Latest news with #Welker
New York Times
26-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Commanders ahead of OTAs: Potential awards to hand out during practice sessions
The Washington Commanders return to on-field practices Wednesday for the first of three voluntary organized team activity weeks. Of course, there are questions about next steps for Jayden Daniels and last season's NFC runners-up. But forget answers. We've got awards. Connections abound in Washington for Welker, a four-time All-Pro and NFL assistant coach since 2017, when he joined the organization as a personnel analyst in April. The receiver-returner formed a dynamic combination at Texas Tech with his college quarterback, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Welker served on three NFL staffs with general manager Adam Peters. Welker hooked up with the Commanders weeks after the trade for Samuel, a former pupil in San Francisco. Advertisement Welker's 2019-2021 stint as the 49ers receivers coach coincided with Samuel's first three NFL seasons and lone Pro Bowl nod. His tasks weren't limited to helping the 2019 second-round pick sharpen his route-running chops. Welker became the staffer tasked with staying on Samuel when his weight increased. 'He came to us a little blown up,' Welker recalled in a 2020 interview. 'And it was like, 'Uh-uh, this isn't going to work.' ' The 49ers traded Samuel this year and absorbed a $31.5 million salary-cap hit for a mere fifth-round pick, partly because of game-shape concerns following a down 2024 campaign that led to questions about whether the dual-threat's best days were in the past. Washington needs the fully engaged version of this yards-after-catch dynamo to help maximize Kingsbury's attack and Daniels' playmaking. Hiring a familiar face for Samuel with a taskmaster résumé can't be coincidental. Ideally, the reunion is the rebirth of a beautiful and highly successful partnership. Using my podcast name to highlight the competition battle between Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos and Jonathan Jones. Would defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. prefer Sainristil on the perimeter where he ended last season, or at the initially intended slot position? Does Jones' nine seasons of experience thrust the two-time Super Bowl champ into a starting role? Would a smooth transition for Amos, the biggest corner among the trio, and his press corner skills exceed Whitt's expectations? Anyone shouting about position versatility can stop. An ability to play multiple spots is necessary when defending modern passing attacks, but there's always a master plan. Noah Igbinoghene, the slot starter when Sainristil moved outside last season, remains in play-time consideration as well. Advertisement The ideal outcome is Lattimore-Amos-Sainristil, meaning Whitt can scheme against NFC East receivers CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown and Malik Nabers with size on the outside and savviness inside. Weeks of facing Daniels' passing wizardry and receivers Terry McLaurin and Samuel in practice will offer a glimpse into that potential reality. We are all floored by the positive vibes and outcomes involving this formerly beleaguered franchise. Coming off a 12-win regular season and appearing in the NFC Championship Game certainly aids any perception upgrade. Those data points alone don't explain why the league has Washington all over its nationally televised schedule, including a Christmas Day showcase and at least five standalone night games. People want to see how Daniels tops one of the greatest rookie seasons in league history. The 2024 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was masterful in countless facets, yet there's always room for growth. Knowing that defensive coordinators will throw out new looks and schemes to try to stop or fluster the thrilling playmaker effectively forces adjustments from Daniels and Kingsbury. Those tweaks will remain hidden until the games turn real. The Commanders were open about bolstering the pieces around the quarterback by trading for Samuel and left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and selecting likely starting right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in Round 1. We'll see and hear about any progress involving the player and person before we watch the mobile threat tangle with the New York Giants in Week 1. Whether it's keeping his eyes downfield before seeking Plan B, footwork in the pocket, accuracy with specific throws or maintaining his wildly impressive focus and leadership despite massive amounts of attention, the idea of sincere improvement is terrifying for opponents. That's why the NFL universe cannot wait to see what comes next. Advertisement Wake me up if there's no new agreement before training camp. Unless McLaurin's age (30 in September) becomes an outsized factor — Tyreek Hill (31) is the only receiver among the 15 highest paid older than the 2024 second-team All-Pro — the eventual deal will likely fall somewhere between annual salaries for Tee Higgins ($28.75 million) and D.K. Metcalf ($33 million). We keep hearing that Peters and coach Dan Quinn have now identified the desired player traits. If McLaurin, a proven locker room leader who is coming off a career-high 13 touchdowns, isn't the poster child, who is? This entry's name is in recognition of the four-word life advice from Quinn's commencement speech last week at his alma mater, Salisbury University. I wouldn't be floored if I were told the coach shared the sentiment directly with Washington's longtime defensive tackle. There are some scenarios on the team where a player can try, try and try some more yet never reach a difference-making level. We know that's not true with the 2018 first-round selection. At a minimum, Payne is a forceful lineman worthy of double-teams. The interior force earned a 2022 Pro Bowl selection with 11 1/2 sacks, 20 QB hits and 18 tackles for loss. Over