Hogs Haven
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
Heavy.com
Armstrong’s new role was detailed by ESPN’s John Keim on a recent episode of ‘The John Keim Report.’ As Keim put it, “on the roster, they list Dorance Armstrong as a defensive end, but I was talking to, you know, outside linebackers coach John Pagano, is like, he’s going to be a defensive, excuse me, a linebacker. And I would say Pagano would know since he coaches the outside linebackers anyway.”
Although Keim also admitted, “(we) still don’t know where Dorance Armstrong is at in terms of his recovery and not just in terms of physical, but where he is just on the field and what he can do in this defense,” this is a significant development for Armstrong.
Turning flexible pass-rushers into actors to disguise pressure will be vital for making Jones’ schemes work. Fortunately, Armstrong is already ideally suited to the changes the Commanders are making defensively, so his new role can inspire a career revival once he’s fully healthy.
ESPN
Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin, WR
Stick with me on this one. McLaurin, who will turn 31 this September, is the oldest player on this list. He had five consecutive seasons of 1,000 receiving yards from 2020 to 2024. He is very clearly good, and everyone knows this. So how can McLaurin break out? By posting a career year. His first season with over 100 receptions.
It’s safely assumed, given his steady production, that McLaurin is an average No. 1 receiver. I think he can be much better than that. McLaurin had a down year in 2025 thanks to a prolonged contract battle in camp, a quad injury and general offensive regression. Now, in 2026, he gets to play in a David Blough offense that should move him around the formation much more than Kliff Kingsbury’s system ever did.
McLaurin was seventh in yards per route last season (2.56) but 18th in targets per route run. Only 16.8% of his yards came after the catch — 100th in the NFL! If he starts getting the Amon-Ra St. Brown treatment with motions, slot alignments and funneled targets on third downs or in the red zone, he could post career-best marks in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns.
Riggo’s Rag
Quan Martin – Commanders DB
Everyone was puzzled by Quan Martin’s regression last season. Fans and even sections of the national media were expecting a breakout from the talented defensive back, but it fell flat. That left him facing an uncertain future, but the Commanders are...
