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USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
One key observation from Commanders' OTAs: Improvement in the secondary
With the conclusion of OTAs and minicamps, the Washington Commanders are on a break until July 22, when training camp begins. We often don't get to see much of the OTA practices because they are closed, but some media members are in attendance and can keep us abreast of what is happening. Recently, The Athletic wrote one key observation for every team, and the Commanders should be excited. The Commanders' cornerback room has a chance to be much improved. At this time last year, Benjamin St-Juste, Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Michael Davis were the top outside options. All are justifiably gone, but their woes led to shifting rookie Mike Sainristil from the slot to the boundary and making a trade deadline deal for an injured Marshon Lattimore, who proceeded to struggle in the playoffs. Injuries have haunted Lattimore, but he arrived healthy for minicamp following needed rest. If available weekly, the four-time Pro Bowler and second-round rookie Trey Amos have potential as a viable tag-team against the NFC East's star receivers. Ex-Patriot Jonathan Jones brings quality experience to the mix along with Sainristil, who may shift back to his natural inside role after impressing in his first season. — Ben Standig The Commanders' defense as a whole wasn't great in 2024, but the secondary was a major problem. Adam Peters recognized that and made moves to right the situation. Trading for Lattimore in the middle of the season may not have done what they hoped at the time, but he is a capable veteran. The time off to rest and heal did him some good, and he will be ready to hit the field this fall. If Jonathan Jones or Trey Amos can fill in opposite Lattimore, then Joe Whitt will be able to move Mike Sainristil back to the slot where he excels the most. As good as he was on the outside last year, an uncomfortable position for him, imagine what his capabilities will be when he's confident in what he is doing. Commanders fans should feel relieved at hearing this, and even more excited for what the 2025 season is going to bring. With a new regime and correct adjustments being made, this season is going to be just as exciting as 2024.
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Who is the Commanders' make-or-break player for 2025?
Who is the Washington Commanders' make-or-break player for 2025? Obviously, quarterback Jayden Daniels tops any of these lists. He's Washington's best player and most important player. However, Pro Football Focus believes veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore is Washington's make-or-break player for 2025. Washington's cornerbacks ranked dead last in the NFL in PFF coverage grade last season. The team traded for Marshon Lattimore during the year to help the cause, but he appeared in just five games for the Commanders due to a hamstring injury and earned a poor 40.7 PFF coverage grade. The team needs Lattimore to return to a high level, and he needs to play better to extend his career, as he has no guaranteed money left on his contract after this season. PFF isn't the first to label Lattimore either as a make-or-break player or X-factor for next season. It's legitimate. A healthy Lattimore who can play to his previous level for an entire season would be a massive lift for Washington's defense. Lattimore is a four-time former Pro Bowler who has always been a CB1. He's now healthy. General manager Adam Peters expressed confidence in Lattimore throughout the offseason. When they acquired him at last season's trade deadline, Peters and the Commanders said it was for more than just the remainder of the 2024 season. Washington wanted Lattimore because he had two more seasons remaining on his contract. The Commanders used a second-round pick on cornerback Trey Amos in the 2025 NFL draft. From all indications, Amos thrived during offseason work and in the minicamp. A healthy Lattimore allows Washington to take it slow with Amos. Remember, the Commanders also signed versatile veteran Jonathan Jones and brought back Noah Igbinoghene. Then there is Mike Sainristil, last season's prized rookie. So, while Washington has more depth in case Lattimore doesn't return to his previous form, a healthy Lattimore could be a game-changer for the defense. As for Lattimore personally, he knows his career is at a crossroads entering Year 9.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Adin Osmanbasic, Eddie Lattimore follow Miron Muslic to Schalke
