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Ryan McCafferty

Ryan McCafferty is a passionate sports fan from Herndon, Va, where he follows the Washington Commanders, Wizards.  Ryan particularly enjoys covering the statistical aspect of sports, and in his spare time, he manages RJMAnalytics, a blog in which he formulates and analyzes his own advanced metrics for NASCAR and basketball. He is a graduate of the University of Mary Washington, where he majored in communications and minored in sports management, and reports on local high school sports in Northern Virginia for the Falls Church News-Press

Commanders can end an embarrassing narrative with next HC hire

In 2013, Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, Mike McDaniel and Bobby Slowik served as assistants under Washington head coach Mike Shanahan. Four of the five went on to become successful NFL head coaches elsewhere, leaving Commanders fans to dwell on what could have been.

Bill Belichick calls rumors 'ridiculous,' which would be stellar news for this NFL team

In his weekly interview on Boston's WEEI, Belichick called rumors he'd leave New England "ridiculous."

Commanders firing of Jack Del Rio was overdue — is head coach next to go?

Following Thursday's 45-10 drubbing by the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Commanders (4-8) fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brett Vieselmeyer.

Turnovers doom Commanders against Giants in new low for 2023 season

When the Washington Commanders lost 40-20 on Thursday night to a Chicago Bears team that was riding a 14-game losing streak at the time, that was considered rock bottom. That was before Sunday.

How long can the Sam Howell honeymoon last for Commanders?

Sam Howell's level of play rises, so will the expectations for him, and if he can't continue to meet them, fans will turn on him.

Wizards are even worse than expected, and you can blame Wes Unseld Jr.

Everyone knew entering the 2023-24 NBA season that the Washington Wizards would be bad. Yet there was still some intrigue, as they were set to field a fun collection of castoffs from around the league with something to prove. So much for that idea.

Same song, different verse for Commanders in loss at Seattle

Sometimes, a game just boils down to the way the ball bounces. Other times, it's about discipline and execution. Washington had neither factor on its side on Sunday.

Ranking the top five moments of the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season

The checkered flag on the NASCAR Cup Series season has flown, and race fans must now wait until February of 2024 before the cars hit the track again. So from Daytona to Phoenix, let's take a look at some of the most memorable moments that 2023 gave us.

Surprising team lurking on fringe of NFC playoff race

A team that just traded away two of its best defensive players and whose head coach is on one of the hottest seats in the NFL remains surprisingly close to a playoff spot.

Ryan Blaney completes red-hot playoff run with first NASCAR Cup Series championship

Ryan Blaney might not have finished out with a win, but his second-place finish in Phoenix secured him the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Cole Custer makes Stewart-Haas Racing look silly with NASCAR Xfinity championship

What else does Cole Custer have to do to earn a spot on Stewart-Haas' NASCAR Cup Series team? He won the Xfinity Series championship on Saturday.

The NASCAR Truck Series title race was a black eye for the sport

The Truck Series has turned into just another rung on the ladder, a place where undeveloped teenagers play bumper cars with reckless abandon.

Ranking the NASCAR Cup Series title contenders' championship odds

Anything can happen, and all four contenders have realistic chances to capture the crown. Here's how they stack up from least to most likely.

Grading the Commanders' trades of Montez Sweat, Chase Young

The Commanders were expected to trade one of their talented young defensive linemen. Instead, they shipped out two. Here's how they did in those deals.

Why Commanders should embrace what they have in QB Sam Howell

Following Sunday's loss to the Eagles, the Washington Commanders are 3-5 and quickly falling out of the playoff race. Yet when this season is over, it may be looked upon as a success even if the team has a losing record.

Ryan Blaney advances to NASCAR championship race with statement Martinsville win

Arguably no driver in the NASCAR playoffs was under more pressure to break through in 2023 than Ryan Blaney. By coming up clutch with a win at Martinsville on Sunday, he'll be racing for his first championship.

Justin Allgaier wins, Cole Custer advances in frantic NASCAR Xfinity finish at Martinsville

With spots in the championship race for NASCAR's secondary series on the line, things were bound to get crazy at Martinsville Speedway. That would be an understatement in describing Saturday's finish.

Commanders should try to extend star defensive linemen, not trade them

The Washington Commanders could potentially trade defensive linemen Montez Sweat and Chase Young upcoming, but what if their best move was simply to extend the two standouts?

Commanders QB Sam Howell paying the price for team's awful offensive line

The Washington Commanders addressed the defensive backfield with their first- and second-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. That move is backfiring in a big way.

Christopher Bell wins chaotic Homestead finish to advance to NASCAR championship

For the second consecutive year, Christopher Bell will be racing for a championship when the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Phoenix in two weeks.

Jordan Poole could be set for superstar breakout in D.C.

Washington Wizards fans knew they were getting a certified bucket-getter when the team traded for Jordan Poole this past summer, but just how good can he be?

Kyle Larson solidifies NASCAR title favorite status with Las Vegas win

NASCAR's current playoff format may not be perfect, but no one can deny that it rewards winners. By holding on in a thrilling finish at Las Vegas, Kyle Larson has locked himself into competing for his second Cup Series title at Phoenix in three weeks -- where he should be considered the favorite.

Commanders rediscover winning formula against Falcons

The Washington Commanders weren't particularly impressive on offense against the Atlanta Falcons, but they did have the luxury of playing against rapidly fading QB Desmond Ridder. The Commanders picked Ridder off three times in their Week 6 win.

Capitals' return to contention depends upon health, youth

With an aging roster and a new coaching staff, the Caps need to develop their young talent and keep the veterans on the ice if they want to rebound from a rough 2022-23 season.

Why 'misfit' Wizards may not be good but could be fun

Washington's collection of misfits should be interesting to watch, even if the wins are hard to come by.