Washington

J.D. McKissic’s mastery of his role brings value to Commanders backfield

Published

2 years ago

October 22, 2022

J.D. McKissic’s mastery of his role brings value to Commanders backfield

Remark

With the Washington Commanders trailing late within the fourth quarter of their Week 1 sport towards the Jacksonville Jaguars, quarterback Carson Wentz uncorked a game-winning landing move to rookie huge receiver Jahan Dotson. What might have gone unnoticed on the play was an important blitz pickup by working again J.D. McKissic, which gave Wentz an additional second to set his toes and fireplace the scoring strike.

The second, whereas delicate, was a first-rate instance of McKissic’s consolation in his position with the Commanders.

“He’s an superior man, not simply on the sector however within the locker room as properly. Most likely one of the vital appreciated guys on the crew,” Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke stated of McKissic. “Generally I’ll begin saying the play and he’ll attempt to end the play earlier than I can end it. He is aware of this offense. If he might throw the ball, he’d most likely play quarterback.”

Who roots for the backup? When it’s Taylor Heinicke, nearly everybody.

For the reason that begin of the 2020 season, seven totally different quarterbacks have began a sport for the Washington franchise. Throughout this stretch, one of many lone constants has been McKissic, who signed with the crew that 12 months and has since been one of the vital utilized pass-catching backs within the NFL.

McKissic performed in all 16 video games in his first season in Washington, racking up 110 targets, 80 receptions, 589 yards and two touchdowns. Solely Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints had extra catches amongst working backs that season, and McKissic’s 110 targets stay probably the most for a working again since Christian McCaffrey was focused 116 instances for the Carolina Panthers in 2019.

McKissic has prided himself on his receiving skill ever since he began enjoying the place in highschool.

“Operating again is second nature. Simply attempt to run between the tackles, simply make guys miss. There’s much more to it, however it was simple for me to change into a runner,” McKissic stated of his versatility. “Simply being a receiver, realizing that I can catch the soccer, realizing that I can run routes. When you [go] from working comebacks, working posts, working 18-yard deep ins they usually say ‘properly now run an arrow, run a flat, examine downs.’ That’s simple cash.”

Accidents held McKissic to 11 video games final season, however he was nonetheless focused 53 instances and managed 43 receptions and a career-best 9.2 yards per catch together with a pair of touchdowns. To date this season, he’s been focused 33 instances via the Commanders’ first six video games and is second on the crew in receptions with 24.

“I’ve been a receiver so I’m robotically their routes. I’m trying like okay, I might do that so now I’m studying the entire idea,” McKissic stated. “I’m listening when the offensive coordinator calls out the play, I’m listening to it within the quarterback’s helmet and I’m calling it out in my head on the identical time. Simply attempting to do the whole lot I can to get on the sector.”

Commanders keys vs. Packers: Get Terry McLaurin concerned, win within the trenches

McKissic’s grasp of the offense, paired along with his versatility, helps to create extra alternatives for his teammates. Due to his receiving skill out of the backfield, opposing defenses have to organize for quite a lot of seems to be and pay attention to his presence. McKissic usually makes use of his understanding of route mixtures and coverages to create leverage for the Commanders’ different move catchers.

“Having J.D. is de facto large for our offense. I feel his skill to run routes outdoors of the backfield is de facto large and I feel it offers numerous comfortability for quarterbacks,” star wideout Terry McLaurin stated. “I feel that’s powerful to essentially sport plan for.”

Off the sector, McKissic’s veteran poise is felt all through the locker room. His teammates spotlight his skill to loosen up a room with jokes and contagious vitality, particularly amongst his fellow working backs. For second-year again Jaret Patterson, McKissic’s management goes past his lighthearted nature. Patterson observes the work McKissic places in, his preparation for video games, his lengthy hours on the facility and the way in which takes care of his physique.

“He’s a key a part of not simply the offense however the entire crew. He’s a professional,” stated Patterson. “I’m a younger man within the group that type of leans on him. He’s a vet in our room.”

Whereas his vitality is clear, Commanders Coach Ron Rivera desires him to evolve right into a extra vocal chief. McKissic understands that accountability and tries to seek out steadiness.

“So far as speaking in entrance of the crew, I have never discovered these abilities but,” stated McKissic. “I feel vitality is essential. How I carry myself when issues aren’t going my approach, and the way I can nonetheless have enjoyable via the storm. So far as being in being within the locker room and making guys snicker and people kinds of issues, that is how I lead.”

