The Daily Slop – 3 October 2026
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!
Commanders links
Articles
Commanders.com
Hail Mail: Stopping Indy’s tight end
@ChillMonkey123: How do you think they will stop Tyler Warren? They have been struggling with TE’s a lot lately.
I really appreciate this question, because
most of the attention has been around stopping Jonathan Taylor. Warren is undoubtedly a talented player and is off to a good start with 89 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets. To your points, tight ends have generally done well against the Commanders. They’ve given up four touchdowns to tight ends so far this season, and most of them have come on similar plays.
I think there are a few ways to prevent Warren from having similar success, and it starts with putting pressure on Daniel Jones. The Colts are 27th in pass block win rate and have already given up six sacks to the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens. Assuming the Commanders can perform against the run to a similar standard as they did in the previous three games, it’s going to put the ball in Jones’ hands more often, which hasn’t fared well for the Colts. He has five of the team’s six giveaways and had two fumbles recovered against the Texans.
Warren can’t get the ball if Jones struggles, and I can see the Commanders’ pass rush really getting after him this weekend.
I think there are some changes in coverage that could be beneficial for the Commanders as well. If Frankie Luvu does return this weekend, that could free up Sonny Styles to take on more responsibility in the passing game. Styles has proven himself as a quality cover linebacker that can handle his own against running backs and tight ends alike. He actually has the sixth-best cover grade for a linebacker through three games, according to Pro Football Focus. I could see the Commanders matching Warren’s size with Styles’ athleticism, and I would take Styles in that scenario.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
NFL.com
Colts vs. Commanders: Three must-know storylines for NFL Week 4 London game
Can receivers take advantage of struggling DBs?
In a matchup featuring two down defenses, it’s paramount for each offense to identify areas of vulnerability to attack. Those soft spots lie in the secondaries of both Ds, meaning the offenses will aim to exploit advantages with their receivers.
The Colts will be looking to new WR1 Josh Downs, who took up the mantle left by the injured Alec Pierce and departed Michael Pittman. Downs has averaged a team-high 2.4 yards per route on a 32.8% target rate in Weeks 2 and 3 — while the Colts have mostly been without Pierce — and ranks 15th among qualified receivers in receiving expected points added (+12.6), just below Justin Jefferson, per Next Gen Stats. Indy will hope to get him in positions against Mike Sainristil, who has allowed a league-high five touchdowns and a 142.4 passer rating when targeted through three weeks. His defensive back mates, Jeremy Reaves (154.6 rating, +42.8% CROE) and Quan Martin (+28% CROE), have fared no better, opening up opportunities for Keenan Allen (barring a groin issue keeping him out) and tight end Tyler Warren.
Meanwhile, Washington will look to exploit Justin Walley in the slot. The Colts primary nickelback has allowed 13 receptions on 15 targets for 213 yards and two TDs in the slot, the most yards allowed by any defender and 84 more than the next-closest CB. Opponents have recorded a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeting Walley in those matchups, per Next Gen Stats. That could spell a big day for the Commanders’ top three receivers: two-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin, who’s looking for his first 100-yard game in 2026 but is questionable with a balky hamstring; rookie Antonio Williams, who boasts a team-high +27.2% CROE and +8.7 receiving EPA when targeted in the slot; and veteran Stefon Diggs, who has run a team-high 44 routes out of the slot this season.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders.com
3 keys to Commanders vs. Colts
Win on third down
The Commanders only converted three third downs against the Seahawks, although their final two of the day were some of the most important of the game. They moved the markers on a third-and-9 and third-and-7 thanks to runs from Rachaad White and Marcus Mariota, respectively, that sealed the victory. They had one prior to that drive, and many of those struggles can be credited to their own mistakes as much as the Seahawks’ defensive talent.
