Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines ahead of this afternoon's game at the New England Patriots?
Happy game day, everyone.
After one of the more dramatic weeks in recent memory, the Washington Commanders get set to take the field at the New England Patriots this afternoon. And for the first time in years, they won't have the benefit of either Montez Sweat or Chase Young after the defensive end duo were traded before the 2023 deadline.
Ahead of the game, the stories causing debate include second-year quarterback Sam Howell's long-term outlook, Ron Rivera's reflection, Sweat getting the bag, and the latest Week 9 odds.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders at Patriots odds for Week 9
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Washington Commanders are 2.5-point underdogs at the Patriots in Week 9.
- Washington +2.5 points: -106 (bet $106 to win $100)
- New England -2.5 points: -114 (bet $114 to win $100)
Anyone wishing to wager the Commanders on this afternoon's money line can get them with tempting odds of +130 attached (bet $100 to win $130). The Patriots are favored despite their concerning run of form at -154 (bet $154 to win $100).
FanDuel Sportsbook set the over/under at 40.5 points.
- Over 40.5 points: -114 (bet $114 to win $100)
- Under 40.5 points: -106 (bet $106 to win $100)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Former Commanders DE Montez Sweat gets paid
When the Chicago Bears allocated what's probably going to be a high-end second-round selection in 2024 to acquire defensive end Montez Sweat, many people wondered if this was a risk due to his contractual situation. The former first-round selection was set to be out of contract next spring, but his representatives took this newfound leverage and put it to immediate use.
Sweat got paid on Saturday with a bumper new four-year contract that sees him among the league's highest earners at the position. Something the Mississippi State product was thrilled by based on comments via Chicago's website.
"It's a blessing. It's part of God's plan. Having security to go out there and play full and just getting what I'm owed, it's a blessing. This is what every player wishes for, to get to the second deal and to reap the benefits of your work. Now I can go out there and play free."Montez Sweat via ChicagoBears.com
According to multiple reports, Sweat received a four-year, $98 million with $62 million guaranteed at signing. He'll earn around $56 million by the end of 2025 and is now being paid in keeping with his talent levels.
This was money the Washington Commanders couldn't afford given the money already tied up in the defensive tackle duo of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Therefore, this trade looks like a win-win for all parties involved.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera's reflection
If Montez Sweat extracted maximum value, that was not the same case for Chase Young. A once generational talent taken No. 2 overall, the defensive end was shipped to the San Francisco 49ers for a compensatory third-rounder next spring, which represents a steep fall from grace despite his decent enough start to the campaign.
This was a player the Washington Commanders were banking on to be a foundational piece. Unfortunately, it didn't work out that way, which Ron Rivera stated via USA Today Sports was primarily down to the player's significant injury issues.
"Nobody thought that those things [injuries] would come up. So, that’s the unfortunate part. Well, I think that more so than anything else, as we put this plan together, I think it’s really what we felt was in the best interest of our football team going forward. We had a plan going into this; the front office put together what those offers were, and we sat down and talked about the best way to go with it, the best direction, and then sat down with ownership, and everybody was aligned when we were done talking about it."Ron Rivera via USA Today Sports
Perhaps a fresh start was the best thing for everybody, especially as Young looked set to depart for nothing in free agency after the Commanders didn't pick up his fifth-year option. What comes next for the player and his previous employers remains to be seen.
Commanders QB Sam Howell's outlook
All the talk this week has been about the trades made by the Washington Commanders. Montez Sweat and Chase Young were sent packing, which was a bombshell in no uncertain terms and another sign that the wheels of change are firmly in motion under Josh Harris' new ownership group.
This should put everyone on red alert regarding their fortunes. But according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, there is a growing consensus within the building that they might have a franchise quarterback on their hands with Sam Howell - even if Ron Rivera's future remains murky.
"Though Ron Rivera and the front office were on board with moving their two star pass rushers after several discussions, I was told the final seal of approval was made by ownership. It’s not unusual for an owner to be part of moves that involve multiple star players on a roster. There isn’t a coach in the NFL who wants to lose talent in a win-now season, but it was explained to me by a high-ranking official that this is all about longer-term planning. There is a strong belief in the building that the Commanders have found their franchise quarterback in Sam Howell, and now it’s about building for 2024. We still don’t know if ownership will stick with Rivera, general manager Martin Mayhew and executive vice president of player personnel Marty Hurney, but I can tell you they aren’t giving up on the season whether they are part of the future of the new Commanders or not."Dianna Russini, The Athletic
Howell has certainly looked the part at times this season. But much will also depend on whether the Commanders clean house and what the opinion of any new general manager or head coach dictates.