Special Teams Ace: K Jake Elliott (2/2 FG (2 from 50+), 2/2 XP)
****
I hear you asking, “What about all the stuff that stats don’t reveal?” Well, that’s the reason for these Four Things articles. It’s to point out what we need to address BEFORE the game. Then AFTER the game, there’s a no-bullshit assessment of whether or not the Eagles did any of what they needed to do, to ensure the win.
So how much of what I mentioned in Four Things: CHIEFS did the Eagles actually get around to doing? Well let’s see:
DE Za’Darius Smith makes his presence felt on QB Patrick Mahomes
1) Right Side, Strong Side: We didn’t do many shifts at all along the Defensive Line, but LB walks-ups? Defensive Co-ordinator Vic Fangio, uncharacteristically leaned heavy on the blitz in this game. Rookie LB Jihaad Campbell (7 tackles) spent a lot of time not just walking up into the gap between the RDT and RDE, he also was sent on blitzes, and put hits on the opposing QB.
We collected 2 sacks in this game, and 1.5 came from the right side of our D-Line. Moro Ojomo (2 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) got a solo, and newly signed RDE Za’Darius Smith (4 – 0.5 – 0 – 0) helped finish a sack started by rookie Andrew Mukuba (6 – 0.5 – 1 – 0). We got what we needed and didn’t allow their QB to trust his blindside. (DONE)
2) Trigger Their PTSD:Like the Super Bowl, the Chiefs not only ran loaded boxes, but they ran run blitzes to stymie our run game. This was to expected. At least by me. The Eagles from Offensive Co-ordinator Kevin Patullo, to QB Jalen Hurts, seemed confused and surprised by it.
Instead of adjusting and calling hot routes and crosses, to get the ball out of Hurt’s hand and burn the blitz, it seemed like every route was for twenty yards or more. If Patullo adjusted his approach, or if Hurts had audibled a route here or there, it might have made our Offense’s night easier all around. (NOT DONE)
3) Much Smaller Cushions: CB Quinyon Mitchell(3 tackles) and NCB Cooper DeJean(8 tackles) seemed to get the memo. However, CB Adoree Jackson (1 tackle) continued to be a fucking liability out there. We should just cut him, and if CB Kelee Ringo (2 tackles) is truly a worse option than Jackson, we should just cut him too.
I would like to say that since two-thirds of the CB’s got the message, this is a passing grade. However, given how inviting Jackson makes anyone he covers, we’re like a car on three tires and brake rotor. (NOT DONE)
4) Spread the Ball Around:No fewer than seven different Eagles caught a ball in this game. SEVEN! That ball was indeed spread around this week. This one was indeed done.
It is however, the emptiest “done” I can recall in a long time. Our top two receivers combined for 80 yards on 9 catches. There was just one completion for a gain of double digits. Seeing that, you might assume that Hurts spent the day burning the blitz. He did not. What he did, was stand in the pocket for too long, too often. But still… (DONE)
++++
This week’s Four Things score was 2 of 4, and if it was lower we’d be looking at a loss. Next week, we get another 2024 – 2025 playoffs re-match. This time against the 2 – 0 Rams.
****
S Andrew Mukuba robs a future HOF player in the endzone, for his first career interception.
Game Hero: S Andrew Mukuba – His interception in the endzone, killed a potential Chiefs scoring drive and set us up for the 20 – 10 lead, that would carry us past a late Chiefs rally. He also got home, on our first sack of the year. (Although it took Za’Darius Smith’s help to finish it off.)
Game goat: QB Jalen Hurts – While new OC Patullo is the man responsible for strategizing our attack, Hurts is the one under Center, reading the defense and making adjustments, pre-snap. At least he’s supposed to be. Right?
The problem is, we have two straight weeks of him being stymied by the same defensive element, namely heavy blitzing. He has yet to throw a short pass to hot route, that burns the defense for serious run after the catch yardage. We will continue to see this element, until he demonstrates that he will make teams pay for it.
On The Whole: It’s a “W”. Earned in the home of a Super Bowl caliber team, that everyone was calling a potential dynasty and expecting to three-peat, just 219 days ago. Whatever excuse people were willing to make for the Chiefs Super Bowl loss, the Eagles even in an ugly game, proved that the excuses are invalid and we are simply the superior team now.
The Eagles, not the Chiefs are the team to beat in the NFL.
The Eagles, not the Chiefs are the class of the NFL.
The Eagles, are now the team to be discussed as a potential dynasty.
The Eagles are the team climbing to repeat as World Champions.
OPERATION Bounceback begins, as Dallas looks to pick themselves up after they finished 2024 with a record of 7-10, 3rd in the NFC East, 20.6 pspg (21st), 27.5 papg (31st).
Injuries derailed this team last season. They managed to tread water for a while, going 3-3 until their Week Seven Bye. They came back and lost four straight games, dropping them to 3-7, behind two division rivals that were ho,t and refusing to cool off. Missing the playoffs became almost a mercy killing. Head coach Mike McCarthy was fired, and replaced with Brian Schottenheimer. Brian is the son of a personal favorite of mine, the late, great Marty Schottenheimer.
Heading into the pre-season, this is how things look today:
QB: Much is expected of Dak Prescott (185 – 286 – 64.7 – 1978 – 11 – 8) but at 31 years old, coming back from a second major lower body surgery, those expectations may now be unfair. Even before his 2024 season ended, his record was 3 – 5, including 3 straight losses. He’d also thrown 5 TD’s against 6 interceptions in his last four starts. It’s too early to declare him washed, but he no longer belongs anywhere near discussions of being elite.
Gone is back-up Cooper Rush. Enter Joe Milton. He’s huge (6’5, 246), with good mobility and an extremely live arm. In fact, his high throwing velocity is the biggest knock against him. He lacks touch, so he rockets every throw, which can make him wildly inaccurate on short passes. That being said, the lad has some tools. (+)
RB: Free agent Javonte Williams is a reclamation project from the Broncos. He’s never rushed for 1,000 yards, and hasn’t broken a 25 yard run since 2021. Former Eagle Miles Sandersstill showed the ability to be explosive in 2024, but will he see enough work in 2025, to make a contribution? Hunter Luepke (12 – 38 – 3.2 – 0) is the unofficial FB.
Deuce Vaughn (17 – 70 – 4.1 – 0 – 0) hasn’t seen much action in two years, and at 176 pounds, it’s doubtful that he ever will. Rumor has it, that Dallas wants a thunder and lightning duo, between rookies Jaydon Blue a 5th rounder, and 7th rounder Phil Mafah. Both are one dimensional players. Dallas has five question marks and no answers here yet. (-)
WR: Ceedee Lamb (101 – 1194 – 11.8 – 6) was clearly hurt by the loss of his QB last year. Another thing that hurt him was a shoulder injury that worsened as the season went on, causing the Cowboys to shut him down, with two weeks left in the season. There’s been no indication of any further difficulty with the shoulder.
George Pickens (59 – 900 – 15.3 – 3) was traded from Pittsburgh. He’ll loosen coverage on Lamb and help clear out the box. The threat of him alone, upgrades the entire offense. Jalen Tolbert (49 – 610 – 12.4 – 7) will likely see his role reduced, with the addition of Pickens, but he’s a quality third. KaVontae Turpin (31 – 420 – 13.5 – 2) insists on being a real receiver, but his true value to Dallas is returning kicks (27 – 904 – 33.5 – 1). Jonathan Mingo (5 – 46 – 9.2 – 0) will likely round out the roster. (+)
TE: Jake Ferguson (59 – 494 – 8.4 – 0) should be able to produce more on the field, since opponents are usually focused on defending other players. Despite 59 catches, he produced no scores and just 18 first downs, in 2024. Luke Schoonmaker (27 – 241 – 8.9 – 1) was a 2nd round selection in 2023, but so far, has not been able to take the top spot from Ferguson.
Brevyn Spann-Ford (9 – 88 – 9.8 – 0) is a big target, but he’s a slow, lumbering runner. He won’t run many crisp routes, and offers little after the catch. There are also a couple of Special Teamers/camp bodies here. This position is practically a liability. (-)
OT: Last year LT Tyler Guyton struggled to the point of being benched. Instead of leaving him in the doghouse, the Dallas coaching staff worked with him in the offseason and they are so far pleased with what they’ve seen in OTA’s and early training camp. Terence Steele has started the last 34 games at RT. Though he’s not the greatest, he provides stability that can be built around.
Matt Waletzko, Dakoda Shepley, are experienced Cowboys back-ups, but that’s all they will ever be, barring injury. They are joined by free agent Hakeem Adeniji, who hasn’t been a starter since 2023 when he had 4 starts with the Vikings. There are a couple of late round picks down here, but no one on this bench, will ever develop into a regular starter anywhere. (+)
Rookie Guard Tyler Booker
G: With the retirement of perennial All-Pro Zack Martin, LG Tyler Smith takes over as the leader of the Cowboys offensive line. He’s been worlds better since he was moved inside in 2023. Even before OTA’s, 1st round pick Tyler Booker, was basically anointed the starter at RG. He’s a 1st rounder, but the NFL has a steep learning curve.
Depth is interesting. Saahdiq Charles comes over from division rival Washingtion, where he played OT. Not only has he changed teams, but also positions. Robert Jones comes over from Miami, where he started every game last year at LG. Both T.J. Bass and Asim Richards were Cowboys last year. Bass with three starts and Richards with one. So if Booker doesn’t pan out, there are plenty of veteran options. (+)
C: Cooper Beebe started 16 games as a rookie last year, which is an endorsement in itself. He leapfrogged Brock Hoffman, who has been with the team since 2022. There is nothing broken with this position, so the Cowboys made no move to fix it. (+)
In A Nutshell: There’s a line, some weapons, and QB who’s familiar with his supporting cast. They have the ingredients for a top ten unit. (+)
DEFENSE
Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs address the media during Cowboys training camp activities.
DE: If you go to the Cowboys website, Micah Parsons (43 – 12.0 – 0 – 0) is listed under this position. Some will want to argue that, but with Matt Eberflus hired to be the new defensive coordinator, we can’t be certain of what changes he has planned. Parsons has requested a trade over his contract situation, but as of when I hit ‘publish’, he was still on this roster.
Dante Fowler returns from Washington, where he had 10.5 sacks last year. Fowler hasn’t started double digit games since 2020, and Parsons’ could possibly end up sitting out games. So it’s a pretty strong bet that Dallas will have to lean heavily on their depth here.
