Views From The Booth: Commanders Takeaways

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Greetings From The Booth!

Can you feel it in the air? Fall is coming, and with it, “for-real” NFL games, not to be confused with the pre-season contests that whet our appetites this time of year. That being said, I have some takeaways from the Washington Commanders’ 17-13 loss to Detroit this past Saturday. No one cares about the score or the result–that will be forgotten by Tuesday, if it isn’t already. These are the things that concern and puzzle me as we get closer to teeing it up on September 13th in Philadelphia:

Why did Jayden Daniels even play? 3 snaps?!? Are you kidding me? I thought Week 2 of the preseason was supposed to be a “dress rehearsal” for the starters. Especially for a team with new coordinators, new systems, and new players. As for Daniels, his 3 plays consisted of a hurried incompletion, a 10-yard sack, and a “give-up” handoff on 3rd and 20. That was his day. I would have liked to see the starters play for at least a quarter. Nothing was accomplished here.

No running game. The Washington running game Saturday consisted of 45 yards. This paltry total is not so much a reflection of the Commanders running backs as it is an indictment of the offensive line. With several starters on the O-line, this was an opportunity for the “next man up,” and as John Lennon might say, they didn’t pass the audition.

The battle for QB3. Hands down, Athan Kaliakmanis is winning (or has already won) this duel with Sam Hartman. The former Illinois and Rutgers quarterback has good pocket presence and is not afraid to throw the ball downfield. On the other hand, Hartman looks for his check down receivers almost immediately after the snap. Look at the stats. Both have a pretty high completion percentage, but the yardage belongs to AK16, who simply looks to be the better option at QB3. With backup Marcus Mariotta injured, this matters.

Sonny Styles. There has been a lot of fan board and social media discussion about the Commanders linebacker and number one draft choice, who has not dazzled in the team’s first two preseason games. Styles at times looks to be out of position, as he was on a 50-yard quarterback read-option that went for a Lions touchdown. And there seems to be some concern about his size. 2 preseason games does not a season or career make, so he deserves the benefit of the doubt. That being said, maybe he would be a better (strong) safety in the pro game. Let’s give him some time.

Defensive takeaways. The Commanders’ defense has been a turnover machine in the preseason. I’m not sure how this will carry over into the regular season, but it’s an encouraging sign for a defense that couldn’t take candy from a baby in 2025. It was also fun to see a defensive touchdown on the game’s first series.

An overall sloppy effort. For a Week 2 dress rehearsal, Dan Quinn could not have been happy. The eye test revealed a sloppy effort, especially when you consider that this game was an opportunity for players who will not make the Commanders roster but are auditioning for other NFL teams.

Overall grade for Week 2: C-minus.

What can we really take away from the above? Probably nothing. Hopefully we will see a prepared and much different team when the Commanders begin a challenging schedule in Philadelphia in a few weeks. I’m ready…I just hope my team is.

Until the next visit from the Booth…HTTC!

RW

 

 

 

What Have You Done For Me Lately?

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Greetings from The Booth!

Sometimes, you gotta change the wallpaper…

It’s “Coaching Carousel” time in the National Football League, and the firings began on so-called Black Monday, right after the regular season finale. Although Commanders’ Head Coach Dan Quinn was spared the wrath of “The Turk,” the fans were thrown a bone with the dismissal of Defensive Coordinator Joe Whitt, Jr., and the surprising exit of Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. In the case of Whitt, the defense had become a sieve, with opposing teams running up and down the field against the burgundy and gold. Late in the season, Quinn took over the defensive play-calling, with minimal results. Yes, injuries were an issue (on both sides of the ball), and that’s why Quinn is probably safe for now.

With Kingsbury, there had apparently been some internal disagreement with GM Adam Peters over offensive philosophy and the handling of franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels. That situation came to a head late in the season during a game when Kingsbury called three consecutive pass plays following a second-and-goal at the 2-yard line, when many in the organization and the fan base felt the Commanders should have run the ball. Following the season, Kingsbury and the team mutually agreed to part ways.

