NFL Trade Rumors
Despite suffering two concussions, Commanders RB Austin Ekeler commented on what was a special season for him in Washington.
“When you have a new core group of guys come in like we did and a new coaching staff, they bring in the new philosophy. So, something that’s gonna carry over will be the standard of the team,” Ekeler said via Lou DiPietro of Audacy. “The expectation of this team now is at a new level internally because we now know our capabilities, so having a new core group with new philosophies and that are gonna be here for a second year, I think we’re really in a position to build off of what we’ve done this year. It won’t be the same team, but it will have the Dan Quinn flavor, Jayden’s coming back and we’ll have our offensive identity, and I think we really solidified that this year.”
Ekeler hopes that owner Josh Harris, GM Adam Peters, and HC Dan Quinn are able to keep the core of the team together for another deep playoff run next season.
“Look at the teams that have been there and done that, like the old Patriots or the Chiefs now — once you find a chemistry that works, I hope ownership is doing everything to really hold on to that, because it’s rare,” Ekeler added. “You see the shuffle every year, but that’s what the NFL is: how can we put the best group of men together, and support staff together, to actually push this thing forward and sustain success. I hope they do everything they can to continue to keep us in a place where we have a winning culture. There’s no guarantees, but it’s a new opportunity, so I hope we bring in good guys who buy into the vision and the brotherhood.”
The Cowboys have been criticized for promoting Brian Schottenheimer from offensive coordinator to head coach. Executive Stephen Jones thinks there would have been questions surrounding anyone they picked for the job and points out how the Lions were scrutinized when hiring Dan Campbell.
“I don’t think you know until you put someone in that position. Anyone we would’ve picked, there would be question marks,” Stephen Jones said, via Albert Breer of SI. “We weren’t getting [Bill] Belichick, he was already to North Carolina. He’s a six-time Super Bowl winner. But pretty much after that, people are going to have criticism for anyone you pick. And we understood that. That’s to be expected. I saw something where Dan Campbell was universally seen as a questionable hire. And obviously, he’s done a great job with the Lions.”
Jones mentioned that Schottenheimer has more experience than many of the younger coaches around the league.
*“Anytime you’re gonna go...
