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The Daily Slop – 7 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
Bullock’s Film Room (subscription)
Commanders Film Review: Sonny Styles vs Colts
[The video of the play described in the excerpt below is embedded in the tweet that is also pasted below]
Despite the Commanders suffering another disappointing loss and falling to a 1-3 record, there were some positives to take out
of this game. One of the biggest positives, in my opinion, was the play of rookie linebacker Sonny Styles. Styles has been playing well all season, winning NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Seahawks [the week before]. He made some flash plays against the Eagles a few weeks prior too, and his coverage ability has already stood out as one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL.
But against the Colts, we saw a step forward from Styles in another area of his game. Styles is an incredible athletic and is terrific in coverage, but he’s still fairly fresh to the linebacker position, having transitioned from safety to linebacker in college a few years ago. So while he’s been fine in the run game, there has certainly been some room for growth in his first three performances. In this game though, we saw what was comfortably the best performance we’ve seen from Styles against the run. So let’s break it down to see why he was so good.
This time the Colts run a gap scheme inside with the fullback kicking out the edge and the tight end working up to block Styles inside. Styles reads the run quickly and you can see how compared to Luvu, he’s the quicker linebacker to read the run and react. He identifies the tight end working up to him and closes the gap, using his momentum to get into the chest of the block and stack him up. Styles arrives at the block with a thump, landing both hands on the blockers chest and standing him up. From there, Styles has control of the block. He looks into the backfield and sees running back Jonathan Taylor cutting his run outside, so Styles works off the block and reaches out with one arm to make the stop for a one yard gain.
Perhaps his most impressive play against the run came later on in the game in the second half.
Commanders.com
Kaliakmanis’ NFL debut contained plenty of lessons
Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo didn’t make life easy on Kaliakmanis. He didn’t blitz the quarterback an excessive amount — per Pro Football Reference, Kaliakmanis was pressured on only 20% of his dropbacks — but he did choose moments in which Kaliakmanis needed to make a play. Most of the pressure came off the edge and led to a sack on third-and-9 that knocked the Commanders out of field goal range. Other times, Kaliakmanis got the ball out but was punished for it with hard hits on his release.
But plays were open downfield thanks to that pressure, and Kaliakmanis started letting the ball fly in the second half. He tied with C.J. Stroud for the highest average depth of target at 14.1 yards and had six passes of at least 30 yards — the most for a quarterback in a single game so far this season. Two of those passes found their mark — a 48-yarder to Dyami Brown and a 47-yarder to Treylon Burks that resulted in his first career touchdown pass.
The current expectation is that Kaliakmanis will not be under center for the first snap against the New York Giants this coming weekend. Daniels is expected to have a full week of practice, and if everything goes well, he will start and try to get his team one game closer to .500.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Roundtable
Do Commanders need to look outside the organization for a short-term veteran backup QB?
Kaliakmanis will be available to stabilize the room in week five with the hope that Daniels anchors the room once more, yet given the Commanders have already watched its starting quarterback go down in two of the first four games in 2026, whether an addition needs to be made is the question.
The irony? A familiar name looms as an available option given 33 year old Jeff Driskel, who also joined the Commanders’ practice squad to close last season, is an available name. Jimmy Garoppolo and Brandon Allen are two others who remain available, albeit both have limited experience over the last two seasons to add a question whether they would serve as viable stopgaps. Could Washington pull a page from last season’s book and sign someone off another team’s practice squad? Josh Johnson, who started the final two games of last season, is on the Bengals’ practice squad to serve as a low risk move.
The upside is unlike Washington, the question isn’t about finding an answer atop the unit, rather ensuring depth is in place as offensive coordinator David Blough looks to find consistency [in the 2 games] ahead of the bye week.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
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The Athletic (paywall)
NFC East roundtable: QB chaos, trades and a shock retirement. Wait, it’s only Week 5?!
Fill in the blank: The team I cover can still win the NFC East if __.
Svrluga: … Daniels starts and finishes the remaining 13 games. Given that Washington is currently 0-2 in the division and dealing with injuries large and small throughout the lineup, it’s not actually that simple. But Daniels always has been the most important person in the Commanders’ building, and Washington’s need for him to save the season has only grown since Marcus Mariota suffered a sprained MCL in Sunday’s loss to the Colts. In the first half of Washington’s Week 2 loss at Dallas, Daniels was playing his best football since his rookie year of 2024. He needs to be both on the field and playing at that level for the Commanders to overcome everything that faces them — a 1-3 start, a long-term injury to left tackle Laremy Tunsil, short-term injuries to wide receiver Terry McLaurin and guard Sam Cosmi and an upcoming schedule that features games against the 49ers, Eagles and Rams before the midway point.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Sports Illustrated
Washington Keeps Talking About Fixing Its Penalties. The Numbers Say Otherwise
[T]he problem the team keeps talking about controlling is actually getting worse over the last two games.