the next two seasons — and after signing a four-year, $90 million extension — Payne compiled eight total sacks, 18 QB hits and 18 tackles for loss. Even if there's a role/usage excuse following last year's coaching staff change, the hulking 320-pounder rarely made a distinct presence in games compared to those 2022 highs. Doing so this season would not only help lift a potentially meh line, but also put Payne in a position for another significant contract from Washington or another team entering his age-29 season. Otherwise, he's an obvious salary-cap cut next offseason and a reason why Washington's defensive ceiling wouldn't rise in 2025. The 2024 third-round pick and last season's starting left tackle isn't this group's headliner. Tunsil, a five-time Pro Bowl player, and Conerly are far more intriguing players. Right guard Sam Cosmi's recovery timeline following ACL surgery is among the bigger lineup questions. Yet Coleman's future position will suggest plenty about who starts where in Week 1 and beyond. There's a case for Coleman playing any of those positions due to his athletic and strength upside. Granted, Washington's massive trade for Tunsil in March removed last season's starting left tackle from the blindside position, but the swing tackle role is uncertain after Cornelius Lucas exited in free agency. The natural move to the opposite tackle spot took a hit once the Commanders went for the Oregon All-American 29th overall in April's draft. Advertisement Coleman could still land on the right side as Cosmi's injury replacement, assuming the guard misses training camp and some portions of the regular season. Or, rather than a short-term shift, how about the 24-year-old battling Nick Allegretti for left guard duties? Coleman will likely receive work at all four spots this spring and summer. The final decision affects several other linemen. The most interesting big-picture outcome is him lining up between Tunsil and center Tyler Biadasz, with Cosmi and Conerly eventually forming a right-side tag team. year 1️⃣ and year 2️⃣ — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 24, 2025 Peters, Quinn and their respective staffs warrant the benefit of the doubt in putting a roster together. So many of the pieces added last year clicked with shocking success. This year's defensive end room is the primary group under scrutiny after Washington passed on drafting newbies or adding an impact veteran talent. That is, unless signing potential starter Deatrich Wise Jr. and edge rusher Jacob Martin, while retaining Clelin Ferrell and Jalyn Holmes, provides more production than expected. The decision-makers aren't a naive bunch. Suppose their sober assessment is that this group, including holdover starter Dorance Armstrong, has the goods for at least modest improvement for a porous run defense. Tackle Javon Kinlaw, Washington's splashiest free-agent signing, is expected to spend time defending the edge. Therefore, I'll withhold judgment for now. Even if there's another internal recognition for help, additions likely come closer to training camp — if they come at all. Boldly trading for Cincinnati Bengals disgruntled defensive end Trey Hendrickson feels unlikely. But signing one of the 30-something-year-old free agents, such as Za'Darius Smith or Matthew Judon, is a straightforward path. Over the next few weeks, the staff will confirm their optimistic forecast or steer toward the outward skepticism. Starting running back Brian Robinson Jr.'s power game doesn't lend itself to breakout moments in padless practices. The fourth-year player didn't compile many late last season, either. Austin Ekeler's pass-catching and swerving running style proved effective despite two significant concussions, but less-is-more with touches for the 30-year-old. Reserve Jeremy McNichols displayed effectiveness when used, and Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s assertive runs in limited work were helpful. None offer the quickness and one-cut explosiveness of Washington's seventh-round pick. Advertisement Croskey-Merritt isn't a roster lock, let alone a rotation fixture, but the 5-foot-11, 208-pounder has the goods to get there despite sitting out nearly the entire 2024 college season with eligibility issues. If Kingsbury falls for this competitive runner's one-cut burst, there could be a running back room shake-up. Maybe that's veering into a true running-back-by-committee or moving Robinson off the roster so multifaceted backs are on the field with Daniels more often. There's a chance Washington seeks an outside addition, though the free-agent pool is weak. Seeing Croskey-Merritt blast his way into the conversation with social media-worthy moments is a fun outcome. Speak your truth about these four nominees in the comments section. There are legitimate pound-for-pound cases for each, yet potential roadblocks exist: Johnny Newton, DT: Choosing the 36th overall selection is the best-case outcome based on investment and positional value. Newton played plenty (11 starts) and helped the cause despite missing nearly the entire offseason following surgery on both feet. However, the statistical production (two sacks, six tackles for loss as a rookie) was lacking. There's a solid chance for a significant uptick after working injury-free heading into the 2025 campaign, but how will he split the reps with Payne, Kinlaw and run-stopper Eddie Goldman? Ben Sinnott, TE: One of the most frequent questions following last season is how the third of Washington's three second-round picks from last year becomes more involved (six receptions in 20 games). Would Sinnott have directly replaced either Zach Ertz or John Bates if the depth chart leaders didn't re-sign? Honestly, I'm not sure, but Peters selected the versatile player with H-back skills for a reason. Luke McCaffrey, WR: Christian's younger brother often seemed on the verge of a breakout moment as a receiver. Instead, his most significant impact came in the kick return game. Is that McCaffrey's 2025 destiny now that Samuel and fourth-round speedster Jaylin Lane are part of the depth chart, or is he a productive offseason away from significant snaps? Jordan Magee, LB: We didn't see enough of the fifth-rounder — injuries led to nine missed games — to gauge whether Magee is the potential heir to Bobby Wagner's linebacker role, he's ready to contribute immediately or both. Incoming sixth-round selection Kain Medrano, the fastest linebacker at this year's NFL combine, is a play-time threat, but Magee's athletic profile makes him one to watch.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Patrick Kennedy Slams ‘Addiction-for-Profit' Social Media and Gambling Companies: ‘We Are Losing the Fight'