Since then, the team has hired from within, promoting QB Coach David Blough to the OC spot. The upside is that there is a comfort level between Daniels and Blough, and the offense will have some continuity instead of starting totally fresh with an outside OC. The downside is that Blough is untested as a coordinator, and with a seat that is getting warmer for Quinn headed into Year 3, he better get this hire right. As of this writing, the DC position has yet to be filled, and interviews are ongoing. The Commanders will surely have to dismantle a defense that needs to get younger and faster, so this is another hire that must be a good one. It will be an interesting and important offseason for this regime.

And, the AFC North will look vastly different in 2026. The Baltimore Ravens fired long-time Head Coach John Harbaugh, while Pittsburgh Steelers’ HC Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons with the club. Both Tomlin and Harbaugh led their respective teams to Super Bowl titles, and their teams were perennial playoff contenders. However, both the Ravens and Steelers had high bars of expectation, and in recent years, Tomlin and Harbaugh had not reached that bar. Tomlin’s Steelers suffered their 7th playoff loss in a row Monday night when they lost at home to Houston 30-6. And Harbaugh’s fate was sealed when the same Steelers team downed the Ravens in the regular season finale, in a winner-take-all contest. To add insult to injury, Harbaugh was fired by phone as he was headed to his home from the team facility. At least the Pittsburgh organization allowed Tomlin, who probably saw the writing on the wall, to step down.

Neither will be out of work for long, but the exits of Harbaugh and Tomlin point out the “what have you done lately” nature of the NFL coaching profession. Just ask Dan Quinn…

Until next time from The Booth…enjoy the Divisional Round!

RW

 

 

 

 

 

The Sports Dogs Podcast: Commanders, CFP, and High School Hoop

Happy New Year from the Dogs! We’re back from the Holiday Hiatus to talk about the Commanders’ recent Black Monday moves, a look at the College Football Playoff semifinals, and The Duke looks at what’s happening in local high school hoops. A lot is going on in the sports world this first week of 2026, and we’re barkin’ about it, courtesy of Energy Windows LLC. Visit Dave at https://energywindowsllc.com and bring your vision to life! 540-671-9243.

A Season Off The Rails

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Greetings From The Booth!

I’m BAAACK…and I need some venting therapy.

Did it really happen? The magical 2024 Washington Commanders season is now a distant memory. Last year, we were all basking in the glow of a new ownership, a franchise quarterback, and a trip to the NFC Championship game. Man, we couldn’t wait until 2025 to ride this incredible vibe all the way to The Super Bowl.

It has all turned to a smouldering ruin…

As of this post, the Commanders are 3-7, and all but out of the NFC playoff picture (I can hear Jim Mora saying “Playoffs!? Playoffs? We’re just trying to win a game!” Still one of the best coach’s rants of all time.). What went wrong? As with most seasons that turn sour, it’s not just one thing. This season has been the perfect storm of injuries, underperformance, an aging roster, and a very tough schedule. Let’s address each one of these things:

As for the injuries, the Commanders are one of the most banged-up teams in the NFL, starting with franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has suffered 3, count ’em, 3 injuries this year. The list goes on, to the extent that backups to the backups are now playing for the Burgundy and Gold. It’s a veritable MASH unit out in Ashburn. But, as former NFL great Jonathan Vilma said on the national broadcast of Washington’s blowout loss to the Lions on Sunday, “no one cares.” In truth, all NFL teams have their share of injuries, and in the National Football League it’s “next man up.” No one in the league has any sympathy for the Commanners on game day.

That brings us to underperformance, which is especially true on the defensive side of the ball. Washington’s defensive problems were well-hidden last season by the magic of Daniels. This year, a bad defense has gotten worse. The Commanders “D” can’t tackle, can’t cover, can’t stop the run, and can’t force turnovers (they are one of the NFL’s worst in that department). Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play? This week, the team announced that Head Coach Dan Quinn would take over the defensive play-calling duties, while demoting Defensive Coordinator Joe Whitt, Jr. Those kind of moves usually have short shelf lives–the players aren’t magically going to get better. As for Whitt, the fans want a scalp, and I’m afraid it will be his, quite possibly after the bye week.