Sam Williams is a 2022 2nd rounder, is coming back from an ACL tear, which robbed him of his 2024 season. Marshawn Kneeland a 2024 2nd rounder, is seen more as a run defender than a pass rusher. Payton Turner, a 2021 1st rounder, comes over from the Saints, with no career starts, but two long I.R. stints on his resume. Right now, there are no committed starters, and no back-up has any meaningful experience. (-)
DT: Mazi Smith (41 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) started every game last year and anchored the NFL’s 29th ranked run defense in yards allowed. He’s huge, but he tires quickly, and then gets pushed around easily. Osa Odighizuwa (47 – 4.5 – 0 – 0) posted career-highs in tackles and sacks, while starting every game for the third straight year. He’s disruptive, but undersized for the inside.
Solomon Jones comes over from the Jets. He’s played End most of his career, but he’s apparently being moved inside, because the Cowboys are paper thin there. Of his career 18.5 sacks, 8.5 have come in the last two years. They also have two rookie 7th rounders in Jay Toia and Tommy Akingbesote. Like I said. Paper thin. (-)
OLB: Donovan Ezeiruaku, rookie 1st rounder, was the 12th pick overall. So getting him on the field early, may be the reason why “others”, find themselves changing positions. Honestly, with Ezeiruaku’s body type, he might still line up with his hand in the dirt, quite a bit. Marist Liufau (50 – 1.5 – 0 – 1) will likely be the second starter, but with the new DC, it’s impossible to be sure.
DeMarvion Overshown (90 – 5.0 – 1 – 1) tore his ACL, PCL and MCL late last season, and will miss part of 2025. If he were healthy, he’d start over Liufau. James Houston is a recent signing, as pass rush insurance for the Parsons situation. The other three players at this position, probably won’t even make the Practice Squad. (-)
MLB: Kenneth Murray comes over from the Titans, in a bid to salvage his career as a starter. Already labeled as a 1st round bust for the Chargers, the Titans gave him a two year deal. Then they traded him for peanuts, after just one season. He’s athletic, and a hard hitter, and decent guy… The issue is his poor instincts when diagnosing plays. Yikes!
MLB Jack Sanborn in coverage
Jack Sanborn was a Bear for three years, and has played in Eberflus’s system. So it’s not a stretch that he could win the starting gig. But if he doesn’t, he’s great depth to have. Damone Clark started every game in 2023, but was demoted in 2024, with just two starts in fourteen games. Don’t be surprised if he’s the first ‘backer off the bench, inside or outside. (+)
S: Both Donovan Wilson (82 – 4.5 – 1 – 1) and Malik Hooker (81 – 0.0 – 2 – 0) started every game last season, and they’ll return as a tandem in 2025. Even with a new system being installed this should be an area of strength, because their communication will make it easier for them to digest the changes.
Markquese Bell (6 tackles), Juanyeh Thomas (14 tackles), and Israel Mukuamu (19 – 0.0 – 2 – 0) have all been Cowboys for at least two years. So all five of these players have been in two systems with each other, and can discuss where the similarities and differences are, in the incoming system. So they should be able to teach each other and adapt to it quickly. (+)
CB: Trevon Diggs (42 – 0.0 – 2 – 0) is coming back from 2024 cartilage damage in the same knee that he tore his ACL in, back in 2023. In the last two seasons, he’s played just 13 of a possible 34 games. Questions about his durability, and how much his athleticism is impacted, are legitimate at this point.
After losing Jourdan Lewis (Jaguars), DaRon Bland (41 – 0.0 – 0 – 1) will be the new starter. Can he regain the form he had before a stress fracture in his foot, took the first half of 2024 from him? Currently engaged in what will be expensive contract talks with him, the Cowboys will soon literally be banking (gambling) on it.
Josh Butler (21 – 1.0 – 0 – 0) started three games with the Cowboys, as a 28 year old rookie last year. He’s currently on their PUP list, as he’s rehabbing a torn ACL. In the 3rd round of the 2025 Draft, the Cowboys selected Shavon Revel. He is currently rehabbing a torn ACL and will not be available during Training Camp. Or for the start of the season. Oh, and Caelen Carson (27 – 0.0 – 0 – 0) the 2024 5th rounder who had five starts last year, is out for weeks with a hyperextended knee.
I am making NONE of this up.
So, just who is healthy? Kaiir Elam a former 1st round pick that Buffalo gave up on and traded to Dallas for basically a handful of pocket lint. (Actually, it was him and a 6th round pick, in exchange for a 5th and a 7th round pick.) The remaining six bodies at this position have a total of 1 career interception between them, and a combined 3 starts since 2023. (-)
In A Nutshell: How do you not bring in ANY serious help, for the 31st ranked defense?
SPECIAL TEAMS:
K: Brandon Aubrey (40/47 (85.1%), 30/30 (100%)) hit a 65 yarder to let NFL teams know, that if his team reaches the 50, he’s gonna be a problem. (+)
P: After boasting a 51.4 yard per punt average in 2023, Bryan Anger came back down to Earth with a 48.5 yard average in 2024. That number is almost perfectly in line with the 48.4 that he posted in his first two years as a Cowboy. His net punt however was down to 41.7 yards, his lowest as a Cowboy. Not awesome, but serviceable. (+)
In A Nutshell: The legs are reliable, and aren’t losing the field position game for this team.
The Cowboys GM be like…
BOTTOM LINE: The Cowboys are going to have to use the same formula as the Bengals to win. Every game will have to be a shoot-out, because defensively this team is trash. And that’s regardless of how the Parsons situation turns out. They went 3-3 in the division last season, this year will probably be 1-5, repeating their 7-10 mark from last year. If they stay healthy.
Sisyphus- (Oops!) Washington, now that Dan Snyder is gone.
LOST NFC Championship Game, 12 – 5, 2nd place in NFC East, pspg 28.5 (5th) papg 23.0 (18th)
Washington was by far the surprise team of the 2024 season. Capitalizing on a last place schedule, and a rookie QB playing better than anyone could have anticipated; the Commanders made a deep run in the playoffs. They even out-dueled the #1 seeded Detroit, 45 – 31. A week later, the eventual Super Bowl Champions the Philadelphia Eagles, would annihilate Washington 55 – 23, and give them much to consider in the off-season.
Heading into the pre-season, this is how things look today:
QB: Jayden Daniels (331 – 480 – 69.0 – 3568 – 25 – 9) started all 17 games, while battling through broken ribs, suffered in Week 7. He ran for 891 yards and 6 scores, with a win/loss record of 12-5. But pump the brakes. That record could have just as easily been 8-9. His four game winning drives (Bears, giants, Eagles, and Cowboys) look good on paper, but the circumstances in each of those games will tell a very different story.
But that still leaves eight clear wins over the Bengals, Saints, Panthers, Titans, giants, Cardinals, Falcons, and Browns, right? Well, none of those teams made the playoffs. In fact, Daniels generally ceased to be a difference maker, whenever the opponent had a playoff caliber QB on the field. All early indications are positive, but demonstrated consistency is needed here.
Marcus Mariota returns as the back-up. The role looks to fit him well. He’s not asked to do too much when he’s asked to play, and he still has good mobility even at 31. Sam Hartman was an undrafted rookie, added to the roster last year; and for some reason, the well-traveled Josh Johnson was added to the roster, this year. (+)
RB: Brian Robinson (187 – 799 – 4.3 – 8) scares absolutely nobody. In three seasons he has never run for 800 yards in any one of them. He is not a game-breaker. He’s a big, “pound the ball between the Tackles” type. For explosive plays, the team is counting on Austin Ekeler (77 – 367 – 4.8 – 4 / 35 – 366 – 10.5 – 0). Surely, they’ll be looking to get him more than just 112 touches this season.
Providing depth is Jeremy McNichols (55 – 261 – 4.7 – 4) who is coming off a career year in 2024, having finally had his first career start after seven years, and four prior rosters. The Commanders also have third year man Chris Rodriguez (35 – 173 – 4.9 – 2). Putting together 354 – 1,600 – 4.5 – 18 between four guys, with their front line in a state of flux, may be the most slept-on story in the division. (+)
WR: Terry McLaurin (82 – 1096 – 13.4 – 13) saw a career-highs in both touchdown catches, and catch percentage (70.1). More importantly, he seems to have developed a real rapport with the guy throwing him the ball. So his current contract hold-out/hold-in/trade request isn’t too surprising. He’s currently still under contract, so I’m including him here.
WT Terry McLaurin being shown the money.
Meanwhile, when San Fran showed Deebo Samuel (51 – 670 – 13.1 – 3) the door, Washington couldn’t simp and give him a truckload of money fast enough. Even though his game is more suited to the slot, they want him to be a #2. Partly because overpaying a slot would be silly. Right Dallas?
Speaking of not showing up in the playoffs, Noah Brown (35 – 453 – 12.9 – 1) is back from the kidney injury that ended his 2024 campaign, in Week 13. Michael Gallup (no stats) is back from retirement. Further depth includes Luke McCaffery (18 – 168 – 9.3 – 0) and a handful of camp bodies and rookies, like 4th rounder Jaylin Lane.
There isn’t a legit #2 here, and the group is built as if the focus, is to capitalize on yards after the catch. That portends a lot of receivers taking big hits from Linebackers and Safeties. Which brings into question how healthy they’ll be, by the time we start with the Fall family gatherings. Once again, it’s basically McLaurin and then a big drop-off. (-)
TE:Zach Ertz(66 – 654 – 9.9 – 7) found the fountain of youth in 2024, while playing security blanket with his rookie passer. That said, with him being 34, the time to pivot to second year Ben Sinnott (5 – 28 – 5.6 – 1) should be this season. Nobody spends a 2nd round pick on a TE, without plans for him, and while John Bates is a tough sumbitch, he’s not a receiving threat. At the bottom of the barrel are Cole Turner and Tyree Jackson. (-)
OT: In order to keep the Broken Rib fairy away from their QB, Washington traded with Houston for LT Laremy Tunsil. He’s been a perennial Pro Bowler (for whatever that’s worth anymore), while dominating in the AFC South against the Colts, Jags, and Titans. All while playing in a dome. In a warm climate. The NFC East will offer him none of that.
Taking snaps (so far) at RT, is 1st rounder Josh Conerly. This makes for a brand new pair of starters on the ends. In 2024 it was RT Andrew Wylie, and (rookie) LT Brandon Coleman. Wylie took a pay cut in March, just to keep a job. Coleman is looking for an open seat anywhere on the line. Behind them, are a couple of career back-ups, and undrafted rookie Timothy McKay.
Nice bed. Be a shame if someone…
While the new starters may be talented, how they adapt to a new team, and system, are all question marks. Last year’s starters shit the bed hard enough to cause the team to wipe the slate and start all over. If the reserves have to step in, there can’t be a ton of confidence there. So until they prove otherwise… (-)
OG: Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson, may have as many as four new starters up front, going into this season. Last year it was LG Nick Allegretti and RG Sam Cosmi. This year Brandon Coleman is getting a look at LG, and Andrew Wylie seems to have been demoted to utility player.
