Category: NFL

ASHBURN, Va. — The first impression of quarterback Carson Wentz left the Washington Commanders excited for the next one. They saw what they had hoped to see this spring: a strong arm that should open up their offense. The work ethic, the brains.

These attributes made Wentz attractive to the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected him No. 2 overall in 2016, and the Indianapolis Colts, who traded for him in March 2021. Now they are the attributes the Commanders point to after trading for Wentz on March 9, hoping he can solidify a position that has been a revolving door for decades.

To recap: Since winning the Super Bowl after the 1991 season, Washington has started 31 different quarterbacks — nine over the past three seasons. Also to recap: Wentz was traded in each of the past two offseasons, something that would have been difficult to fathom just a couple years ago.

Both sides need this pairing to work.

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“I’d like nothing more than to play here for a long time and have a lot of success,” Wentz said.

He is signed for three more years, but has no guaranteed money after 2022. Whether he becomes the long-term answer remains to be seen, but Washington liked what it saw this spring.

“There’s a lot of different things he’s capable of doing,” offensive coordinator Scott Turner said. “Obviously a very skilled player. You see him out at practice, he’s a big, physical guy. He can really push the ball down the field.”

For Washington, Wentz is the latest example of a quarterback offering hope.

In 2018, Alex Smith arrived via trade following one of his best seasons with Kansas City. His career changed, and was nearly ended, with a broken fibula and tibia. In 2019 Washington drafted Dwayne Haskins with the No. 15 pick overall. He was cut before the end of his second season. Last year, the organization hoped veteran free agent Ryan Fitzpatrick would be the answer — even if only temporary. He suffered a season-ending hip injury in the second quarter of the season opener.

But none of them had Wentz’s arm. Wentz is also 29, so if it clicks for him in Washington he could be here a while.

If not?

“This is probably his last opportunity, just being blunt about it, to prove that he can be a franchise quarterback in the NFL,” ESPN NFL analyst, and Hall of Fame quarterback, Troy Aikman said in May.

Said Wentz two weeks later: “I didn’t know that was said. I’m fine with it. Everyone’s got their own opinion. I don’t try to put too much pressure on myself. I always have high expectations for myself and for the offense, but I don’t try and play those types of games. I don’t have enough mental space to kind of process all that, and it can wear on you.”

What the Commanders have seen whets their appetite for training camp and the season. Coach Ron Rivera pointed to Wentz’s work ethic, and how hard he was on himself this spring. After some plays, Rivera would hear Wentz talking. The coach would turn around and realize Wentz was talking to himself about what he could have done better on a particular play.

What Rivera hears in the huddle also pleases him.

“I really like his command of our offense,” Rivera said. “When you listen to him in the huddle, you listen to him talk to his teammates about certain aspects of the play. I know it gives me confidence, but when he is in the huddle calling the plays the way he does, I know his teammates can feel the confidence.”

The coaches also like how Wentz has worked through his progressions and thrown in rhythm. During one play in minicamp, receiver Cam Sims turned as the ball arrived. But, because he took too long to get into his route, the pass surprised Sims and the ball slid through his hands. It was a lesson for the wideouts.

“Cam was worried about footing on grass instead of the technique of the route,” receivers coach Drew Terrell said. “That’s a prime example of a great throw in rhythm that we have to be there to make the play. It was right on the spot.”

Said running back J.D. McKissic of Wentz: “He learned the offense pretty fast. He’s smart, he’s intelligent, he’s getting the ball out, he can move pretty well in the pocket, too. He’s looking like that young Carson again.”

Wentz wasn’t perfect. The defense intercepted him on occasion and he misfired on some throws. And the questions about how far he can lead Washington will take time to answer.

“The beauty of coming to a new spot is you get to reinvent yourself,” quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese said. “You get to start from scratch, if there any things you didn’t like about yourself at other places. I know for myself, I’d say let’s make sure that doesn’t happen [again]. … No one is holding you to an old standard.”

In Philadelphia, Wentz had to re-emerge after backup Nick Foles stepped in for an injured Wentz in 2017 and led the Eagles to a Super Bowl title. In Indianapolis, Wentz was being compared to quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers.

There’s no such scrutiny in Washington, just optimism.

