The Daily Slop – 26 September 2026<\/p>\n
Editor\u2019s 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!<\/p>\n
Jayden Daniels braces for the short term; what\u2019s next long term?<\/a><\/p>\n By the end of Week 3, I project we will have seen 38 starting quarterbacks this season. That is one more than we saw three weeks into last year. It\u2019s also mostly in line with each of the last five seasons. So why does this feel different?<\/p>\n Chicago, New York and Washington, to start.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was three massive markets with interesting young players,\u201d one league source says. \u201cAnd it was all bad timing. All those games were relatively popular. You have three highly famous markets, with big players, with high-visibility (television) windows. It will feel worse than it is.\u201d<\/p>\n The brace Daniels will eventually wear will restrict his arm (and elbow) from fully extending, but it should not limit what he has to do on the field. Daniels wore a brace on his left arm upon his return from the same injury last season; he will have to wear a bulkier one this go-round.<\/p>\n He is being labeled as week to week, but the team departs for its Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts in London on Tuesday evening. If he isn\u2019t on the plane, he will be ruled out. If he makes the trip, that means, at the very least, he is beginning to practice with the brace.<\/p>\n It is possible, depending on how the rest of the year unfolds, that Daniels has surgery after the season and is fully prepared for the 2027 season.<\/p>\n The injury\u2026muddies the waters on a potential contract extension.<\/p>\n [A] league source: \u201cI would wait to pay him until I see him fully healthy. I\u2019m OK overspending on the QB position if I\u2019m sure on the guy, because the difference in $70 million per year versus $75 million is nonexistent. If they have to wait, so be it. It\u2019s not an uncommon thing, and the Commanders would have a very logical defense in that, \u2018We need to know you\u2019ll remain healthy.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n From the Washington Post:<\/a><\/p>\n If Daniels is unable to not only return and stay upright but re-establish himself as a premier quarterback, Washington owner Josh Harris will have difficult decisions to make. On top of deciding the job statuses of Peters and Quinn, he will also have the final say on whether to commit to Daniels with a contract extension. The ramifications of those choices will alter the Commanders\u2019 trajectory for years to come.<\/p>\n None of [Daniels\u2019] alterations to his play style and mindset could have stopped him from tripping on left guard Chris Paul\u2019s foot and dislocating his elbow when bracing his fall. For all intents and purposes, his injury was a fluke. Of course, that won\u2019t stop the consequences.<\/p>\n Daniels, who turns 26 in December, is eligible for an extension after this season. Washington\u2019s willingness to give him one won\u2019t be a discussion if he gets healthy and performs like an elite quarterback again. At this point, that can\u2019t be considered a guarantee.<\/p>\n An additional factor: The Commanders may have a high first-round pick if this season continues to go downhill. If they have reservations about Daniels, they could be in a position to draft another top quarterback prospect.<\/p>\n To read more of this Washington Post article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Last Man Standig (paywall)<\/p>\n Commanders staring at a fascinating risk-reward decision with consequences that could extend well beyond 2026<\/a><\/p>\n We have a short-term answer on what comes next for treating Jayden Daniels\u2019 dislocated left elbow.<\/p>\n \u201cAs of right now, surgery is not on the table, and we have not discussed IR.\u201d<\/p>\n Whether this apparent outcome is truly the best possible news, as many have stated upon hearing the update, remains to be determined.<\/p>\n Because choosing against surgery hardly ends the debate.<\/p>\n For more from Ben Standig, click here<\/a><\/p>\n Download the SB Nation app Commanders fans, take command of game day!<\/p>\n Follow the action and share every cheer, question and instant reaction with fellow fans on the SB Nation app.