The Commanders have one of the oldest rosters in the NFL, and last year’s experience has given way to this year’s age and lack of speed. You only have to do the “eye test” to see that players like linebacker Bobby Wagner, while a great team leader, cannot keep up with younger, faster backs and receivers on Sunday. The Commanders roster was built last year on bringing in experienced veterans to guide the younger players. But after the surprising playoff run last year, a lot of those players were brought back, and have not been the same. As the old saying goes, better to get rid of a player one year too soon than one year too late.

Finally, we address the schedule, which is loaded with playoff contenders this year. Already this season, Washington has faced Seattle, the Chargers, Lions, and Packers, and is staring down the barrel at the Broncos, Vikings, and Philly (twice). Last year, against a much lighter slate, the Commanders posted a 12-5 regular season. Upon further examination, had just six plays gone the other way, Washington could have very easily been 6-11. So maybe the Commanders weren’t the powerhouse we (or the networks) thought they were. Sometimes, magic just happens.

It’s midnight, Cinderella, at least for 2025. I don’t see Joe Gibbs hanging around, so there will be no 7-game win streak or playoff football this year for the Washington Commanders. However, I swear I see Dan Snyder, Ron Rivera, Bruce Allen, and Jim Zorn lurking around Northwest Stadium…

Until the next visit from The Booth…HTTC/HTTR!

RW

 

The Sports Dogs Podcast: Breakin’ Down The “Big Game”

It’s all things “Super Bowl” with the Sports Dogs, from gameday cuisine, to our favorite Super Bowl commercials, and our analysis & predictions. And, we tie a bow on the Commander’s magical season. Enjoy the Big Game, and watch out for Duke’s famous jalapeno popper dish!

 

The Sports Dogs Podcast: Breaking Down The NFL Divisional Round

We’re down to the final eight teams in the NFL Playoffs, and the Washington Commanders are still alive!  The Dogs break down all the Divisional games, including our expert analysis and predictions. Plus a quick mention of the CFP Championship on Monday night (1-20).

Kick ‘Em When They’re Down

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Greetings from The Booth!

For fans of the Cowboys and whatever you want to call the Washington football franchise (a lot of Redskins swag is still being worn at Northwest Stadium), it’s Dallas Week, which hasn’t meant as much in the last 20 years. But, with the recent success and relevance of the Commanders, a new shot of life has been injected into the rivalry, especially for the burgundy and gold. Going into today’s Cowboys-Commanders clash in DC, there is somewhat of a role reversal between the two teams.

Under new ownership, front office leadership (and competence), and new head coach Dan Quinn, not to mention exciting young quarterback Jayden Daniels, 7-4 Washington is in the thick of the NFC playoff hunt, and if the season ended today, would be playing postseason football. Gone is the clown show culture of Dan Snyder and emotion-less, out-of-touch head coach Ron Rivera (“oh, we can be eliminated?”), replaced by a fun, almost college-like vibe under Quinn.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, are in free fall. Dallas sits at 3-7, and are on track for their worst season in 35 years. Owner Jerry Jones is the subject of national ridicule, quarterback Dak Prescott is lost for the season after signing an historic contract going into 2024, star receiver Cee Dee Lamb has been injured in recent weeks, and head coach Mike McCarthy is on the hot seat. Things are not well in Big D.

All the more reason to be worried. I take you back to 1991, when the 11-0 Washington Redskins were derailed by a Dallas team that was barely above .500 and coming off two consecutive losses. The 24-21 loss was only a bump in the road to a Super Bowl Championship that year, but at the time was a head-scratching defeat that ended the Skins’ dream of an undefeated season.

