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Dan Snyder's complete mismanagement knew no bounds. The controversial former Washington Commanders owner dragged this franchise from respectability to toxicity over 20 years. Thankfully, the organization's turnaround was immediate once Josh Harris and his wealthy investors wrestled this sleeping giant from his grasp.
Just when you thought the revelations around Snyder's incompetence were a thing of the past, something else seems to come out of the woodwork. That proved to be the case once again with a startling (yet familiarly depressing) revelation from ex-general manager Scot McCloughan.
Dan Snyder stopped Commanders from drafting Stefon Diggs in 2025
This centered on Snyder's meddling in team affairs. In this instance, McCloughan revealed to Kevin Sheehan from The Team 980 that the billionaire tyrant prevented Washington from drafting wide receiver Stefon Diggs in 2015. He was the highest-rated player on the board at the time, but the owner wanted no part of the Maryland graduate for some unknown reason.
I was told I couldn’t (draft Diggs) by the owner, he was sitting next to me when the scouts told me about him. I wanted Diggs. He was the highest-rated guy on my board at the time.Scot McCloughan via SI
Washington ended up taking Jamison Crowder instead. While he's been a solid professional throughout a decent career, his accomplishments don't come close to matching what Diggs brought to the table.
Diggs went from a Day 3 afterthought to one of the league's most polished wideouts. His partnership with Adam Thielen on the Minnesota Vikings was incredibly difficult to overcome. With 857 receptions for 10,491 receiving yards and 70 touchdowns, together with four Pro Bowls and one All-Pro selection over his 10-year career, this represents yet another grave error in judgment from Snyder's perspective.
Thankfully, those days are long gone.
An exciting new era in Washington is underway. Harris is forming ambitious plans behind the scenes. He hired experts in their respective fields on the football side of things, and he trusts them fully to get the job done. The early results speak for themselves, and all Snyder can do is look enviously at the way things are unfolding.
There's no guarantee that Diggs would have achieved as much in Washington. This was a toxic environment with no real stability. Dropping so far down the draft pecking order was no doubt disappointing, but he landed in the best possible place. And it's not about where you get drafted.
It's about what you do when you get to the pros.
More Commanders news and analysis
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- Packers have concerning injury pop up at practice
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow has a worrying complication for surgery
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Reporter offers theory on why Kirk Cousins has not been traded
There have been multiple injuries to starting quarterbacks through the first two weeks of the NFL season, which has led to speculation that the Atlanta Falcons might finally trade Kirk Cousins. It does not sound like that is close to happening. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported on Thursday that no teams have reached out to the Falcons about trading for Cousins despite injuries to Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, San Francisco 49ers' Brock Purdy, Minnesota Vikings' J.J. McCarthy, New York Jets' Justin Fields and Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels. Cousins was once considered the type of player who would generate buzz if a team's starting QB were to go down. So why hasn't it happened? According to Rapoport, the Falcons have no real incentive to trade Cousins. Cutting the 37-year-old never made sense, as Atlanta has to pay Cousins anyway, hence why the asking price has not dropped significantly. "He is a proven starting quarterback who happens to be the backup quarterback. If Michael Penix gets hurt, Cousins will step in there," Rapoport said. "That allows the Falcons to drive a very, very hard bargain. In other words, if you're going to trade for Kirk Cousins, if you're a team that says, 'Alright, we gotta have this guy,' you're gonna have to pay some of the salary and you're gonna have to give up a real draft pick. That is the luxury the Falcons have. "If they've got to keep him, they can just keep him because he's an excellent, excellent backup quarterback. Perhaps that is why we have not seen a deal yet, but every time there is a real, long-term quarterback injury, we're gonna have the same conversation this season." Kirk Cousins was benched for poor play in 2024 Cousins lost his job to Michael Penix Jr. midway through the 2024 season. The four-time Pro Bowl quarterback got off to a decent start in his first season with Atlanta, but then played poorly for a stretch. Cousins finished with 3,508 yards, 18 touchdown passes and a career-worst 16 interceptions. There were numerous trade rumors involving Cousins during the offseason, but nothing materialized. That is mainly because he is only in the second year of a four-year, $180M contract. The Falcons do not seem eager to eat much of that salary in a trade, unless a team were willing to make it worth their while with draft-pick compensation. A desperate team could still want Kirk Cousins The Bengals are bracing for a lengthy absence for Burrow, who could potentially miss the remainder of the season. The other quarterbacks who have gotten hurt are not expected to be sidelined for very long. It is possible that teams aren't desperate enough this early in the season to give up assets for Cousins. There also seems to be a belief among some that Cousins' skills have declined, which makes it tougher for the Falcons to ask for much in a potential deal.
