HomerMcFanboy – Page 2 – Covering D.C. sports and concerts since 2005.

22Sep

Special teams shine as Commanders rout Raiders

In blog, football, photos by b murf / September 22, 2025 / No Comments

A week ago, the Washington Commanders got knocked down (metaphorically) on primetime television in Green Bay. Ten days later, without the services of franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee sprain), they dusted themselves off and got back into the fight.

Against the Las Vegas Raiders, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn got knocked down (literally) during a play just before halftime. The 55-year-old was flattened by friendly fire during the final seconds of the first half when quarterback Marcus Mariota scrambled to get out of bounds and plowed into him accidentally.

Taking a page from his own players, Quinn popped right back up, bloodied from the collision, and immediately returned his focus to the matter at hand. Only after the Commanders had successfully converted a 56-yard field goal attempt and everyone headed to the locker room, did Quinn finally allow the medical staff to check on him.

“He’s everything that he preaches to us,” said linebacker Bobby Wagner. “We feel like we saw that in the moment. You got knocked down, got hit pretty hard. You got no pads on, nothing.

“It was kind of like a movie,” Wagner added.

Following their head coach’s example, the Commanders aggressively attacked the Raiders in a lopsided 41-24 affair, which Washington led 34-10 before letting off the gas and allowing the visiting Raiders to score a pair of meaningless fourth quarter touchdowns.

In his first start since 2023, Mariota completed 15 of 21 attempts (71.4 percent) for 207 yards with one touchdown, no interceptions and a 118.6 QB rating while leading Washington’s offense to six scoring drives and more than 400 yards of total offense.

But before Mariota even stepped on the field against his former team, wideout Deebo Samuel set the tone with a 69-yard return, the longest of his career, on the opening kickoff that provide excellent field position for Washington’s first drive. Four plays later, the veteran quarterback dove into the end zone for a 7-0 lead.

Rookie receiver Jaylin Lane became Washington’s first player to return a punt for a touchdown since Jamison Crowder in 2016, and the franchise’s first rookie to do so since Desmond Howard in 1992. In total, Washington’s special teams unit contributed with 245 total return yards.

With Mariota and friends supplying sufficient offense and the special teams unit having a day to remember, the Commanders defense was given the green light to rachet up the pressure on Raiders quarterback Geno Smith, who was pressured on 64.7 percent of his dropbacks, despite Washington blitzing just 11.8 percent of the time, per TruMedia. The Commanders finished the day with five sacks, but could have had several more had Smith not been able to slip through the hands of a would-be tacklers on multiple occasions.

Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, the sixth pick in the draft, ran 17 times for just 63 yards. Brock Bowers, arguably the best tight end in football today, caught just four passes for 38 yards.

On second and five at the Washington 40-yard line late in the second quarter, unheralded running back Jeremy McNichols was handed the ball and immediately met with multiple defenders. For reasons that remain unclear, none of those four defenders actually did much defending. Four broken tackles later the 29-year-old veteran turned what should have been a three-yard gain into a 60-yard touchdown — the longest run of his career and Washington’s longest touchdown run since Adrian Peterson in 2018.

For the day, Washington rushed 32 times for 201 yards and three touchdowns (an average of 6.3 yards per carry). Seventh-round pick Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who was selected six rounds and 239 picks later than Jeanty, is arguably off to a better start this season than his higher profile contemporary.

15Sep

A Day To Remember at Jiffy Lube Live

In blog, concerts, photos by b murf / September 15, 2025 / No Comments

When the powerhouse duo of A Day To Remember and Yellowcard announced they were teaming up for a massive North American extravaganza known as the Maximum Fun Tour, the only question left was — how far do I have to travel to see this can’t-miss show?

Fortunately, the colossal 36-stop tour, which kicked off at the beginning of September and runs through the end of November, swung through Jiffy Lube Live for a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Since their formation in 2003, A Day To Remember has amassed nearly two billion streams worldwide and sales of three million-plus units — including a platinum album, two gold albums, one platinum single and four gold singles. They’ve also consistently packed arenas on continental tours while attracting millions of fans worldwide.