<\/p>\n Chat live during every gameBrowse with fewer adsSeamlessly move between communitiesEnjoy faster commenting and postingNFL Week 3 picks, predictions, schedule, odds, fantasy tips<\/a><\/p>\n The Commanders have allowed an NFL-worst seven touchdown passes in two games and rank 24th in yards per reception allowed. Now they have to contend with another top WR in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who averages 138.5 yards per game. While the injury-riddled offense has a far tougher challenge — Seattle\u2019s defense ranks first in yards per play, second in points and yards per game — the defense needs to be the side that provides more. The Commanders have struggled with communication, leading to coverage breakdowns. \u201cIt\u2019s the urgency,\u201d defensive coordinator Daronte Jones said. \u201cWhen there\u2019s a breakdown in communication, negative plays occur. … We have to make sure the call is quick and fast.\u201d — John Keim<\/p>\n Stat to know: The Commanders have gone 14 straight games without winning the turnover battle, which is the longest active drought in the NFL and tied for the franchise\u2019s longest drought since 1933 (when team turnovers were first tracked). — ESPN Research<\/p>\n Betting insight: Six straight Commanders games have gone over the total, the second-longest active streak in the NFL. Seattle can extend it through the air: Washington has allowed more passing touchdowns than any other team, and Lock has thrown four (all to Smith-Njigba). Mariota moved the ball efficiently in relief against Dallas, giving Washington a reasonable path to contribute to the over. Read more<\/a>. — Maldonado<\/p>\n Maldonado\u2019s pick: Seahawks 27, Commanders 20 To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Commanders rule RG Cosmi, TE Okonkwo, LB Luvu out Sunday<\/a><\/p>\n Right guard Sam Cosmi (concussion), tight end Chig Okonkwo (hamstring) and linebacker Frankie Luvu (groin) won\u2019t play, according to the game status report released Friday.<\/p>\n Washington (0-2) already was without quarterback Jayden Daniels (dislocated elbow) and safety Nick Cross (internal injury).<\/p>\n Luvu and Okonkwo missed the 37-20 loss at Dallas in Week 2. The other three players were hurt vs. the Cowboys; Cross needed to stay overnight in a Dallas hospital.<\/p>\n Leo Chenal replaced Luvu in the starting lineup next to rookie Sonny Styles. Luvu was Washington\u2019s defensive playcaller, but Styles handled that in Week 2.<\/p>\n Cross will be difficult to replace because he lines up in a variety of positions, from linebacker in some packages to a box safety and deep safety. Quan Martin will replace him in the starting lineup. Coaches like Martin\u2019s versatility as well.<\/p>\n Okonkwo was signed in the offseason to provide explosive plays downfield. Without him, the team will use a rotation of John Bates, Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff. But the Commanders also like to use three-receiver sets. They\u2019ve used that look 67.9% of the time through two games.<\/p>\n Cosmi suffered the concussion in the fourth quarter vs. Dallas. Washington could replace him by moving Nick Allegretti from center to guard, where he has started the bulk of his career, and inserting veteran Lucas Patrick at center. The Commanders could start veteran Andrew Wylie at guard as well.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Amik Robertson stands alone in Commanders\u2019 fight to stop Jaxon Smith-Njigba<\/a><\/p>\n Robertson is easily the top-performing cornerback through two weeks. Not exactly a lofty bar to achieve, but it\u2019s a positive nonetheless. Unfortunately for the Commanders, opposing offenses are finding other weak links<\/a> to exploit.<\/p>\n It\u2019s an encouraging start from the Louisiana Tech product, and the signs were there over the offseason.<\/p>\n Smith-Njigba is arguably the league\u2019s best receiver right now. One could have easily made that claim last season, too. His route running, deception at the top of his stems, and effortless gliding through coverage are all exemplary. And even without quarterback Sam Darnold, the Ohio State product has still managed 17 catches from 22 targets for 277 receiving yards <\/a>and four touchdowns through two weeks.<\/p>\n Amik Robertson is Commanders\u2019 only capable cornerback entering Week 3<\/p>\n When asked about how the Commanders plan to limit Smith-Njigba\u2019s influence this weekend, Robertson pointed to the finer details. The defensive back believes the team took a different approach in practice, focusing on the details and making everyone aware of what\u2019s expected to limit the pass-catcher\u2019s ability to create explosive plays at will.<\/p>\n [Robertson] is a fierce competitor, a maximum-effort guy who doesn\u2019t know how to quit. This will be the toughest test he\u2019ll face all season, which is saying something one week after locking horns with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. That makes Robertson the Commanders\u2019 most important defensive player in this one.