The Daily Slop – 27 August 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
The Athletic (paywall)
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels, offense struggle against Ravens: ‘Not the best day’
What was likely the last live play of Jayden Daniels’ preseason showed exactly why there’s explosive potential in every Washington Commanders snap. Yes, two Baltimore Ravens bore down on Washington’s third-year quarterback.
So off his back foot,
Daniels let the ball fly. In a corner of the end zone 30-some yards downfield, rookie Antonio Williams caught it in stride.
To be clear, it was Daniels who made the play possible. And when he did, the Commanders poured off their sideline at the Ravens’ complex, where the two teams concluded a joint practice session Wednesday in advance of Friday night’s final preseason game in Baltimore.
There was a celebration of what Daniels can do at any point, which is to cover up inconsistency and sloppy execution by others with his extraordinary talent.
Still, the closing play couldn’t erase an erratic and largely unproductive day for the Commanders’ offense. Washington is already dealing with a long-term injury to star left tackle Laremy Tunsil and a calf issue that has kept starting center Nick Allegretti out for most of camp. On Wednesday, Sam Cosmi, the starting right guard, didn’t participate because of an illness.
That left Daniels with a group that featured a lot of sixth-round rookie Matt Gulbin and a little of Julian Good-Jones at center, and a right guard rotation with Good-Jones and undrafted rookie Tanoa Togiai.
So outside of a few completions to receiver Terry McLaurin, a couple of scrambles by Daniels and the long toss to Williams, Washington struggled to move the ball.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
NFL.com
Jayden Daniels ‘to learn from’ joint practice after Commanders’ offense struggles vs. Ravens
Entering training camp, the biggest question marks in Washington centered on how the Commanders might deepen their receiving corps beyond star Terry McLaurin, and whether their remade defense could improve upon its last-place finish in 2025. After injuries to left tackle Laremy Tunsil and center Nick Allegretti, the greatest concern now exists in the trenches.
There isn’t yet a timetable for Allegretti’s return yet, and Tunsil will miss most, if not all of the regular season after suffering a torn triceps earlier this month. It’s becoming increasingly likely Washington’s starting five could include a player (or two) who isn’t currently on the roster.
That’s a problem for general manager Adam Peters to solve. Daniels, meanwhile, can only work on improving his own performance and building a rapport with the teammates who are currently taking the field with him.
“Own this. Watch the tape. Take the coaching,” Daniels said when asked how the Commanders might learn from their tough day. “Be coachable to be able to move forward from this. The good thing about it is it’s August whatever, I don’t know what day it is, but it’s August whatever. Our first game is September 13th. That’s the one that really matters.”
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
The Athletic (paywall)
What we learned at Commanders training camp about the defense, O-line and Jayden Daniels
The tightest roster race is at receiver
There was a time not too long ago when Washington sorely needed help at receiver. That changed (at least on paper) with the addition of Stefon Diggs. The four-time Pro Bowler agreed to a one-year deal with the Commanders earlier this month, giving them a needed “No. 2” behind Terry McLaurin.
It also created some tough decisions for Peters and Quinn. Rookie Antonio Williams is a lock to make the roster, which leaves eight players — Treylon Burks, Luke McCaffrey, Dyami Brown, Jaylin Lane, Van Jefferson, Jaden Bradley, Nick Nash and Jacoby Jones — vying for the last three or four receiver spots.
There’s a plan for the linebackers
[T]he coaching staff is clearly preparing to weaponize Styles — who hasn’t blitzed in his limited appearances in games — once the regular season begins.
“You’d say he could play man-to-man because of the speed,” Quinn added. “But I’d also say the zone parts of his game are gonna be exceptional because he has quickness as well as speed. Sometimes you might see a person who’s fast, but they have to build up to it. Whereas he’s got initial quickness to get to a certain location, and that’s a big deal.”
On Wednesday, backup linebacker Kain Medrano also made an impact — picking off one pass and breaking up another.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Last Man Standig (paywall)
‘That’s how you win five games’: Commanders get a reality check from Ravens
Missing starters and makeshift lineups mattered. So did the blocking, mistakes and slow start that had Jeremy Reaves invoking last season’s 5-12 record, and Jayden Daniels offering context.
The Washington Commanders offense committed countless infractions in Wednesday’s joint practice: porous blocking, particularly in the middle of the line. Wayward snaps. False starts. Drops. Passes deflected at the line of scrimmage. Baltimore’s defense won the day. Washington’s suspect showing helped produce the outcome.
