Author: DefeatingTheCurse

Weighing Washington’s options at QB

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As the NFL Draft approaches, the Washington Commanders find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, with the opportunity to select a quarterback that could shape the franchise’s future. The names Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy are on the lips of every fan and analyst, each bringing a unique skill set to the table. Let’s delve into the prospects of these three quarterbacks and consider who might be the best fit for the Commanders.

Drake Maye: The Prodigy Drake Maye, the standout from North Carolina, has been turning heads with his arm strength, accuracy, and leadership. His college career was nothing short of stellar, showcasing his ability to make all the throws required at the next level. Maye’s physical traits and deep passing prowess make him a tantalizing option for a team looking for a quarterback with a high ceiling.

Jayden Daniels: The Dual-Threat Dynamo Jayden Daniels, hailing from LSU, offers a different dimension with his dual-threat capabilities. His agility and speed, combined with a solid arm, make him a nightmare for defenses. There are concerns about his frame and durability, but his playmaking ability is undeniable.

J.J. McCarthy: The Steady Hand J.J. McCarthy from Michigan represents a more balanced option. He’s shown consistency and poise in the pocket, along with the athleticism to extend plays when necessary. His winning pedigree and ability to perform under pressure could be exactly what Washington needs to steady the ship.

In conclusion, the decision for the Commanders will come down to what type of quarterback they envision leading their team. Do they want the high-upside passer in Maye, the dynamic playmaker in Daniels, or the consistent performer in McCarthy? Each has the potential to be a franchise quarterback, but it will be up to the Commanders’ front office to decide which vision aligns with their future.

For more in-depth analysis and the latest updates, stay tuned to “Defeating the Curse.”

Mitchel Rales Joins Potential Ownership group

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Mitchell Rales: The New Player in the Commanders Sale Saga The Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins, have been embroiled in a long and complicated sale process that has attracted several potential buyers. One of them is Josh Harris, a co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils, who has been pursuing a deal with Daniel Snyder, the current owner of the Commanders. But Harris is not alone in his bid. According to multiple reports1234, he has teamed up with Mitchell Rales, a billionaire businessman from Potomac, Maryland, who is a co-founder of Danaher Corporation5, one of the largest companies in Washington D.C. Who is Mitchell Rales? Mitchell Rales is a self-made tycoon who started his career as a salesman for his father’s real estate company. He later joined forces with his brother Steven to form Equity Group Holdings, an investment firm that acquired stakes in various industrial and technology companies. In 1984, they founded Danaher Corporation6, a conglomerate that specializes in science, technology and innovation. Danaher owns several well-known brands such as Beckman Coulter, Leica Microsystems and Pall Corporation. According to Forbes6, Mitchell Rales has a net worth of $5 billion as of March 2023. Rales is also known for his philanthropy and art collection. He established the Glenstone Foundation6, which operates a museum and sculpture park in Potomac that showcases modern and contemporary art. He also donated $10 million to Georgetown University’s medical school in 20196. Why does he want to buy the Commanders? Rales has not publicly commented on his interest in buying the Commanders, but some sources have speculated that he may have personal or professional reasons for joining Harris’s group. One possible reason is that he is a fan of football and sports in general. He played football at Walt Whitman High School6 and was reportedly interested in buying the Baltimore Orioles baseball team in 19936. He also owns several horses that compete in equestrian events. Another possible reason is that he sees an opportunity to leverage his business acumen and connections to revitalize the Commanders franchise. The team has been struggling on and off the field for years, facing controversies over its former name, sexual harassment allegations against its executives and poor performance on the field. Rales may be able to help turn things around by bringing his expertise in innovation, management and culture change to the organization. He may also be able to use his influence in Washington D.C. to secure favorable deals for stadium development or sponsorship agreements. What are his chances of buying the Commanders? The sale of the Commanders is still subject to several legal hurdles and uncertainties. Snyder has been trying to buy out his minority partners who own 40% of the team but have been locked in a dispute with him over valuation and governance issues. Snyder has also faced pressure from some NFL owners who are unhappy with his handling of various scandals involving the team. The NFL has launched an investigation into Snyder’s conduct and could impose sanctions or even force him to sell if it finds evidence of wrongdoing. Harris’s group reportedly offered $4 billion for Snyder’s stake but was rejected by him last year1. It is unclear whether they have increased their offer or whether Snyder has changed his mind since then. However, some analysts believe that adding Rales to Harris’s group could boost their chances of striking a deal with Snyder or convincing other NFL owners to approve their bid. Rales brings more financial firepower, local credibility and strategic vision to Harris’s group which could make them more attractive as potential buyers.