Cleveland Browns may be without a Pro Bowler against the Packers, and Green Bay suffers legit scare on Thursday
The Cleveland Browns have their attention on the Green Bay Packers with their first NFC opponent coming to town in Week 3. Cleveland opened the season with two AFC North losses against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens and will now look to get right against perhaps the league’s best team. Green Bay has had the best defense this season through two games the league has and they bring a good quarterback with Jordan Love. Cleveland looks like they’ll get RT Jack Conklin back this week against the Packers, while DT Mike Hall did not participate on Thursday as part of his plan returning from the knee injury. It could be another week before the former second-round pick is out there. Joel Bitonio has not practiced yet this week with a back injury and tomorrow will tell whether or not he will be able to play against the Packers. Returner DeAndre Carter returned to practice for the Browns on Thursday from concussion protocol. The Packers suffer scare with one of their offensive stars Tucker Kraft is one of the league's more underrated tight ends and he suffered a knee tweak at practice on Thursday that was a scare, but he is expected to be fine. The star tight end had 124 yards and a touchdown against the Washington Commanders last week and will be a major weapon that the Packers and Love will look to target. Cleveland’s defense is allowing 146 passing yards per game through two games, which is third in the NFL. The Browns' offense will have to give the defense a chance to stay in this one at home. If Cleveland doesn’t have Bitonio against the Packers, they’ll be turning to backup offensive lineman Tevin Jenkins. Cleveland’s defensive front has been maybe the best in the NFL through the first two games, so they’ll only benefit when they put Hall’s interior rushing ability into the mix. It just may be too early for that to happen in Week 3 against Green Bay. window.addEventListener('message', function (event) {if (event.data.totalpoll event.data.totalpoll.action === 'resizeHeight') {document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-424').height = event.data.totalpoll.value;}}, false);document.querySelector('#totalpoll-iframe-424').contentWindow.postMessage({totalpoll: {action: 'requestHeight'}}, '*');
Raiders' Pete Carroll admits disappointing truth about Ashton Jeanty
The Las Vegas Raiders had high hopes and expectations when they took Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty with the No. 6 pick in this year's draft. It's becoming increasingly rare to see running backs drafted so high, but after watching him post one of the single greatest seasons in college football history, he looked more than worthy of that honor. So far, however, the 2024 Heisman Trophy finalist has looked quite mortal in his first two games in the pros. Ashton Jeanty hasn't gotten off to a fast start in the NFL He logged 38 yards and one score in his NFL debut, and then logged just 43 yards on 11 carries in the loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2. That's why Raiders head coach Pete Carroll had to admit that they needed to take things slowly with Jeanty. While he acknowledged that they hadn't done much to put Jeanty in a position to succeed, he remains optimistic about the RB's prospects. "We're just getting started (with Jeanty)," Carroll told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "He's breaking into the NFL. He's figuring it out. He'll get more carries. We have to run the ball more effectively. We only got (68 yards), and that's not enough. We need more than that. We're bringing (Jeanty) along. More will come." Ashton Jeanty knows he has to do better Jeanty is averaging 2.7 yards per attempt, which is a far cry from his 6.4 yards per carry in college. At least he knows he has to be better, and he believes it's just a matter of time before he gets used to the speed of the pros. "Last week it was on me, I didn't do a good job of reading the plays. I'll put it on myself again this week," Jeanty said. "Just getting used to the speed, honestly. Last week kind of felt like I was moving a little slower, this week felt better. Still not there yet, but once it happens, it will be good." Jeanty continued commenting on the situation on Wednesday. He didn't mince words. Jeanty has posted the fewest rushing yards (81) among players with at least 30 carries, and his next chance to turn the page will come in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders' beatable run defense.