[C]ontext matters. In this case, it matters plenty. We must note the missing bodies on both sides of the ball — especially in the trenches. Starting right guard Sam Cosmi (illness) became a late addition to the already lengthy injury report that includes center Nick Allegretti and front-seven defenders Daron Payne, Odafe Oweh and K’Lavon Chaisson.
Some of these players and others may return next week. The real panic comes if any are involved in Sunday’s cutdown-day transactions — meaning an injured reserve designation — though head coach Dan Quinn said before practice he doesn’t anticipate such events. And yet, for a team looking to significantly improve on a dismal 5-12 season, the effort lagged in a practice that will be the last time many players take the field before the roster goes from 90 to 53.
“Everybody’s tired at this point of the year. Everybody’s body is hurting this training camp,” Reaves said. “You’re not supposed to feel good. But, you know, that’s how we started this. That’s how you win five games. And we got to be better. We got to be WAY better.”
For more from Ben Standig, click here
Sports Illustrated
The Good and Not So Good From Commanders vs. Ravens Joint Practice
Washington may not have owned most of the practice, but they certainly owned the ending. Baltimore moved into the red zone during the final two-minute period before Sainristilwent up and intercepted Jackson, ending what looked like a scoring drive. The offense then got its opportunity and faced fourth down against an all-out Ravens blitz. Daniels stood in with pressure coming and found Williams downfield for a touchdown. It was a strong response from a team that had spent plenty of the day fighting through adversity.
Washington’s pass rush didn’t have nearly the same type of success against Jackson that it did during the joint practice against Miami. Missing Oweh and Chaisson obviously matters, and Jackson presents a challenge unlike almost anybody else at the position, but the starting defense struggled to consistently affect him. The backups found more success once Tyler Huntley entered, but Washington would certainly like to see more pressure from the group surrounding its top edge rushers when those guys aren’t available.
Daniels said afterward that it “wasn’t the best day we could have had,” and that’s probably the easiest way to describe Wednesday. Baltimore exposed some things Washington still needs to clean up, particularly along the offensive line, which is exactly why Quinn wanted this type of practice before the regular season.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders.com
Training camp notebook | Top updates from Washington’s joint practice with Baltimore
Several players spoke to the media after practice, including rookie Joshua Josephs. He said Wednesday’s practice was a good opportunity for the team to get better, and while the day didn’t start in their favor, he thought they recovered well. “As a defense,” he said, “we were able to throw those final punches.” Daniels also spoke to multiple reporters, and the quarterback admitted it “wasn’t the best day we could have had,” but he added that it was an opportunity to learn. “I think we just overall gotta keep learning and gotta keep growing. You’re not winning a Super Bowl right now. You’re not playing for a Super Bowl right now. You’re playing for the division and stuff like that. The first game matter…and you just try to get better each and every day, build reps over time, and hopefully you’re playing your best ball towards the end of the season.”
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Roundtable
Where each safety stands heading into Washington’s final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens
The safeties on the fringe of the roster will have another opportunity to make their case in the Commanders’ preseason finale against the Baltimore Ravens. Percy Butler and Qwuantrezz Knight Sr. are among those competing. Butler recorded three total tackles against the Lions last week, with only one solo tackle, while Knight Sr. finished with four total tackles and two solo tackles. While it’s only one preseason game, small details like tackling production can help separate players when the coaching staff evaluates the entire roster.
Butler, a 2022 fourth-round pick by the Commanders, has significantly more experience in Washington’s defense than Knight Sr. That experience could give him an edge, but general manager Adam Peters has made it clear that the team is always looking to improve the roster. If Knight Sr. continues to outperform Butler, he could make a push for a roster spot.
The Commanders also signed safeties Joshuah Bledsoe and Quindell Johnson after releasing Will Harris and safety Malik Spencer. Bledsoe and Johnson are unlikely to make the initial 53-man roster, but they provide Washington with additional depth heading into the Ravens game. If either player performs well, they could make a case for a spot on the practice squad.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Riggo’s Rag
3 winners (and 4 losers) from Commanders’ joint practice with the Ravens
Winner No. 1
Mike Sainristil – Commanders CB
It’s a big season upcoming for Sainristil. His ability to create turnovers remains strong, as evidenced by his interception off quarterback Lamar Jackson to conclude the session. The Michigan product was sticky in coverage in one-on-one drills, and his relentless approach caught the eye.