Washington was plagued by multiple pre-snap penalties against the Seahawks. The most damning was an illegal formation that wiped away a 48-yard touchdown from Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but there were others that made manageable downs even more difficult. A false start from Josh Conerly moved them back five yards after an 11-yard gain. Another from John Bates turned a second-and-7 into a second-and-12. In the third quarter, an illegal shift turned a second-and-13 into a second-and-18. The Commanders punted two plays after that.
While the Commanders obviously need to execute on third down against a Colts defense that ranks 10th in getting their opponents off the field, they also need to make third downs easier on themselves. It will allow them to get in a rhythm, and as they showed last week, they can compete against the best defenses in the league when that happens.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
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Sports Illustrated
Washington’s Linebacker Room Changed While Frankie Luvu Was Gone
While Luvu was out, Sonny Styles’ role changed quickly. He went from playing 48 of 55 defensive snaps in Philadelphia to handling the green dot and playing all 67 against Seattle. The rookie finished that game with five tackles, two passes defended, an interception and a forced fumble, but the bigger development may have been everything the Commanders were asking him to handle before the snap.
Then came another change nobody wanted, or saw coming.
Leo Chenal suffered a neck fracture against Seattle that required surgery and ended his season. Suddenly, Kain Medrano was needed for 44 defensive snaps after entering the game without a defensive snap on his NFL resume. He responded by taking an interception 50 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter. So while Washington lost another piece of the linebacker room, it also found out Medrano could handle being thrown directly into the fire.
Now Luvu returns, and Jones doesn’t sound like someone interested in taking anything away from Styles because of it. When asked Thursday how Luvu’s return could affect the rookie’s growing responsibilities, Jones said the plan hasn’t really changed.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Sports Illustrated
Saturday mailbag
Is Sonny Styles the Defensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner?
via Brian G., New York
I’d say he’s 100% among the frontrunners right now, although I would add that he has some serious company in LB Jacob Rodriguez from Miami, EDGE rusher David Bailey from the Jets, OLB Rueben Bain Jr. from Tampa Bay, S Caleb Downs from Dallas, and LB Anthony Hill Jr. from the Titans. I believe Rodriguez is the betting favorite currently, but it’s early. Styles has certainly helped his case over the last two weeks by being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week after his performance against the Seattle Seahawks. So far, Styles has 12 tackles (two for a loss), two QB hits, two passes defensed, a forced fumble, a sack, and an interception.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Metro Sports Page
At Home in London, Commanders Look to Build Momentum
The Colts’s defense is bottom five against the run, and bottom three against the pass…though when it comes to passing defense and calling out other teams for not being so good, I should probably point out the glassiest house on the block that we currently inhabit. I’ll keep those stones in the pouch for now. The Commanders offense is built around the rushing game, where we are currently 8th in the league in rushing yards per game. It seems to me that our rushing attack against the Colt’s rushing defense presents the kind of advantage that makes me really scratch my head about why the Colts are favored.
On top of that, the Commanders are +2 in the turnover game, while Indy is -5…another very tangible reason the Commanders should feel better than the 3.5-point underdogs the books say they are today.
The mistake we can easily make is to sleep on Daniel Jones, Josh Downs and DeForest Buckner, all of whom are players capable of putting the Colts on top. At 6-7, 295 pounds, Buckner is a game-wrecker on the interior of the defensive line, and will likely be the reason Jacory Croskey-Merritt might have better luck outside the tackles this week. Daniel Jones might not be the same dual threat quarterback he was eight years ago, but if we give him time, he will find receivers.
Unlike last week, I do have a (possibly stupid) belief that the Commanders are the better 1-2 team. Mariota is savvy enough to guide us to points on the board and Daronte Jones is starting to get pretty comfortable dialing up defensive playcalls.
I am currently standing on my Tuesday prediction, which was a 31-23 victory for the burgundy and gold. A defensive or special teams touchdown would be nice, but limiting Jonathan Taylor on the ground and getting off the field on third downs is a worthy-enough goal for the defense.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Riggo’s Rag
Mike McDaniel’s disastrous start validates Commanders’ David Blough gamble
Many fans believed the Commanders needed an experienced, “safe” hire, given the stakes of the 2026 season. But they went with Blough instead, leaving Quinn in a position where he’d cemented his fate if the 31-year-old failed.
