Commanders links
Articles
Commanders.com
Laremy Tunsil challenges ‘stigma’ surrounding him with improvements as run-blocker
Tunsil is aware of what he called a “stigma” surrounding him. Sure, he’s great at protecting quarterbacks, but what about everything else? He set out with a goal to “prove the people wrong”
and show that he can be a complete player. Through 14 games, he’s validated his belief that he’s got more to offer than just being an elite pass blocker.
There aren’t many tackles who have played better than Tunsil in the run game. He has only been defeated on 7.9% of run plays, which ranks second best among NFC offensive tackles with at least 250 run block snaps behind only Trent Williams. His run block grade from PFF is the highest of his career, while his overall grade of 87.5 is fourth best for NFC OTs with at least 250 total snaps.
And the Commanders have benefited from Tunsil’s improvements as a run blocker. They average 4.9 yards per carry — tied for the third best number in the league — and rank fourth in yards per game (136.5). They rank eighth in rushing EPA, according to FTN, and fifth in yards per carry on outside zone runs.
Tunsil has worked hard to develop a good working relationship with left guard Chris Paul and Washington’s tight ends to make sure they have a strong plan for double teams. The duo has been one of the offense’s most effective this season. Tunsil said Paul has made “a lot of s— easy for me” because of the way the 2022 seventh-rounder, who took over as the starter in Week 3, can stand up defenders and communicate with him.
Tunsil’s improvements as a run blocker haven’t come at a detriment to his abilities as a pass protector. In that regard, Tunsil remains the player the Commanders thought they were getting when they traded for him. He has the fourth best pressure rate allowed out of NFC offensive tackles with at least 250 pass protection snaps. His pass protection grade of 87 is the second highest among NFC OTs with at least 250 pass pro snaps behind only Andrew Thomas.
And in terms of being a complete player — Tunsil’s primary goal this season — he’s one of just two NFC offensive tackles who rank in the top five of pressure percentage allowed and percentage of run blocks defeated.
Heavy.com
Commanders HC Predicts Jordan Magee Position Switch
Quinn views Magee, a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft, as an eventual middle linebacker. The switch would make Magee a potential successor for 35-year-old Bobby Wagner.
Speaking to reporters, including ESPN’s John Keim, on Friday, December 12, Quinn explained how Magee filled in well for an injured Wagner during practice. Specifically, Quinn applauded Magee’s handling of “the experience, the calling it, the communication.”
Getting all of those things right is crucial for any pro mike linebacker, and Quinn believes Magee is “somebody who would be able to do that for sure.”
Those comments fit with Magee’s own ambitions to be the main man in the middle for the Burgundy and Gold.
Magee sees his future as the eventual signal-caller for Washington’s defense. It’s a bold ambition, but the 24-year-old knows what the role demands.
He pointed out “it starts with me controlling everything. You’re talking so much [pre-snap] and then you have to come back to the huddle and call the play. It’ll wear on you so you have to have that conditioning,” per Keim.
Magee also revealed he’s even taking lessons from Wagner: “He was telling me to control the huddle, control your breathing and always be confident because they’re going to listen to you. He’s been working with me since last year about it, just having that presence and command.”
A to Z Sports
The Commanders’ 2026 NFL Draft position could be heavily impacted by the outcomes of other games around the league in Week 15
They aren’t playing for a playoff spot, but Dan Quinn can’t afford to end the season on a 12-game losing streak. [Despite the coaches & players doing all they can to win as many games as they can], [t]he Commanders also have a major offseason ahead, and need the best draft pick possible to help rebuild the roster.
The Commanders’ matchup against the Giants, who currently have the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, will heavily impact where they pick in April. That’s not the only game, though; many others will have a significant impact on their strength of schedule. The Commanders currently have the sixth-overall pick in the draft, with a strength of schedule of .511 heading into Week 15.
The Commanders’ outcome will obviously have a huge impact on their draft position, depending on their record, but the tiebreaker goes to whoever has the lower SOS, so they need teams on their schedule to keep losing more.
[Some games that matter:]
- Browns @ Bears
- Lions @ Rams
- Colts @ Seahawks
- Dolphins @ Steelers
[Note from Bill-in-Bangkok: The article also lists the Raiders @ Eagles and Vikings @ Cowboys. While Commanders fans certainly care about the outcome of these games, the article incorrectly states the impact of these games on Strength of Schedule. Since the Commanders played all 4 of these teams this season, the outcome of these two games is immaterial the Commanders’ overall SoS.]
Heavy.com
Deebo Samuel : In line to suit up Sunday
Samuel, who is officially questionable to play against the Giants on Sunday due to an illness, is expected to give it a go, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Samuel came down with an illness near the end of the week and didn’t practice Friday. However, he seems to be feeling better and thus appears likely to take the field against New York. He’ll be working with QB Marcus Mariota, as Jayden Daniels has been ruled out due to a left elbow injury.
Commanders.com
Commanders elevate CB Darius Rush from gameday roster
The Washington Commanders have elevated cornerback Darius Rush from the practice squad for their Week 15 game against the New York Giants.
Rush, a fifth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, has appeared in five games in his career with three tackles and a pass breakup. He has also spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns.
Rush spent four seasons at South Carolina and recorded 74 tackles primarily as a special teams contributor. He recorded three interceptions with 15 pass breakups and a forced fumble.
Podcasts & videos
HC Dan Quinn Previews Commanders vs. Giants | Washington Commanders | The Gameplan | NFL
NFL league links
Articles
What I’m hearing on Joe Burrow’s future and the NFL’s coaching interest in Marcus Freeman
Marcus Freeman’s future
The New York Giants have a list of candidates for their head-coaching vacancy. I’m told the names on it include Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak … and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.
I also expect Freeman to garner interest from other NFL organizations. The 39-year-old has spent the past four years leading Notre Dame, taking the Irish to the national championship game last season.
Joe Burrow
If you read Burrow’s recent comments, delivered on his 29th birthday, and thought maybe he was about to pull an Andrew Luck … think again. A person close to him laughed when I suggested he sounded down in the dumps. “He’s a serial killer,” that person said. “Nothing matters to him but playing this game and winning a Super Bowl.”
So why did Burrow sound the alarms this week, with comments that made him seem frustrated, even depressed? Did you see his fourth-quarter interceptions as the Bengals lost a lead — and any realistic playoff hopes — against the Buffalo Bills?
Someone else close to Burrow said: “Everyone is being a little dramatic. This isn’t mental health, this isn’t depression, this is I want to win.”
Teammates, coaches and people close to Burrow all say he just wants to play football, talk football and win football games.
He’s just tired of losing.
Old Man Rivers
The Seahawks spent all week preparing for [Philip Rivers] to start in the NFL for the first time in five years.
A Colts team source told me Rivers can still sling the ball, but he’s not very mobile. Expect a lot of sacks — especially against a Seahawks defense that ranks fourth in that category. And while Rivers tries to thread the needle, don’t be surprised if this offense leans heavily on Jonathan Taylor to keep the chains moving.
The latest on Brandon Aiyuk
Players and coaches in the San Francisco 49ers’ building continue to face questions about wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who has not played this season after being placed on the physically unable to perform list in July. The team voided the guaranteed money in Aiyuk’s contract for 2026, and even players have said they doubt he’ll return this season.
“At this point, it doesn’t seem like he’s coming back,” tight end George Kittle said this week.
The 49ers have been holding out hope that Aiyuk would show up, ready to practice. However, their optimism seems to have run out.
