Commanders OC David Blough says he wants to target Terry 10 times per game in new Washington offense - Daily Slop

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Commanders WR Terry McLaurin loves idea of getting 10 targets a game in David Blough’s offense

Blough, an undrafted quarterback out of Purdue, spent five NFL seasons as a player (four in Detroit, one in Arizona), going 0-7 in seven career starts. After spending 2023 on the Lions practice squad, he was hired by the Commanders as an assistant quarterbacks coach, a role he held for the past two years under Kliff Kingsbury before his massive promotion to OC.

Blough’s stock has rocketed skyward. For a man to go from an assistant position coach to running the entire operation in three years is quite the leap. It underscores the league’s belief in Blough’s ability — he was likely being poached if Washington didn’t promote him to the big chair.

The 30-year-old has said all the right things since taking over. He’s discussed getting more variety in the offense, moving under center with more regularity to trigger the play-action game, moving his wideouts around the formation, etc. Everything has been shaded positively. But for an OC with zero play-calling experience who works under a defensive-minded head coach, there are massive unknowns and questions heading into the season.

With OTAs opening, we’ll get some info on Blough’s offense, which starts with keeping Jayden Daniels healthy and keys on Terry McLaurin in the passing attack. Earlier this offseason, Blough noted that his job was to find a way to get his star receiver 10 targets a game.

Scary Terry likes hearing that.

“I love that. You know, he told me that way back in February,” McLaurin said Tuesday of Blough’s comment, via JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington. “He texted me that. Him and I have a really good relationship. He’s been a man of his word. My job is to prove that each and every day, when we’re having workouts, to be the leader, to be someone who you can count on to be on the field and make plays. That’s all I’ve been asking for. That’s all I want — to win games and have a big part of that. So I was definitely smiling when I saw that come across (my) phone.”

Commanders.com

Ale Kaho finds Polynesian culture a source of inspiration, wisdom

“Going into this year, finding ways to grow and get that extra edge for myself, I always go back to my culture,” Kaho explained. “When I feel weak or I feel like I need to get back in that mode, I always resort back to my culture.”

That culture isn’t a large one in the United States. Kaho is Tongan American, a group that makes up somewhere between just .02% to .03% of the U.S. population. Yet that tight-knit, value-focused community has made a significant impact on the 26-year-old’s life, from how he delivers a hit on Sunday to his approach to learning.

Kaho’s father, Hopate Kaho, and mother, Lusiola Tu’amoheloa, met in the Tongan ward of the Mormon church in Reno, Nevada. Both Tongan and English were spoken in the house, and Kaho and his four younger siblings were exposed to the island’s traditions and culture. Celebrations centered around pig roasts and kava ceremonies were fixtures of his childhood. As he got older, his relationship to his Polynesian identity evolved.

Kaho’s name, for one, reflects this journey. His birth certificate reads “Brandon Alefosio Tu’amoheloa.” “Brandon” is in honor of an uncle on his mom’s side, and “Tu’amoheloa” is his mom’s maiden name. Around middle school, he started using his dad’s last name — “Kaho” — and he switched from Brandon to Ale in college.

“Me personally, I’m Tongan. I want a Tongan name. Alefosio is a Tongan name. My brother’s name is Kahomovailahi Kaho. It sounds like a cultural name,” he said. “That’s kind of what I wanted for me, especially going into college.”

More than just a switch on a roster, the name has been a source of strength and inspiration.

Being with the Commanders has provided opportunities to get wisdom from veterans that a young Kaho could have only dreamed of. The fact that Marcus Mariota is Kaho’s locker neighbor is still a wild reality for the linebacker to wrap his head around.

In the linebacker room specifically, he is grateful to work alongside a veteran who he shares so much in common with. Fellow Polynesian linebacker Frankie Luvu is a player that Kaho has been watching since Luvu’s time at the Jets and Panthers. Back then, Kaho was playing special teams at Alabama, and Luvu, also an undrafted free agent, was making a name for himself in the NFL as a special teamer.