“He’s just so powerful,” Zampese said. “The ball gets up and down so fast to downfield targets. For most [QBs] on a 10-yard route it’s easy; it gets to 15-20 yards and it’s like, ‘ah.’ [Wentz] zips the ball in the same [on longer routes]. We can access the field at a quicker rate than maybe some other places can.”

Said cornerback Kendall Fuller: “He’s always asking questions: Why did you play it like this? How did you see it? Everybody knows his arm talent, but it’s the little things.”

Wentz’s optimism stems from the quality of the players around him — receivers Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson; running backs Antonio Gibson and McKissic; tight end Logan Thomas. And it stems from changes in his personal life that he said have helped him grow. He’s married (2018) and has two kids.

“Everything’s changed. You mature a little bit, you see the world a little bit differently,” Wentz said. “So, I’m always trying to learn and just build and grow as good of relationships as I can with everybody, both sides of the ball, coaches, equipment staff, training staff. I’m gonna make mistakes. I’ll be the first to admit it. And so [I’m] always trying to grow and be self-reflective and be a better person.”

Wentz’s arm doesn’t need to mature. The coaches also like how he operates their quick underneath game.

The Commanders have speed at receiver that can threaten horizontally or vertically, but at its core the Turner offense wants to go down the field. Since entering the league, Wentz ranks eighth in passing attempts of 20 air yards or more, 11th with 140 touchdown passes (eighth since 2017) and 19th in Total QBR (12th since 2017) according to ESPN Stats & Information research. During that same span, Washington’s Total QBR ranks 31st and its 98 touchdown passes rank 28th.

That’s why Zampese won’t try to change a guy who likes to throw deep.

“I want that guy,” Zampese said. “We’ve been looking for guys like this; there aren’t too many like that. It’s easier to get a guy to back off than to push a guy the other way. This is hog heaven for us. This is exactly what we wanted.”

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:

1. McMillan in middle: When the Patriots lined up in their nickel defense on the first day reporters were present for spring practices, Raekwon McMillan was a top linebacker.

It was a reminder of significant personnel turnover. Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins Sr. and Kyle Van Noy are no longer with the team. And while some viewed linebacker as a top need, the Patriots surprisingly passed on the position entirely in the draft.

So that had them lining up McMillan next to thumper Ja’Whaun Bentley as an initial inside linebacker pairing. Josh Uche and trade acquisition Mack Wilson took reps as well. And 2021 fifth-round pick Cameron McGrone projects to be in the mix (he was limited in the spring by an undisclosed ailment), with Jahlani Tavai and Harvey Langi also on the depth chart.

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McMillan’s standing highlights the uncertainty — and intrigue — with coach Bill Belichick’s linebacker plans. The 6-foot-2, 242-pound Ohio State alum could land anywhere from a starter to competing for a roster spot.

In the perfect Patriots world, he will turn back the clock to 2017, when the Miami Dolphins selected him in the second round.

ESPN NFL analyst Mike Tannenbaum was Miami’s vice president of football operations at the time, and he remembers the scouting report well.

“A tough, physical player. A little bit of a throwback. Very instinctive. Good tackler. Very smart and conscientious. Football is very important to him,” he said.

But McMillan tore his right ACL covering a punt in the team’s first preseason game that year and missed his rookie season. He returned to start every game in 2018, then played in 13 contests (12 starts) under new head coach Brian Flores in 2019 before landing on IR with a hamstring injury.

The Dolphins traded him to the Raiders in the offseason for fourth- and fifth-round picks, but McMillan was more of a role player in 2020 — playing in every game but with just four starts. While those around the Raiders viewed him as smart, tough and a high-end leader, his limitations in space were a factor in his minimal role.

After signing a modest one-year deal as a free agent with the Patriots in 2021, and being praised by Belichick early in training camp, McMillan tore his left ACL covering a kickoff in practice. That wiped out his season entirely, setting up this year’s comeback attempt.

“It’s been a long year for me, but we’re moving forward,” McMillan said in May. “After sitting back and watching, I’m ready to go.”

Added Tannenbaum: “I would bet on his character and work ethic and love of game. He’s really smart. You just hope he can stay healthy.”

2. Uche’s fit: Where Uche fits in the linebacker group looks like a moving target based on spring practices. He worked off the line and on the line, and assistant coach Steve Belichick previously referred to him as “an important piece to the puzzle.” The 2020 second-round pick from Michigan played just three snaps in the playoff loss to Buffalo (not including kneel-downs) as a niche pass-rusher (his primary role in 2021), and his ability to take on a larger role with responsibilities in pass coverage could be critical.