Breaking Down the Commanders OC Candidates

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The search for a new offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders football team is currently underway. The position became available after Scott Turner, offensive coordinator was let go due to the team’s underwhelming performance on the field. The team’s head coach and management are currently reviewing candidates and conducting interviews to find the best fit for the team’s offensive scheme and overall strategy. The new offensive coordinator will play a crucial role in the team’s success, as they will be responsible for designing and implementing the team’s offensive game plan each week. The search is expected to be completed in the coming weeks, as the team looks to make the necessary changes to improve their performance for the upcoming season. Here are some of the verified OC candidates for the Washington Commanders:

Pat Shurmur:

As a head coach of the Cleveland Browns, his team had the NFL’s 17th-ranked offense in 2011, but during his tenure as an offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, his team’s offense ranked in the top 10 in the league in both yards and points. Also, during his time as head coach of the New York Giants, the team’s offense improved significantly in the second half of the 2018 season, which helped the team to win five out of their last seven games and finish the season with a 5-11 record.

It’s also worth noting that his offensive approach tends to be balanced, he likes to run the ball and pass it with equal efficiency.

Thomas Brown:

He is known for his ability to develop young players and for his work in the running game. He has been credited with helping to improve the performance of the running backs on the teams he has coached, such as the Atlanta Falcons, where he helped to develop Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman and Ito Smith.

Ken Zampese:

Ken Zampese is a well-known name in the NFL coaching circles and has had a successful career as an offensive coordinator. He is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Commanders, and has previously served as the QB coach for the Dallas Cowboys and offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns.

During his tenure as an offensive coordinator for the Bengals, the team had a top-10 ranked offense in both yards and points for two consecutive seasons (2015 and 2016). He also helped develop Andy Dalton as a quarterback, who had back to back 4,000 passing yards seasons during Zampese tenure.

In Cleveland, he was the offensive coordinator for only one season, in 2018, and unfortunately the Browns’ offense had a poor performance, but it’s worth mentioning that the team had a lot of instability during that year.

Eric Studesville:

Eric Studesville is a well-respected coach in the NFL, he currently serves as the running backs coach for the Denver Broncos. He has not served as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, but he has a long history of coaching running backs and offensive positions, and has had success working with a variety of different players and teams.

Studesville has been the running backs coach for the Broncos, the Chicago Bears, and the Miami Dolphins. He has helped develop some talented running backs during his tenure as a coach, such as Clinton Portis, Knowshon Moreno and Jay Ajayi. He has also been credited with helping to improve the performance of the running backs on the teams he has coached.

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Double Donks…A Redskins Rant

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Its an interesting time within the DTC walls. The Washington Redskins are 4-2, sitting on top of the NFC East with one of the best defenses in the league and one of the better rushing attacks. However everywhere you look around this city, you’d think the Redskins were 1-5 and had zero hope this season.

For example, two of DTC’s very own, Joe and Steve, hereby referred as “the double donks” think Blake Bortles is better than Alex Smith. Joe can’t stop crying for Pierre Garcon to come back, and somehow a healthy, untargeted Jordan Reed is all of a sudden a bad player. Maybe these double donks forgot what life was like as a Redskins fan half a decade ago. Sure you caught lightning in a bottle in 2012. Sure once Kirk Cousins took over and began slinging the ball around the offense was fun to watch. Sure Sean McVay was being brilliant working under Gruden. But if you look deeper, you’ll realize this 2018 Redskins team is better.

Are the Redskins flashy on the offensive side of the ball? Not even close. Do they have the ability to all of a sudden figure things out and start clicking? Absolutely.  I’d like to see the double donks, or anyone come into a complicated system, such as Jay Gruden’s and excel at playing the most difficult position in professional sports. Alex Smith is not flashy, but he is also your steady hand. A steady hand that helped the Redskins beat a Panthers team, and helped FINALLY beat the Cowboys in what seems like forever. Notice I’m saying “helped”. I acknowledge we need more, but I’m also not blinded to the fact that more will inevitably come.

Alex in my book, still gets a pass. He has a lot to learn, and plenty of relationships and chemistry to develop with his skill players. Now — in regards to these “skill” players. That is where we can agree we’re lacking. Would I (FP) like to see the Redskins go out and bring in a stud WR1? You bet your ass I would. Am I thankful we didn’t go about it the same way the stupid Cowboys did? HAIL YEAH (I had too). Right now the wide receivers are capable of making plays. Richardson can break a route and make a huge play. Crowder has shown, when healthy, that he can be a force in the slot.

Really everyone’s concern  is Doctson. Yes, he’s struggled mightily and isn’t playing to the expectation a first round pick should, but maybe, just maybe, Gruden has been using him wrong this entire time. The narrative has always been that Doctson is an elite talent at climbing up and making a play on the ball. “Throw him the 50/50 balls! He’ll get those!” Wrong. He has shown he can’t be that receiver. This past Sunday against the Cowboys, who have strength in the middle of their defense, Doctson made SOME plays. He showed he can be a “possession receiver”. Use him on a couple more inside routes, and I’ll bet his stat lines look better.

Lets keep debunking these two double donks and the rest of the “fans” who are for some reason, UPSET AT A 4-2 REDSKINS TEAM. I’ve heard people complain about Reed not being the elite TE he needs to be. He doesn’t throw blocks, he doesn’t pass protect, he doesn’t make guys miss and make electrifying plays. Look, the guy is finally healthy for the first time in who knows how many years. What that sentence should tell you is this: He was going MAYBE half speed during training camp. Taking it easy. Not working in pre-season, not establishing – you guessed it – chemistry with Alex Smith. Jordan Reed shouldn’t have to “prove” himself to anyone at this point. Stay healthy, keep practicing and eventually the big plays will come.