Blough is already making the Commanders anxious about how they’ll keep him in the building, with the rookie play-caller touted as a future head-coaching candidate after his masterclass against the Seattle Seahawks. McDaniel, meanwhile, is partly responsible for the Chargers being 0-3.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Roundtable
Commanders-Colts: 4 stats to know
4.3: the number of yards that Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is averaging per touch through his first three games. Taylor sits sixth in the league averaging 86 rushing yards per game, though he’s coming off his first scoreless performance after totaling two rushing touchdowns in each of the first two games. With wide receiver Alec Pierce sidelined, Taylor will also enter this weekend’s game looking to shoulder a bigger load as the All-Pro looks for his first 100-yard rushing game since week ten in 2025.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
ESPN
NFL Week 4 preview: Picks, predictions, schedule, betting odds, fantasy tips
Colts (1-2) at Commanders (1-2) in London
9:30 a.m. ET | NFL Network | IND -3.5 (47.5 O/U)
What we’re hearing on the Colts: QB Daniel Jones is on pace for one of the lowest yards-per-attempt marks of his career, with a current average of 6.2. But that’s probably less about Jones’ performance and more a reflection of what the Colts look like without WR Alec Pierce (heel). Pierce is expected to sit out several weeks, forcing the Colts to find creative ways to generate big plays, which has been difficult. Look for new acquisition Darius Slayton to make his debut at receiver. — Stephen Holder
What we’re hearing on the Commanders: Washington’s run defense ranks third in yards allowed and 12th in yards per carry. When it’s just including RBs, the Commanders are sixth in yards per carry and first in fewest gains of 10-plus yards. Now they face Jonathan Taylor, who has averaged 4.9 yards per carry in his career but has a league-high 27 carries of one yard or fewer. “[Taylor] has game-breaking speed, he’s physical,” defensive coordinator Daronte Jones said. The Commanders’ run defense has been keyed by their front seven. DT Daron Payne said it’s just about “being real physical and dominating the line.” — John Keim
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
From Sports Illustrated:
SI Betting’s Iain MacMillan shares his favorite bet for every game, every week in his Road to 272 column, and he’s taking the Commanders to cover:
The Commanders likely won’t have Jayden Daniels back at quarterback, but Marcus Mariota showed this past week that he’s more than just a capable backup. What makes me really like the Commanders in this spot is that their defense has done a great job stopping the run this season. They have allowed just 3.8 yards per carry while ranking third in opponent rush EPA and sixth in opponent rush success rate.
Meanwhile, the Colts defense has been horrific to begin the season, ranking 28th in both opponent EPA per play and opponent success rate. Indianapolis isn’t good enough offensively to overcome a bottom-five defense, so I’m going to take the field-goal-worth of points with the Commanders.
I agree with MacMillan’s take on this game, especially since Mariota didn’t look too bad in Week 3. The veteran quarterback completed 19 of his 31 passes for 183 yards and three scores while adding five carries for 11 yards on the ground. Upsetting Seattle – a team that has been dominant on the road under Mike Macdonald – is no joke.
Both of these teams have struggled defensively this season, but the highs of the Washington offense has been much more impressive than the Colts. Plus, the Commanders have been solid against the run (as MacMillan mentioned), which should take away from Indy’s best form of offense.
I think there’s a real chance the Commanders pull off an upset win in Week 4.
Final Score Prediction: Commanders 26, Colts 23
To read more of this SI article, CLICK HERE
Photos
Podcasts & videos
Kain Medrano Is Prepared For This Moment + The Legends Take Over London 🇬🇧 | Next Man Up
NFC East links
Bleeding Green Nation
Eagles-Rams Final Injury Report: DeVonta Smith and Zack Baun among 6 players ruled OUT
The Eagles ruled six players OUT: DeVonta Smith, Zack Baun, Dallas Goedert, Marcus Epps, Hollywoood Brown, and Fred Johnson.