3. Andrews’ accounting: The Patriots needed to create some cap space to sign the remainder of their draft class, and restructuring center David Andrews‘ contract provided the relief. It was a win-win scenario, with Andrews getting money now that would have been paid to him later and the team creating $2.1 million in space. There was no new money as part of the restructure.

4. Parker’s impact: Tannenbaum knows new Patriots receiver DeVante Parker well from having selected him in the first round of the 2015 draft in Miami. What might Parker bring to New England?

“You’re getting someone who can win on the outside. Big catch radius and good at high-pointing the ball. Really effective with in-breaking routes and in the red zone,” he said. “He’s a very likeable, fun-loving person who is a great teammate — always smiling, never had a bad day.

“Injuries have been a problem, and you just hope he can put it together for 17 games. I wouldn’t say his play speed is elite, but [if healthy] he’s a very good starting NFL receiver who can be scoring eight to 12 touchdowns and making contested catches.”

5. Cargile at forum: Director of pro scouting Steve Cargile represented the Patriots at the second annual Ozzie Newsome General Manager Forum on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The goal of the forum is to connect current and aspiring executives while providing a platform to help prepare, educate and identify quality minority candidates. Commissioner Roger Goodell opened by talking about growing the “pipeline of executives” with a goal of hopefully not having to host such forums in 20 years. Cargile, 40, enters his 12th season in New England, having worked his way up from an initial role as a scouting assistant.

6. Lynch’s lesson: 49ers general manager John Lynch played for the Buccaneers (1993-2003) and Broncos (2004-07), then had a brief offseason stint with the Patriots (2008), and it was that last stop that he cited when speaking at the “Preparing for a GM interview” panel on Tuesday.

Lynch was discussing player development and the importance of having everyone on the same page when he said: “There has to be buy-in across the organization. It doesn’t just stop at personnel and coaching. It’s your trainers. Your strength coaches. Your engagement people. Your community people. It’s a real holistic approach if you really want it to be successful, because you can learn from each person.

“[Players] get pulled in a lot of different directions; everyone wants to give them advice on their careers. But if you’re not tethered, sometimes that can be a detriment … and the approach can become scattered.

“That’s the Patriots. Yeah, they had Tom Brady, and that made a difference. But there are little subtle things, and I got exposed to that. I never ended up playing for them that year because I retired, but I did see things like player development [being] at the core of their success. Everyone was speaking the same language and giving that player the same message.”

7. Throwback jerseys: The Patriots are 9-3 in their throwback uniforms, which are making a comeback in 2022 after a decade-long absence. The last loss when wearing red throwbacks was to the Dolphins — 22-21 on Dec. 6, 2009 — when Brady had long TD passes to Randy Moss (58 yards) and Sam Aiken (81) but the team blew a 21-10 second-half lead against QB Chad Henne and Miami.

8. They said it: “High performance, I think we mistake what that actually looks like in the NFL. New England is a massive outlier — [playing in] nine Super Bowls in 18 years; that will never be done again. … You think about the great pairs. I think New Orleans did an amazing job — Sean Payton and Drew Brees. They went to one Super Bowl. You look at Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay, a well-run organization. One Super Bowl. Baltimore, with Ozzie and one of the best-run organizations — two Super Bowls in the past 20. Making a Super Bowl is hard. Part of the struggle is we hold that as the ultimate goal. But building a winning culture can be year after year — are you competitive?” — Kevin Demoff, chief operating officer of the Los Angeles Rams, at the Ozzie Newsome GM Forum

9. Stueber’s absence: Bill Belichick said during June’s mandatory minicamp that rookie offensive linemen Chasen Hines (sixth round) and Andrew Stueber (seventh round) weren’t ready to practice but didn’t disclose why. Fast-forward to this past Wednesday at the New England Patriots Alumni Club “Football for You” clinic, and the entire rookie class was there — except for Stueber. It remains unclear what might be holding him back.

10. Did You Know: Rob Gronkowski‘s teams had a record of 128-37 in the 165 games he played (including playoffs), which is the second-best team winning percentage (.776) for a player in NFL history, according to the Elias Sports Bureau (minimum 150 games).

