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
The newcomer turning heads is former Cleveland Browns back Jerome Ford. He “continues to run hard and look impressive as a pass-catcher” during OTAs this offseason, according to Commanders.com Senior Writer Zach Selby.
Ford’s progress is an unexpected bonus for the Commanders, but bad news for Croskey-Merritt. Last season’s seventh-round pick can match Ford’s core skill on the ground, but JCM is struggling where his more experienced rival is thriving.
Ford has an established track record as a truly explosive breakaway runner. His ability to produce big plays on the deck is summed up by a solid career average of 4.3 yards per carry, including 5.4 a rush for the Browns during the 2024 season.
Snagging 107 catches during four seasons with the Browns proved Ford’s aptitude as a receiver. His use in the passing game extends beyond the numbers because Ford can be moved out of the backfield pre-snap.
Riggo’s Rag
Quan Martin – Commanders DB
Nobody associated with the Washington Commanders needs a report card on Quan Martin’s 2025 season. Fans and even some national analysts were expecting a breakout campaign in Year 3 of his professional career, but things fell completely flat.
However, all hope may not be lost with Martin just yet.
The former Illinois star looked lost and devoid of any sort of confidence last season. Washington had to keep him in the lineup amid its injury crisis, but once people started getting healthy, head coach Dan Quinn took him out of the firing line.
Martin was projected as a trade or cut candidate this offseason. General manager Adam Peters kept faith, and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones is confident he can return to his old form in a system better suited to his physical attributes.
Clues are already emerging. According to those in attendance at OTAs, the Commanders are using Martin a lot more in the nickel. This is where he played — and played well — as a rookie. Moving to the back end hasn’t gone nearly as favorably, so this could be the spark that reignites his career outlook.
Commanders Wire
Here is a cursory look at some of the big-picture numbers for the Commanders’ defense in 2025.
