Head coach Dan Quinn likes to be positive, but on Saturday, he announced that the Commanders would not have Clelin Ferrell on Monday.
The former Clemson defensive end started both of the first two games and also collected a quarterback sack in each game. However, Ferrell’s left knee problem is still lingering; therefore, he wasn’t able to practice Saturday, so the team has already declared he won’t be available Monday against the Bengals.
“He’s a warrior presence for us in terms of the toughness and all that he brings,” said Quinn. “But it just hasn’t turned quickly enough for him to be fully him.”
This is not good news, seeing that a key to Monday’s game is that the Commanders absolutely must get to quarterback Joe Burrow. If they don’t manufacture enough hurries, quarterback hits, and quarterback sacks, the Bengals’ receiving group will most likely dominate the Commanders secondary.
This would indicate that Jamin Davis, who was inactive against the Giants, will now fill Ferrell’s spot on the active roster against the Bengals. Quinn had ample opportunity to discuss this, but what is worth noting is how Quinn used his opportunity Saturday to refer to rookie end Javontae Jean-Baptiste.
“I would say with Javontae, I’ve really felt the pass rush starting to turn. He spent lots of time with (DL coach) Darryl (Tapp) and (pass rush specialist) Ryan (Kerrigan) over the last few weeks. And it doesn’t come at once; these bursts, they happen again. I felt that with him this week. He’ll get more reps, he’s earned them, he’s ready for it.”
Consequently, it appears Jean-Baptiste will get more of the snaps and that Davis and Dante Fowler will also get an increase in game snaps.
In the first two games, Ferrell had contributed four solo tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and two quarterback sacks.
