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The Athletic (paywall)

NFL fines 5 players from Eagles-Commanders fight; no suspensions

Commanders defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw drew the biggest fine; the NFL levied a $20,288 punishment because he “swung.” Eagles offensive lineman Tyler Steen was fined $8,436 for striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing and $8,435 because he “swung” ($16,870 total).

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Three Commanders defensive backs were also fined: Will Harris was fined $11,593 for grabbing a facemask, Quan Martin was fined $11,572 for striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing and Mike Sainristil was fined 9,725 for striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing.

The scuffle occurred with 4:26 remaining in the fourth quarter after the Eagles attempted a two-point conversion to take a 29-10 lead.

Riggo’s Rag

Nick Allegretti finally showed what he could bring to the Commanders

The former Illinois standout slotted into the right guard position in Cosmi’s absence. Allegretti looked much more assured than usual, especially given that he was up against Cowboys interior defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. And when another injury inevitably arrived, the player proved his versatility in the line of fire.

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Tyler Biadasz left the game with knee and ankle injuries. He did not return, and with no specialist center available to fill the void, the Commanders turned to Allegretti.

It could have legitimately gone either way, but Allegretti was ready for the moment. He communicated well with veteran quarterback Josh Johnson. He kept things ticking over nicely and ensured everyone was on the same page. This wasn’t enough for the Commanders to claw back an early deficit, but a large share of the blame lies with Washington’s inept defense.

What this means for Allegretti’s future remains to be seen. He’s counting $7.17 million against Washington’s salary cap next season. If Chris Paul gets extended, all five starting offensive linemen will return. That would make the Super Bowl winner a relatively expensive backup option, but his versatility and his experience could be enough to get a reprieve.

Riggo’s Rag

Commanders got more than expected from Josh Johnson against the Cowboys

With a week of preparation, Johnson looked like a completely different quarterback. He was by no means spectacular, but he played a smart, efficient game and gave Washington a chance to pull out an unlikely victory. They didn’t manage the win, but not because of the signal-caller.

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It was apparent from his first throw against the Cowboys that Johnson was going to be much better than he was against Philadelphia. It was a quick out to Treylon Burks, and the veteran could not have appeared calmer.

On that first drive, Johnson looked as good as Jayden Daniels or Marcus Mariota running the offense. His timing was impeccable, and his throws had zip.

As the game went on, minor deficiencies began to show up. At the end of that first drive, Johnson took an awkward sack on 3rd-and-goal from the three-yard line. He made a couple of mistakes managing a very tight clock at the end of the first half. But these barely mattered.

The two most significant problem areas for Johnson involved running and deep throws. He is no longer a dynamic runner, but he did move well and picked up whatever yards were available when he had to use his legs. The deep throws became an issue as the game progressed.

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Still, Johnson kept the team moving. He made several of his best throws in the second half with the game on the line. He may have been late with a few balls, but he was not intercepted and was sacked just twice.

Commanders Wire

Commanders fell flat 8 times this sesason in front of national audiences

Before the schedule was released in May, there was speculation that the Commanders would be one of the more featured NFL teams in 2025. That proved to be true, as Washington landed five prime-time games and three standalone games. That meant that eight of the Commanders’ 17 games had all the eyes of NFL fans on them.

Commanders Wire

6 takeaways from Commanders’ Week 17 loss to Cowboys

Mistakes stood out

On Dallas’ first possession, Dak Prescott’s third-and-6 pass fell incomplete. An excellent start to the game for Washington’s defense. However, cornerback Noah Igbinoghene was called for pass interference, giving the Cowboys a first down. They would drive 78 yards on 13 plays for a touchdown.Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

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Early in the fourth quarter, down seven points, Von Miller sacks Prescott on third down. The Cowboys would be forced to punt. Instead, linebacker Frankie Luvu hits Prescott after the whistle. It gave Dallas a first down and a field goal followed, making it a 10-point game.

Also in the fourth quarter, facing a critical fourth-and-3, the Commanders were in Cowboys’ territory. Dan Quinn went for it, and left tackle Brandon Coleman moved early, making it fourth-and-8. Washington punted. This was the Commanders’ last real chance at tying the game. While Quinn may have gone for it with Daniels or even Mariota under center, that was not happening with Josh Johnson.

These are just three examples. We’ve seen these types of things every week. When you add them all up, you get 4-12.

The interception that wasn’t

Dallas was on the field for 87 offensive plays. And the Commanders did not force one turnover. They almost did, and it’s one linebacker Jordan Magee will not forget. In the fourth quarter, the Commanders pressured Prescott, he forced a throw into coverage where two Washington defenders were, including Magee. Magee got his hands on the ball and had nothing but green grass in front of him. Had he secured the football, it would have been a pick-six and a tie game. While an interception would not have guaranteed a Washington win, the outcome could have been different. Overall, Magee played a solid game and again proved why he needs to remain on the field.

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NFL.com

Ravens RB Derrick Henry moves up all-time career rushing yards, TDs lists

On a five-yard run in the first quarter, Henry officially surpassed Tony Dorsett (12,739) for 10th on the all-time career rushing yards list, and he punched one in from three yards out just before halftime to move past Adrian Peterson (120) for fourth all time in rushing touchdowns.

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He finished the game, his best as a Raven, with 216 yards and four scores on a career-high 36 carries, moving his career totals to 12,892 rushing yards and 122 rushing touchdowns while nearly singlehandedly keeping Baltimore’s chances of winning the AFC North alive.

Discussion topics

Pro Football Talk

Brian Flores is expected to draw head-coaching interest

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has an expiring contract. The Vikings are trying to extend it. Even if they do, Flores can interview for head-coaching jobs and, if offered one, take it.

A survey of various high-level executives throughout the league has pointed to one obvious conclusion: He’ll most likely be a candidate, because of the effectiveness of his scheme. Generally speaking, his peers and various General Managers recognize that he’s doing a phenomenal job in Minnesota.

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Helping Flores in the coming cycle is the fact that, as one source put it, there are many names but very few standouts.

At least one G.M. regards Flores as the best defensive coordinator in the entire league, with a variety of pressures that make it very difficult for offenses to prepare each and every week. Some believe the scheme alone will get him serious consideration.

Interested teams will undoubtedly dig deep into his time with Miami, which didn’t go well. How much of that is on him? How much can be attributed to the chronic dysfunction of the Dolphins organization? And while the Steelers, we’re told, loved Flores during his one-year stint as senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach, there are (and have been) league-wide rumblings about his interpersonal style during three years in Minnesota — some of which may trace to eleven seasons spent working for Bill Belichick in New England.

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