​Every day, Hogs Haven gathers a wide-ranging mix of articles, podcasts, and tweets from across the web to keep you connected with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL, and sports in general, with a dash of other stuff sprinkled in. Enjoy!
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Heavy.com
Armstrong’s new role was outlined by ESPN’s John Keim on a recent episode of The John Keim Report. As Keim explained, “on the roster, they list Dorance Armstrong as a defensive end, but I was talking to, you know, outside linebackers coach John Pagano, and he said he’s going to be a linebacker. And I would say Pagano would know since he coaches the outside linebackers anyway.” While Keim also admitted, “we still don’t know where Dorance Armstrong is in terms of his recovery—not just physically, but where he is on the field and what he can do in this defense,” this marks a significant development for Armstrong. Turning flexible pass-rushers into versatile playmakers to disguise pressure will be crucial for making Jones’ schemes function. Fortunately, Armstrong is already well suited to the defensive adjustments the Commanders are making, so his new role could spark a career resurgence once he’s fully healthy.
ESPN
Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin, WR
Stick with me on this one. McLaurin, who will turn 31 this September, is the oldest player on this list. He posted five straight seasons with 1,000 receiving yards from 2020 through 2024. It’s clear that he’s exceptional, and everyone recognizes this. So how can McLaurin elevate his game further? By posting a true career year—a season with more than 100 receptions. It’s reasonable to expect that from him, given his proven track record.
It’s fair to assume, given his consistent production, that McLaurin is an average No. 1 receiver. I believe he could be much better than that. He had a down year in 2025 due to a protracted contract battle in camp, a quad injury, and overall offensive regression. Now, in 2026, he will play in a David Blough–led offense that should move him around the formation far more than Kliff Kingsbury’s system ever did. McLaurin ranked seventh in yards per route last season (2.56) but was 18th in targets per route run. Only 16.8% of his yards came after the catch—100th in the NFL. If he starts receiving the Amon-Ra St. Brown treatment with motions, slot alignments, and targeted opportunities on third downs or in the red zone, he could post career-best numbers in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
Riggo’s Rag
Quan Martin – Commanders DB
Everyone was puzzled by Quan Martin’s regression last season. Fans and even segments of the national media anticipated a breakout from this talented defensive back, but the season didn’t reflect that expectation. That left him facing an uncertain future, but the Commanders aren’t ready to give up on him. And they might just be onto something. Martin’s rookie year was spent as the nickel cornerback. He had rough moments, but overall the early signs were encouraging for a brighter future.