Monday Night Miracle | Episode 18

support the Nationals here in this area. Do you anticipate because Brandon chaff was a perennial All Star, of course, and we talked about how dominant he was this offensive line, what kind of can we anticipate a drop off should there be one? What can we anticipate with these changes? Basically? I mean, offensive line is a weird thing because it's five people, and it's not just five individuals, it's how

those five guys play together. Right. So yeah, so even though you have one really good player in Brandon Sheriff, a guy that was in and that light up a little bit, if the aggregate of these new guys is better, like the group's going to play better, right, And so I think Norwell, Turner having been in this offense before. I think you mentioned that there are a whole bunch of guys who've been in the league for a long time.

Blados another guy that it helps galvinized guys. They know how to play together, and I think that's really important. I think even though they're they're older, some of them have kind of had, you know, maybe on the downside of their career. The fact that they're going to come together and play really is going to maybe lead to an increase in production. I think one of the things that you need the most on any team when you talk speaking of better ring guys is upfront with the

offensive linement. Those guys who've been in the trenches know what it takes, have been around a system, can brain that leadership and and especially when you have a very verse or two group, these guys can basically play guard or tackle. A lot of these guys are setting you know what I mean. You have a lot of guys

that can be, you know, play different positions. So it's great to know that we have a couple of guys here that's that our veterans that's going to be able to lead these guys on and I think they'll be fined them if you did talk about daver about being able to move around and have that ability to be at different spots on the offensive line. We've seen sadly and unfortunately too many times where that's been nest necessary. You have to be diverse and be able to where

you can line up. They went and unconsciously brought in a couple of guys that were familiar with head coach Ron Rivera and his coaching staff. How much is that familiarity of what to expect and kind of what they know they're going to get from the line. How much does you think that factors in? Well, I mean, when you're in a run scheme, I mean, it's very similar

to a pass game. There's certain rules and certain principles that you abide by here, and they do a lot of jets sweep here, a lot of motion, a lot of post snap blocking assignments right where they move gaps and stuff, and that affects the defense. And if you've been in a system like that for a long time, you know the adjustments, you know how to handle it, you know all these different variables. And like the long gri was in KYLEI. Shanahan's offense, the more effective I became.

I just knew the adjustments, I knew what to do, I knew the calls. I think that's the same thing with these guys here. Yeah, oh no, you said it right. Yeah. Is there any part of this line that maybe you say, Okay, I need to see when we get to training camp, I need to see certain player at this position step up. I don't think so. I mean, I think one of the things that we saw that was, you know, that open to see young guys last year be able to

flourish in those spots, you know. I mean you had guys in and out of the lineup and still coming in and playing well. So now you're bringing a little you know, veteran leadership that's going to be able to add to what those guys know or don't know. So I don't think I need to see much, but you do gonna you are going to keep eye on some of those new guys just to see if they're gonna be able to you know, what level they're gonna play on,

you know, while they're here. John Matsk's great offensive line coach. They always give credit for him being able to get them ready no matter what position they have to play as well. Chase Roullier coming back from injury. Would nice to be having him back out there on the field as well. Speaking of the men upfront, former Washington guard

Derek Dockery stopped by the park during minicamp. He shared his memory on the Monday Night Miracle in the game memory, I probably have to say it might have been two thousand and five. I believe four or five. We were in Dallas. We want on like like a last drive pass, like mark through a past Antana. That's why I'm find memories that being from Dallas too, going back home. So yeah, I mean we had some great memories here. You ever get tired of talking about that game Santana? Never? Of course,

because it's Dallas. I mean, trust me, everywhere I go is always then. And I asked the question all the time, did I do anything else while I was here? As always a you know, Monday Night Miracle? But I love it because, you know, I asked a fan, you know, why is that so significant to them? And they was like, well, the years before you guys, they had Super Bowls and our era, the Monday Night Miracle stood out more than our playoff you know runs, so I guess I have to,

you know, live with that. It kind of goes to talk about the rivalries we have in sports, and a lot of times now it used to be teams, but now with players moving all over the place, people kind of question, like, how much do we lose that rivalry aspect? It's never lost between Washington and Dallas, And that's just another example of it. Now. I found out the hard way, but I'm glad I was on the good the end of it. Yeah, is Dallas still the team to beat now?

I mean, personally, I don't think so. I think right now Philadelphia seems to be moving in that direction. I think they've done a really nice shot with that defensive getting better this offseason. Their offensive line is probably the best maybe in the league, and they've got some good skill positions players now to support Jalen Hurts. And again Jalen Hurts is kind of the weak link there. But

I think that's the team. But I think it's I think Washington and Dallas are much closer than people think a lot of national pundans, so I think that's gonna be really competitive games this year. I think that just stands out because of the owner. You know and s star and they're always going to be known or named

as the American's team. But you know, they do have some great talent at over seemed like they just find a way to I'm not sure if it's coaching or it's just the guys that's not getting together, you know, not making it happen together. But no, I'm I'm with Logan with that, Philly, it seemed to be the team. Although the Giants have got some super Bowls in the last ten years, two of them, I guests, you can say, but who knows, man, every season is another chance for

another team to take that. And in the NFC East, it constantly is switching. But how much look that that loss of Dallas last year, it hurts. It's still hurt. I mean, I know, guys probably will sit there and go into anytime we meet Dallas week four and then week eighteen to close out this season. They're going to remember, They're going to remember that last game and go and

I'm sure with a little extra motivation as well. For all your news and analysis, be sure to tune into Command Center weeknights five thirty and ten pm on NBC Sports Washington, and if you miss an episode. They're always there on our YouTube channel and our website, and while you're at it, follow up commanders on all social media platforms for the latest on the team. Hail to the Commanders.