“I literally look up to Frankie. I tell him all the time. We work out, we lift, I’m right behind him. I don’t care if people say I’m a follower. I don’t care. I’m following him for a reason. I want to be just like him or better,” Kaho said. “Him giving me the advice that he does, on and off the field, I’m so grateful for Frankie.”

“When life starts happening and you go through some stuff, you kind of have to bounce back to like, ‘Ok who am I?’ You’ve gotta ask yourself those questions,” he said. “It comes with staying humble, family, loyalty, work ethic … The morals of my culture and the teaching of my parents, I think it’s a combination of those.”

Last Man Standig (paywall)

What NFL evaluators shared, dished about the Commanders’ draft class

GMs, league executives, and coaches assessed Washington’s 2026 draft haul — from Sonny Styles’ “culture changing” upside to questions about late-round swings

Round 3, No. 71: WR Antonio Williams

Williams may not have generated first-round buzz nationally, but league evaluators viewed the Clemson receiver as a clean fit for Washington’s offense.

The consensus: dependable, versatile and competitive. Williams caught 55 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games last season for an underwhelming Clemson offense.

Another commonality: None of the sources cited Williams as a clear WR2 for Washington.

GM1 projected Williams as a quality No. 3 receiver. Another evaluator highlighted Williams’ decisiveness and instincts as a slot target.

Washington’s immediate need is outside. The Commanders believe Williams can handle multiple alignments —including the other starter in two-receiver sets opposite Terry McLaurin.

The wide receivers coach praised the ACC standout’s “play speed, toughness and run after catch ability,” along with the ability to line up both outside and in the slot.

“Football means a lot to him,” the WR coach said.

Two sources emphasized a part of Williams’s game that’s been largely overlooked since the draft: a potential weapon as a punt returner. The 5-foot-11 speedster returned 39 punts over four seasons — 9.0 yards per attempt — but only four in 2025.

Jaylen Lane impressed as Washington’s punt returner last season. Every position needs a viable backup. When Lane exited the Week 11 loss to Miami with a hip injury, replacement Mike Sainristil fumbled a punt in the fourth quarter, which the Dolphins recovered.

Round 5, no. 147: EDGE Joshua Josephs

Josephs drew the widest range of responses from evaluators, though almost all centered around traits.

One general manager recognized the appeal of betting on Josephs’ athletic profile, but was “not a big fan” overall. A front-office executive described the 243-pounder with a wingspan some NBA players would covet as a designated pass-rusher.

That arm length became a recurring theme from Newmark following the draft’s conclusion. He detailed how Josephs’ reach could create turnovers through strips, tipped passes and backside disruption.

“In my history (as an evaluator), I feel like when someone has that kind of upper body range and length, it does tend to create turnovers,” Newmark said. “Plus, he’s a physical, heavy-handed player who, when he hits people, they feel it.”

Washington clearly believes the physical tools translate to game-changing plays even if the production remains inconsistent.

The Commanders spent much of the offseason trying to add more explosiveness to a pass rush that disappeared too often in 2025. Josephs feels like a classic Day 3 swing on upside.

Sports Illustrated

Best Sleeper NFL Draft Picks After Round 3 (And Why They Could Be Stars)

Kaytron Allen, RB, Washington Commanders

From one Penn State ball-carrier to another, Kaytron Allen also possesses untapped potential worth exploring at the next level. The Washington Commanders have a crowded running back room, but they certainly don’t have a workhorse at the position. That should create opportunity for Allen, who possesses a pro-ready frame with impressive vision.

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Big Blue View

Philadelphia Eagles offseason: Still the best team in the NFC East?

The New York Giants did defeat the Eagles, 34-17, on Thursday Night Football in 2025 – a game where Cam Skattebo scored three touchdowns. Still, the Eagles have won 13 straight home games against the Giants; the last time New York won at Lincoln Financial Field was in 2013 – a game where Matt Barkley started for the Eagles.

Philadelphia has won two Super Bowls since the last time the Giants defeated them on their home turf. Howie Roseman continues to show the NFL how to manage a roster, but Philadelphia has hit a few snafus along the way. Their offensive line is ageing, preeminent offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland is no longer with the franchise, questions surround both the head coach and quarterback, and there is some turmoil in the locker room.