With the trio of McKissic, Brian Robinson, and Antonio Gibson, working again has developed right into a energy for the Commanders. McKissic’s stability and consistency play a task in that, particularly amongst a younger working place group.

“For these younger guys, he’s the proper instance of exhausting work ethic. Doing the little issues and understanding how you slot in, what your position is,” Rivera stated. “He’s a man that retains the whole lot lighthearted. He’s a superb match for what we would like, what we’re attempting to do, and I actually recognize who he’s for us.”

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Washington

Rainier Beach vs. Eastside Catholic: Live score, updates of Washington high school boys basketball (1/13/2025)

Published

4 hours ago

January 14, 2025

Press Room

Rainier Beach vs. Eastside Catholic: Live score, updates of Washington high school boys basketball (1/13/2025)

Dre Morris scored a game-high 27 points, and No. 1 Rainier Beach won the rematch of last year’s WIAA Class 3A championship game with a 99-72 victory Monday over reigning state champion Eastside Catholic.

Jaylen Petty and Kaden Powers added 23 points apiece as the Vikings built a 24-5 lead just 4:43 into the game.

The two programs met at 7:30 p.m. Pacific time.. A live feed is available on NFHS Network (subscription only).

SBLive is tracking scores across the state of Washington through Week 9. Stay with us for the latest score and game updates from pregame to teardown. Refresh this post and scroll down for the latest.

FINAL: RAINIER BEACH 99,. EASTSIDE CATHOLIC 72

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

FOURTH QUARTER

Beach 99, Eastside Catholic 72: Morris led all scorers with 27 points. Petty and Power had 23 apiece to round out Viks’ scoring. Dawson and Aklog led Crusaders with 19 points apiece.

THIRD QUARTER

Beach 68, Eastside Catholic 54: Dawson has kept Crusaders within earshot with his perimeter shooting, nailing a pair of 3s. But Powers picked it back up with 9 in quarter.

SECOND QUARTER

Beach 51, Eastside Catholic 35: Petty got going with seven points, including first FG at 4:13 mark.

FIRST QUARTER

Beach 34, Eastside Catholic 17: Viks start on 24-5 run, making their first three 3-pointers. Morris had 17 points in quarter.

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About Rainier Beach

Key players— G Dre Morris, G Jayden Petty, G Kaden Powers,

About Eastside Catholic

Key players— F Yabi Aklog, G Dash Ingram, F Achilles Reyna.

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Washington

There Are Still Multiple Questions Surrounding Washington Nationals

Published

12 hours ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

There Are Still Multiple Questions Surrounding Washington Nationals

The last five years have been tough for the Washington Nationals and their fan base.

After winning the World Series in 2019, the team has entered into a lengthy teardown and rebuild which has resulted in a lot of losing on the field. The 71 games they have won the last two campaigns is the most since that championship, proving just how brutal things have been.

But, the light at the tunnel moves near as things are beginning to look up for the Nationals.

While it is easy to say they didn’t have enough success based on their amount of wins, what was important is that they got a glimpse into what the future looks like with so many young players getting ample playing time and thriving, providing optimism.

A talented young core has emerged for the team to build upon as its foundation.

Part of that group is an outfield consisting of 22-year-old James Wood, 25-year-old Jacob Young and 22-year-old Dylan Crews.

All three made their Major League debuts during the 2024 season to varying amounts of success.

Wood immediately took over as the everyday left fielder, providing a spark at the plate. Only scratching the surface of his potential, he can turn into an annual 30/30 threat with his rare combination of size and athleticism.

Young didn’t provide a ton at the plate but is already an above-average producer with his elite defense. As a rookie, he was a Gold Glove finalist.

Crews, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, has all the tools to become a star.

He didn’t produce as well as Wood did after his promotion but he has the inside track to the starting right field job on Opening Day 2025.

Living up to expectations is one of the biggest questions Washington has remaining this offseason in the opinion of Jim Bowden of The Athletic.

There will be some pressure on them to perform, as another wave of youngsters is knocking on the door of the Major Leagues.

One of them, Robert Hassell III, came back with a vengeance in the Arizona Fall League, regaining confidence after injuries derailed his career. He was the top prospect of the San Diego Padres at the time he was included in the blockbuster trade package to land Juan Soto.

He will be looking to prove himself during Spring Training along with another youngster; third baseman Brady House.

While the Nationals did a good job of upgrading at first base, the other corner infield spot needs help.

Will they turn to him as the Opening Day starter despite having only 278 games of professional experience under his belt?