Since the start of the season, Washington has 30 accepted penalties for 224 yards, which is the 16th-most in the league (Cleveland has the most with 43).
Game-by-Game Penalties
– Philadelphia: 6 for 45
– Dallas: 5 for 38
– Seattle: 9 for 57
– Indianapolis: 10 for 84
Late in the third quarter [vs the Colts], with the Commanders trailing 20-13, Athan Kaliakmanis hit Antonio Williams for what looked like an 87-yard touchdown. Instead, an illegal shift where Dyami Brown never came to a complete stop wiped it off the board, and Washington went from being an extra point away from tying the game to facing third-and-16 from its own eight-yard line. Kaliakmanis scrambled for eight yards on the next play, and Tress Way came out to punt.
Quinn addressed that this week when talking about how he wants Washington practicing moving forward. “That’s what I want to make sure in practice: we’re seeing all three phases connected. But let’s make sure, man, let’s go battle forward, but no fouls that are before the snap. After the snap, those ones, let’s handle business between the whistles.”
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Riggo’s Rag
Commanders face Trey Amos decision as Dan Quinn deepens injury mystery
Will he be ready?
Amos’ workout videos on social media suggest he might be close, but that’s just the snippet he wants everyone to see. Washington will factor everything into the equation before making a judgment, and it’s been a long time since he was on an NFL field.
This remains a step-by-step process. The Commanders need Amos to be healthy and back to his best. He looked the part as a rookie before a cruel setback. And if he can get back to that level, the Ole Miss product should be able to form a prolific partnership with Amik Robertson.
That won’t happen right away. And if the Commanders don’t designate Amos to return immediately after being out for most of two months, there could be more to his ankle sprain than met the eye initially.
Amos has promise. The Commanders believed they got a steal when he slipped through the cracks and into their laps at No. 61 overall last year. But if the corner cannot stay healthy, he’s no use to anybody.
Getting his 21-day return window activated would be a big boost. After that, it’s about ramping up his workload, making sure the ankle is strong, and gradually slotting him into the rotation before a full workload.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
The Athletic (paywall)
Second team: Athan Kaliakmanis, Commanders (Round 7, No. 223)
Kaliakmanis also acquitted himself well Sunday, considering he was pushed into action after Marcus Mariota’s injury. The down-to-down consistency wasn’t there, but he wasn’t afraid to be aggressive. He attempted six passes of 30-plus yards and connected on a pair of them (one for a touchdown), which were two of the prettier deep balls from any NFL quarterback in Week 4.
Second team: Antonio Williams, Commanders (Round 3, No. 71)
Williams had a strong start, but his production has dipped, collateral damage from Jayden Daniels’ injury.
Second team: Sonny Styles, Commanders (Round 1, No. 7)
Being on the second team at this position is no slight.
Styles has been terrific wearing the green dot, and his performance against the Seahawks in Week 3 led directly to a Commanders win.
Honorable mentions: Matt Gulbin, Commanders (Round 6, No. 209)
Last Man Standig (paywall)
I ranked every Commanders draft investment since 2024; more dudes required
The Commanders have selected 20 players since 2024. I ranked the 19 remaining — one 2024 pick, Dominique Hampton, was released last year — and grouped the UDFAs Washington signed as rookies into a single entry. That they traded away picks for Marshon Lattimore, Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel is not part of this story.
I bet you can guess who is No. 1 regardless of criteria. Next in line might be obvious, too. From there, these rankings are based on:
- Year-to-date upside
- Actualized production
- Current role
- Positional significance
Let’s discuss the hopes and fears from the tiers of Commanders’ kids.
As we go through this exercise, keep in mind the core positions for any team: quarterback, offensive tackle, pass rusher/lineman, cornerback, and receiver.
For more from Ben Standig, click here
Hogs Haven
Irish Insights – London Edition
Big Ben struck midnight for the good guys in this one with more injuries, bad coaching and horrendous officiating!
I realize every team has injuries, just look at the Chiefs losing their two best WRs in the same game, but come on man. I don’t think the NFL ever envisioned international games that featured a QB3, a mostly backup OL, and no star power at all other than Jonathan Taylor, who most people in England probably think is a folk singer. I’m not sure what can be done, but this injury epidemic is getting bad across the league. I find it odd that players practice less and less but get hurt more and more. I also realize that players today are just bigger, strong and faster and that makes the collisions more violent than ever, but I honestly wonder if there is a correlation between the lack of actual padded practice and the increase in injuries.