Finally, the running game. Adrian Peterson. AP. AD. All Day. What a sight for sore eyes. FINALLY a running back that can capitalize on the dominance our offensive line has become.  Unless of course, you’re one of the two donks who think its not a good sign that we rely on our “aged” running back. That eventually he’ll get hurt. That “this is 2018, we need to pass for 9000 yards to succeed!” Maybe you forgot about Kareem Hunt. Or Todd Gurley. Maybe you didn’t pay attention last year when a New Orleans Saints team, with two dynamic running backs went deep into the playoffs. OR in 2016 when nobody was used to this RB called Zeke and he carried the Cowboys to the playoffs. How about this Steelers running back name Le’Veon Bell? Did he help his team at all? Yes — the NFL has becoming a passing league. Yes — you are an idiot if you don’t think a playoff caliber team needs a strong run game.

This team isn’t perfect. We all know that. But guess what…the Defense is pretty damn special. So much so, that I didn’t even have to mention them in this post. Everyone, including the double donks can see they are playing at an elite level. The offense — while sputtering out, struggling, and not doing anything in any second half of any game is concerning, its not disheartening. Points are being put on the board. Costly mistakes aren’t being made. Slow and steady isn’t a BAD thing. Give this team a little bit longer. I bet once we’re 7-2 things will look brighter.

DTC’s 53 Man Prediction

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As always the contributors at Defeating the Curse can never agree on a final 53 man roster for the Washington Redskins.  With Preseason now wrapped up, the Redskins need to come up with their final roster to suit up for September 9th game in Arizona. We put the big 4 – LP, FP, Joe and Steve,  up to the task of creating and agreeing (or not ) on a 53 man roster. Here is what they came up with:

QBs (2): Smith, McCoy

All agree here, Joe is a Kevin Hogan guy but the Redskins can’t afford a 3rd QB

RBs (4): Peterson, Thompson, Kelley, Bibbs

LP would rather have Perine over Kelley, however the fumbling issues we think ultimately cost him a roster spot. FP is good with the 4 RBs on the roster but wants to add a FB to the mix to help Peterson. Is that worth the cost a roster spot somewhere else on the team? Steve is a Byron Marshall fan and offered a semi wise suggestion: Maybe you put Byron Marshall on PUP and release Bibbs and go without a CT backup for the first few weeks of the season.

WRs (6): Richardson, Doctson, Crowder, Harris, Quinn, Sims

There was much debate as to whether the Alabama WR preseason standout, Cam Sims should make the team over veteran Brian Quick. Ultimately it comes down to the fact that you know what you are getting with Quick and that’s not that good. There is a much higher ceiling with Sims. We all know what Steve and Joe think of Brian Quick, or not so quick. FP has officially been inducted to the Trey Quinn fan club.

Tight Ends (3): Reed, Davis, Sprinkle

No debate here. Can Reed stay healthy and can Sprinkle be more than just a blocker are the biggest questions.

Offensive Line (8): Williams, Lauvao, Roullier, Scherf, Moses, Nsehke, Christian, Bergstrom

The decision here was to go with 8 OL, because we all agree that there needs to be an upgrade at LG at some point. You can’t trust Lauvao will stay healthy enough to play more than 8 games and frankly it’s a glaring hole that NEEDS to be addressed.

Defensive Line (6): Allen, Payne, Ioannidis, Lanier, Settle, Hood

FP has been high on the Phil Taylor return train, but it’s been too long and the Redskins have gone much younger at the position. A weakness last year has become a strength. Joe has Settle winning defensive rookie of the year.

OLB (5): Kerrigan, Smith, McPhee, Anderson, Robertson

No debate here, these are clearly the best 5 OLBs on the team. Robertson has shown some versatility and can play special teams, that gets him on this roster.

ILB (5): Brown, Foster, Spaight, Dion-Hamilton, Harvey-Clemons

After a much heated debate as to who would be the 5th ILB, Harvery-Clemons or Zach Vigil, LP decided to go with Harvey-Clemons because of his versatility. Harvey-Clemons can be what the Redskins thought Sua Cravens was going to be when they drafted him in 2016.

CB (6): Norman, Dunbar, Moreau, Johnson, Alexander, Stroman

Yet another debate on if the Redskins should keep 5 or 6 at this position. Stroman shows kick and punt return ability and he’s a VT product. We all know how much Torrian Gray likes his VT guys.

Safety (4): Swearinger, Nicholson, Everett, Apke

Apke has looked very shaky during the preseason but he’s got some raw talent. It will be up to the coaching staff to get him ready to play a larger role in 2019.

Specialists (3): Way, Sundberg, Hopkins

Do we really need to discuss this?

That leaves one more pick open here’s where the guys could just not agree:

LP: Add Perine to the 53

FP: Bring in his J.P. Holtz as FB for Peterson

Joe: Add someone from his beloved Browns roster

Steve: Is John Riggins available?