If he proves to be ready for the role, they might as well roll him out there since he has been a consensus top 100 prospect for two years in a row and will be again in 2025.

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Washington

Early Storylines For Lions Playoff Matchup Against Commanders

Published

20 hours ago

January 13, 2025

Press Room

Early Storylines For Lions Playoff Matchup Against Commanders

The Detroit Lions (15-2) will welcome a Washington Commanders (13-5) team riding high after their first playoff victory in decades.

New head coach Dan Quinn has rebuilt the culture and has a young signal-caller that earned the respect of his teammates.

After defeating the Buccaneers, 23-20, a whole new challenge awaits the upstart NFC East squad.

Detroit is now rested and will be fully prepared to win in front of their home fans at Ford Field.

Dan Campbell has his team and the entire organization pulling in the same direction. In a season that is “Super Bowl or bust,” the back-to-back NFC North division champs are as primed as ever to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl that takes place in New Orleans.

Here are some early storylines Lions OnSI is following this week.

How Lions will handle rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels?

Washington’s rookie quarterback is the favorite to win NFL Rookie of the Year after an exceptional season. He completed 69 percent of his passes in the regular season and threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdown passes.

Daniels also is a dangerous rushing threat, as he rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns. The Lions have struggled against mobile quarterbacks at points this season, as Buffalo’s Josh Allen gave them fits.

The Lions are 2-1 this season against mobile quarterbacks. Allen handed them a loss in Week 15, but the defense was able to contain Kyler Murray in Week 3 and Anthony Richardson in Week 12. Allen rushed for 68 yards, while Richardson ran for 61 and Murray notched 45.

Though it will be the first time the Lions have faced off against Daniels, it won’t be the first time he’s seen Detroit rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold. The two players matched up against each other in the SEC for two seasons, with Arnold recording an interception for his Alabama team against Daniels and LSU.

Can Commanders stop Lions rushing attack?

The Lions’ offense has been one of the league’s best this season, and the run game has been a huge part of that success. Detroit’s offense stands to get a boost this week as well, as David Montgomery is expected to return for Saturday’s game.

Jahmyr Gibbs earned NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors in Montgomery’s absence and will still get plenty of touches. Against the 30th-ranked Commanders rushing defense, both Gibbs and Montgomery could stand to have big days.

Will Aaron Glenn blitz at a high rate still?

With all the injuries to Detroit’s defense, the game plan for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has involved plenty of blitzing. Against the Vikings in Week 18, the defense utilized a number of different blitz packages to get after Sam Darnold.

Daniels has had plenty of success against the blitz, posting an ESPN QBR of 90.3 which ranked third in the league. If the Lions are not disciplined in their rush lanes, then they will also risk giving up long scrambles as Daniels can evade defenders.

The rookie passer has proven his abilities to handle blitzes, so whether or not Aaron Glenn continues to do so could be a deciding factor in Saturday’s game.

Lions injuries to monitor

The Lions, like most weeks, have some injuries to monitor heading into the Divisional Round. Both cornerback Terrion Arnold and offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler suffered injuries in Week 18, and the bye week gave them an extra week to recover.

Arnold has been reported as day-to-day with a foot injury, while Zeitler was given an optimistic prognosis by Campbell last week. Things didn’t sound as good for defensive lineman Pat O’Connor.

We should learn more about the availability of all these players on Monday, as Dan Campbell is scheduled to speak with the media.

Odds: Lions Are 8.5-Point Favorite Against Commanders

Lots of familiarity between Lions and Commanders this week. Commanders have former Lions QB David Blough and OC Anthony Lynn on staff.
The Lions have former Washington QB Mark Brunell, LB Shaun Dion Hamilton and WR Antwaan Randle El on staff. @DetroitPodcast
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— Christian Booher (@CBooher_) January 13, 2025

Commanders have familiar faces on their staff

Part of the reason the Commanders had success this season is the staff Quinn assembled.

Offensive coordinator Kilff Kingsbury is a respected play-caller and will again see his name surface for available head coaching jobs.

Former Lions quarterback David Blough, who reportedly aided in the game-winning touchdown call against the Eagles, is currently serving as the Commanders assistant quarterbacks coach.

Former Lions offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn was eventually demoted by Campbell before being let go.

Lance Newmark is now in his first season as assistant general manager of the Commanders.

Newmark joined the Commanders with nearly three decades of NFL experience, including 26 seasons with the Detroit Lions. In Detroit, he most recently served as the senior director of player personnel.

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