With second-year corner Trey Amos’ status uncertain, Sainristil will be integral to the Commanders’ hopes. He’s gained a feast-or-famine reputation over his first two seasons in the league, so finding the right balance is crucial. Fortunately, Daronte Jones’ teaching seems to be having a positive impact on his overall performance levels.
Winner No. 3
Antonio Williams – Commanders WR
This was arguably Williams’ best all-round day so far, according to those in attendance.
The former Clemson standout gave All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton real problems in one-versus-one drills. While the highlights in 11-on-11 were few and far between, Jayden Daniels’ deep shot to his first-year pass-catcher was something positive to take away from the session.
It’s tough to assess what sort of role Williams will have in David Blough’s offense. But there is no doubt he has earned one right out of the gate.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Photos
Commanders.com
PHOTOS | Final prep before the preseason finale
The Washington Commanders were back on the practice field to begin preparations for the final preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Podcasts & videos
URGENCY RISING: Ravens Expose Commanders O-Line Around Jayden Daniels
Washington Commanders Joint Practice with the Baltimore Ravens Review
Commanders’ offense ‘inoperable’ in joint practice vs. Ravens | Beltway Football
Commanders O EMBARRASSED by Ravens! Daronte Jones STANDS TALL! Adam Peters, HELP Jayden Daniels!
NFC East links
Philly Voice
Eagles rookie progress reports at the end of training camp
Round 1: WR Makai Lemon
There’s not much to say so far about Lemon, who missed half of the spring, both preseason games, and has at least been limited (no team drills) in 10 training camp practices because of a hamstring injury.
In the limited time we have gotten to see Lemon in practice, he has mostly caught a lot of short stuff near the line of scrimmage, and he has been the player most commonly in motion, pre-snap. It seems like Sean Mannion’s vision for Lemon’s role is to give Jalen Hurts some layups on some open schemed-up throws. We’ll see.
Round 2: TE Eli Stowers
[Stowers] was probably more of a big receiver coming out of college, and that he would need to become a much better blocker to become a more well-rounded NFL tight end.
Unfortunately, throughout camp Stowers hasn’t shown much to get excited about as a receiver or as a blocker. He has not exhibited the explosive traits that are in his body, he has sometimes looked tentative as a blocker, and he simply hasn’t made catches further than, like, 10 yards down the field. The guess here is that Stowers is swimming mentally, trying to learn an offense while acclimating to the speed of the NFL. He’s thinking, and not just playing. The hope is that in time he will catch up mentally and begin playing fast.
But for now, Stowers is unplayable, and likely to be a gameday inactive. He is also currently on the shelf with a hamstring injury.
I’ve been asked if Stowers could potentially be a “redshirt” IR candidate, but I don’t see that. The team used a valuable second-round draft resource on him, so they’re going to want to give him every opportunity to get better during the season. If he’s on IR, he won’t be able to practice with the team.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Blogging the Boys
5 potential trade candidates for the Dallas Cowboys
OL T.J. Bass
Bass is probably a starter on many team’s around the league, but with the Cowboys he is a depth piece, albeit an important one. He seems to be the contingency plan to start at guard if the Cowboys have nay issues there. Outside that, he’s just another backup who won’t see the field much. If the Cowboys like what they see and second-year OL Ajani Cornelius or maybe even Nick Leverett, trading Bass away could net them a future mid-round pick. Playing on a one-year deal it’s worth considering.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Blogging the Boys
Cowboys countdown to kickoff: Top 100 iconic games – Day 18
Sunday, December 16, 1979
Texas Stadium, Irving, Texas
Final Score: Dallas Cowboys 35, Washington Redskins 34
Both teams entered the regular-season finale at 10-5, making the stakes straightforward. Dallas could claim the division and a first-round bye with a victory, while Washington needed to win to reach the playoffs. The rivalry was already heated after Washington had beaten the Cowboys 34-20 four weeks earlier.
The Cowboys could hardly have started worse. Fumbles on their first two possessions helped Washington build a 10-0 lead through Mark Moseley’s 24-yard field goal and Joe Theismann’s one-yard touchdown run. Theismann then connected with Benny Malone for a 55-yard score early in the second quarter, placing Dallas in a 17-0 hole.
From the Washington eight-yard line, Staubach lofted a pass to Hill for the winning touchdown with 39 seconds remaining. Rafael Septién converted the extra point to complete the 35-34 comeback.
The drama continued after the final whistle. A funeral wreath had been delivered to the Cowboys before the game, apparently suggesting their season was about to die. Dallas players believed it had come from Washington supporters, although later accounts said a Cowboys fan had ordered it through a florist in Maryland. Harvey Martin carried the wreath to Washington’s locker room and threw it inside. From there the game got its enduring nickname.