Allegretti and Cosmi are still in the mix to start, but it’s a mix. Especially with Cosmi still rehabbing a blown ACL. Johnson completely re-tooling the line that he assembled last year, tells you how deeply disappointed he was. The real question here is, is this position any more talented than it was a year ago? The flat answer is, no. (-)
C: Tyler Biadasz is the anchor of this line, and he’s clearly the player that it’s being built around. He isn’t flashy, but he’s a consistent and stabilizing presence. He’s also the only player listed at this position. Michael Dieter is listed at G, but he’s got eight career starts in the pivot. So depth here is a mild concern. (+)
In A Nutshell: If the line doesn’t gel quickly, this offense is cooked.
DEFENSE
DE: Finally a starter (fifteen starts) Dorance Armstrong (39 – 5.0 – 0 – 0) was supposed to take a major leap forward. What happened is, he was less productive than when he was a back-up. Clellin Ferrell(26 – 3.5 – 0 – 0) also failed to be a game-changer despite his ten starts. Seeing low production from their starters (8.5 sacks), Washington decided to make a major move...
They gave a roster spot to what’s left of Von Miller. He’s collected 6 sacks in the last two years, as a situational player. Further depth looks like second year Jacob Martin (15 – 3.0 – 0 – 0); Javonte Jean-Baptiste (13 – 1.0 – 0 – 0); Andre Jones (1 tackle); and Viliami Fehoko, who was drafted in the 4th round in 2023, but has bounced around practice squads since then. (-)
DT: Jonathan Allen (Minnesota) was allowed to walk, breaking up the dynamic duo that was he and Daron Payne (42 – 4.0 – 0 – 0). Stepping up to be Payne’s new running mate, is Jer’Zhan Newton (44 – 2.0 – 0 – 1) who had eleven starts in 2024, due to Allen being injured. Newton was drafted last year to give Washington more interior pass rush and be a disruptor, but so far he’s “less of an asset” against the run.
Adding Javon Kinlaw (40 – 4.5 – 0 – 1) from the Jets, could be a good move, depending on which version of him shows up most of the time. NT Eddie Goldman came over from the Falcons, (probably as bulk vs the Brotherly Shove). He can anchor against the run, but no one is worried about his pass rush. Maybe that’s whyDeatrich Wise (20 – 5.0 – 0 – 0) was added from the Patriots? Lots of experience, but there’s a lot of high mileage, new parts to blend. (-)
I/MLB: In 2024, Bobby Wagner (132 – 2.0 – 0 – 2) recorded his lowest tackle total since 2015. That’s despite starting all seventeen games. Whether it was because it was his first year in the system, or because he was 34, is the question. Given the lack of clear depth behind him, that’s not a good question to have.
Right now, second year man Jordan Magee (9 tackles), would be the first man off the bench in case of injury to Wagner. However, he only saw 15 snaps in 2024. Further depth looks like possibly 6th rounder Kain Medrano, or undrafted rookies Kam Arnold and Ale Kaho. Nick Bellore is a Special Teamer who also plays FB. (-)
LB Frankie Luvu jumps offsides, trying to stop the Eagles Brotherly Shove play.
OLB: Frankie Luvu (99 – 8.0 – 1 – 2) had career-highs in sacks (8), and passes defensed (7). Despite Dante Fowler and his 10.5 sacks going back to Dallas, there doesn’t seem to be a hard set plan for re-stocking the other starting spot.
Instead, Washington is hoping that Dominique Hampton, a 5th roundtweener from last year’s Draft, can replace Jeremy Chinn (Las Vegas), who played a hybrid role, as a box FS/LB. You didn’t read that wrong. This is what’s happening. This is who they have, and they’re serious about rolling this out. (-)
S: Quan Martin (87 – 0.0 – 1 – 0 ) also added 3 forced fumbles last year, during his sixteen starts. They added free agent Will Harris from the Saints. With 3 career interceptions in six years, Harris isn’t exactly a ball-hawk or a game changer. He does however, bring a much needed veteran presence to a very inexperienced group.
Percy Butler (47 tackles) had five starts last year, but he had thirteen the year before. Instead of relying on him, Washingtonadded a veteran. Below Butler are undrafted Tyler Owens (who doesn’t believe in Space or other planets); undrafted college special teamer Ben Nikkel; and undrafted rookie Robert McDaniel. (-)
CB: Mike Sainristil (93 – 0.0 – 2 – 1) saw sixteen starts as a rookie last year. It started out rough, but he played through, and by season’s end, the improvement was apparent. Marshon Lattimore (4 tackles) came over in a midseason trade. He only played two games due to a hamstring injury, which he blamed for his poor performance. BUT! If we’re going to keep it 100, he’s been a shell of himself since 2022.
Noah Igbinoghene (55 tackles) having defected from Dallas last year, now has two years of this system under his belt. Jonathan Jones (Patriots) is very experienced, especially in the slot. Add a handful of young guys, which include two undrafted rookies, and you have the makings of… A mess. This is a mess. It’s one decent player, a guy who’s washed, an old slot guy, a bench warmer, and camp bodies. This is a mess. (-)
In A Nutshell : Aside from possibly Kinlaw, no clear move was made to improve this unit.
SPECIAL TEAMS
K: Free agent signee Matt Gay has no competition on the roster. The gig is obviously his, despite him being 11/22 from 50+ yards, over the last two seasons. Did I mention he played the last two seasons in Indianapolis? Yes, a place with a dome. In fact, 8 of those 11 misses were in a dome. However, he was 28/28 from 49 yards or less. So he’s solid, but not clutch. (+)
P: Tress Way only had to punt 50 times last season, which helped keep his leg fresh enough to raise his average punt to 46.9 from 46.0 the previous year. He won’t set the world on fire, but he’s solid. (+)
In a Nutshell: Washington is solidly going the Gay Way in 2025.
BOTTOM LINE: At the end of January, no one was expecting this team to shell out 60M$ to two WR’s, but by Week One, that is precisely what has to happen. (Right?) As a result, there wasn’t big money to spend on improving a defense which allowed 55 points in the last game they played in. Add to that, a harder schedule, and a season’s worth of tape on their QB. This team won’t sneak up on anyone this year.
Everywhere I turn, the national media has this team back in the NFC Championship game or beyond, but I just don’t see it. They just don’t have the firepower to make up for a poor defense. Let’s call it 9 – 8 and a Wild-card exit.
REBUILDING continues! In 2024 New York finished 3 – 14, 4th place in the NFC East, pspg 16.1 (31st), papg 24.4 (21st)
Their pass defense was top ten in yardage last year, but that stat is extremely deceptive. Last season they had an even split of 503 passing attempts and 503 rushing attempts, against them. They gave up 6.5 yards per pass, but 4.6 yards per rush! As an opposing offense, why would you ever throw the ball? As a result, the 503 pass attempts they faced, were third fewest in the league, thus the low yardage.
Heading into the pre-season, this is how things look today:
OFFENSE
QB:Tommy “Cutlets” Devito is the only player currently at this position. He has a career record of 3 – 5 in 8 starts for the g-men, throwing 8 TD’s and 3 picks, thus far. He’s also shown some ability to leg plays out. He doesn’t have elite tools, but he’s a competitor. A better organization might take an offseason to see what they have here, but…
Then just like that, the giants sign Jameis Winston for enough money and incentives to make him the odds-on favorite to win the starting job. He was the #1 overall pick in the 2015 Draft, but it’s hard to know what he is. Is he a talented guy who’s simply bounced from one bad team/situation to another and another? Or is he fool’s gold, that assures mediocrity?
Then BOOM! They signed Russell Wilson to an even larger contract, and in his introductory speech, he all but declared himself the Day One starter. The question is: What do the giants have in him? At this point in his career, it seems like he’s become enamored with making the smart decision, not necessarily the right one. With football being a game of moments, that aversion to risk, means he misses out on those most important moments.
Then, with the 25th overall pick in the Draft, the giants selected Jaxson Dart! With him being a first round pick, you know they want him on the field. And soon. Which then raises the question: What happens with Wilson, now? There are now four quarterbacks on this team, and the only one who’s ever won a game for it, is the one least likely to ever see another start for it. (-)
RB: Looking at his overall numbers would make you think that Tyrone Tracy (192 – 839 – 4.4 – 5) had a pretty good rookie year. Until you notice the 5 fumbles and how he only eclipsed 60 rushing yards just 4 times in 17 games. Free agent addition Devin Singletary (113 – 437 – 3.9 – 4) went from 2023 career-highs in carries and rushing yardage (216 – 898) with the Texans, to career lows as a giant. He also suffered career-lows in receptions and receiving yardage. Eric Gray has 6 fumbles on 31 career attempts, for 79 yards, no scores and a long run of 12 yards. If he makes their 2025 practice squad, I’ll be shocked. In the 4th round of the Draft, the giants selected Cam Skattebo. He’s a hard-running, high effort type. While he has the attitude to succeed, the question is: At this level, does he have enough talent? (-)
WR: Their best is Malik Nabers (109 – 1204 – 11.0 – 7). He’s coming off a productive rookie season, but much of that was from dealing in high volume, as he saw 170 targets in 15 games (11.3 tpg). Oh, and his 9 drops outnumbered his 7 scores. For comparison, EaglesA.J. Brown, on just 97 targets, also had 7 scores. With zero drops. That’s not a typo. Zero drops.
WR Malik Nabers competes for a pass.
Their number two, is Wan’Dale Robinson (93 – 699 – 7.5 – 3) who was targeted a career-high 140 times last year. Funny thing is, the more passes he sees, the more his yards per catch drops (9.9 in 2022, 8.8 in 2023, 7.5 in 2024). They re-signed deep threat Darius Slayton (39 – 573 – 14.7 – 2), but he’s already spent six years being under-utilized there. The last three were under current Offensive Co-Ordinator and former Eagles QB,Mike Kafka. Don’t expect much to change.
Speaking of former Eagles, Zach Pascal is also there. Combined since 2022, he has all of 19 catches, for 169 yards and 1 score. If they don’t draft a playmaker here, their passing attack will need their QB to be an absolute savior. (Update: They didn’t draft a playmaker here.) (-)
TE:Theo Johnson (29 – 331 – 11.4 – 1) is the headliner of this group. Um, okay? Daniel Bellinger (14 – 125 – 8.9 – 0) has seen his snap percentage decrease in each of the last two seasons, and he’s only played three. Chris Manhertz (3 – 30 – 10.0 – 1) played even less than Bellinger last year.