The United States is failing its children by failing to protect them from addictive products, former Rep. Patrick Kennedy told 'Meet the Press' host Kristen Welker Sunday. 'We've got to stop all of these intrusive addiction-for-profit companies from taking our kids hostage. That's what they're doing,' Kennedy charged. The solution, he added, is to fight. Welker and Kennedy focused on the Kids Online Safety Act Sunday, which proponents argue would require social media platforms to take the safety of children under 16 more seriously. Concerns about censorship as a result of the proposed bill have been raised by both First Amendment advocacy groups and LGBTQ+ communities. 'Our country is falling down on its own responsibility as stewards to our children's future. We are commercializing marijuana across the country,' Kennedy told Welker. 'How in the world, with kids' anxiety rates and depression rates, does it make sense to add to the addiction crisis by having more access — you know, access to addiction products?' Sports betting is another problem, he added. 'Our states are becoming addicted to the revenue of sports betting. And I can guarantee you, just like you're playing that story about that young woman who's getting targeted, we already know the algorithms for these betting companies are targeting people who are high risk. And we are gonna see a high correlation between people with gambling addiction and suicide.' 'And so what I'm saying, Kristen, is we can't just pass these bills,' Kennedy added. 'We've got to stop all of these intrusive addiction-for-profit companies from taking our kids hostage. That's what they're doing. This is a fight. And we are losing the fight because we're not out there fighting for our kids to protect them from these businesses that their whole profit motive is, 'How am I going to capture that consumer and lock them in as a consumer?'' As Welker pointed out, the last time the issue of online safety and children was addressed by Congress was in 1998 when the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) was passed. Welker noted the lengthy period of time that has transpired since and asked Kennedy why the issue hasn't been addressed more frequently. 'Well, the power of the social media giants and their money, there's going to be a bigger settlement by Meta and all the big social media companies than even was tobacco or Purdue combined,' he answered. 'You know, fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. We, as a country, have seen these companies and industries take advantage of the addiction-for-profit. Purdue, tobacco. Social media's the next big one. And unfortunately, it's going to have to be litigated. We have to go after the devastating impact that these companies are having on our kids.' The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association have called on Congress to pass the Kids Online Safety Act. The proposed bill also had the support of former President Joe Biden, who wrote in July 2024, 'There is undeniable evidence that social media and other online platforms contribute to our youth mental health crisis. Today our children are subjected to a wild west online and our current laws and regulations are insufficient to prevent this. It is past time to act.' Speaker of the House Mike Johnson slowed the progress of the bill in December. 'Look, I'm a lifelong advocate of protection of children…and online safety is critically important…but we also have to make sure that we don't open the door for violations of free speech,' he advised Republicans at the time. The post Patrick Kennedy Slams 'Addiction-for-Profit' Social Media and Gambling Companies: 'We Are Losing the Fight' | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Meet the Press' Special Edition Will Examine the Rise of Gen Z Loneliness in America
'Meet the Press' on Sunday will take a break from its usual focus on the latest in political news to air a special edition of the program that examines mental health and, in particular, the growing number of young people who say they are suffering from loneliness. Moderator Kristen Welker, in her opening comments at the top of the show that were first seen by TheWrap, will lay out the disheartening situation; studies show two-thirds of Gen Z'ers are dealing with loneliness while youth suicide rates have increased dramatically since the start of the 21st century. 