In February, ADTR surprised fans with the shock-release of their latest album, simply known as A Day To Remember’s Big Ole Album Vol. 1. The release represented the band’s first new album since 2021’s You’re Welcome, and is their eighth album overall. Like each of their previous full-length albums, it wasted little time in ascending to number one on the Billboard Rock, Indie and/or Alternative Chart.

For those who are new here, A Day To Remember is: vocalist Jeremy McKinnon, lead guitarist Kevin Skaff, rhythm guitarist Neil Westfall, drummer Alex Shelnutt and, for this tour at least, bassist Bobby Lynge (of Fit For a King). And on this night, the band also included more than 10,000 honorary members/backup singers.

Wasting little time, A Day To Remember kicked things off with “The Downfall of Us All,” a flagship offering with an electric intro which ensured those in attendance were in for a memorable show. The certified gold single from 2009 showed just how locked in and ready the entire audience was, as they loudly and proudly sang along with the boys from Ocala, Florida. The strong singalong vibes continued as the band immediately tore into the second song of the evening, “I’m Made of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?”

For the uninitiated, A Day To Remember shows could be somewhat jarring. The heaviest pop punk band in the business always presents a strong sense of camaraderie, both from the band members on stage and with the audience. Think about seeing Rocky Horror Picture Show in the theater, where audience participation is highly encouraged. That’s what it was like to be on the rail or in the pit for ADTR. Not only were there countless singalong opportunities, but there were also beach balls, oversized inflatable basketballs (complete with giant basketball hoops), confetti, streamers, toilet paper, smoke and pyro. Oh, and just when you think you’ve seen it all, Super Mario appeared on stage armed with a t-shirt cannon.

The first new offering of the evening was “Bad Blood,” (not Taylor’s version). With explosions of pyro, McKinnon and company tackled one of the heaviest tracks of the new album. As heart rates began to race, they followed it up with “Paranoia” and then “Resentment.” That trio of aggressive anthems had fans crowd surfing, head banging and circling the pit with reckless abandon. As the band seamlessly switched from a blink-182 sound to that of Killswitch Engage, their passionate and vocal audience roared its approval throughout. One minute the crowd gleefully bellowed out the chorus to a pop anthem; the next a circle pit opened up on the floor. None of it felt forced. All of it delivered amazing energy throughout the venue.

Other highlights throughout the night include “All My Friends” (a drinking song that features WWE superstar Seth “Freaking” Rollins in the music video), “LeBron” (a tribute to the King James and the 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers) and “The Plot to Bomb the Panhandle” (an aggressive and beloved throwback to the band’s early days).

As the show began to wind down, the band played another new track, which is a personal favorite, called “Closer Than You Think.” They then slowed things down with an acoustic rendition of their most streamed song, “If It Means a Lot to You,” followed by “Flowers.” The pairing of those specific songs made perfect sense thematically, with the first track highlighting the difficulty of being away from loved ones and the second song focusing on the importance of expressing love and appreciation for the important people in your life before it’s too late. And while life on the road as a touring musician can obviously be difficult, closing with “All Signs Point to Lauderdale” (a song about their hometown that starts with the not-so-subtle lyrics “I hate this town”) seemed perfectly fitting. No matter where you go or how long you’re away, you can always go home … even if that home is better visited in small doses.

14Sep

Yellowcard at Jiffy Lube Live

In blog, concerts, photos by b murf / September 14, 2025 / No Comments

After inspiring sets from The Wonder Years and Boundaries, it was Yellowcard’s time to shine. And what better way to set off on a nostalgia trip down memory lane than to kick things off with the Top Gun theme?

With minimal lighting, lead guitarist Ryan Mendez strolled out onto the stage and began strumming one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable riffs in pop culture history. Violinist Sean Mackin then accompanied Mendez on stage in a duet that sounded so good, you half expected Tom Cruise to appear in a flight suit.

While the Hollywood icon did not make a cameo appearance, the theatrical opening coupled with the dramatic individual introductions of each remaining band member – vocalist William Ryan Key, bassist Josh Portman and drummer Jimmy Brunkvist (of Like Torches) – helped build the moment while simultaneously firing up the packed crowd at Jiffy Lube Live. The loud and enthusiastic ovation that followed was both fitting and a sign of things to come for the evening.