<\/p>\n Nick Cross won\u2019t be able to provide support<\/a> on the back end, as he\u2019s out with an injury. Mike Sainristil\u2019s alarming freefall means he cannot be relied upon. The onus is on Robertson.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Marcus Mariota inherits season-saving task as Commanders fight to stay afloat<\/a><\/p>\n In his eight starts last year, Mariota played well for a backup.<\/p>\n He picked up wins against the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants, and fought valiantly in many of Washington\u2019s losses. Mariota made some perplexing throws trying to do too much, but he also made plenty of positive plays.<\/p>\n The Commanders will have the advantage of a frenzied home crowd this week, and they\u2019ll be facing a Seahawks team that looks set to get starting quarterback Sam Darnold back<\/a>.<\/p>\n Moving the ball down the field will be a tall task against a team that\u2019s allowed 17 points in two games this season. And if Mariota makes any mistakes, the Seahawks will make him pay.<\/p>\n But if the former Tennessee Titan can somehow lead Washington to the upset, there\u2019s no telling how huge of a momentum boost it would be.<\/p>\n If the Commanders can take this one, it\u2019ll inspire confidence that they can take a few more without Daniels, depending on how long he is out after being considered week to week. That would be massive for morale.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Could the Seattle Seahawks be facing a trap game against the Washington Commanders?<\/a><\/p>\n [O]ut of 31 experts, the Seahawks have been selected 31 times. We have all seen the memes when a panel of experts selects one team, only to be made fun of when they\u2019re proven wrong.<\/p>\n Seahawks: 31Commanders: 0<\/p>\n That\u2019s why the concern about a trap game is a legit fear. Teams fall into this all the time, but the good news for Seattle is that they\u2019re too well coached to fall into that in Week 3. More concerning will be the travel across country, especially since this is a 10:00 a.m. PT start. That could lead to a slow start, but we have all seen Jaxon Smith-Njigba put it in a different gear in the second half.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n 3 keys to Commanders vs. Seahawks<\/a><\/p>\n Generate meaningful pressure.<\/p>\n The Commanders sacked Prescott twice last weekend, but the Cowboys\u2019 quarterback was a problem for the defense throughout the afternoon. He threw four touchdown passes and completed 83.9% of his passes, largely because the Commanders had issues putting pressure on him in the pocket.<\/p>\n The Commanders have been one of the more blitz-heavy teams up to this point in the season, rushing extra defenders on 36.8% of their snaps. It\u2019s led to pressure for quarterbacks 30.9% of the time, although much of that came from the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, when they managed to disrupt Jalen Hurts\u2019 progression.<\/p>\n It looks like Sam Darnold is going to start for the Seahawks, but no matter who is under center, the Commanders must find a way to collapse the pocket. They\u2019re facing a solid Seahawks offensive line, although the group ranks 29th in pass block win rate. If Odafe Oweh and K\u2019Lavon Chaisson can win their matchups on the edge, it would make life much easier on the secondary and whoever is covering Smith-Njigba.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n How have Commanders receivers performed in first two weeks?<\/a><\/p>\n Through two weeks, it is Stefon Diggs who has been targeted the most (15) by Washington quarterbacks. Diggs has responded with nine receptions for 102 receiving yards, which also leads the team. Diggs also leads in receptions per game at 4.5 and touchdown receptions with three.<\/p>\n The Commanders\u2019 top receiver coming into the season was Terry McLaurin. Terry has been targeted 13 times, but has only caught four for 64 yards. That means McLaurin is averaging 16.0 yards per reception, with a long reception of 26 yards. McLaurin has a success rate of only 30.8%.<\/p>\n A real positive to notice is rookie Antonio Williams. Williams has only been targeted seven times in the first two games. However, Williams has seven receptions for 88 yards, five of which have converted a first down for Washington, which is the second-most for the team.