The Eagles finished 19th in points scored last year, averaging just 22.3 points per game, after finishing seventh in 2024 (27.2 PPG) on their way to their second Super Bowl title. Last year, though, the Eagles finished 11-6 with another NFC East title, but it was their elite defense that only allowed 325 points against (fifth-best in the NFL) that lead the way.

Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is one of the best football minds in the sport, and he received plenty of personnel upgrades to replenish the loss of edge Jalen Phillips, safety Reed Blankenship, and linebacker Nakobe Dean.

Roseman traded two fourth round picks for Jonathan Greenard, Arnold Ebiketie, and signed Joe Tryon-Shoyinka to join Nolan Smith Jr. and Jalyx Hunt on the edge. Greenard is just 28 years old and is coming off a 47 pressure season on 270 pass rushing snaps with Brian Flores and the Vikings.

Philadelphia is likely losing its best receiving threat, but the Eagles 11 personnel package is more flexible and their multi-tight-end sets are more explosive, while maintaining a physical nature with the addition of Mundt. The loss of Jeff Stoutland could have a deleterious effect on the offensive line, as a whole, and that can’t be understated.

New offensive line coach, Chris Kuper, has legendary shows to fill, but unlocking third round pick Markel Bell’s potential would make the Eagles’ 2026 draft that much more impactful. I do like what the Eagles did defensively, specifically getting Woolen to replace Adoree’ Jackson, but I wouldn’t say there were massive upgrades along the defense, for three quality players did walk out the door in free agency.

Overall, the Eagles had a solid offseason, but questions still remain offensively on the ceiling of the offense with the current personnel. It was a solid offseason, but I wouldn’t say it was spectacular.

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Pro Football Talk

Mark Davis keeps selling off more and more pieces of the Raiders

Raiders owner Mark Davis continues to own less and less of the team.

Via Albert Breer of SI.com, this week’s ownership meeting will include votes on several Raiders-related transactions.

Egon Durban hopes to buy another 11 percent of the team, which would push his personal holdings to 22 percent. Michael Meldman targets another 5.4 percent, for a total of 12.9 percent.

“Small chunks” of the team also will be purchased by Dell founder Michael Dell, Blackstone executive Joseph Baratta, WME Group Executive Chairman Ari Emanuel, and TKO president Mark Shapiro.

Earlier this year, Davis created a succession plan that would give Durban an option to buy controlling interest in the team, if/when Davis decides to cash out entirely.

For now, Davis is cashing out partially. He still has enough to run the team. It’s starting to feel like Davis is inching toward exiting the business he inherited when his father, Al Davis, died in 2011.

As Davis, who turned 72 on Monday, said earlier this year, he’s not married. He has no children. He can’t take it with him, and he can’t pass it on. Why not turn it into a mountain of cash while he’s still young enough to properly spend it?

ESPN

NFL okays up to 10 international games in ’27; teams can’t ‘protect’ games

The NFL on Tuesday approved the ability to play as many as 10 international games starting in 2027, up from eight previously.

“There’s a path to 10 [international games] in 2027,” executive vice president of club business, international and league events Peter O’Reilly said from the NFL’s spring league meeting.

The league also voted to strip teams’ ability to protect any home games from international play. Previously, teams could protect two games.

The 2026 slate features nine international games — eight league-run games and a London game as part of an agreement with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Wembley Stadium. Playing that ninth game required NFLPA approval as collectively bargained. Now, the league can in the future play the 10 games plus the Wembley game with NFLPA approval.

From Pro Football Talk:

Via Ben Fischer of Sports Business Journal, owners voted on Tuesday to eliminate the current privilege to protect two games.

“That really is less about international, though that’s a component of it, and more about optimizing the schedule,” NFL executive V.P. of club business, international & league events Peter O’Reilly said, per Fischer. “Making sure the schedule makers have as much flexibility and opportunity to deliver the best possible schedule in every window for our partners.”

NFL V.P. of broadcast planning Mike North didn’t characterize it that way on Friday. As he told it, it was out of respect for the international fans.

“You know, you can’t have a team say, ‘Well, I don’t want my two best games ineligible for international.’ What kind of message does that send to the international fans?” North said.