Coaches Adin Osmanbasic and Eddie Lattimore have been reunited with former Plymouth Argyle boss Miron Muslic at German Bundesliga 2 side Schalke. Osmanbasic and Lattimore were brought to Argyle by Muslic as part of his backroom staff during his short stint in charge from January until the end of last season. Both had previously worked with him at Cercle Brugge in Belgium. Advertisement Muslic left Argyle following their relegation from the Championship to become the head coach at seven-times German champions Schalke on a two-year contract. READ MORE: Tom Cleverley guarantees Plymouth Argyle loyalty and hard work READ MORE: Tom Cleverley reveals Plymouth Argyle backroom staff recruits Today, Schalke confirmed in a post on X (Twitter) that Osmanbasic and Lattimore were joining the Gelsenkirchen-based club, as well as goalkeeping coach Volkan Unlu. In response to that, Osmanbasic said: "Grateful for the opportunity to join the Schalke 04 coaching staff. Thank you to Miron Muslic, Frank Baumann (director of sport), and the entire club for the trust. Excited to get to work!" Advertisement He also made a post on X last night after his departure from Argyle, along with that of Lattimore, was confirmed, following the news that Damon Lathrope, Matt Bevans and Chris Douglas had joined new head coach Tom Cleverley's backroom staff. Osmanbasic said: "Today, my time at Argyle came to an end. I want to thank all of the incredible players, staff, and supporters involved with the club. I'll continue to support from afar. I wish nothing but success for the club, and its new staff. I am sure Argyle will return to where it belongs!" Lathrope, the former Torquay United midfielder, will be Cleverley's assistant head coach at Argyle, as he was at Watford last season, with Bevans as first team coach and Douglas as first team analyst. Bevans guided Watford under-18s to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup last season, assisted by Lloyd Doyley. They beat Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton along the way before eventually losing 1-0 to Manchester City in the last four of the competition. You can read more of our Argyle stories from Plymouth Live by clicking HERE
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Commanders' Risky Acquisition Improves During Minicamp
Commanders' Risky Acquisition Improves During Minicamp originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Washington Commanders took a huge risk at the deadline last season, trading three draft picks for Marshon Lattimore and a fifth round pick. Advertisement It was a win-now move for Washington, that didn't exactly pay dividends. Lattimore missed the first four weeks of his Commanders tenure with a hamstring injury. He made his Commanders debut in Week 15 and looked really good in coverage, with not a single pass being thrown his way. After that, things went downhill quickly. In Week 16, Lattimore aggravated his hamstring injury, sidelining him for the last two weeks of the regular season. Lattimore returned for the playoffs, but his play did not live up to the hype. In Baltimore's three playoff games, Lattimore posted PFF grades of 26.5, 58.0 and 35.6, respectively. In the playoffs, Lattimore surrendered 10 catches for 172 yards and a touchdown, while picking up three penalties. Lattimore skipped voluntary OTAs, which continued to worry some fans. But the veteran answered his critics and then some, showing up to minicamp looking like a whole new player. Advertisement According to those in attendance, Lattimore was fully healthy, with a "notable sharpness" to his movements, looking more agile, playing with no limitations. Lattimore is also playing without any inner doubt that a quick movement could cause further injury, which clearly plagued him last season. Earlier in the week, Lattimore expressed confidence in his upcoming campaign. "I feel good." Lattimore said. "It's been a full offseason to get healthy. I feel great, I've been working a lot, getting in better shape than I obviously was last year dealing with an injury, so I feel good. Just the burst, getting out of my breaks and all that. I was dealing with a hamstring, you know that takes a lot out of you. It takes a long time to heal, and I was just trying to battle through that. But now, with a full offseason, I feel great. I feel more explosive." If Lattimore is able to truly bounce back and play at his Pro Bowl level, suddenly the cornerback room can transform into an area of concern to a strength of the Commanders. With Mike Sainristil looking poised for a breakout season, second-round pick Trey Amos, veterans Jonathan Jones and Noah Ibinoghene, the Commanders have five formidable options. Related: Commanders' 2nd-Round Pick Earns Offseason Rookie Honor Related: Commanders' Austin Ekeler Has Terry McLaurin Contract Message This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2 Commanders veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025