<\/p>\n [I]n two weeks, [Dyami] Brown has produced only 21 receiving yards. Now, in his defense, he was robbed of a touchdown catch last week vs. Dallas. Officials originally ruled it incomplete, but replay showed Brown\u2019s knee down in the end zone (one knee equals two feet), and replay analyst Dean Blandino said the officials made the wrong call. This would\/should have been a 29-yard touchdown reception for Brown. This would have pushed Brown\u2019s current receiving yardage total from 21 to 50, and no one would be talking about Brown\u2019s lack of production.<\/p>\n Treylon Burks has been targeted only once so far, and Jayden Daniels missed it, overthrowing the wide-open Burks for what should have been an easy touchdown in Dallas.<\/p>\n Jaylin Lane has caught one pass for [4] yards off of his lone target in two weeks.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n NFL likely to shut down rulebook loophole Eagles have been exploiting for the past two weeks<\/a><\/p>\n The rulebook is kind of ambiguous about whether teams can use a holder WITHOUT a tee on a normal kickoff, so the Eagles have been taking advantage of that. In their Week 2 win over the Titans, the Eagles sent out punter Braden Mann to serve as the holder for Jake Elliott on kickoffs. The Eagles were trying to make it easier for Elliott to kick a \u201cDirty ball,\u201d which is essentially a low knuckleball that can be difficult to field.<\/p>\n To make Elliott\u2019s job easier, the Eagles had Mann hold the football ON THE GROUND at Elliott\u2019s preferred angle.<\/p>\n Now this is where things get ambiguous. The rulebook states that you can use a holder at any time, but it doesn\u2019t necessarily say anything about whether you have to use a tee.<\/p>\n \u201cDuring a free kick, the kicking team may use a manufactured tee designed to hold the ball no more than one inch from the ground and approved by the League,\u201d the rulebook says. \u201cDuring a kickoff or safety kick, the kicking team may also use a designated holder to hold the ball.\u201d<\/p>\n The team \u201cmay\u201d use a manufactured tee. It doesn\u2019t say they have to use one.<\/p>\n According to Bears special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, using a holder and having him place the ball directly on the ground goes against the spirit of the kickoff rule. During a meeting with reporters on Friday (via ESPN<\/a>), he said the rule will be corrected and that if a holder is used, he\u2019ll have to place the ball on a tee.<\/p>\n Basically, the Eagles will still be able to use a holder, but they won\u2019t be allowed to place the ball on the ground. Under the current rules, if a team attempts an onside kick, they can place the ball directly on the ground, and that part of the rule won\u2019t change.<\/p>\n The Eagles can keep doing what they\u2019ve been doing until the league changes the rule, but if that doesn\u2019t happen soon, you could see other teams start copying Philadelphia\u2019s strategy.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Why are Giants barely putting Odell Beckham Jr. on the field?| New York Daily News<\/a><\/p>\n Beckham and Jaxson Dart never appeared to develop any obvious chemistry during training camp, but Jameis Winston and Beckham had a rapport. They\u2019re both veterans. Winston often plants his back foot and fires, and Beckham is a precise, timing-based route runner. And Beckham logged more snaps with the backups than the starters, giving him more time on task with Winston.<\/p>\n And yet when Winston took over for Dart in Monday\u2019s first quarter, and as the Giants\u2019 offense floundered while falling behind big, Beckham was nailed to the bench. It just seems Beckham should be worked in as an option, particularly with Winston now under center.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Eagles at Bears Q&A: Can Ben Johnson best Vic Fangio?<\/a><\/p>\n Question: The Eagles definitely didn\u2019t feel like the Eagles as the season concluded last year, and while they are 2-0 this year, it\u2019s by a combined 6 points by 2 of the worst teams in the league [Bill-in-Bangkok: What?!]. Are the Eagles back, or is this still a team that\u2019s not quite firing on all cylinders?<\/p>\n Bleeding Green Nation: It\u2019s weird because, while you\u2019re right to point out that the overall results haven\u2019t been overly impressive, Jalen Hurts is playing some of the best football of his career. And it\u2019s always easier to feel optimistic about your favorite team\u2019s outlook when the quarterback is looking good.<\/p>\n The offense as a whole has been uneven. They\u2019ve been really bad on early downs, which is a reflection of their struggles to run the ball efficiently. The offensive line isn\u2019t what it used to be when Saquon Barkley ran all over the NFL in 2024. Despite these struggles, the Eagles have thus far insisted on running into a brick wall over and over, which has created long third downs. Fortunately, Hurts has been able to bail the offense out in these situations. He\u2019s really hard to carry the offense. But that\u2019s obviously not a sustainable approach over the course of the season.