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Front Office Sports

NFL Sets Another Super Bowl Without Dates As Schedule Questions Loom

As expected heading into the league’s spring meeting, team owners awarded Super Bowl LXIV in 2030 to Nashville and the new $2.1 billion Nissan Stadium under construction there, while also granting the 2028 NFL Draft to Minneapolis.  

Similar to Super Bowl LXII in 2028 in Atlanta, and the recently awarded Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 in Las Vegas, there is not a firm date in place for Super Bowl LXIV in Nashville. Rather, the league is currently holding multiple potential dates on the calendar as it works through several outstanding issues—foremost among them being the possibility of an 18-game regular season by then. That schedule expansion will need to be collectively bargained with the NFL Players Association, which remains reluctant at best on the issue.

The Athletic (paywall)

How will Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield and 11 other QBs fit with new coordinators, offenses?

Jalen Hurts

New Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion should give the unit the biggest makeover Hurts has experienced under coach Nick Sirianni. If that wasn’t already obvious when Mannion was hired, Jeff Stoutland’s departure cements the fact that there will be wholesale changes. Stoutland was the run game coordinator and had a unique protection system that will be overhauled.

Hurts is still an effective scrambler, but his ability as a designed runner has regressed in recent seasons. Without a consistent option game, an already simple Eagles system lost one of its main aspects.

Mannion comes from the Packers, who were one of the best gun-run teams in the league without involving Jordan Love as a runner. They did so with motion, creative backfield actions and varying mesh points on run concepts. A lot of the backfield actions looked inspired by the wing-T offense. The Packers ranked fourth in explosive rush rate from shotgun in the last two seasons.

The Packers also lined up under center over 10 percent more than the Eagles. The Eagles tried to incorporate more under-center concepts into their offense last season, so Mannion will presumably be tasked with adding a coherent under-center package.

If A.J. Brown is traded after June 1, first-round pick Makai Lemon will likely become the Eagles’ No. 2 receiver. Lemon specializes in winning in the middle of the field on short and intermediate routes. Since 2020, Hurts ranks 85th out of 88 eligible quarterbacks in percentage of throws between the numbers below 15 air yards. Love didn’t attack the middle of the field frequently in the Packers’ system, but he did more than Hurts.

Jaxson Dart

The Giants have had a strong offseason, hiring a proven winner in John Harbaugh, adding talent in the draft and signing useful players in free agency, including tight end Isaiah Likely. However, Todd Monken becoming the Browns’ head coach instead of joining Harbaugh’s staff as offensive coordinator was a huge loss. Harbaugh settled with Matt Nagy.

The biggest concern with Nagy isn’t his failure as a head coach a few years ago, but with the system he’s bringing to New York. Kansas City’s offensive system has grown stale. The Chiefs’ insistence on staying in shotgun and relying on pass-heavy scripts plays right into the defensive trend of playing light boxes and two-deep defenses. When they did run the ball, they just ran the same run/pass option (RPO) plays over and over.

Ideally, Nagy will run a more multiple offense for Dart and not just try to install the Chiefs offense in New York.

Jayden Daniels, Lamar Jackson going to Ben Johnson-esque systems

Ravens head coach Jesse Minter hired Declan Doyle from Johnson’s Bears staff to run his offense.

Monken helped get the best out of Jackson and the Ravens offense by successfully blending an under-center run game with the shotgun option game Jackson ran since his time with Greg Roman. Doyle will likely put together a similar offense, but maybe turn the dial even more toward under-center concepts. Keeping Jackson healthy has to be a bigger focus.

Jackson has proven he can be efficient and explosive from under center; he was first in EPA per drop back on under-center play action in the last two seasons.

The Commanders hope Daniels can follow in Jackson’s footsteps. Daniels hasn’t shown that he can protect himself as a runner, going back to his time at LSU. Commanders coach Dan Quinn promoted David Blough, who played for Johnson, to offensive coordinator, believing he can put together a Johnson-influenced under-center package. Daniels doesn’t have much experience playing under center, so it’ll be an adjustment, but a necessary one to prolong his career.

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