Onto the game, players and coaches….
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Pro Football Focus
PFF Pass-Protection Streaks
Powered by Premium Stats, this tool tracks how long every offensive lineman has gone without giving up a sack, knockdown or any type of pressure. A streak runs across games, seasons and team changes, and breaks only when he allows one — so these are careers measured in consecutive clean snaps rather than in rate stats. Switch between the streaks still running this season and the all-time board going back to 2006, the first year of PFF grading.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
NFC East links
Bleeding Green Nation
Lane Johnson retires: Eagles right tackle announces decision to leave team
There were rumors about him potentially retiring in the offseason but the 36-year-old decided to return to an offensive line room that didn’t include Jeff Stoutland for the first time in his 13-year career.
After a few days into training camp, Johnson left the team for personal reasons. He eventually returned and talked about his increased focus on family and announced that 2026 would probably be his final season.
Things changed on Sunday morning ahead of the Eagles-Rams game in Week 4 when it was abruptly announced Johnson would be inactive and miss the game due to personal reasons. It was a huge loss for an already struggling offensive line, and rookie Markel Bell had to step into some big shoes on incredibly short notice.
Now, Johnson is deciding to call it a career after four games into the Eagles’ 2026 campaign.
From a football standpoint, the Eagles are in MUCH worse shape without him. Bell is now presumably the team’s starting right tackle. He can make himself into a long-term fixture by excelling in this role but it won’t be easy for the rookie.
Sitting at 2-2 after two straight losses, there’s plenty of time left in this season for the Eagles to turn things around. But with the way things are trending at the moment, the team’s outlook isn’t looking very good, especially now that Johnson is gone.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
More from Bleeding Green Nation:
Lane Johnson’s absence puts Markel Bell in line to start at right tackle again this week and potentially moving forward. The Eagles also have Fred Johnson on their roster … but he’s missed the last two games with a knee injury. Bell also outplayed Big Fred in the summer and offers more upside than the 29-year-old veteran, who will be a free agent once again after this season.
the Eagles’ lack of tackle depth will likely prompt them to promote Ojukwu and/or Amegadjie to the roster. The Eagles currently have two roster spots to fill with Lane’s retirement and Tank Bigsby being placed on injured reserve.
Cam Jurgens is reportedly in the concussion protocol. While it’s possible that he’s cleared in time to start at left guard on Sunday, it seems like he might miss at least one game. And there have been calls to bench him with how poorly he’s played out of his normal center position. Jurgens ranks 77th out of 79 guards graded by Pro Football Focus this season.
Assuming Jurgens is out, Willie Lampkin will make his first career NFL start. The 5’11”, 290 pound blocker is something of a curiosity given his lack of prototypical NFL size. But his diminutive stature hasn’t prevented him from playing well in training camp and preseason settings. It’ll be interesting to see if he can carry that success over to the regular season.
Landon Dickerson is currently ineligible to play for the Eagles while on injured reserve. He will be able to return from IR as soon as Week 6, though it’s unclear if he’ll actually be healthy enough to play then.
External options
Maybe Taylor Decker is a name to watch? He’s available after requesting his release from the Detroit Lions earlier this year. The 33-year-old has only really ever played at left tackle, though.
Long-time starter Cam Robinson is also still on the market. Ditto for Jonah Williams.
The problem with signing a short-term veteran is that it blocks Bell’s development. But the Eagles also aren’t going to play Bell if he’s struggling to the point where they’re concerned Hurts could get injured as a result. Or if they feel like winning in the short-term is better than a long-term focus.
To read more of this 2nd BGN article, CLICK HERE
From ESPN:
A Saquon Barkley absence could exacerbate the Eagles’ problems. I know Barkley isn’t having the best season, but the Philadelphia offense is getting really low on good players. It had to play Sunday without right tackle Lane Johnson (who has since retired), top wide receiver DeVonta Smith and, other than the first four plays, Barkley. It’s a thin group around Jalen Hurts right now, and even at full strength it was trying to figure out a new offense under a first-time playcaller. If the Eagles are going to pull out of this, they’re going to need as many of their stars as close to full strength as possible.
To read more of this ESPN article, CLICK HERE
Upcoming opponent – Giants
Commanders next game is at home vs NY Giants on Sunday at 1:00 pm
Big Blue View
Survey: Will the NY Giants win the NFC East?
Most expected the Giants to fold once they lost their franchise quarterback and star pass rusher. Instead, the Giants have kept fighting, literally down to the closing seconds of the last two games, and new stars have emerged.