<\/p>\n Vic Fangio\u2019s defense hasn\u2019t been quite as good as expected yet. It\u2019s a high bar to clear based on the success we\u2019ve seen over the past two seasons. Perhaps it\u2019ll take a little more time for them to fully click. I\u2019m still bullish about their outlook.<\/p>\n All told, they\u2019ve looked like an average team so far. But, given their sustained success over an extended period of time, they deserve more benefit of the doubt than some other teams. It\u2019s reasonable to believe that they can play better.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n NY Giants QB Jaxson Dart having surgery Friday, per report<\/a><\/p>\n New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart [underwent] surgery Friday on his injured knee, according to the New York Post<\/a>. That is an early surgery that will allow Dart to begin attacking the rehab sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n Dart suffered damage to the PCL, MCL and meniscus on his left knee on Monday night when he was high-lowed by Los Angeles Rams\u2019 defenders Byron Young and Josaiah Stewart.<\/p>\n Four months might be the most optimistic timeline. According to Dr. Kyle Flik, a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder injuries for Ortho NY, the timeline depends on the severity of the injuries beyond the meniscus.<\/p>\n \u201cI would say if the PCL is getting reconstructed then I think that [four months] would be a silly time frame and not make a lot of sense,\u201d Flik said. \u201cIf it\u2019s only the MCL and the meniscus, that would be a possibility.\u201d<\/p>\n Flik said that PCL reconstruction, MCL repair, and meniscus repair would be the \u201cworst-case scenario.\u201d<\/p>\n A return for Week 1 of the 2027 season should not be an issue without ACL damage.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Cowboys vs. Ravens predictions: Despite getting outplayed, Dallas wins<\/a><\/p>\n We\u2019re back for another round of weekly predictions. This time it is for the Dallas Cowboys game against the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil.<\/p>\n The Cowboys win on turnovers<\/p>\n The Cowboys won\u2019t dominate the game, in fact, when the stats are compiled at the end it will look like a Ravens win. Except for turnovers. The Cowboys defense has been very good about punching the football loose, although they haven\u2019t got as many recoveries as we would like.<\/p>\n This time they get a couple of fumble recoveries, and they pick off a Lamar Jackson pass. They will get outplayed, but will capitalize on turnovers to get a close win.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Upcoming opponent – Seahawks<\/p>\n Commanders next game is at home vs Seattle at 1pm<\/p>\n QB Sam Darnold back Sunday, but Seahawks down two safeties<\/a><\/p>\n Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will start Sunday against the Washington Commanders, but the defending Super Bowl champions will be without both starting safeties as Julian Love and Ty Okada have been ruled out.<\/p>\n Backup defensive tackle Brandon Pili (concussion\/neck) is questionable. No other Seahawks player has a game designation.<\/p>\n Darnold missed most of the first two games with a glute injury he suffered early in the season opener. He was limited Wednesday in his return to practice and was a full participant Thursday and Friday. Coach Mike Macdonald said Friday that Darnold looked \u201creally good\u201d this week.<\/p>\n Rodney Thomas II will make his third straight start for Okada, who remains out with a hamstring injury. Macdonald said AJ Finley will start for Love, who popped up on the injury report as a nonparticipant Thursday when a calf tightened up. Love was again a nonparticipant Friday. Macdonald said he doesn\u2019t know how much time Love will miss.<\/p>\n Love has an interception in three straight games dating to Seattle\u2019s Super Bowl LX win over New England.<\/p>\n Finley will make his first start since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Mississippi in 2023. Claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers in November 2024, Finley missed all of last season after tearing an ACL in the team\u2019s annual training camp practice at Lumen Field.<\/p>\n To read more of this article, CLICK HERE<\/a><\/p>\n
FPI prediction: SEA, 66.2% (by an average of 4.6 points)<\/p>\n