Before fans could settle into their seats, the Jacksonville band immediately launched into “Only One” followed by “Lights and Sounds,” which delivered a mix of emotional depth while continuing to raise the energy level from the jump. The title track from their 2006 album, Lights and Sounds, was clearly a hit with those in attendance – which makes sense because it was one of the band’s highest charting songs (reaching No. 4 on the U.S. Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart) until “Better Days” hit number one earlier this year.

Before “Lights and Sounds” kicked off, audio of Mikey’s heartwarming speech: “Down here, it’s our time. It’s our time down here!” from The Goonies kept the nostalgia vibes going strong. Additional references to “Back to the Future,” “E.T.,” “Say Anything” and “Karate Kid” were sprinkled in throughout the rest of the set.

A few songs later, Yellowcard debuted “honestly i,” a catchy, new song that could easily find itself in regular rotation on playlists and radio stations. The track, “Believe,” provided a chance for Mackin and his violin to shine. Later on, “Light Up the Sky” allowed Brunkvist to tear into his drum kit the best way possible.

While so much of the show harkens back to a different era, thanks to countless retro references and a massive set that included an oversized VHS tape, it made sense the band was feeling a bit nostalgic.

“There are thousands and thousands of fans singing along with Yellowcard in 2025,” Key said during a brief break in the action. “There was a time when we didn’t think we were going to play together again, and now we’re playing the biggest shows of our careers. Thank you, guys, for your support.”

Key and the rest of the band doesn’t take any of this for granted, especially after they disbanded in 2017. Thankfully, they reunited in 2022 and are now reaching heights that were previously unimaginable.

“We’re 25 years into our careers and this is our first number one song,” said Key. “This song’s called ‘Better Days.’ Let’s go.”

As noted, “Better Days” became Yellowcard’s first-ever number one single on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart this summer. Incredibly, that achievement also set a record for the longest gap between an artist’s first appearance on the chart to their first number one hit. They’re not just clinging to past glory. They’re re-writing history.

After playing their newest hit, there was truly only one way for Yellowcard to end the night — with the biggest hit. Ending the set with “Ocean Avenue” gave the evening a climactic, cathartic release as they circled back to their certified (twice) platinum smash hit from two decades ago. The entire evening showed how to strike a perfect balance between fan favorites and fresh, new material.

Speaking of new material, Better Days is the band’s first full feature length album in nearly a decade, and the highly-anticipated album is produced by blink-182’s Travis Barker, who also played drums on every track. Fans of high-energy pop punk with a signature violin twist, are surely counting down the days until its release.

12Sep

Commanders outclassed and outmatched by Packers

In blog, football, photos by b murf / September 12, 2025 / No Comments

The Washington Commanders traveled to Wisconsin to face the Green Bay Packers in an early-season showdown. So how did Washington fare in such a marquee matchup between two of the league’s most exciting teams?

Welp. It’s probably not your day when the injury cart has more consistent drives than your team’s offense.

Unfortunately for the visitors, defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (right quad) and running back Austin Ekeler (Achilles) each required the cart after suffering potential long-term injuries. Compounding matters, receiver Noah Brown and tight end John Bates both exited the game early with groin injuries. And, most concerning, franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels was clearly hobbling on the field during the fourth quarter after taking a hit to the knee. Safe to say the training room will be a popular destination between now and Week 3.

The coaching staff will be equally busy over the next 10 days, desperately dissecting how things went so severely sideways on both sides of the ball during Thursday Night Football. The Packers cruised to a thorough 27-18 victory that wasn’t as close as the final score suggests. The cheeseheads were the aggressors from the jump, playing faster and more physical while dominating the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense.

Receiver Deebo Samuel had a solid showing in the loss, as did rookie cornerback Trey Amos. But too many of their teammates were overmatched passengers. The offense, as a whole, did not appear ready for prime time — amassing just 230 total yards. That represents the lowest output since Jayden Daniels became the franchise’s starting quarterback. Clearly the Micah Parsons-led defense neutralized whatever game plan offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury planned to implement.

