DeAngelo Hall believes injured Jayden Daniels holds the key to turning Washington Commanders’ 2-2 start into a playoff resurgence
DeAngelo Hall on Jayden Daniels: The Key to Washington Commanders’ Playoff Aspirations
The Washington Commanders have experienced a rollercoaster start to the 2024 NFL season, finding themselves at a frustrating 2-2 after high expectations were set for this year. Once viewed as potential contenders, the team’s recent performance has sparked a wave of criticism that has many calling for accountability from players and coaches alike. DeAngelo Hall, a former Commanders cornerback and team legend, offers insights into the challenges facing the organization and the pivotal role of injured quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Frustrations of a .500 Record
Coming into the season, the Commanders had their sights set on a deep playoff run—an ambition that evoked memories of the franchise’s glory days, particularly the 1991 Super Bowl victory. However, after a split start to the season, the team’s prospects are now clouded by injuries and inconsistent play. Hall, speaking candidly about the situation, noted that injuries have significantly impacted the team’s dynamics, particularly the absence of Daniels.
“Obviously, injuries have been a factor early on, and they miss a big piece of their team in Jayden Daniels,” Hall stated. He remains optimistic, believing that once the Commanders regain their health, they still possess the talent necessary to make a compelling playoff run.
Offensive Struggles Amid Defensive Woes
While the absence of Daniels and star receiver Terry McLaurin has certainly affected the offense, it is the defense that has emerged as a glaring weakness. Washington has struggled to contain opposing offenses, often allowing big plays due to missed assignments. Hall pointed out that last year’s success is now overshadowed by the defensive lapses witnessed in critical moments.
“They lost Deatrich Wise Jr., who is a pass rusher, for the year, and you need a strong pass rush in this league,” Hall elaborated. The Commanders attempted to bolster their defense by signing veteran Preston Smith, whom Hall recalls fondly from their time together in Washington. However, Smith has yet to make an impact on the field, and the loss of young defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste to injury has left the team searching for stability.
Learning from History
Hall reflected on the team’s past, particularly the handling of quarterback Robert Griffin III, as a guiding principle for the current management. The Commanders’ coaching staff, led by head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters, has emphasized patience and care in bringing players back from injury. While this strategy has resonated within the organization, the mounting pressure from fans and analysts alike is palpable.
As the Commanders prepare to face a challenging matchup in Los Angeles, the urgency to rectify their defensive issues intensifies. With Daniels’ return on the horizon, Hall’s belief in the team’s potential to rise from their current struggles remains steadfast. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining whether Washington can reclaim its footing in the playoff race and revive aspirations that felt so promising just weeks ago.
Lions Part Ways With ‘Promising’ WR After Falling Down Depth Chart
The Detroit Lions cleared up some space on their roster by parting ways with a wide receiver who flashed some big potential in the preseason.
The team announced on Tuesday that receiver Ronnie Bell was released from the practice squad, a move that came after he had fallen to the bottom of the depth chart. The Lions used the open spot to bring in some reinforcements at linebacker, leaving Bell in search of a new NFL team.
Ronnie Bell Had a Knack for Touchdowns
Bell came into the NFL in 2023 as a seventh-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers and had a relatively productive season. He appeared in 17 games that year and served mostly on special teams, but added an unlikely scoring punch to the offense. Bell made six receptions for 68 yards, with three of those catches going for touchdowns.
Bell saw his role shrink in 2024, appearing in nine games and making two receptions for 22 yards. As Jeff Risdon of USA Today’s Lions Wire noted, Bell came to the Lions early this year and showed some promise in the preseason.
Bell, a former Michigan standout, had a promising preseason with the Lions as he attempted to reboot his NFL career, but a logjam of depth at wide receiver made Bell expendable,” Risdon wrote. The Lions had elevated undrafted rookie Jackson Meeks off the practice squad over Bell in Sunday’s win against Cleveland.
Bell caught five of his six targets in the preseason for 62 yards. Though he missed making the active roster at final cutdowns, he was added back to the practice squad. It was a dire sign for Bell once Meeks was activated for this week’s game, however, and the Lions decided that his spot on the practice squad would be better served for a member of the defense.
Lions Add New Linebacker
As Risdon reported, the Lions used Bell’s spot on the practice squad to sign linebacker Ty Summers, who spent time with Detroit during the summer of 2024 but did not make the roster.
Summers spent the 2024 campaign with the New York Giants, playing in 16 games with two starts,” Risdon wrote. “The 6-1, 241-pound TCU product made 29 tackles and one PD in a little over 100 defensive snaps in New York. He began his NFL career in 2019 as a seventh-round pick by the Packers.
While Summers may provide some depth, the Lions are getting big contributions from a player at the top of the depth chart — Derrick Barnes. The Lions signed him to a three-year extension this offseason, which defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said was one of his biggest priorities on defense.
“I told him, ‘That’s a player I have to have,'” Sheppard told reporters. “I believe this kid can play four, five spots on the football field and do it at a high level. He can play all three stack backer spots, he can play defensive end. So when you’re able to have a player like that, you see them out in the apex in 11-person personnel – which is really a nickel spot.
“So when you have a player like that, it allows you that ability to present the same looks pre-snap and then post-snap be able to play a different variety of coverages, different variety of pressure packages and things like that.”
