Commanders 2023 Off-Season Thread

[KI Skins Fan]

Originally Posted by FrenchSkin

Looked at Nick Gates' snaps during last year's week 14 game against the Eagles.
He looked rather small, won't out physical anybody, but seems to have good vision, decent hand placement and footwork.
None of his movement look really sharp nor fast, but he seems to fit the "hat on a hat" philosophy, most of the time he'll be in front of his guy and do just enough.

LG #65
Couple of bad plays:
Completely beaten by a swim move


And here a slow to spot the blitzing safety, still does enough to avoid the sack, Jones runs back to the LoS



Couple of good plays:
Handles a stunt well, he did for most of the game, often looking to stay active and help the LT


Kinda of his most physical play of the game, and a good show of what he is, a decent guy that'll do enough



Still would have loved a couple of clear cut updates to feel more confortable about our OL, but depending on how the rookies perform, maybe they did do enough to have a functioning unit.

Gates wasn't completely recovered from his broken leg last season. He claims that he is fully recovered and fit now. So, if you were to look at his film of him before his severe injury, as I did, I think you would see a much better player. If he can come all the way back from his injury, we may have a very good starting center. That is, maybe... it's possible...hopefully, if we get lucky...keep your fingers crossed..say a little prayer...order a vial of miracle spring water from a T.V. evangelist.

[FrenchSkin]

Originally Posted by KI Skins Fan

Gates wasn't completely recovered from his broken leg last season. He claims that he is fully recovered and fit now. So, if you were to look at his film of him before his severe injury, as I did, I think you would see a much better player. If he can come all the way back from his injury, we may have a very good starting center. That is, maybe... it's possible...hopefully, if we get lucky...keep your fingers crossed..say a little prayer...order a vial of miracle spring water from a T.V. evangelist.

Yeah I actually hesitated between looking at his before injury film or the most recent one. I opted for the later but thanks for the insight, I'll check a before injury game too.

[FrenchSkin]

Originally Posted by KI Skins Fan

Gates wasn't completely recovered from his broken leg last season. He claims that he is fully recovered and fit now. So, if you were to look at his film of him before his severe injury, as I did, I think you would see a much better player. If he can come all the way back from his injury, we may have a very good starting center. That is, maybe... it's possible...hopefully, if we get lucky...keep your fingers crossed..say a little prayer...order a vial of miracle spring water from a T.V. evangelist.

Just wanted to highlight how right you are about Nick Gates.
Watched 2020 week 14's game against the Cards.
All his movements looked wayyyy sharper than post injury. Quicker, more physical. He also looked way more at ease as center than at LG if you ask me.
If he's back to his 2020 self, we have an upgrade at C... but still a huge question mark at LG. Are we just hoping Chris Paul takes a huge step forward ?

3 plays that stood out to me:

Just active and physical on both level in the run game


How good hand technique can make you look tougher than you actually are


Interesting one, showing his football IQ/film study ability IMHO. One of very very few plays where a DL lines up right in front of him (0 technique), he doesn't initiate contact, and turns his head to his right very early, seeing the stunting DE and handling him with ease. Did he see that formation on tape ? Did he just felt that alignement was weird ? Either way, that shows me a smart player.

[Giantone]

Originally Posted by FrenchSkin

Just wanted to highlight how right you are about Nick Gates.
Watched 2020 week 14's game against the Cards.
All his movements looked wayyyy sharper than post injury. Quicker, more physical. He also looked way more at ease as center than at LG if you ask me.
If he's back to his 2020 self, we have an upgrade at C... but still a huge question mark at LG. Are we just hoping Chris Paul takes a huge step forward ?

3 plays that stood out to me:

Just active and physical on both level in the run game


How good hand technique can make you look tougher than you actually are


Interesting one, showing his football IQ/film study ability IMHO. One of very very few plays where a DL lines up right in front of him (0 technique), he doesn't initiate contact, and turns his head to his right very early, seeing the stunting DE and handling him with ease. Did he see that formation on tape ? Did he just felt that alignement was weird ? Either way, that shows me a smart player.

Loved Gates. Wish he could have stayed but glad he got paid.