Daniels was pressured on an alarming 25 of 51 dropbacks (49 percent), the most of his career. And it wasn’t as if the Packers were sending exotic blitzes all night long. Commanders rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr. allowed two sacks and nine pressures. Right guard Nick Allegretti wasn’t much better, allowing five pressures. When the entire right side of your offensive line appears overmatched, it’s obviously difficult to dictate play to your opponent.

Packers quarterback Jordan Love connected with his pass catchers seemingly at will. There were way too many missed assignments and blown coverages. Green Bay’s tight ends were so wide open, it’s fair to wonder if the defense knew they were allowed to cover Tucker Kraft (six catches for 124 yards and a touchdown).

No fourth quarter heroics or miracle finishes. Just a slew of wounded athletes and questions for the coaching staff.

08Sep

Defense dominates as Commanders dispatch Giants

In blog, football, photos by b murf / September 8, 2025 / No Comments

More than a few fans were nervous heading into the Washington Commanders’ season opener, thanks to contract drama and injuries that prevented receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown from getting valuable practice reps with the offense. Add in several moving parts along a retooled offensive line, the exile of running back Brian Robinson Jr., and franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels playing just four total snaps during the preseason and it was foolish to believe the offense would be a well-oiled machine during Week 1.

Fortunately, the New York Giants appear ready and willing to stink once again, so none of that mattered too much. The Commanders dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in a convincing 21-6 victory over the Giants in front of a vocal sellout crowd at Northwest Stadium.

The offense wasn’t as sharp as usual, but Daniels connected with one of his favorite red zone targets, veteran tight end Zach Ertz, to open the scoring for Washington. Later in the first half, Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt became the franchise’s first rookie to rush for a touchdown in his debut since Alfred Morris in 2012. The fan favorite known simply as “Bill,” led the team with 10 carries for 82 rushing yards.

During the second half, Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel impressively dove to the pylon on a 19-yard jet sweep to earn his first touchdown in the burgundy and gold. Samuel capped his debut with a team-high 77 receiving yards on seven receptions. While McLaurin and Brown seem to be working back into their normal rhythm within the offense, Samuel appears to have capitalized on the extra reps he received throughout the summer.

Daniels kicked off his sophomore campaign by completing 19-of-30 passes for 233 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. The 24-year-old also had eight carries for 71 yards. Led by seventh-round pick Croskey-Merritt, Washington’s ground game finished the day with 32 carries for 220 yards. On a more efficient day, Washington’s offense could have easily scored 30 points or more, but a few errant passes, drops and untimely penalties kept the game closer than it should have been.

For the visitors, Giants quarterback Russell Wilson had a forgettable debut, completing just 17 of 37 attempts for 168 yards. Facing pressure on nearly 50 percent of his passes, Wilson never looked comfortable or confident behind a shaky New York offensive line.

Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne was an absolute nuisance, with one sack, two batted passes and seven quarterback hits. As a unit, the front seven — led by Payne and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw — flustered the Giants passing game, limited the ground game and registered seven tackles for loss. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong led Washington’s aggressive front with nine pressures.

After finishing last season 30th in rushing yards allowed, Washington’s defense held Giants running backs to 30 yards on 15 carries. How much credit goes to the Commanders versus how much blame should be assigned to New York is up for debate. New York had seven plays from the 3-yard line or closer and could only muster a field goal. The Giants also converted just four of 16 third downs on the day.

The Giants have now lost their last three opening games under head coach Brian Daboll by a combined score of 89-12. Coupled with the toughest schedule in football and a coaching staff and front office on the hottest of seats, this was clearly not the sort of a performance the Giants were hoping for. Washington, meanwhile, will hope to build on the win as they travel to Green Bay for Thursday Night Football.

19Aug

Joe Burrow and the Bengals outlast Commanders

In blog, football, photos by b murf / August 19, 2025 / No Comments

Last season, the Washington Commanders shocked the Cincinnati Bengals 38-33 in a riveting primetime matchup that propelled both franchises in opposite directions. The loss dropped the Bengals to 0-3 for the first time in the Joe Burrow era, while the thrilling fourth-quarter comeback represented an arrival for the NFL’s eventual rookie of the year.