Smith is dealing with a hamstring injury that prevented him from practicing this week. Reports indicate he could miss another game or two after this weekend. Not great for the Eagles to be missing their top receiver at all, let alone against some tough opponents. With Smith and Brown out, the Eagles will be down to the following five receivers: Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Elijah Moore, Darius Cooper, and Britain Covey. Wicks figures to be the Eagles’ No. 1 target in Smith’s absence. Lemon could also see increased opportunities … just hopefully not in the entirely predictable screen reception variety.
Epps was unexpectedly added to the injury report on Thursday as a limited participant. He then did not practice on Friday. Maybe he has a legitimate injury. But maybe the Eagles are soft benching him? Maybe not, though, because now they only have one full-time safety on the roster: Andrew Mukuba. Michael Carter II figures to start in place of Epps but he’s a converted nickel cornerback. Ditto for Kenny Moore, who is slated to make his Eagles debut this weekend. Of course, Cooper DeJean will play safety when the Eagles utilize their base defense, which could be often against the Rams, who utilize 13 personnel at a very high rate.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Battle Red Blog
Five Good Texans Questions with Blogging the Boys
BRB: Obviously the Cowboys defense has been more shaky. What is the key for them getting back on track?
DH: I mean, at this point, we are just hoping for performances where they hold the team in the game so the offense can win it. That usually means making a few splash plays in a game to create a turnover, a fourth-down stop, or something that gives the offense the ball in decent position. They don’t have a good pass rush, that is one of their problems. They are okay creating pressure, but they don’t get sacks. Mobile QBs also really hurt them. They are also not great against the run, although they did a decent job of keeping Derrick Henry in check last Sunday.
Their biggest problem right now is the injuries in the secondary. The Cowboys defense has suffered an inordinate amount of injuries recently, with a large cluster in the secondary. We almost ran out of bodies back there against the Ravens. Rookie linebacker Jaishawn Barham and rookie safety Caleb Downs have been the best players on that side of the ball. The Cowboys need some of their veterans, like Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary and a few others to start playing up to their abilities to get close to back on track.
BRB: Are there any key injuries that could have a significant impact on the game on Sunday?
DH: Short answer – absolutely. Long answer – on offense, we are still without our best lineman in G Tyler Smith, but sub T.J. Bass has been great. On defense:
Starting CB Cobie Durant has been out, and will likely miss this week, too.
Starting LB DeMarvion Overshown has been out but it is possible he suits up this week.
Starting S Malik Hooker has been out but he could also be back this week.
Starting S Jalen Thompson was hurt in the Ravens game and is likely going to IR.
Top backup CB Shavon Revel was hurt in the Ravens game and his status is unknown.
Top backup S P.J. Locke has been put on IR.
Backup DT Jonathan Bullard might go to IR.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
The Athletic (paywall)
Jerry Jones continues path to fix defense that has been broken since Micah Parsons trade
Jones has been heavily criticized for the decision to trade an elite pass rusher entering the prime of his career. Despite having one of the league’s best offenses, the Cowboys aren’t ending their 30-year Super Bowl drought unless the defense gets much better.
And until that happens, many will blame Jones for trading one of the NFL’s most valuable defenders. That undoubtedly has contributed to moves like the one Wednesday night.
The 2028 second-round pick and the 2027 sixth-round pick the Cowboys sent to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Porter aren’t directly connected to the Parsons trade. The players who can certainly be included in that blockbuster deal are Clark, defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and rookie edge rusher Malachi Lawrence. The Cowboys have since signed Williams to a three-year, $105.9 million contract extension to be the face of their defense.