It would be easier to stomach these guys if their blocking led to huge improvement in the run game. Now say, if they helped some guy rush for 2,000 yards, then yeah, it wouldn’t matter that they suck as receivers. If they draft a player here, it had better be earlier than the fourth round. (Update: They added Thomas Fidone in the 7th round. (-)
OT: LT Andrew Thomas returns from a Lisfranc injury in his right foot, that cost him the final eleven games of last season. When he went down, the giants were forced to patch that position on the fly. RT Jermaine Eleumunor became the primary fill-in for Thomas at LT. Eleumunor didn’t exactly set the world on fire, and will face a 2025 challenge at RT from Evan Neal, who has yet to justify being the 7th overall Draft pick in 2022.
For depth, Stone Forsythe (Seahawks) and James Hudson (Browns) were added. Both are four year vets, who have never spent a season as a primary starter. Depth is scarce and the starters are “Meh.” at best. (-)
G: In his first season as a giant, LG Jon Runyan Jr. struggled until he was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve (I.R.) due to an ankle injury. RG Greg Van Roten (also in his first year as a giant), played better than Runyan, but neither was great. Perhaps a year of familiarity will improve them in 2025.
Behind them are Aaron Stinne and Jake Kubas. Plucking 5th rounder, Marcus Mbow from the Draft, already seems like a project. Their plan seems to be, moving him from college RT to professional G. (-)
C: They say the best ability is availability, and John Michael Schmitz made 15 starts in 17 games, anchoring an interior which started the first 13 games together. While not spectacular, he at least provides the kind of stability (another great ability) to build upon. Behind him is Jimmy Morrissey, who saw 4 starts as a rookie in 2021, and none since. (+)
In A Nutshell: Iffy offensive line, nothing but question marks at QB, and last year’s weapons, playing in last year’s system, which averaged 16.1 points, for 31st in the league. (-)
DEFENSE
DE:Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Roy Robertson-Harris are just a guys and both are 32 years old. So the giants swiped Chauncey Gholston from Dallas, with plans to deploy him on the line and as a ‘backer. Whether this means a transition to true 4-3, instead of the weird 2-4-5 thing they ran in 2024, remains to be seen. The personnel here however, would suggest a 3-4 or that 2-4-5 again. (-)
DT Dexter Lawrence doing Dexter Lawrence things
DT:Dexter Lawrence is one of the most disruptive linemen in the league, and he posted a career-high 9 sacks in 2024, to drive that point home. Tweener Elijah Chatman made the roster as an undrafted rookie last year, and logged three starts. He plays with hustle and passion, but he is a bit undersized at 278 pounds.
D.J. Davidson made two starts with 2 sacks, but the giants see him as a back-up. Jordon Riley made five starts, and was totally unremarkable, for the second year in a row. Which is probably why the giants drafted Darius Alexander in the third round. He’s heavy-footed and doesn’t make plays unless they’re run right at him. They have 1.5 out of 5 players here. (-)
OLB: Last year, I asked if Kayvon Thibodeaux (5.5 sacks) was a difference maker, or an over-drafted, situational player who gets too many snaps. Well, after three seasons, I think we have our answer. Then there’s Brian Burns who started every game last year, posting 8.5 sacks and a career-high 71 tackles? At least the outsides are secure, right?
So of course, the giants drafted Abdul Carter #3 overall in this year’s Draft, to take the starting spot from Burns. So Burns will shortly be depth, along with…maybe Tomon Fox? This is situation is just goofy. (-)
MLB/ILB:Micah McFadden posted career-highs in tackles (107) and sacks (3.0) in 2024, showing continued improvement for a second straight year. Bobby Okereke on the other hand seemed to have regressed, with fewer stops and big plays made. Behind him is Darius Mausau, who was an undrafted rookie last year, but played hungry when he got opportunities.
There are a number of other players at this position, but they’re all career back-ups, who even look like camp bodies in their photographs. This team, with a straight face, did nothing to address the interior run issues of the 27th ranked run defense. Not. A. Thing. (-)
S:Tyler Nubin started thirteen games as a rookie last season, but he defensed exactly 1 pass over the course of all of those games. Free agent Jevon Holland was added from Miami, but he also doesn’t get his hands on the pigskin very often. Dane Belton started six games last season, and intercepted a pass. These three are the top of the mountain for this team. Undrafted rookie Makari Paige, at 6’4” could prevent problems for opposing passing games. If he plays?
The giants have taken an unfortunate step backwards here. None of their players at this position, have a history of being a play-maker, nor show the potential to become one. Which is likely to turn into a brutal ordeal, in this division. (-)
CB:Deonte Banks started all fourteen games that he played last season, and got his hand on 12 passes, without intercepting any of them, while allowing a 70% completion rate. Across from him, for ten starts was Cor’Dale Flott (1 interception), who surrendered a 66% completion rate. Both look to have the inside track on returning as starters this season.
CB Paulson Adebo
Andru Phillips (1 interception) chipped in six starts as a rookie, but allowing a 75% completion rate won’t earn him more playing time. Perhaps that’s why the team shelled out 54M$ over three years, for free agent Paulson Adebo from the Saints. He intercepted 3 passes in just seven games last season, before breaking his thigh bone. After a lengthy rehab, he’s looking good so far in camp. (Grain of salt: He’s also going against giants receivers, here.)
There’s 7th round rookie Korie Black, and a bunch of guys who were already back-ups on the roster when he was selected. Overall they have Adebo as their #1 and two starters from last year fighting for the second spot. Which makes them at least three deep. (+)
In A Nutshell: This defense may be a better pass rush unit, but vs the run and covering people it’s hard to say that there’s been any meaningful improvement. (-)
SPECIAL TEAMS
K/P: K Graham Gano (11/9 – 15/15) returns after a year struggling with injury. Two guys had a shot a replacing him, but well, Graham is still here. K Jude McAtamney (1/1 – 1/1) and Gano may battle it out this Summer for the gig.
P Jamie Gillian (43.7ypp – 40.5 net) was yet again remarkably unremarkable. He’s like that thing in the fridge that you keep meaning to toss, but keep forgetting about until the day after trash day. ( I gotta get rid of that mustard.)
In A Nutshell: Given all this teams issues, it’s silly to nit-pick unremarkable kicking. (+)
BOTTOM LINE: Are they trying to get Daboll fired? It took me MONTHS to write this up, because I was absolutely certain that I was reading this all wrong. There was just no way the giants were serious about the way they looked on April 27th.
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, not yet touching his forehead, but getting there. (Seinfeld reference.)
So I decided to sit back and let the June 1st cuts happen. To wait for that second shoe to drop, and see a move or two get made, which would tie it all together. But here we are (now mid-JuneJuly beginnging of August), and nothing looks objectively better. Even as a rival fan I’m disgusted! If you’re an actual giants fan, take the gun out of your mouth, and just sit this season out.
Let’s call it 6 – 11 because the QB play in 2025 has to be better than 2024’s.
WE’VE already locked up the #2 seed in the playoffs! All that’s left to do is get RB Saquon Barkley, the NFL record for Most Rushing Yards In A Season. Which we won’t be doing, in order to protect him from injury. Here, is where I usually try to get you hyped up about the game, but the Eagles from the top-down, have signaled that this game is all about going through the motions. Yay-woohoo. It’s no more than a prese-
THAT’S IT!
Like a preseason game, this game gives us a chance to look at the deeper parts of our roster. UN-like a preseason game, for the players this is a game that counts towards career numbers. For coaches, there will be game-plans implemented. So this game can be used as a real world evaluation tool.
It is not a joint practice, a scrimmage, or a preseason game. This is live fire. The real thing. This is an opportunity to see what we need to draft, or add through Free Agency, and where we’re already solid.
With a win we finish with a regular season record of 14 – 3, and a sweep of the giants.
A loss holds us at 13 wins for the year, but we let the giants escape with some dignity.
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The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game.
But not this week. This week the win or loss has absolutely zero functional value to us. So as I said before, we should use it as an evaluation tool. That doesn’t mean that fundamental don’t still count though!
Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like Running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; andTackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the giants.
QB Tanner McKee
1) Two Long Looks:Getting his first NFL start is QB Tanner McKee. When QB Kenny Pickettwent to the bench, I said “You’re fucking up, Kenny!”. Giving your back-up an opportunity to shine? Just ask former #1 overall draft pick QB Drew Bledsoe, how that worked out for him. If the Eagles see potential, Pickett could become trade fodder in the off-season.
We also need to see a larger sample of WR Johnny Wilson. Specifically, we need to see him get a few targets. Against the Rams he played 51 snaps (70%), yet only saw one target. This is not how to develop a receiver. Throw him some passes. Let him do some good things and some bad things; that he can get on tape and study before OTA’s.
2) Give Elliott Some Practice:Just two weeks ago KJake Elliottmade his first 50 yard Field Goal of the season. That is terrifying, but we can’t undo it. Pinheads want to replace him, but at this point in the year, there are no better K’s out there on their couches. So maybe we can help Elliott out of his funk.
Try to get his confidence going, as well as letting him work on his mechanics. In the playoffs, we get at least two games at home. Make this game about practicing for the playoff run.
Let’s get THIS guy going again
3) Make It Make Sense:This off-season we traded for WR Jahan Dotson, to be our #3/Slot receiver. To this point, he has five starts, played 601 offensive snaps (56%), seeing only 22 targets for 12 catches. If he were unreliable, the low number of targets might be seen as a trust issue. Thing is, he has zero drops. So what gives!?
Dotson saw a season-high 4 targets for 2 catches and 11 yards, in Week 4 vs Tampa Bay. This is ridiculous. I’m eager to see what he would do with 4 or more targets on Sunday.
4) Combo Value Players: Last season we traded for, and stashed CB Isaiah Rodgersaway for a year; while he was suspended for the season, over gambling. We were all expecting him to eventually push for starting spot. Enter rookie CB’s Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Along with an excellent starting trio, we have young Eli Ricks and Kelee Ringo. So Rodgers is in a tight spot, with regard to next season. If he can offer value as a kick returner, it improves his chances of staying here next season.
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If the Eagles do these Four Things, blah blah blahblahblah That being said…
Honestly, the only thing that could offer the this game any air of excitement, would be to cheer on Barkley. However, the coaching staff took that off the board. Wouldn’t it be great if they had a change of heart.
****
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days forFour Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
LAST week’s victory over the Jaguars, saw contributions from all three phases (Offense, Defense, and Special Teams). Our guys are motivated. They’re bringing energy and enthusiasm to the field, and it’s yielding results. They’re demonstrating faith in Head Coach Nick Sirianni, and in field general, QBJalen Hurts.