During the second episode of “Quarterback,” the popular Netflix documentary series, Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback called that Week 3 matchup a coming-out party for Washington’s Jayden Daniels. He’s not wrong. The dynamic Daniels was excellent that night and went on to have a historic debut season that is arguably the best rookie season ever.

The two LSU Heisman Trophy winners shared the field again, albeit this time during a preseason friendly in which Cincinnati defeated Washington during Monday Night Football, 31-17. The Bengals earned their first preseason victory since 2022, snapping a streak of seven consecutive exhibition games without a win, while Washington dropped to 0-2 this preseason.

While Burrow played extensively during the first half, leading Cincinnati’s first three drives, Daniels was barely able to break a sweat during his limited playing time. To recap:

Washington’s opening drive started with a 19-yard jet sweep by receiver Deebo Samuel followed by a 40-yard gain off tackle by running back Chris Rodriguez. Rodriguez’s second rushing attempt gained one yard before Daniels finally dropped back to pass the ball. But with no one open, the franchise quarterback improvised, scrambling for a 14-yard touchdown. After the four-play scoring drive, head coach Dan Quinn informed Daniels his night had concluded. After just one minute and 51 seconds, they had seen more than enough, and the 24-year-old’s second preseason was officially in the books.

The other highlight of the night was a 27-yard touchdown run by rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With news that running back Brian Robinson Jr. will likely be playing elsewhere soon, the Commanders’ seventh-round rookie affectionately known as “Bill” is clearly trying to make a name for himself. In Washington’s two preseason games, Croskey-Merritt has amassed 18 times for 70 yards and a touchdown.

Those two scoring drives were encouraging for the burgundy and gold, especially since they were without the services of right guard Sam Cosmi, left guard Brandon Coleman and/or left tackle Laremy Tunsil, as well as receiver Terry McLaurin.

30Jul

Beartooth at Summer of Loud

In blog, concerts, photos by b murf / July 30, 2025 / No Comments

An aggressively stacked lineup headlined by Beartooth, I Prevail, Killswitch Engage and Parkway Drive hit the road on a massive 25-stop North America tour, with support from The Devil Wears Prada, The Amity Affliction, Alpha Wolf and Dark Divine.

These heavyweights of hard rock and masters of metal swung through Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia, for the second-to-last stop on the “Summer of Loud” tour.

Despite the sweltering heat, thousands of enthusiastic metalheads packed the sold-out venue for a marathon of music. Each band in the ridiculously loaded lineup fed off the loud and rowdy crowd, delivering a string of high-energy performances that continually raised the bar to impressive heights.

The first of the four headliners to perform was Beartooth, who have been on a massive trajectory over the last few years. Thanks to an ever-expanding catalog of hits and one of the best live shows in the industry, Beartooth was the band I was most excited for on this day, and they certainly didn’t disappoint.

Let me say this up front: no one expends more energy during a concert than frontman Caleb Shomo. From the moment he first materialized on stage until his final note, the pride of Westerville, Ohio jumped, screamed, bounced, flailed, growled and bellowed like a madman utterly possessed. In fact, Shomo refused to be confined to the stage during his performance, jumping down early in the set so he could be closer to the rabid audience devouring his every beautifully chaotic note. With some steadying hands from security, Caleb was able to prop himself up on the barricade and sing an up close and personal verse with the masses.

While that made for an exciting few seconds for fans closest to the barricade, it was not the most noteworthy moment of their set. Shomo makes time during each performance to spotlight mental health, sharing some of the trials and tribulations he’s been through during his time in the public spotlight. By all accounts, he’s in a good place these days and it carries through to the music. His search for inner peace and happiness is incredibly personal and uplifting, and his willingness to share with others is incredibly noble and important.

While the entire show featured a raw, unfiltered and vulnerable Shomo, “In Between” showcased these aspects at their absolute best. After admonishing one concertgoer mid-song by halting everything to exclaim, “We don’t fight at a Beartooth show!” Shomo launched back into the final track, which featured a beautiful call and response with the crowd. Without the benefit of a microphone, the frontman stood center stage and bellowed out the hook. Thousands of passionate fans replied heartily with a full-throated response. At that precise moment, Caleb had the entire venue in the palm of his hand and it was beautiful.