6 extended takeaways from Day 1 of Maple Leafs training camp
TORONTO — The on-ice component of training camp is underway as the Toronto Maple Leafs took the ice at the Ford Performance Centre on Thursday, with new line combinations taking shape. Matias Maccelli received the first look with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies during the Group 1 session, and he may be the favourite to start the year on this line. William Nylander and John Tavares were paired together in Group 2 alongside Bobby McMann, and it’s clear that Craig Berube will be experimenting throughout training camp, in a search for his optimal combinations. “I think more than anything, we want to have a good first day. It’s a tough day,” Berube said. “It’s a lot of battling. It’s intense. Players, they could go and make it as intense as they want, but I thought it was really intense, which is what we want.” Here’s what you need to know from the first day of Maple Leafs’ training camp: It’s too early to be worried about Auston Matthews Auston Matthews said he’s fully confident about his health during Wednesday’s media availability, and Thursday provided a first opportunity to get a look at how the Maple Leafs’ captain is feeling. Matthews submitted a mixed performance during Thursday’s practice, with the extremely obvious caveat that it’s the first day of practice, and it’s too early to be genuinely concerned. Matthews’ puck skills remain otherworldly and during a sequence early in practice, he dangled Noah Chadwick rather easily to get to the net. In another sequence, Matthews beat Philippe Myers to the puck in the corner and fished it out for Matthew Knies in front of the net. He used his frame throughout the session to shield off defenders, win back pucks and instruct his teammates on where he wanted them to go in the offensive zone. And again, with the caveat that it’s way too early to be concerned: Matthews didn’t have the usual velocity on his shot throughout the majority of the session and Morgan Rielly won the majority of 1-on-1 battles against him. Matthews skates and fought through contact with his usual force, but we’ll be keeping our eyes and ears out to see if he gains the same velocity he had during his 69-goal campaign in 2023-24. There’s also a clear example of Matthews ripping the puck with his usual force early in the session, so it may just be a matter of Toronto’s captain rounding into form during the preseason. Berube didn’t seem remotely concerned and raved about Matthews’ leadership after Group 1 finished their session. “I thought he grew quickly as a leader. You guys don’t see it, the in-game things, in the room where he’s commanding,” Berube said of Matthews. “He’s not the only guy. We have a lot of strong leaders who don’t have to wear an A or a C.” Matias Maccelli gets first look on Toronto’s first line, but this could change when Max Domi returns Matias Maccelli was eager to prove himself on Toronto’s first line throughout practice and for now he’s getting the first look, although this could change when Max Domi returns from a lower-body injury. “ Just doing my best with the puck, without the puck, working hard,” Maccelli said, about what he’s focusing on when playing with Knies and Matthews. “ With the puck, trying to make plays, trying to play the same way they do. As we get going with the games, they’ll tell me what they expect and what they want, and then I’ll do the same thing.” Berube addressed reporters and he admitted that he initially planned to place Domi on the first line with Knies and Matthews. “Max went down. He was obviously a guy that I was going to put there. But Max should be back pretty quick, and then we’ll go from there,” Berube said. “I mean, it’s one day. (Maccelli is) in the process of just kind of feeling things out. And you get thrown on the line with Matthews and Knies, I mean, it’s a big step. He’s a guy that can make plays, we know that. “So that’s going to be a big part of it all if he’s making the right plays and the right decisions with the puck. Is he getting Matthews the puck enough for some opportunities and things like that? And then it’s just about him playing 200 feet, too. That line’s going to play against good lines, so he needs to be solid defensively, too.” Maccelli said he’s equally comfortable playing on either wing, but it may be a work in progress. He seemed to be a half-step behind Knies and Matthews in rushes, and when Domi is healthy again, it appears that Berube wants to try this combination out for opening night against the Montreal Canadiens. During camp, Maccelli will get a first look with Matthews and Knies, and it will be a combination that Berube will surely test out throughout camp, but the 24-year-old winger will need to earn his head coach’s trust before he’s affixed to Toronto’s top line. “It’s always weird to come to a new team when you don’t know anyone,” Maccelli said. “ I’ve only been in one spot and knew all the people there, so it’s different. But everybody’s been super welcoming and nice. So it’s been an easy adjustment.” Calle Jarnkrok stood out during Group 1 practice session, may be back to 2023-24 form Calle Jarnkrok was in excellent form during the first practice session and while we’re not pencilling