The only player with a better winning percentage was former Patriots and Broncos center Dan Koppen (.781). Patriots left tackle Matt Light (.771), receiver Julian Edelman (.769), Packers/Dolphins tight end Marv Fleming (.763) and Brady (.763) with the Patriots and Bucs complete the top six.

FRISCO, Texas — In 2007, Mike McCarthy was 44 years old and in his second year as Green Bay Packers head coach. He was still learning the trade and emotions would sometimes flare, especially with a rookie kicker.

McCarthy is now 58 and facing a pressure-packed 2022 as he enters his third season as the Dallas Cowboys coach and is likely to face a similarly uncertain kicking situation that could make his emotions flare again.

With the Packers in 2007, Mason Crosby was a sixth-round pick. As 2022 begins, McCarthy isn’t quite sure who will be the Dallas kicker.

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The Cowboys have just one on their 90-man roster — Jonathan Garibay, undrafted out of Texas Tech.

In all likelihood, the Cowboys will add another kicker before flying to Oxnard, California, for training camp in July, but the assorted veterans available have résumés that don’t guarantee more success than Garibay.

It’s possible the Cowboys re-sign Chris Naggar, who was released before the rookie minicamp this spring. He has kicked in one NFL game. They will likely keep their eye on kicker battles across the NFL this the summer, and might even look to the USFL for help.

“Patience,” a smiling McCarthy said when asked what it is like to have such a quandary at kicker.

How’s his patience these days?

“Better today than I was in 2007, I’ll say that,” McCarthy said. “It was a good experience.”

In 2007, Crosby made 31 of 39 field goal attempts as the Packers made it to the NFC Championship Game. He hit a 42-yarder in his first game to beat the Philadelphia Eagles and none of his misses came in a game Green Bay lost.

In the one session he kicked during an offseason practice that was open to the media, Garibay displayed a strong leg. He made multiple kicks from 50 yards, but also had a miss from 55 and a 53-yarder ticked off the right upright. McCarthy believes the experience of snapper Jake McQuaide and holder Bryan Anger will help.

“You can definitely get a feel for his ability,” McCarthy said. “… He’s off to a good start. He’s just young.”

Crosby had a better collegiate résumé than Garibay, although Garibay did make a 62-yarder to beat Iowa State and help Texas Tech become bowl eligible. It was the longest make in FBS last season. Garibay missed just one attempt all year (15 of 16) and was a first-team All-Big 12 pick. In 2020, he made 8-of-11 tries.

“Man, as a kicker, you always dream of moments like that, just having the opportunity,” Garibay said. “I live by the saying that I’d rather be ready for an opportunity and not have it then have one and not be ready for it. I think when it came down to it, I was excited for that opportunity to kick that field goal.”

The Cowboys’ kicking situation last season was too shaky, even for a team that finished 12-5 and won the NFC East.

Greg Zuerlein missed six field goal attempts last season, when three of the Cowboys’ five losses were decided by fewer than three points. He missed at least one kick in each of those games, although he made a 56-yarder to beat the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2.

The Cowboys remained in Zuerlein’s corner, believing (hoping?) the veteran would find his form after not kicking in the offseason and through almost all of training camp because of back surgery. In March, they decided to move on from his $2.2 million salary, although they nearly re-signed him before he joined the New York Jets.

How the Cowboys are handling the position harkens back to the 1990s when they relied on former special teams coach Steve Hoffman to find a cost-effective kicker, and he mostly found them with the likes of Chris Boniol, Richie Cunningham and Lin Elliott.

In more recent years, their approach has been similar to 2011 when they had five kickers on the training camp roster — Dan Bailey, David Buehler, Dave Rayner, Shayne Graham and Kai Forbath.

Bailey, undrafted out of Oklahoma State, won the job and at one point became the most accurate kicker in NFL history. He made 32 of 37 field-goal attempts as a rookie.

Under the Bailey model, Garibay would have an inside edge.

At least for now, months before the games start when McCarthy’s patience is high.

“It means that they expect a lot from me,” Garibay said. “At the end of the day, I expect a lot from myself. … It’s a lot of mental. It’s mainly mental. There’s a lot of great guys out there that have the strength, that are really good kickers, that have power and accuracy. Just sometimes it’s a mental thing. It’s 99 percent mental and the other 1 percent is probably mental, too.

“I think there is a high expectation and I’m just trying to do like I’ve always done — focus on myself, not focus on the competition, and take it one kick at a time. That’s the mentality you’ve got to have — one for one all the time.”