This week’s opponent, the Cowboys, are well… somewhat less enthused. They started the season with head full of expectations, a chestful of hype, and a roster that was razor thin on depth. And now, a rash of injuries is exposing that.
A win over the Cowboys, would raise us to 7 – 2, and one of the four best records in the NFC. Coupled with a possible Washington loss to Pittsburgh, the Eagles would move into first place in the East.
A loss would freeze us at 6 – 3, but we’d still be in second place in the division, regardless of the outcome of any division game.
****
The point of Four Things isn’t to predict a winner, it’s to discuss which tactics would give our Eagles the best chance to win this game. Often I list fundamentals, as some of the four things. BUT NO MORE! Unless something specific is needed, fundamentals like Running the ball; playing lots of Man Press; and Tackling instead of going for the strip, will be automatically included. (Like the five consonants and a vowel that Wheel Of Fortune automatically spots you.) So here are the Four Things that we need to focus on this week versus: the Cowboys
LB Zack Baun gets interception vs the Jaguars
1) Take Away Anything Simple: Back-up QB Cooper Rush doesn’t have a cannon for an arm. It’s part of what kept him undrafted. Also, in seven seasons, on 35 rushing attempts he has 11 yards. That is not a typo. That’s an average of 0.3 yards per carry, over his career. So he’s not going to beat us with his legs. Cooper can’t rush.
Where he does make his money, is on quick reads, from short to intermediate range. Last week we clouded the short area, with Man Coverage or delayed Zone drops. Time for a second helping of that. We need to take away anything easy, and force him to read. Make him risk the ball on deep throws, or eat sacks.
2) Play-action Should Be Deadly:With RB Saquon Barkley just 75 yards away from hitting 1,000 rushing yards in half a season; expect the Cowboys to place stopping him, high on their to-do list. Since their defensive line can be pushed around, it won’t take much to get their LB’s to overcommit to fakes hand-offs, opening up chunk passing plays behind them.
Instead of running our top two guys through a shark tank, this would be a great place to see our TE’s and third and fourth receivers get heavily involved. Still, regardless of who does it, there should be plenty of easy yardage between the numbers, if we employ play-action properly.
3) Blitz From the Defense’s Left: This is can be used for Rush, but it’s being dropped in here, just in-case the Cowboys trot out QB Trey Lance. The coverage key should be enough to help out vs the run, but another wrinkle will be needed to deal with Lance, because he can be a dangerous runner.
LB Nolan Smith ending the march of Danny Dimes.
Rush likes to bootleg, and Lance just likes to run. Both are right-handed, so we should bring OLB Nolan Smith right up the path that they’re running themselves into. Neither is an effective passer going to his left. So their natural tendency to go right, will make them help us, to put them in harm’s way.
4) Take the Points, Nick!:We’re going against a one-dimensional offense, being led by a low ceiling QB. Said another way, Jalen Hurts has more TD passes (10) this season, than Rush has in his entire seven year career (9). So Rush likely won’t light up the scoreboard.
That means every point we add, is extra weight on their already sputtering offense. This means points are at a premium, Nick. Points. So fourth and two, from the twenty-two, is not “Go for it”, Nick. Not this week. It’s a field goal. Say it with me, Nick: IT’S A FIELD GOAL.
That’s not to say that we shouldn’t be aggressive, but the Brotherly Shove hasn’t been nearly as effective with LT Lafoga Mialata on the shelf. I commend the job that LT Fred Johnson has done, but “Next Man Up!” doesn’t mean “next man equal”. Gamble accordingly.
****
If the Eagles do these Four Things, then we’ll be virtually impossible to beat. That being said…
RB Saquon Barkley houses another one.
You know what would be great this week? If Saquon gets 16 carries or less, and RB Kenneth Gainwellgets 10 and makes at least 40 yards off of them. Saquon is at 22 touches per game this year, putting him on pace for 374. Twice in his career he’s hit a ceiling of 352. Might be smart to ease up on his workload.
Going to Dallas and getting the win, while Saquon hits 1,000 rushing yards at the halfway mark…That would be like winning against the giants too. The only way it could be sweeter, is if Washington loses. Like it did on Tuesday. (Sorry, had to get a shot in there.)
****
WARNING: I don’t have the faintest clue as to what a point spread is, and I know even less about how it works. I know FOOTBALL and that’s it. If you use Four Things as a gambling tool, then you are a fool trying to lose your money, and will deserve it when you do.
Check back in a couple of days for Four Things Reviewed, and we’ll discuss how this game went.
LOST in the Wild Card round, 11 – 6, second in the NFC East, 25.5 pspg / 25.2 papg
The Eagles ripped out the gate to a 10 – 0 start. However, they aand may of us writers, never quite seemed comfortable, because the Eagles allowed the games to be more difficult than they should have been. Then the wheels fell of, the team utterly collapsed, and no explanation has yet to be given. (Good. I wouldn’t want to hear it anyway.)
The Eagles responded by replacing the offensive and defensive coordinators. They also allowed General Manager Howie Roseman, to go all Tanya Harding on the entire city of New York, by taking RB Barkley from one team, and trading OLB Hasson Reddick to the other.
OFFENSE:
QB Jalen Hurts
QB: Jalen Hurts experienced a little problem with turnovers last year. Whether it was an anomaly, or it’s because teams have figured him out, remains to be seen. He still has trouble punishing the blitz, but his 99 touchdowns in three seasons as a starter (despite four missed games) makes you wonder what he could be, if he fixed that glaring flaw.
Kenny Pickett has plenty of arm talent and moxie. Half of his 12 career wins, are comeback victories. Which is a heck of a feat, given the lack of protection he was working with in Pittsburgh. Tanner McKee is a big, strong, tough player, and his teammates like playing for him. He is however, the definition of a pocket passer. (+)
RB: Saquon Barkley. Seeing how good he’s been with trash players and coaching surrounding him, only makes you wonder how good he can be now. However, it’s him being over 230 pounds that most excites me. No knock on all-time leading rusher LeSean McCoy, but the Eagles have had a lot of success here, with guys 220 pounds and up.
Kenneth Gainwell is a man without a real role. He isn’t special at anything. Will Shipley is a 4th round rookie, who seems like a big effort, hard nosed type. Neither backup is built to be an NFC East style workhorse. Which raises the question of: Who carries the load if Barkley gets hurt? Barkley is a great starter to have, but the depth is a question. (+)
TE: Given some of the other names on this team, it can be too easy to overlook Dallas Goedert. However, even as a third option, he’s been quietly putting up around 600 yards per season, for the last five seasons. There doesn’t seem to be a plan for third year man, Grant Calcaterra, as his blocking never wowed anyone. Again, this is a case of excellent starter, no real depth. With just two active, the position is also thin. (-)
WR: A.J. Brownis flat-out uncoverable. Hands, speed, size, vertical leap, route running… He owns every tool in the hardware store. On the opposite sideline, is DeVonta Smith, who puts on a clinic with every route that he runs. He posted a 72% catch rate last year. As a BOUNDARY receiver, with over 100 targets. Those are star receiver numbers, and he’s the #2.
Jahan Dotsonwas traded for, to give the Eagles a legit slot receiver and real depth. Rookie 6th rounder Johnny Wilsonis the #4 receiver. He’s 6’6” 228 pounds, but he has slow feet for this position. Having played at 245, if his blocking improves, a position switch might suit him. Britain Covey is primarily a return man. (+)
LT Jordan Mialata
OT: LT Jordan Mialatahas become a team captain. It still feels a little premature to call him ‘elite’, but his name does keep coming up in the national conversation. RT Lane Johnson is elite. There is no media outlet that refers to him, without calling him a future Hall Of Famer, somewhere in the conversation. It can be debated who the best OT in the league is, but there is no debate that the Eagles have the best starting pair.
LT Fred Johnsonhas been with the team since last year, and even saw a little bit of action. While RT Darian Kinnard played a lot during the preseason, you could tell he was a lock to make the team. I think coaches just wanted to be sure he was really as good a he seemed out there. (+)
OG: While LG Landon Dickersondoesn’t get the credit, he’s the real reason that the Brotherly Shove works as well as it does, as consistently as it does. As if to acknowledge this, the Eagles low-key made a point of giving him a four year extension, in March.
At the RG position is Mekhi Becton. He was a 2020, #11 overall draft pick, who the Jets had at RT, until he suffered two right knee injuries. At 6’7” 363 pounds, he’s an absolute monster of a man. So instead of playing him at RT, the Eagles chose to kick him inside, where he can wrestle with opponents in a phonebooth. He was good enough in camp to take the starting spot.
Tyler Steen is the second year man, who was supposed to start. Until Becton came along. I wasn’t big on Steen last year, but word is he’s improved noticeably. Rookie Trevor Keegan was selected in the 5th round this season. Not much is expected of him yet. (+)
C: Cam “Beef” Jurgensis taking over for the retired future Hall Of Famer Jason Kelce. Jurgens has 28 career starts at G, although the pivot is his natural spot. Not only did Kelce helped hand-pick Jurgens in the 2022 Draft, he mentored him. Groomed him to be a ready when the moment comes. This is that moment. Oh and there is no back-up. (+)
In A Nutshell: This roster is so stacked it’s ridiculous. And there may be even more help on the way.
DEFENSE:
DE: Brandon Graham is returning for his 15th and final ride, with the only NFL roster that was ever lucky enough, to have him grace it. He’s no longer a starter, but his snaps are impactful, as he plays the position classically. By which I mean, he plays the run on the way to the pass. Most modern players at this position, just play pass first, and so often fail to contain the edge.
Free agent Bryce Huff, comes over from the Jets, and will likely be the starter that Graham rotates with. He didn’t start a game last year and still led that team with 10 sacks. So of course, instead of starting him, the Jets let him walk. (+)
DT: I won’t keep you in suspense. The Eagles are literally SIX players deep at this position. Every guy here could start on a team somewhere in this league. Jordan Davis is a mountain of a man and the centerpiece of the Defensive Line. By his own admission he wore down in 2023, and has dedicated himself to his conditioning in 2024. Stay tuned. Jalen Carter grabbed 6 sacks and finished in second place for rookie of the year, last year. Milton Williams is a tweener, who gets moved around, to create and enhance mismatches along the line.
Moro Ojomo has made plenty of noise in preseason games. Now it’s time to translate that to games that count. Byron Young was a 3rd rounder last year, but was a victim of a 2024 numbers crunch in Las Vegas. Thomas Booker was an End in Houston last year. All three of these guys are tweeners, in that they’re Big End/high motor Nickel Tackle, types. Too much depth here. (+)
OLB: Josh Sweaton paper, changes position from DE, but in no way will that change how the Eagles utilize him. He gets lots of pressure and hits on passers (23 in 2023). The Eagles are just trying find a way to turn those into sacks (just 6.5 last year.) Nolan Smithwas supposed to be a steal in the 1st round of last year’s Draft, but he can’t produce from the sideline.