Today’s game is a must-win for the Commanders, in my humble opinion.  Washington is coming off 2 straight losses, and needs to get it’s mojo back. Jayden Daniels has not looked like the quarterback we saw in the team’s 7-2 start, and fans are anxious to see the early season version again. 3 losses in a row would feel like a return to the recent past.

Some experts have made the Commanders 10-point favorites for this afternoon’s contest, and today offers an opportunity to kick the Cowboys when they’re down. It’s a rivalry game, and strange things can happen. But you only have to go back to last season’s Dallas-Washington Thanksgiving game to remember the Cowboys having fun at the Commanders’ expense, pulling turkey legs out of the inflatable Salvation Army kettle at AT&T Stadium as they celebrated a 45-10 drubbing.

It’s time for a little Texas turkey today in the Nation’s Capital.

Until the next visit from the Booth, Happy Thanksgiving and Hail Commanderskins!

RW

All Is Not Lost

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Greetings from The Booth!

It’s been a tough week for the Washington Commanders. Going into last Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Commanders were the talk of the pro football world, leading the NFC East at 7-2, and already exceeding the over-under win total of many “experts.” Rookie franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels was not only being mentioned in Rookie of the Year conversations, but the word M-V-P was being uttered by some. Everything was going right for Washington in a 180-degree culture change in the Nation’s Capital.

Cue the The Twilight Zone theme. Against the Steelers, we were suddenly taken back to the previous regime, as a number of Dan Snyder-esque things began to materialize. First, a large portion of Northwest Stadium (I still have a hard time with the name of the venue–how about Joe Gibbs Field at NW Stadium?) was filled with Terrible Towel-waving Pittsburgh fans. It’s great to see the home stadium filled again, but too many times in the Snyder years, most of the fans at Fed-Ex were wearing the other team’s jerseys. There were times Sunday if you closed your eyes, you would think the game was being played in the Steel City.

Then, there were mistakes like 2 muffed punts, blown coverages by the secondary, and watching a 10-point 4th quarter lead melt away. Still, the game was not over until an unforced error–a penalty on a play where the Steelers were simply trying to draw the Commanders offside–gave Pittsburgh the hard-earned 28-27 victory. Disappointing for sure, but not the end of the world. A one-point loss against a potential Super Bowl contender was not a reason to drive into the Anacostia. A big opportunity was just four days away in Philadelphia.

Under the harsh glare of the Thursday Night Football lights, the Commanders traveled to the City of Brotherly Love and Lincoln Financial Field, one of the most hostile venues in the NFL, to take on rival Philadelphia. With first place in the division on the line, Washington hung in there, again taking a 10-6 lead into the final period. Then, it all unraveled. The Eagles took a 12-10 lead as momentum shifted its fickle allegiance to the Dirty Birds. With a chance to take a 13-12 lead, Head Coach Dan Quinn decided to pass on a makeable field goal and go for a 4th and 2. The gamble failed on a busted play, and 2 touchdowns later the Eagles put the game out of reach.

A palpable cloud of gloom hung over the DMV on Friday as we all felt like Cinderella at 12:01. Would we all wake up and discover that 7-2 had been a wonderful dream, and that Dan Snyder still owned the team? You could almost hear the maniacal laughter of the ghosts of Washington Football past–Bruce Allen, Larry Michael, Vinny Cerrato, Ron Rivera, and Snyder–mocking our newfound success. We were crashing back to earth.

OK, let’s take a breath. Yes, there is cause for some concern. Daniels has not been himself in the 2-game skid, as he battles an ongoing rib injury. The long break could not have come at a better time. And, on the other side are two winnable games at home against the now lowly Cowboys and the Titans, followed by a bye-week and the crucial 4-game stretch to end the regular season. As it stands now, the Commanders have a 76% chance of making the playoffs, and a record of 11-6 is entirely possible. Would you have taken that in March? You bet your burgundy and gold you would!

Until the next visit from The Booth…HTTC, HTTR!

RW