make do with less. Again it is coach centrism. The players are bums. It is the coaches who are the talent.

Is it simplification in a Lombardi sense or is it condescension in a eugenics sense? I hope it is the first and not the second.

I don't want to bust Adam Peters's chops too much. There are several months until opening day. Something could happen. They could trade Jonathan Allen for a Left Tackle given they have Johnny Newton in the fold. 

It could be argued it isn't Peters's fault they don't have a Left Tackle. Would that it worked that way! It became his fault the date of hire. He's still on the clock.

And really, can you start Jayden Day One, with a straight face, without a stable Left Tackle spot? I'm hoping he starts Day One but I am way too nervous about them starting someone "they think" can play the spot at Left Tackle.

They need to start someone they KNOW can play Left Tackle.

That's why this was a High C Draft. And it is why the Eagles and Cowboys are way ahead of us.

 

Who is the Left Tackle?

The identity of the "Franchise QB" has been revealed.

However, the Left Tackle who will protect one Jayden Daniels has NOT been identified. That worries me a bit.

I'm not grading the guys the Washington Commanders Drafted. There's a conflict of interest there. I drafted 8 of the 9 in my many thousands of Mock Drafts. Never drafted Jordan Magee.

From their press conferences, it appears the Commanders think Brandon Coleman has a chance to be the Left Tackle. But he is a position flex guy. Jack of All Trades but Master of None. We kind of need a Master Tradesman at Left Tackle. Do the Commanders have the coachcentrism to transform Brandon Zero Sax into an NFL Left Tackle? 

Does it matter in a zone blocking scheme? A scheme designed for simplicity. Meaning--I guess--you don't have to have brains to do it. Since brains have been eliminated, it stands to reason the Best Athlete becomes the best candidate. Putting it another way, Left Tackle in a zone system is not for someone who thinks too much. It slows him down. All he needs is drill work and he's good to go.

Okay. Maybe. We'll see.

The Air Raid Offense Kliff Kingsbury is accused of intending to implement here in Washington is another keep it simple stupid innovation by Hal Mumme. You read grass. You don't need to ID the defense. You ID who's blitzing. You look for open field. Throw it. It's neurologically an economy of motion offense. 

This implies the ball is coming out quick, quicker than the defense can get to the QB. Meaning the Left Tackle does not have to impede his athleticism with a lot of thinking. He won't have time to think. He's got time to bust face. Everything else is goofing off.

It is going to be interesting to see what Kingsbury does. It is a big opportunity for him in his career and it is a big opportunity for Jayden Daniels to take advantage of being a Kingsbury QB. 

It is clear this Commander Staff values athleticism highly. This used to be what they did in college ball. Sign athletes and coach them up. Which is . .  . coachcentrism. Which is . . . Rivera 2.0. Isn't it? Which is . . . why Rivera would be a great college coach.

Besides Jayden Daniels, Johnny Newton reads like a future Star DT. Ben Sinnott can block and catch and he may shine in Kingsbury's two tight end "Air Raid" offense. Sainristil is a heady cornerback. Hampton is a tackling maniac. Jean-Baptiste is an athlete about to get drilled in rushing the passer.

McCaffrey, Sinnott, and Marcus Rosemy-Jacksaint look like stick moving first down makers to me. Jayden needs Good Hands out there. 

The takeaway from this draft for me is that I have to pay attention more to RASes. This staff values athletes over famous people and leadership over showboatiing. Although the algorithm "Team Captains Equal Leaders and I don't have to do Football IQ Tests" seems like it is susceptible to caveats galore.

And apparently, being a top RAS team doesn't guarantee a playoff spot. Hmmm. 

Seeing as how the Washington Commanders won't be doing complexity blocking or complexity gameplans maybe it doesn't matter they don't have a Master Craftsman at left tackle.  

Cornelius Lucas is a Master Craftsman at Left Tackle but I wouldn't play him more than ten games. The season is too long for young guys. For Vets, it is outrageous. So save Luke for the playoffs. 

What is going to happen? I think they lead the league in rushing. They will sack the QB and turn the ball over on defense.

Does that mean more wins?

We'll see.