Jalyx Hunt is a 3rd round rookie, who had no business still being on the board when the Eagles got there. Patrick Johnson’s value lies in his flexibility (LB/DE), and his Special Teams play. While Eagles have parts here, getting production from them has proven to be challenge. (-)
ILB: Free Agent Devin White came over from Tampa. His resume shows that he can be a playmaker, but with most Eagles starters playing no preseason snaps, it’s impossible to judge how he fits. Zach Baun comes over from New Orleans, having been a spot starter and situational player. When the Eagles go to their 5 – 2 alignment, these two head the depth chart.
Nakobe Dean has so far not panned out as planned, but this new defensive coaching staff, seems excited about him. Jeremiah Trotter Jr. will initially get stuck on Special Teams, but his heads-up style of play, suggests that coaches will find defensive snaps for him. Oren Burks was a late preseason acquisition who has starting experience, and has made some plays. Ben VanSumeren is a born Special Teamer.
The position is stable and solid up top. Still, I can’t shake the feeling that the free agents we added, are stunting the growth of the young guys we have (who seem to have more upside), by keeping them off the field. (+)
S C.J. Gardner-Johnson (CJGJ) intercepts a pass
S: C.J. Gardner-Johnson returns, after a year in Detroit that he’d probably like to forget. His 2022 season here, saw him lead the NFL in interceptions and play in the Super Bowl. He’s back to get a taste of that again. Reed Blankenship isn’t a burner, but he possesses pretty much any other trait you’d want at this position. If the communication between these two is good, the middle of the field will be a dangerous place to venture.
Rookie 2nd rounder Cooper DeJean, fist best at this position. Yes, the coaches love his schematic flexibility, but ultimately, player play best where they play best. Tristin McCollumwas a longshot to make this roster, but here he is. (+)
CB:Darius “Big Play” Slaydoesn’t get the respect that he deserves. Even playing in a heavy cushion cover scheme, he’s picked off 8 passes in three seasons. Isaiah Rodgers was brought in a year ago while on suspension. We have yet to see him play. Quinyon Mitchell is a 1st rounder from this year. While he’s well thought of, he’s still a rookie. There’s an education coming.
Kelee Ringo is a big guy, who plays with an aggression and swagger that will either make him a star pr run him out of the league eventually. Eli Ricks is another tall one, who made a few clutch plays as a reserve in 2023. Fact is, Slay is great, but there’s no way to vouch for the other side yet. (-)
In A Nutshell: This unit should be strong down the middle. The edges of the defense is where the question marks are.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
LS: Rick Lovato notched 3 tackles and forced a fumble, in 2023. (+)
P: Braden Mann posted a punt average of 49.8, and a net of 43.8. Both of which were career bests for him. (+)
K: Jake “The Make” Elliottmade a career-high 93.8% of his field goals, and even made 7 of 8 from 50 or more. (+)
In A Nutshell: The Eagles have long understood the battle of hidden yardage, and it continues to show.
BOTTOM LINE:
This is team went on a 10 – 0 start last year, while never looking like a dominant team. I personally am getting the vibe that they won’t get out to a long undefeated streak, but they will absolutely land on a few teams this year.
As for 2024: A record of 12 – 5 seems to fit like Cinderella’s glass slipper. Let’s go with that.
LOST in the Wild Card round, 12 – 5, first in the NFC East, 29.9 pspg / 18.5 papg
Despite a 3 – 2 start, the Cowboys just plugged away, and generally beat whomever was on the schedule. They worked their way into first place in the division, only to get shit-canned in their own home, by a young Green Bay team in the playoffs.
Head coach Mike McCarthy has just put together three 12 – 5 seasons in a row, with a playoff record of 1 – 3, over that same span. He’s replaced his ex-defensive coordinator with Mike Zimmer, but everything else, has been just making small adjustments. Chances are, without a deep playoff run, McCarthy is likely getting fired. Not in spite of his three year 36 – 15 record, but rather because of it. Owner Jerry Jones, isn’t patient enough to endure much more of “close, but no cigar!”
OFFENSE:
QB: Dak Prescott is the starter, but he has no idea whether or not the Cowboys want him back next year. So why did I lead with that, instead of whether he’s any good or not? One, because anyone reading this, already knows he can play. Two, because potentially having to shop himself as a free agent next year, will affect how he regards injuries this year.
You have to ask, how much will Prescott hold back, in an attempt to limit damage to an already 30 year old body? Since any holding back will affect any athlete’s play, it stands to reason that we may not see the best version of Prescott in 2024. Especially with his primary weapon missing all of camp and the preseason.
The backup, is Preseason Hall of Famer Cooper Rush. He’s 5 – 1 lifetime, in games that count. His only career loss came vs a Philadelphia Eagles team, that went to the Super Bowl that year. He’s extremely smart and very hard to fool. Unfortunately, his physical tools are underwhelming. Because of this, the Cowboys are looking past him for their next starter.
Third stringer Trey Lance, has all the physical tools of a star. However, he’d been a goofy disaster since the 49ers overdrafted him #3 overall in 2021. He started four games, went 2 – 2, and the 9ers felt they’d seen enough. Just FOUR starts, for a first round pick, and they threw the towel in on him!?
So when Dallas traded the 9ers just a fourth round pick for him, during the 2023 offseason, everyone assumed Dallas had fleeced them. Wrong. WRONG! When Dallas realized the scope of the project he was, they basically red-shirted him all last season. So far this preseason, vs vanilla defenses, Lance appeared to have regressed.
So while this team does have two good players at this position, neither is motivated to do anything besides audition for other teams right now. (+)
RB: Ezekiel Elliott returns to Dallas! Not the old version that could eat clock with a lead, batter a defense, and put away games. Instead, Dallas is getting the new version, that hasn’t seen a 100 yard game, broken a run of longer than 27 yards, or had an average of 4.0 per carry, since 2021. They’re getting the version that hasn’t averaged 7 yards per catch, since 2019.
Elliott is the best they have for now. Rico Dowdle is an undrafted, career backup who plays like it. In thirty-six games, not one is a start, and instead of promoting him, they brought in Elliott. At 5’6” 176 pounds, and being easy to arm tackle, Deuce Vaughn will never see many carries.
The Cowboys signed Dalvin Cook to their practice Squad, and it’s wise to assume he won’t stay there long. The Vikings cut him over money in 2023, and the move didn’t work out for them. He spent the 2023 regular season as a backup with the Jets. ( He signed with the Ravens for one playoff game). Though he looked like a bad fit in New York, he still showed home run capability in 2022, with a career long 81 yard run. Unless Cook can lift this group, it’s a bad one. (-)
TE: Jake Ferguson is more of a receiver than a blocker, but he’s not going to scare anybody who has to cover him. Luke Schoonmaker is more of a blocker than a receiver. Undrafted rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford, is big (6’6” 268) target. That said, he’s not much of blocker, and his feet turn over at an alarmingly slow rate. This guy is going to get cooked at this level. (-)
WR: Did the Cowboys just pay 30M$ per year for a slot receiver? Given that in 2023, 60% of Ceedee Lamb‘s targets and 66% of his receptions came from the slot, the numbers would strongly suggest that’s exactly what the Cowboys did. Look, there is no disputing that Lamb can get open, make catches, and score. The question is: Can he do it consistently against an opponent’s best cover guy; or does he need to be matched up vs a Nickel player?
Once upon a time Brandin Cooks was electric and explosive. He’s not those things anymore, but he still caught 8 scores last year. Jalen Tolbert is going to be the second outside receiver, so that Lamb can stay inside. At 153 pounds Kavonte Turpin is just considered a gadget player. Jalen Brooks is a 7th rounder from last season. Couple players, but no depth. (+)
OT: The loss of Tyron Smith was inevitable and necessary. The problem, is not having replaced him with a high caliber player. At LT, Chuma Edoga is starting the season on Injured Reserve, for the first four weeks. It’s also the sort of injury (toe) that tends to linger. So rookie 1st rounder Tyler Guyton, will protect any realistic hopes that this franchise has of the postseason.
At RT Terence Steele returns for his fifth year as the starter in this spot. Not much has been said about him recently, and the general thinking is, if not much is said about an offensive lineman, he must be doing his job. Seems weird to me, though. The NFL is always talking about future Hall Of Famer, RTLane Johnson; and how fast LT Jordan Mailata has come along. (-)
G Zack Martin making it look easy
OG: Speaking of lineman who always get a mention, future Hall Of Famer RG Zack Martin, comes back for his eleventh year as a starter for this team. Opposite him, at LG Tyler Smith returns fresh from his first All-Pro nod. Am I painting you a picture?
Behind them for depth, they have T.J. Bass who saw two starts last season. There’s also swingman Asim Richards, a 5th round pick last year, and native of Philadelphia. (+)
C: Rookie 3rd rounder, Cooper Beebe made the transition from Guard, and seems to have snatched the starting spot here. He’s a wide, squat, fan of running the ball. However, he has some physical shortcomings that could make him a liability as a pass protector, over the long haul.
Behind him is Brock Hoffman, an undrafted free agent from 2022, who expected to inherit the role after two starts last season, and the defection of Tyler Biadasz. The drafting of Beebe, should have been a clue. If the offensive system were different, I would grade this position different. But since the system keeps these players in their wheelhouse, it’s fine. (+)
In A Nutshell: Injuries are part of football, and depth is a serious issue for this unit. They’ll have to stay very lucky to stay competitive this season.
DEFENSE:
DE: DeMarcus Lawrence played every game for a second straight season producing 50 tackles and 4 sacks. That however, doesn’t offset the loss of pass rush, with Dorance Armstrong going to Washington. It’s doubtful that Dallas will trust Chauncey Golston or Tyrus Wheat, with the spot. Partly because of 2nd round rookie Marshawn Kneeland.
Then there’s this other thing. While he’s not listed at this position, all the chatter (and this includes the depth chart on the Cowboys own website), says that Micah Parsons will play opposite Lawrence. I’ve said for the past two years, that this day was coming. Mostly since Parsons offers little value in off-ball applications. In any case, Dallas has a few pieces to move around. (+)
DT Osa Odighizuwa
DT: Osa Odighizuwa is a high motor player, who should be moved to End. Instead, they play him inside, and the season wears him down. Last season he had no solo tackles for the final four weeks of the season, a similar disappearing act has been pulled in each of his three years.
