DOLPHINS HOPE FREE AGENT WILLIS IS WORTH BIG BUCKS OR COULD BE VERY LONG SEASON

 CATCHING UP … STILL HARD TO DO (one more time) …

LET’S HEAR IT for your Washington Commanders … who 

opened their preseason schedule Friday night (Aug. 14) with a 

20-7 victory over visiting Miami … which isn’t expected to be 

very good this season and, for one meaningless game anyway, 

showed why.

Former Liberty U., standout MALIK WILLIS made his debut 

at quarterback for Miami and promptly led the Dolphins to 

seven points. It was his only series … and the visitors never 

threatened thereafter against a defense missing several starters 

yet came up with three interceptions … all on passes that 

missed their mark by so much you could have sworn Miami’s 

backup QBs forgot the object of the game is to throw the ball to 

teammates and not to the other guys.

Willis, 2020 recipient of the Dudley Award, completed four of 

five passes for 48 yards while two successors combined for 4 of 

19 (66 yards). Drafted in the third round by Tennessee, he spent 

two seasons with the Titans before being dealt to Green Bay for 

a late-round draft choice. 

In March Willis, who began his collegiate career at Auburn, 

signed a three-year contract with the Dolphins for $67.5 

million.

With regulars such as QB JAYDEN DANIELS and wideout

 TERRY McLAURIN withheld, the Commanders nevertheless 

rang up 300-yards-plus of offense … with running backs

 KATRON ALLEN and PATRICK HEMRY JR., accounting 

for 160 on the ground … in addition to a pair of touchdowms.

SO MUCH FOR the Protect College Sports Act, which 

(fortunately) never had a chance despite being a true (for a 

change) bi-partisan attempt to rescue undergraduate athletes 

from the horrors of making a lot of money before their time.

Sponsored by Republican TED CRUZ and Democrat MARIA 

CANTWELL, the PCSA was put on hold by the Senate after 

considerable pressure from the Congressional Black Caucus as 

well as the AFL-CIO.

Although plans call for a vote when the summer break ends 

next month, more and more Senators are coming out against it 

… ostensibly reflecting wishes of the voters back home.

And, even if the Senate favors the legislation, the SCSA still 

must pass in the House, which is said to be even more 

skeptical.

Actually, the Federales probably will do collegians a favor by 

not getting involved … considering how seldom the politicians 

get anything right.

ERIC BIENIEMY is back with the NFL Chiefs after less than 

successful one-year stands with (in order) your Washington 

Football Team; UCLA and da Bears. The former Colorado All-

American joined the Commanders as offensive coordinator in 

2023, given full rein by coach RON RIVERA to develop a 

woebegone attack led by rookie QBSAM HOWELL, who had 

some encouraging moments (just not enough of them). 

They won their first two games then went 2-13, closing with an 

eight-game losing streak, to finish tied with the Carolina 

Panthers for worst record overall (including the only teams to 

go 0-8 in conference games).

It was the Commanders’ first season under new ownership – 

and last for Rivera ... which also meant one and done for 

Bieniemy, former Colorado, University of, All-American 

running back who finished third in voting for the 1990 Heisman 

Trophy.

Bieniemy arrived in D.C., somewhat damaged goods, having 

been rejected for head coach openings by a reported 16 NFL 

franchises including your Washington Football Team … despite 

being The Next Next Best Thing at his chosen profession. 

Naturally, there were charges related to race … which never 

held much weight because (a) the NFL certainly hasn’t been 

reluctant to put blacks on the payroll; and (b) Bieniemy has 

been said – more than once – to be a lousy interview … which 

has been the seldom-mentioned downfall of many people who 

otherwise would appear locks for the jobs in question.

In other words, Bieniemy has been his own worst enemy and, 

by now, the word is out … which has left the pickings slim to 

none for the now-57 year old offensive “genius” to land a top 

job. Shortly before Bieniemy accepted the Commanders’ offer 

four years ago, former NFL coach HERM EDWARDS said his 

best move would be to stay with the Chiefs and wait until

 ANDY REID retired … in the hope ownership would hire 

Bieniemy as his successor.

He re-signed with the Chiefs in January and, once preseason 

drills got under way, veteran tight end TRAVIS KELCE noted 

Bieniemy’s no-nonsense approach as “something we’ve really 

missed.” 

While there apparently were no promises made, if the Chiefs, 

who failed to make the playoffs a season ago, can be as 

successful as they were during his previous five years in Kansas 

City, who knows?

BY THE WAY … whatever happened to Sam Howell?

Well, the University of North Carolina alumnus, whose middle 

name is Duke, has become the quintessential backup, watching 

and waiting (mostly) with Seattle, Minnesota and Philadelphia 

since leaving Washington in a 2024 trade with the Seahawks. 

Howell has appeared in a grand total of two games, both with 

Seattle.

The sturdy 6-3, 210 pounder, who led the league in pass 

attempts (612), INTs (25) and sacks taken (65) with the 2023 

Commanders, signed a one-year $2.5 million contract with the 

Cowboys in March.

SPEAKING OF former coaches who happen to be black ... 

William & Mary graduate MIKE TOMLIN spent 19 years 

running the NFL Steelers and decided, at the end of last season, 

to step down … a man with a plan … to get some much-needed 

(and well-deserved) time away from the sideline … then rejoin 

the grind, once-refreshed, at a later date.

Maybe, maybe not.

Tomlin made his debut as analyst on NBC’s studio 

coverage of the Hall of Fame game and, not surprisingly, left 

just about everyone who heard him impressed.

One writer, who REALLY liked Tomlin’s pre-game and 

halftime contributions, wrote: “He immediately demonstrated 

why he not only seems to be a natural in the role, but [also] 

why it may result in him leaving coaching behind for good.”

Unfortunately, in six paragraphs, the writer never bothered to 

cite an example or two … instead settling for generalities. 

BOO!!

SPEAKING OF WILLIAM & MARY … a few months ago 

there was a ‘report’ the Commanders considered SEAN 

McDERMOTT, former Bills’ coach and W&M alumnus who, 

like Tomlin, played for legendary coach JIMMYE 

LAYCOCK … as the likely replacement for Quinn, if it came 

to that … which unnamed insiders thought very possible sooner 

rather than later.

In his first season (2024), Washington finished 12-5 and came 

within a game of reaching the Super Bowl, thanks primarily to 

Daniels, a rookie who had a knack for late-game heroics and 

was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

Last season, with Daniels limited to seven starts because of 

injuries, the Commanders were 5-12 … and Quinn became 

victim of the “What have you done for us lately? syndrome … 

with everyone, that is, but JOSH HARRIS, the only one whose 

opinion really counts.

Last week Quinn said he had not received an ultimatum – be 

good or be gone – from ownership. In fact, he said he hasn’t 

discussed his job performance with Harris, the principal team 

owner who was said to “love the culture in the building and the 

direction Quinn has provided.”

Subject to change, of course.

Until next time ...