'After no significant change between 2001 and 2007, the suicide rate among young people ages 10-24 increased 62% from 2007 through 2021, from 6.8 deaths to 11.0 per 100,000,' the CDC found in 2023. Welker will discuss the issue with several guests — including Dr. Vivek Murthy, the former U.S. Surgeon General who served in the position twice, between 2014-2017 and again from 2021 to earlier this year. Former Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, who has been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder, and author Arthur Brooks will be Welker's other two featured guests. The NBC News show will also feature a panel that includes psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb, therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab and San Diego State University psychology professor Jean Twenge. This will be the second special edition of 'Meet the Press' dedicated to mental health, following an episode in 2023 that focused on the matter. Several recent studies and polls have also looked at the rise of loneliness among young people; a poll from the American Psychiatric Association last year found '30% of Americans aged 18-34 saying they were lonely every day or several times a week,' which was triple the average for all Americans. The special 'Meet the Press' comes after an especially busy week on the media front. CNN's Jake Tapper, notably, has been making the rounds to promote his new book, 'Original Sin.' The book, co-authored with Axios reporter Alex Thompson, looks at former President Joe Biden's cognitive decline while in office. This week, Tapper said he was stunned by the president's poor performance in the 2024 debate he moderated — a performance that led to Biden dropping out of the race less than a month later. That claim came after Tapper said there was 'not enough' media coverage of Biden's apparent cognitive decline during his presidency, including from himself. 'Meet the Press' was the top Sunday public affairs show among the 25-54 demographic last week, and has won that demo nine of the past 14 weeks. Earlier this month, the long-running show enjoyed a 19% ratings boost when Welker scored an interview with President post 'Meet the Press' Special Edition Will Examine the Rise of Gen Z Loneliness in America appeared first on TheWrap.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
President's uncertainty regarding oath to The Constitution generates heated debate
President Donald Trump gave an interview with Kristen Walker from NBC's Meet the Press last week that covered his first hundred days in office. It went for more than an hour. Immigration came up about halfway through it, specifically the right to due process when it comes to the mass deportations being carried out by the Trump administration. The president criticized the courts for interfering and said it would take millions of trials to process the deportations. Welker followed up with this. 'Even given those numbers that you're talking about, don't you need to uphold The Constitution of the United States as president?' Welker asked. 'I don't know,' said President Trump. 'I have to respond by saying again, I have brilliant lawyers that work for me. And, they are going to obviously follow what the Supreme Court said.' Host Jim Niedelman brings back Kevin Perkins and Kurt Whalen to discuss. 'I'm not surprised that he's not fully committed to upholding the Constitution,' Perkins said. 'I think it is ludicrous,' Whalen said. 'I think clearly President Trump knows he has a duty to uphold the Constitution.' To hear more, click on the video. And now we want to hear from you, too, with our question of the week: What do you think about the President saying he doesn't know if he needs to uphold the Constitution? Please share your thoughts at 4therecord@ Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present , a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. It's a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as brings you up to speed on what's happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Former New England Patriots Wes Welker is set for a fresh start as he joins the Washington Commanders Staff
Image via: Getty Former New England Patriots legend and Denver Broncos star wide receiver Wes Welker is all set to join the Washington Commanders Staff as a personnel analyst . The news was broken by ESPN's John Keim. Welker is still going to continue his coaching career, but this move will also reunite him with one of his former quarterbacks. Wes Welker not only heads for a new job but also a re-uniting with past relationships- a feeling of nostalgia A nostalgic moment for Welker as he reunites with his former quarterbacks in this new journey. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor: 'India won't give face-saving exit to Pak army chief Asim Munir' Pak def min gives absurd excuse for army's failure to withstand Op Sindoor '1971 war was not remotely as terrifying': Residents of border areas shell-shocked His career journey has been dynamic, where he has spent six years as a wide receivers coach with the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scarlett Johansson, 40, Shows Off Her Real Size In A New Vacation Photos 33 Bridges Undo But now, all set for a different inning, as per ESPN's John Keim, Welker will now be under Coach Dan Quinn 's guidance both for the personal and coaching staff. This move has taken him closer to his past relationships, former Texas Tech teammate and Commander's offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. It does not end here, Welker is also going to reconnect with star wide receiver Deebo Samuel . Deebo Samuel and Welker have known each other since their time in San Francisco. Well, Kliff and Welker played college football together at Texas Tech from 2000 to 2002. So this is going to be a cherishable inning for all of them. Recalling a past moment, ESPN's Peter Schrager on Monday, April 7, tweeted a picture showing both Kliff and Welker sharing a tight bond of gesture on the ground. Throwing highlights of Welker's career journey, he had bagged 672 receptions for 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns in New England. He has also left a legendary mark in people's minds. Welker has been in Patriots history with his outstanding performances. He is known to be Tom Brady 's favorite target. There were rumors that Welker might join hands with Mike Vrabel's new coaching staff as a wide receivers coach. The news did not have strong grounds as Welker is all set to begin his Commander Staff career. With no strangers on the ground, Kliff-Welker's comeback will be eye-catching for their fans. Also read: Aaron Rodgers still undecided as Steelers wait- NFL insider reveals what's really holding up the 2025 move