him into the opening night lineup just yet, it’s an encouraging sign from the 34-year-old. Jarnkrok was paired alongside David Kampf and Michael Pezzetta and was the clear standout on the line, ripping his slot with the velocity we’re used to seeing. He roofed the puck past Dennis Hildeby twice off rush drills and wasn’t hesitant to win back pucks in battle drills. The veteran forward underwent groin and sports hernia surgery after suffering an injury during last year’s training camp and only returned to the lineup in March, where he registered a goal and seven points in 19 games, before adding one assist in 12 playoff games, primarily operating in a fourth-line role. Jarnkrok could very well be watching from the press box on opening night, but Thursday was a great start towards cementing his spot to begin the year. Anthony Stolarz wants to get deal done before the season Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Anthony Stolarz wants to be with the team for the foreseeable future and there’s a sense of urgency regarding his next contract. Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving hinted Wednesday that a new extension could be imminent, and Stolarz wants to get the deal done before the year begins. “Our ultimate goal is to win the Stanley Cup, so once the season starts, that’s all I want to focus on,” Stolarz said. “I’ll let my agent and Treliving talk that out and hopefully we can get something done here soon.” Stolarz recently appeared on Leafs Morning Take with Nick Alberga and Jay Rosehill, where he outlined what he wants from his next contact, and how he’s fully recovered from a season-ending concussion. Easton Cowan improves throughout practice, builds partnership with Dakota Joshua, Nicolas Roy Easton Cowan will be afforded every chance to make the roster and he improved as Thursday’s afternoon practice session went on. Cowan was paired with Dakota Joshua in 2-on-2 drills, where Joshua emerged as one of the best players overall through both practices. During controlled 3-on-2 rushes, Cowan was on the right wing, Joshua was on the left wing, with Nicolas Roy playing through centre, and it was a compelling trio that won puck battles and communicated well. It’s the first day of camp and nothing is finalized, but Cowan could find himself with a real chance of unseating the incumbents with a stellar camp. During battle drills, Cowan worked relentlessly, especially during a session against former London Knights teammate Landon Sim. It will be curious to see where Cowan slots into the lineup, when Max Domi returns to the lineup, but he’s firmly in the mix for a top-nine role and like Joshua, was among the best players from the opening day of camp. This line may get some extended looks together during Sunday’s preseason opener against the Ottawa Senators, and all three players are eager to make a strong first impression. Chris Tanev was among the several Leafs who complimented Roy’s ‘extremely underrated’ game, as he moves very well for a player his size, getting to the high-danger areas with relative ease. Joshua was dominant against several younger camp invitees, using his speed, size and hockey intelligence to great effect throughout the day. We can’t wait to see this line in action. John Tavares and William Nylander were the best players Thursday, Bobby McMann joins the line John Tavares and William Nylander were the best overall players from Thursday’s practice sessions, with Chris Tanev and Morgan Rielly earning honourable mentions. These designations are built from what we observed in controlled drills, so it’s worth putting into perspective, but Tavares and Nylander were making high-end plays with ease, and Bobby McMann joined the group, with Berube watching closely. “I think Bobby can take another step in his game,” Berube said. “You know, doing some things a little bit differently. Especially playing with those two guys [Tavares and Nylander], getting those guys the puck more, getting to the net more. I like a big guy with those two guys, to forecheck, get in there and create loose pucks, help out JT in those situations. Willy’s gonna do his thing, we all know that. But Bobby, I feel, can take another step in his game.” McMann-Tavares-Nylander played 158:09 at 5-on-5 with a plus-six goal differential and a 60.4 percent share of the expected goals last season via Natural Stat Trick. There is some proof of concept that this line could work, but McMann simply cannot go 24 games without a goal like he did to conclude the 2024-25 season. “He was basically just saying we want a certain identity. We want to play hard. Don’t take any shifts off, don’t take any seconds off, pushing each other all the way through,” McMann said. “It started from the first drill. You’re chasing the guy down all the way through. You’re playing one-on-ones, two-on-twos. It’s just not giving up an inch.” McMann’s elite straight-line speed and ability to get to the high-danger areas certainly compliment Tavares and Nylander’s skill sets, but there will be some experimentation on the top line, and the challenge has been set for the 28-year-old with several players vying for a chance in the Maple Leafs’ reshuffled top-six.
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