Mazi Smith was brought in to help stop the run, but he dropped under 300 pounds to try and get sacks. The new defensive coordinator told him to knock that off, and go get fat again.
Speaking of fat, Dallas traded for oft-traveled Jordan Phillips, and signed oft-traveled Linval Joseph. They played together in Buffalo last season. This position is stocked with underachievers and guys who live out of their suitcases. Not a good sign for Dallas. (-)
OLB: Damone Clark looked like a reliable tackle machine last year, until about week 14. At that point teams realized that it was easier to make yards attacking him downfield in the passing game, than it was by trying to screen him. Of the 224 passing yards he gave up in 2023, 86 were in the last four games, with 8 catches on 9 targets.
DeMarvion Overshown missed all of last season, his rookie season, with a torn ACL. Rookie 3rd rounder Marist Liufau, seems to be in competition with Overshown, over that second starting spot. This is a great way to let iron sharpen iron. If at least one of these kids can play, Dallas may have struck oil here. Until then, everything here is a huge, glowing question mark. (-)
MLB: Free agent addition Erick Kendricks, has racked up over 1,000 tackles in his nine year career. He also has some playmaking ability.
Buddy Johnson screams red flags. He was a Steelers 4th round draft pick, who signed a four year contract in 2021. The following preseason the Steelers cut him, and didn’t even add him to their practice squad. Since then, he’s been on four different practice squads, played 86 Special Teams snaps, and recorded 8 tackles. Kendricks had better stay healthy. (-)
S: Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker return for a third year of working together. That should make adapting to their new defensive system easier. Markquese Bell entering his third year here, offers experienced depth and again, interpersonal familiarity. Juanyeh Thomas and Israel Mukuamu offer depth.
All of these guys knowing each other so well, should make assimilating the new system a snap. These players have already played together and played well. If there are problems in the secondary, you know the issue is the coaching, not the players, or misunderstandings. This is still the deepest group in the division. (+)
CB Trevon Diggs seems upset about something here
CB: Trevon Diggs returns after missing fifteen games in 2023, with an ACL tear. He’s a feast or famine type gambler, who probably gave up half as many big plays, as he made. The question is: What percentage of the gambler’s luck, was left on the operating table. With the departure of Stephon Gilmore, second year man, Caelen Carson is starting opposite Diggs. .
From the Nickel, DaRon Bland led the NFL with 9 picks and returned 5 of them for TD’s, last year. Unfortunately, he has a stress fracture in his foot that will require surgery, and keep him out at least six games. Stepping in for him, is Jourdan Lewis. He has a ton of experience, and even some fair measure of success. C.J. Goodwin and Andrew Booth play Special Teams. (+)
In A Nutshell: Up front they can still be pushed around. Their two best ballhawks having suffering lower body injuries, raises serious questions about this secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
LS: Since college Trent Seig has never played any other position. He’s essentially eating a roster spot. (-)
P: Bryan Angerer went nuts last year, posting a 51.4 yard per punt average, as well as a 45.3 yard average net. Both of which were career-highs for him. At age 35. Seriously, do I need to be the one to drop the “S” word? Or to bring up the term “random test”? (+)
K: After a decade of searching, and performing an interesting comedy of errors for their division rivals, the Cowboys, finally seem to have found their guy. Brandon Aubrey is young, has a big leg, and currently owns an accuracy mark of 94.7% on his field goals. (+)
In A Nutshell: The biggest thing that this unit has needed for a long time, was stability. They have that now.
BOTTOM LINE:
After this season, this team is headed for a rebuild. With that hanging over their heads, it’s unreasonable to expect the players to not get distracted. Add to that, the alarming lack of depth in positions like QB, MLB, and OT, and do you know what you get? Deformed fingers from keeping them crossed all year long. There’s a lot of talent on this team, but the players have ridden that ride before. That may not be enough to keep the roster interested this year.
As for 2024: I’ll go out on a limb and say 10 – 7, a Wild Card loss, and McCarthy being fired less than two weeks later.
New York headed into the 2023 season, looking to build off of their 2022 playoff appearance. Instead, they got out to a 1 – 5 start, which included an opening day 0 – 40 thrashing, in their own home, by division rival Dallas. Then their starting QB got hurt for the first of two times in the same season. It was an avalanche ride into a seemingly bottomless chasm, only stopped when they crashed into the immovable end of their schedule.
While most teams set their sights on trying to win the division, or make a deeper playoff run; the 2024 giants have to ask if they are going to need a new QB next year. Or maybe a new head coach. They’re in a state of trying to repair their ship, and seem less focused on if it’s ready to sail into war with the division.
OFFENSE:
QB: Starter Daniel Jones is coming off of an ACL injury, which cost him the last eight games of 2023, after he’d already missed three. That said, with a 1 – 5 record, and 2 TD’s vs 6 picks, he was already having an abysmal season prior to injury. His 22 – 36 – 1 record over five seasons, should have benched him, but his ridiculous 40M$ per year price tag, forces NY to keep starting him.
Tommy DeVito had six straight starts last year, with a three game win streak in the middle of those. The offense seemed to find something with him, and averaged 18.8 points in games he started, vs 13.9 points in games that he didn’t. (Remember, Jones makes 40M$ per year.) Free agent Drew Lock was brought in, but he’s never been anything special as a pro. (-)
RB: Saquo- Sorry. Force of habit. Devin Singletary heads up the giants backfield and that comes with a ton of concerns. Historically, the giants lean heavy on this position. As a result they tend towards bigger, workhorse body types. Singletary is 5’7” 203 pounds. Not exactly built to carry an offense, which is why Singletary never has. You expect your lead back to have at least 100 carries over his backup. Singletary has never done that.
There are two other players at this position. The first is Eric Gray. He’s a 5th round pick from 2023 who’s production makes it wonder that he made the 2024 roster. Then there’s Tyrone Tracy, a 5th round pick from this year. That’s it. That’s everything on the active roster. On their practice squad they have Dante “Lil Turbo” Miller, but he last played competitive football in 2022. (-)
TE: This team expected to have Darren Wallerreturn, but he kicked his football habit and retired. What they do have, is Daniel Bellinger, and Chris Manhertz. Neither is much of a receiver. Manhertz has bounced around the NFL for nine years, and has all of 271 receiving yards, in his career, and has never caught more than 6 passes in a season. In 2021 he was targeted a career-high, 9 times. Not in a game. For the season. Nine times, in a season.
Theo Johnson is a rookie selected in the 4th round this year. Over three years in college, he posted 43 – 597 – 13.8 – 5. The giants have to be hoping that they found a diamond in a box of Cracker Jack. If not, it would mean the post-Draft retirement of Waller, has ripped a huge hole in the side of this franchise. (-)
WR: Malik Nabers was the sixth overall pick in this year’s Draft, and he’s expected to be the spark that brings this offense back to life. I have my doubts. He used to live off of the ‘Shake’ route; but it’s highly doubtful that NFL secondaries are going to be as easy to solve as that. He played slot in college. Wonder where he’ll play in the NFL.
Deep threat Darius Slayton is coming off of a career year in yardage. Strange how he seemed come alive last year, after his starting QB was injured. Wan’Dale Robinson’s yards per catch went from 9.9 in 2022, to 8.8 in 2023, with only 1 TD in each year. He needs a career year.
Last year,the up and downs in Jaylin Hyatt’s rookie season, suggested that the coaches didn’t know what their plan was for him. They need to figure that out in 2024. Gunner Olszewski is mostly a return man, who’s done most of his damage on punt returns. Aside from Slayton, no one at this position has been a threat to NFL defenses yet. (-)
OT: LT Andrew Thomas missed seven games last year with a hamstring issue. He finished strong, by starting the last nine games, while playing every offensive snap in eight of those. He also didn’t draw a single penalty during that span.
RT this year will be manned by former Raider, Jermaine Eluemunor. What he is, is a well traveled pro, who understands that his job is to win at the point of attack. What he is not, is flashy, nimble, or dominant. He’s instant mashed potatoes and Heinz Homestyle gravy. You won’t starve, but you won’t rave about the meal either.
Evan Neal started seven games last year, committing 4 accepted penalties for 24 yards. Whenever his name comes up, it’s never associated with anything good, but the giants keep him on the roster. Joshua Ezeudu is a swingman here. (+)
OG: This is where New York seemed to be focused in the offseason. They added three free agents at this position, despite the fact that only two will start. The biggest get, was Jon Runyan Jr., formerly of Green Bay. Coming in as 6th round pick, Runyan played his way into being a starter for the last three years, and now into a three year, 30M$ deal with the giants. (Not bad kid. Not bad.)
Also added, were Aaron Stinnie from Tampa, and Greg Van Roten from Las Vegas. Van Roten would allow the giants to team him with Eleumunor, and reconstitute the right side that helped the Raiders only allow 40 sacks last year, vs the 85 that the giants allowed. Stinnie is a six year veteran, but he has less than a season’s worth of starts in his career. (+)
C: John Michael Schmitz started thirteen games, after being selected in the 2nd round of the 2023 Draft. Got hurt a couple of times last year, and missed four games, but that’s football. He moves well getting out on second level defenders. What is concerning, is that he’s sort of controllable for linemen at the point of attack. He has no backup on the active roster. (-)
In A Nutshell: A shitty QB; skill players who are mid-tier or lower; and an offensive line that would be better if the system were built around a powerback. Which they don’t have on their roster.
DEFENSE:
DE: Officially the giants roster doesn’t list any players at this position. Everyone is designated as a Defensive Lineman. Their depth chart on the other hand, lists two players, Brian Burns and Boogie Basham. They are however, listed as OLB’s on the giants roster, so they will be covered in that section, here. (NA)
DT: Officially the giants roster doesn’t list any players at this position. Everyone is designated as a Defensive Lineman. Alright, fine. So let’s list their defensive linemen.
DT Dexter Lawerence from a little while back
Dexter Lawrence is a menace on the inside. He’s a massive dude, who requires the attention of more than one gentleman caller at a time. Rakeem Nunez-Roches joined the giants last season, but seems to be in line for an expanded role in 2024. With a name pronounced ‘roaches’, this dude has to be tough. As depth, D.J. Davidson and Elijah Chatman have been issued helmets with the team logo on them. Lawrence had better stay healthy. (-)
OLB: At the top of the food chain, is Kayvon Thibodeaux. He racked up 11.5 sacks last year, but only 3 of them came in the second half of the season. It has yet to be determined if he’s a difference maker, or an overdrafted situational player who gets too many snaps.