The post 2 Commanders veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025 appeared first on ClutchPoints. There are positive reports from the Washington Commanders, but there are also frustrations with a specific contract situation. However, some young players are looking promising, and here are two Commanders veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in the 2025 season. Advertisement It starts in the defensive backfield, where Mike Sainristil and Marshon Lattimore are listed as starters. Looking at the way those guys performed in 2024, Lattimore seems more shaky in his position than Sainristil. And that leaves an open door for a player the Commanders grabbed in the second round of this year's draft. Commanders CB Trey Amos could find starting role Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Amos is currently listed as Lattimore's backup and right cornerback. Given Lattimore's experience and previous Pro Bowl performances, he will get the early nod to start. But the Commanders are hopeful Amos can light a fire under Lattimore, and both players could help the Commanders shore up a shaky pass defense. Advertisement Amos is showing up like a guy who has already been in the league, according to 'Just like Mike last year, (Amos) feels like a second-year, third-year, fourth-year kind of player,' defensive backs coach Tommy Donatell said. 'The way he approaches the game and understands it.' Sainristil, who is penciled in as the starter at left cornerback, said he sees good things from Amos, too. 'Trey's coming along great,' Sainristil said. 'He's going to be a very special player and is going to do special things this year. And he's been very consistent.' Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said Amos is ahead of the curve for a rookie. Donatell gave a reason why Whitt sees that. Advertisement '(Amos) understands his responsibility and where his help is,' Donatell shared. 'That's where he is ahead of the curve.' Amos is catching eyes from NFL observers across the league, according to a post on X by Ryan Fowler. Rams TE Terrance Ferguson Broncos WR DeVaughn Vele Lions DB Ennis Rakestraw Jr Chargers RB Kimani Vidal Commanders DB Trey Amos Ravens WR Tez Walker A few young ballplayers that have been consistent talking points with folks around football during OTAs. CB Trey Amos getting noticed around the league Also, Amos got the nod as a rookie to watch, according to Pro Football Network. Advertisement 'Trey Amos was one of the biggest steals on Day 2 of the draft,' Brandon Austin wrote. 'The Ole Miss product was the 3rd-best cornerback on PFSN's Big Board and 16th overall, so the Commanders landing him with the 61st pick was unreal value. 'Amos excelled against SEC competition, showing he can hang physically and mentally with the best in college football. His combination of size, length, and athleticism makes him a prototypical boundary cornerback from a physical perspective. Amos' arrival should allow Sainristil to move back to his natural slot position.' Defensive pass game coordinator Jason Simmons said Amos has been looking good thus far, according to 'The thing is about him that I'm most impressed with is his maturity,' Simmons said. 'His ability to be able to grasp the playbook. (And) his willingness to ask questions. A lot of times, we have young guys in there (who are) a little apprehensive about asking questions. He knows that he wants to be good. (And) he knows what it takes to be good. He comes from a really good program, and we're excited to have him.' Advertisement Perhaps Lattimore hears the noise about Amos. Simmons said Lattimore has the talent to play above the level he showed in 2024. 'Marshon is a guy that is extremely talented,' Simmons said. 'We all know that. I'm excited to see him come back and be healthy. He's gonna come back, of course, with a chip on his shoulder. Because he's the ultimate competitor. Just can't wait to get him back in the room.' Commanders WR Jaylin Lane making noise With Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel on the roster, there's no room in two wide receiver sets for the Commanders. But this is a team that routinely uses three. And Lane could push veteran Noah Brown, who is currently listed as a starter. Advertisement Commanders wide receivers coach Bobby Engram said he's excited about Lane's potential. 'Every aspect of being a better receiver, honestly,' Engram said. 'Jaylin's a super smart guy. He's a coach's son. So he gets to exercise on a different level. Love his work ethic, but my job is to help him prepare just to kind of tap into every ounce of potential that he has, and he's willing to work and do that. So, I'm excited about that.' The thing about Lane is that he won't be the only young player pushing Brown. Second-year man Luke McCaffrey is also in the mix. But McCaffrey will have to show more than he did last season. Engram said he wants to see continued growth from McCaffrey. 'Route running, run after the catch, contested catches, really everything,' Engram said. 'But I thought Luke did a great job of just staying the course last year. Got out, took a bit of a hot start, and then things kind of cooled off a little bit. But he never wavered in his approach and his work ethic.' Jaylin Lane more than a WR Of course, Lane has versatility beyond the passing game. Lane should provide a boost for the return game as well, according to Advertisement 'Just being back there, I feel like I can make any play, any catch and ultimately, take it to the crib,' Lane said. 'That's what you want to do as a returner. 'Speed is one of my assets. I plan on using it every chance I get. 'I'm just very confident. And I feel like I'm gonna be able to help score some touchdowns for the Commanders.' Related: Rising Commanders rookie turning heads in 2025 OTAs Related: Commanders' Jayden Daniels hit with Caleb Williams diss from Seth Rollins