This game belongs on the countdown because it combined everything that defined the Cowboys-Washington rivalry. It was division-title stakes, hostility, controversy and an extraordinary finish.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
ESPN
Cam Skattebo: “infectious in a bad way”
Running back Cam Skattebo caught a pass in a late-game drill and slid to the ground. Before they got to the next play, there was some pushing and shoving involving Skattebo and safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Greg Newsome II. It earned Skattebo a penalty flag from the officials.
It left coach John Harbaugh not exactly thrilled.
“Well, I mean, Skatt’s great. He does bring a lot of energy. But he did get a 15-yard penalty at the end of practice. Did you notice that?” Harbaugh said. “That’s not infectious. Well, it is infectious, actually. Infectious in a bad way, right? Like infectious disease type of thing (laughs). We don’t want that. So, we want it to be directed in a positive way.”
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
NFL league links
Articles
ESPN
NFL eliminating Pro Bowl Games, but will still name Pro Bowlers
Beginning with the 2026 season, 88 players will be named to the Pro Bowl class in late December, with no replacement selections.
While no AFC vs. NFC game will be held, players selected as Pro Bowlers will be invited to attend an in-person celebration in Los Angeles during the traditional weekend the Pro Bowl Games took place.
Vincent later added that he heard from players that they “don’t want competitive play” after the playoffs.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
The Athletic (paywall)
Offseason edition of ‘Hard Knocks’ is returning, will focus on a division
The NFL’s offseason edition of “Hard Knocks” is returning for the first time since 2024, when the New York Giants were featured. This time around, the focus will expand across four franchises.
On Wednesday, the league will announce the return of “Hard Knocks” for the 2027 offseason. No one team wanted to follow the Giants after their appearance, so instead, NFL Films and HBO will chronicle a behind-the-scenes look at each team in an entire division.
The divisional concept is one “Hard Knocks” has employed the past two years with its in-season version, first with the AFC North in 2024 and again last year with the NFC East. This offseason edition will now replace the in-season version; there will not be an in-season “Hard Knocks” in 2026.
Ketover does not anticipate announcing which division will be chosen until the series is ready to air, but NFL Films cameras will begin following the teams around toward the end of this regular season. Because the AFC North and NFC East participated the past two years, the focus of the show will be on one of the other six divisions.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
ESPN
Memo: NCAA defectors can’t play for NFL team in 2026
The NFL, in a memo obtained by ESPN, informed its clubs Wednesday that any player who returns to the college ranks will be prohibited from signing with an NFL team this season.
The memo reiterates rules that remain unaltered despite a chaotic week in the NCAA as multiple players seek a fifth year of college eligibility.
The NFL, which held a special league meeting Wednesday, also reminded teams of the rule that any player signed to an NFL contract who is subsequently cut is a free agent. That player can sign with another NFL club, join the CFL or return to college.
Any player cut by an NFL team who returns to college this year still will be considered a free agent and therefore not subject to a future draft.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Rule changes
For discussion
Pro Football Talk
Resurgence of Commanders’ nickname and logo meets quick resistance
[N]ew ownership continues to keep the old name and logo in circulation.
The most blatant dipping of the toe happened recently, when the team made available T-shirts honoring franchise greats that include the old name and logo.
Here’s how the team official explained the move, also in a statement to WUSA: “When we recognize alumni through merchandise, our goal is to ensure those products authentically reflect the era they represent, and that is shown in the handful of items we are selling. It’s also important that we protect our trademarks. We are required to maintain the marks in commercial usage so that [the] marks remain under franchise control. There are no changes to our previous position on the team name, and we’re excited to showcase the Commanders brand this season in ways that celebrate our past while looking toward the future.”
The trademarks argument seems flimsy. Even if the law requires the Commanders to use mothballed names and logos in order to preserve the rights to them, it doesn’t have to be quite so conspicuous. Besides, it felt like a “by the way” addition to the primary argument that they want merchandise honoring alumni that is authentic and accurate.
But that can easily be accomplished, by using an image of the player that includes a straight-on view of his helmet, with the logos not clearly visible.
The bigger picture is this. Even if current ownership says they’ll never bring back the old name, they’re keeping it close enough to use if needed.
In 2020, the planets lined up in a way that got Snyder to do something he said he’d never do. At some point in the future, the planets could line up in a way that results in Harris (or the next owner) doing what the team now says it will never do.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