Brian Burns spent the previous five seasons racking up 46 sacks, on a Carolina team that never reached .500. So he took a five year 141M$ deal, to get sacks in the Big Apple. Boogie Basham’s career went in the other direction. With no starts and 4.5 career sacks, he’s expected to backup Burns. Backups Azeez Ojulari, Tomon Fox, and Benton Whitley combine to form Reflector. (That’s a G1 Transformers nod.) They’re basically bodies for depth at all the LB spots. (+)
ILB: Bobby Okereke played every defensive snap last season, racking up 149 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 2 picks, and 4 FF. He was a beast. Micah McFadden is less of a playmaker, and more of scrape and sift through traffic, type of player. He fits his role. Carter Coughlin is depth. (+)
S: Jason Pinnock was awarded the starting role in 2023, and put up 85 tackles, 6TFL, 2 sacks, 2 picks, and 2FF. Safe to say he earned his 2024 starting role. Dane Belton however, is huge question mark. He has 7 career starts, with 7 career takeaways, but just 686 career snaps played. So there’s still a learning curve, with 2nd round rookie, Tyler Nubin, breathing down the back of Belton’s neck.
Isaiah Simmons endured the worst year of his career while switching position from ILB to S, last year. Whether or not the move will pay off in 2024, is still a question. Gerrvarius Owens and Raheem Layne, make up the remainder of this position. (+)
CB Deonte Banks arriving way too early
CB: Deonte Banks started fifteen games as a rookie, last year. So it should come as no surprise that he’s getting the nod again in 2024. Cordale Flott is going from part-time starter, to full-time guy on the outside. It seems that 3rd round rookie Andru Phillips will get the Nickel job.
Behind that group of very young guys, are a couple more young guys in Nick McCloud and Tre Hawkins. This much youth could grow together into a rock solid corp. They could also come apart, when their lack of experience makes it hard to solve problems in real time, at game speed. Especially since they were not well coached last year. (-)
In A Nutshell: If the LB’s aren’t amazing this year, this defense is doomed.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
LS: Casey Kreiter has been here four years without becoming “famous” for anything. (+)
P: Jamie Gillan while his average punt dropped from 46.8 in 2022, to 46.0 in 2023, his net rose from 39.7 in 2022, to 42.2 in 2023. Subtle improvements here, can mean more often winning the hidden yardage battle, which helps lead to wins. (+)
K: Graham Gano is coming off his worst season as a pro, with a 64.7% accuracy mark on his field goals. If he doesn’t get his act together, he probably won’t finish the season as a giant. (-)
In A Nutshell: If they can fix the field goal issue, this should be a solid, but not flashy unit. (+)
BOTTOM LINE:
Maaaaaan, Daniel Jones be trippin’!
Unless Daniel Jones suddenly proves a LOT of people wrong, the offense is going to suck. I’d guess their ceiling to be around 19 points per game this year. If that’s the case, their defense will need to be stellar, which is unlikely, because 3 – 4 bases tend to wear down over the year.
As for 2024: Let’s call it 7 – 9. This is by no means a winning team, but they play a few teams with issues of their own. In a battle between dysfunctional losers (like Week One vs the Vikings), I’ll take the NFC East team, every time.
Washington went into the 2023 season having found a Quarterback to build their foundation on. They brought in Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy, from Kansas City, to revitalize their offense. After a 4 – 5 start, the team imploded, and never won a game for the remaining 8 weeks.
Head coach Ron Rivera and his staff were fired, and replaced by Dan Quinn and his. The Commanders then drafted a new QB to build their foundation on. There’s even talk of a(nother) possible name change.
OFFENSE:
QB: Jayden Daniels was drafted number two overall this year. So far he’s gotten all the important reps in OTA’s and such. Last year’s 17 game starter, Sam Howell, isn’t even on the roster. The back-ups are Marcus Mariota and Jeff Driskel. Both are just warm bodies and neither will even be offered a chance to unseat Daniels. So rest assured that this is his team.
This is a rookie’s team. A rookie born in warm California, who’s college career was in warm Louisiana. A rookie who will now be playing in the coastal northeast. He may one day be good enough to win the East, but it won’t be this season. (-)
RB: The starter is Brian Robinson. More of a north-south runner, in two seasons he’s never reached 800 yards rushing, or had a run of 30 yards. Austin Ekler (Chargers) adds more effectiveness as a pass catcher, and an air of explosiveness. It’s not a bad one-two punch. Jeremy Nichols (49ers) is probably just on the roster to push Ekler. The position isn’t flashy, but when you turn the key, it’ll run. (+)
TE: The Commanders didn’t draft Ben Sinnott #53 overall, to sit him. He is however, a rookie with a rookie running the offense. So his learning curve will have dips in it. Luckily, they have Zach Ertz. While he’s physically running on fumes at this point in his career, he’s enough of a pro to help a pup along. John Bates is on the roster, but he’s limited athletically. Aside from maybe the rookie, this position won’t scare anyone. (-)
WR Terry McLaurin
WR: Terry McLaurin is the anchor of this position. However, with just one 100 yard game last year, just 4 scores in 17 starts, and a third straight season with under 80 catches, he’s no longer “Scary Terry”. After that, there’s a serious fall-off. Olamide Zaccheaus was brought in, but he’s better with the ball already in his hands, than he is at actually catching it.
Dynami Brown, and Jamison Crowder are still on the roster, despite Crowder not being a serious option since the Pandemic. Third round rookie Luke McCaffrey (yes, his brother), is getting reps in the slot. It’s so bad that they recently brought back Byron Pringle, whom they’d previously let walk. (-)
OT: Presumptive LT Cornelius Lucas is in his tenth year on his fifth team, and he had 4 starts for this team last season. He’s also the most experienced player Washington has at the position. Andrew Wylie is likely the Swingman again. Behind that, it’s bad.
They’re currently trying to get Brandon Coleman, a 3rd round rookie out of TCU to push Wylie at RT. Trenton Scott is in his seventh season with all of 22 career starts, 9 of which were in his second year. Braden Daniels was picked in the 4th round, but looks to be a bit of a project. (-)
OG: Sam Cosmi is likely still the RG, but he’s a better pass protector than run blocker. At LG, last year Chris Paul was so good, that Washington ran out and signed free agents Nick Allegretti and Micheal Dieter. So that spot is a three man race for now. (-)
C: One of Washington’s biggest addition this offseason was Tyler Biadasz. He isn’t awesome, but he’s also no slouch. Rookie Ricky Stromberg is on Injured Reserve, and is done for the year. Interestingly enough, they took Stromberg in the 3rd round. Which is high for a player at this position. (+)
In A Nutshell: Rookie passer, lackluster receivers, and no protection. (-)
DEFENSE:
DE: The Commanders again raided the Cowboys cupboard, taking Dorance Armstrong (7.5 sacks), to bolster their pass rush. He played in every game, but only had the one start. Armstrong (in Dallas), was stuck behind two All-Pros, but here he could emerge as a star. Opposite Armstrong (so far), is Clelin Ferrell. Ferrell is a first round bust, who despite starting all 17 games on a stacked 49ers defense, managed just 3.5 sacks as Nick Bosa’s bookend. Depth comes in the form of seventh round rookie Javonte Jean-Baptiste. (-)
DT: Likely the best duo in the division, are Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Stats hardly tell their story, but they did just net 9.5 sacks between them. To call them headaches or disruptive, is to earn a PhD in Understatement. They’re an outright problem for offenses, as they each require a double team. In short, they wreck blocking schemes, which slows down offenses.
John Ridgeway, and Phidarian Mathis serve as back-ups. The depth here ain’t great, but the top of the order is about as good as it gets on the planet. (+)
OLB: The Commanders yet again ransacked the Cowboys roster, taking Dante Fowler (4 sacks in 2023). Fowler’s been a situational player since early 2021. He’s listed as a starter today, but he’ll probably split time with Jamin Davis. Davis was moved outside in 2023, in an attempt to get more pass rush from him.
LB’s Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu
Free agent addition, Frankie Luvu brings passion and energy, but physically, he’s nothing special. Which is likely why he spent his first four years as a Special Teamer. What Washington is banking on, is for his intangibles to help change their culture. Mykal Walker adds a body, but not much else. Everything here is a gamble. (-)
ILB: Tackle machine Bobby Wagner will now get to roam freely behind a loaded d-line. Despite being 34, if he puts up 200 tackles or 100 solo this year, it wouldn’t be a shock. If anything happens to Wagner, then Jamin Davis will likely slide back into this spot. (+)
S: Jeremy Chinn is a S/LB tweener who has been less productive every year. Instead of being a powerful Safety or a fast Linebacker, he’s become a slow Safety or a weak Linebacker. He is very much a reclamation project. Percy Butler made 13 starts last season for this team, but was largely ineffective.
Quan Martin was splashy in limited action last year, so he’ll likely get an early look. Darrick Forrest and Jeremy Reaves have yet to show any special qualities, but they’ve been here for some years, and will likely be the first layer of depth, ahead of the aforementioned Butler. (-)
CB: This position has added a first round pick (Emmanuel Forbes), and a second rounder (Mike Sainristil), since last year. Sainristil is projected as a starter for this season, while it seems that Forbes will sit. Ballhawk Benjamin St. Juste (1 pick in three years) returns, and free agent Michael Davis defects from the Rams on a one year deal.
No one in this secondary set the world on fire last year, but it was initially chalked up to the growing pains of a young unit. Instead of giving them room to show what they learned, this position was reshuffled, with stop-gap players atop the depth chart. With this being a deliberate move, it’s hard to give it nod of approval. (-)
In A Nutshell: The middle of this defense should be impenetrable. Everything on the perimeter however, is there for the taking. (-)
SPECIAL TEAMS:
LS: Tyler Ott has played some (blocking) TE in college, as an added value to the unit. (+)
P Tress Way
P: Tress Way returns for his 11th year in D.C. He brings with him his career 46 yard per punt and 41 yard net average. Numbers he maintained almost exactly in 2023. (+)
K: Cade York is the new king of this hill. Drafted by Cleveland in 2022, the Browns traded for a second Kicker in the offseason, and cut York in 2023 preseason. He then bounced around a couple of practice squads, but no active rosters. Now he has this job. (-)
In A Nutshell: They didn’t fix what wasn’t broken. Then they didn’t fix was broken. (+)
BOTTOM LINE:
This has the feel of a team that’s already tanking the 2024 season. They have four picks in the top three rounds of the 2025 Draft, with no scary contracts to weigh yet. So it seems like Operation Stockpile, is already in motion. So yeah, even before it starts, Washington looks to have written off the season. But keep your eye on what they do in March.
As for 2024: Let’s call it 6 – 11, and the head coach suddenly realizing that too much losing, kills a winning culture in it’s cradle.
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