Hogs Haven
A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders
Here’s a sentence that hasn’t been written or uttered this century — since before Dan Snyder owned an NFL franchise: Players want to wind up in Washington playing for the Commanders.
In recent weeks, there have been players who privately stated or told their agents they want to be traded to the Commanders, league sources told ESPN.
It’s possible the Commanders could comply by Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline. The Commanders have explored adding a cornerback and also could use help at wide receiver, according to league sources.
But even if the Commanders can’t complete any trades by the deadline, the fact that certain players would like to land in Washington bodes well for the franchise in free agency and in years to come, league sources told ESPN.
It’s a function of new ownership, a new front office, a new coaching staff and, maybe most importantly, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is contending not only for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year but also potentially the most valuable player.
[After the walk-off Hail Mary touchdown], as Washington’s locker room rejoiced, one Commanders official noticed Daniels at his locker, watching everyone else in the room celebrate. Daniels looked calm, composed and seemed as if the dramatic victory was what he expected to happen that day, according to the team official. In his rookie year, Daniels already carries himself like a confident seasoned player.
Now the Commanders have put themselves in a position to compete for a division title and a playoff spot but also, just as important, shifted the perception of the franchise.
Daniels also has three completions on balls that have traveled 50 or more air yards. According to ESPN Research, that’s the most such completions since ESPN started tracking air yards in 2006.
“He’s not great at the trash can drill,” Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said, “but he’s really good on the field. So, I think that that’ll work out for him.”
Here’s a look at the four touchdowns that had the lowest chance for completion:
The play: Washington led the Cleveland Browns, 17-3, with 41 seconds left in the first half. On second-and-7 from the Browns’ 41, Daniels hit receiver Dyami Brown for a touchdown.
Probability for completion: 17.9%
Two plays before Brown scored, Washington ran a similar play but the pass was thrown elsewhere. Daniels ran the ball out of bounds on the Washington sidelines on the ensuing play. As he ran back to the huddle, he stopped by Kingsbury and suggested a play. Kingsbury didn’t hesitate to say yes.
Daniels, in shotgun formation, took a three-step drop, held the safety with his eyes...