Those three players have been solid but not nearly as impactful as Parsons was during his two first-team All-Pro and one second-team All-Pro years in Dallas. Parsons hasn’t played yet this season as he is recovering from a torn ACL, but he was a first-team All-Pro player last year in Green Bay.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Upcoming opponent – Colts
Commanders next game is in London vs Indianapolis on Sunday at 9:30 am
Stampede Blue
Marcus Mariota to Start vs the Colts
An Old foe makes his return to face the Colts for the first time since 2019. Can the Colts beat Mariota for a 6th time?
Since leaving the Titans, Mariota has appeared in 43 games (22 starts) and recorded some solid stats as a journeyman:
- 420/671 Passing = 62.6% Completion %
- 4,966 Passing Yards
- 7.4 Yards Per Attempts
- 35 Passing TDs
- 18 INTs
- 52 Sacks
- 91.3 Passer Rating
- 189 Carries
- 1,068 Rushing Yards
- 5.7 Yards Per Carry
- 8 Rushing TDs
- 16 Fumbles
As both teams journey to London, England to face off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Colts have an opportunity to beat an old foe once again and Mariota has a shot at redemption against one of his biggest obstacles from early in his career.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
NFL league links
Articles
NFL.com
NFL Network: QB Tyson Bagent likely to start for Bears on Sunday vs. Jets
Wondrous as it was, Case Keenum’s time as the Chicago Bears’ starting quarterback might have only been for one evening.
Tyson Bagent is likely to start for the Bears against the New York Jets on Sunday at Solider Field, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
“My understanding is that Tyson Bagent took the majority of the first-team reps at practice this week. While Ben Johnson has not yet named a starter, the expectation is that the backup quarterback, Tyson Bagent, is the starter on Sunday,” Rapoport said on Friday’s episode of The Insiders on NFL Network. “[Johnson] has not yet made it official. Certainly, Case Keenum would still be in the mix, especially after the heroics of last week, but it certainly seems like the direction they are going is going to be Tyson Bagent.”
“And if you’re wondering why, Ben Johnson actually gave this to us earlier in the week. As he was getting on his press conference very late after the game, he mentioned, Tyson Bagent won the backup job out of camp, and there is a reason for that. They believe in him. They believe in the direction he can take the offense. They have also paid him. That is why this makes sense. We’ll see what the Bears end up doing, but all signs point to Tyson Bagent getting the start this week for Chicago.”
Caleb Williams, as expected, will be out for a second straight week with a hamstring injury. Although it isn’t official, Bagent appears set to resume his role as chief backup and now, fill-in starter. Keenum would then serve as Chicago’s QB2.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Off the field
NFL.com
CBS announces Tony Romo’s permanent exit following arrest for operating vehicle while intoxicated
“CBS Sports and Tony Romo have mutually agreed to part ways,” CBS Sports said Friday in a statement. “We thank Tony for his contributions over the past nine years and wish him the best moving forward.”
Analyst JJ Watt had joined play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson on CBS Sports’ lead NFL team during Romo’s absence. Watt will continue in that role now and all other CBS teams will remain the same.
Romo was arrested following a traffic stop as he was driving south on Interstate 43 in Wisconsin. He pleaded no contest to a charge of operating while intoxicated on Sept. 1 and issued a statement apologizing for the actions that led to his arrest.
According to Milwaukee County court records, Romo lost his driving privileges for six months and was ordered to complete an alcohol assessment program.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
The Athletic (paywall)
49ers owner Jed York suspended 6 games, fined $500K after prostitution sting arrest
The NFL has suspended San Francisco 49ers owner Jed York for six regular-season games and fined him $500,000 for violating the personal-conduct policy, stemming from his August arrest in a prostitution sting in East Palestine, Ohio, the league announced Friday.
An NFL statement said York has stayed away from the 49ers and from league meetings during the first three weeks of the season, and that those weeks will count toward his suspension. He can return to the team Oct. 20.
York said in a statement that he accepts the NFL’s decision “in full.”
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