Elsewhere in the NFC East, meanwhile, the other teams have issues. The Philadelphia Eagles are short-handed and a mess on offense. The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, but a defense that is still porous. Finally, the Washington Commanders don’t know what to expect from Jayden Daniels and there are questions elsewhere on their offense and defense.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
NFL league links
Articles
Pro Football Talk
Tyler Shough: Fans are understandably upset, I’d boo too
Cheers for the 20th anniversary of the Saints’ return to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina were replaced by cascades of boos until enough Saints fans left the building that Falcons supporters had run of the place. The loss dropped the Saints to 1-3 and quarterback Tyler Shough could not take any issue with the way that the home crowd responded to the effort.
“Fans understandably are upset,” Shough said. “We had some opportunities that we didn’t take advantage of and you’re playing the Falcons and you lose like that? I mean, I’d boo, too. That sucks. We want to get everybody going. It’s part of it. You have to have the energy of the crowd and we’re gonna need them next week too against a really good team. That’s the best part about New Orleans. You feel it and we feel it too, and we’re gonna keep going.”
A 4-1 close to last season with Shough playing well led to hopes of a turnaround for a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2020, but the Saints have allowed the most points in the league through four weeks. They have two of their next three games at home before a bye week and they’ll need to plug a lot of leaks in order to ensure no one will be considering a return to paper bags on heads later in this year’s home schedule.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Pro Football Talk
Case Keenum officially listed as starting QB vs. Jets despite playing one snap
Bears coach Ben Johnson trolled the media on Sunday, starting both Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent. Keenum took the first snap, with Bagent lined up at wide receiver.
It was the only snap for Keenum. Bagent played all 93.
An NFL spokesman said the Elias Sports Bureau clarified to the league that Keenum will be credited with the start and the victory since he is the quarterback who took the first snap.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
The annual coaching carousel
ESPN
Are any coaches’ seats warming a little early?
Before starting, I need to stress that I am not reporting that any coach is in imminent danger of losing his job. I don’t have information to suggest that teams are considering big changes at this point in the season. That said, I can’t imagine you’re feeling too good if you’re Todd Bowles right now.
Aaron Glenn is 4-17 with the Jets, but it’s early in his tenure. Will Jets owner Woody Johnson exude patience? Indianapolis’ Shane Steichen and Washington’s Dan Quinn are among coaches who seemingly have gotten a runway to see what their teams do but could help their causes with spirited play and quality wins. And the Chargers couldn’t have anticipated their team hurtling toward irrelevancy in Jim Harbaugh’s third season.
Yeah, barring a massive turnaround, you have to think someone ends up in trouble with the Chargers. Head coach? GM? Quarterback? All of the above? Also, what happens if things turn really bad in Philadelphia? Obviously, the Eagles aren’t afraid to move off an offensive coordinator after one disappointing season, but could things get bad enough that Super Bowl-winning head coach Nick Sirianni has to start watching his back?
Another up-and-down season would inevitably keep Sirianni’s name in the leaguewide conversation, despite him winning 70% of his games and having a Super Bowl ring. But this is Philly, where anything is possible.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Discussion topics
The Athletic (paywall)
Are there actually more flags in the NFL this season? The data tells a different story
While accepted penalties are at a record high, the total number of flags thrown over the first four weeks of the NFL season is slightly down from 2025 and only the fifth-most since 2000, according to TruMedia.
The first four weeks of the 2019 season saw 1,165 flags thrown, which remains the highest total since at least 2002, per TruMedia. Of that total, 945 penalties were accepted. That would be the third-highest total during the aforementioned span, behind 961 accepted penalties in 2015 and 963 this season.
This season’s 1,103 flags thrown is the fifth-highest total since 2002, behind 2005, 2025, 2015 and 2019. It’s 11 calls fewer than last year’s total of 1,114 flags through the first four weeks.
Counting penalties by game, 2026 would be the seventh-highest total because 2003 and 2004 would jump in front, too. Bye weeks began earlier those years, so there were fewer overall games.
Pre-snap penalties, in particular, have been higher this season. The 65 delay-of-game calls are the highest through four weeks of any season within the parameters. It’s worth noting that teams sometimes take intentional delay-of-game penalties to draw the defense offside and preserve timeouts before eventually punting the ball.
There have been 43 calls for illegal formation, which is the second-highest since 2002, behind only 62 in 2024. The 28 illegal shift calls are also the second-highest, behind 30 last season. The 177 false starts are the highest total in 19 years, since 2007 when there were 186 calls through the first four weeks.
While in-play penalties are also high relative to the entire period of the data, they aren’t significantly different from last season. Total offensive holding calls are down 11 from 2025; ineligible man downfield calls are less than half, from 28 in 2025 to 13 this season.
This season is also the first time since 2012 that a player was not disqualified from a game in the first four weeks.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
