Tom Schad
@tomschad.bsky.social
790 followers 360 following 320 posts
Washington Commanders beat writer for The Washington Post. Email: [email protected] | Signal: @tschad.12
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tomschad.bsky.social
Lots of super interesting stuff in here from Bluesky-less Adam Kilgore, on David Mulugheta. Worth your time.
postsports.bsky.social
When David Mulugheta first started working as a sports agent, he was “just hoping I could do enough to where my parents would think I had a real job.” Now, Forbes has named him the most powerful agent in the NFL.
The billion-dollar agent behind the NFL’s biggest stars
Nobody is winning more than David Mulugheta, who built an empire on loyalty and became Jerry Jones’s unlikely rival.
www.washingtonpost.com
tomschad.bsky.social
Terrific work here on parlays, replete with data on just how lucrative they are for sportsbooks.

Craziest stat to me: In Maryland, parlays have made up 36% of sports bet spend this year -- and 67% of sportsbooks' revenue.
emilygiam.bsky.social
How America’s favorite sports bet is fueling sportsbook profits

Parlays are becoming more popular, accounting for an increasing share of the money wagered on sports, according to a Post analysis of betting data. Bettors lose billions a year on these bets.

www.washingtonpost.com/sports/inter...
Americans can’t stop betting parlays. Sportbooks are cashing in.
As betting booms, parlays are accounting for an increasing share of the money wagered on sports, according to a Washington Post analysis of state data.
www.washingtonpost.com
Reposted by Tom Schad
tashanreed.bsky.social
As much as Jayden Daniels and Caleb Williams will be compared, what's just as important is how their respective franchises build around them.

With the #Commanders set to host the Bears on MNF, I broke down how each team has fared in that process 🔗⤵️ www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
Caleb vs. Jayden? It’s deeper than that for the Bears and Commanders.
Chicago and Washington might have their franchise quarterbacks, but there are various ways to build around them.
www.washingtonpost.com
tomschad.bsky.social
The WR injury report from today's practice:

- Terry McLaurin was out there, but not in pads and working off to the side.

- Noah Brown was in pads and going through drills.

- Did not see Deebo Samuel Sr. (FWIW: He was a DNP for two days last week with a heel injury, then returned and played.)
tomschad.bsky.social
It's (finally) starting to feel like fall here in Ashburn.
tomschad.bsky.social
Jayden Daniels not all that interested in reliving the Hail Maryland from last year's matchup vs. Chicago.

"That Hail Mary ain't going to help us win the game on Monday, so what's the point?" he said.
tomschad.bsky.social
Dan Quinn says Noah Brown will be at practice today. Terry McLaurin will not. Team will monitor both players as the week goes on.
tomschad.bsky.social
sorry we weren't able to get to this question in the mailbag. Not sure which specific play(s) you're referring to, but my answer would probably be the same: It depends. At times, could be a mixed bag.
tomschad.bsky.social
sorry we weren't able to get to this question in the mailbag. Honestly, I think it's hard to evaluate an individual coach's performance in a fair, substantive way. Even tougher with injury issues. But certainly think some of the fan criticism of Whitt has been hyperbolic
tomschad.bsky.social
Sincere thanks to everyone who sent questions for our first mailbag.

If y'all have #Commanders questions in non-mailbag weeks -- or story ideas, feedback, tips, etc. -- please don't ever hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].
tomschad.bsky.social
@tashanreed.bsky.social and I are rolling out a #Commanders mailbag this week.

What's your most pressing question about this team? What are y'all curious about?

No question is too granular. Bonus points for creativity.
Reposted by Tom Schad
tashanreed.bsky.social
Three #Commanders leaders — first Bobby Wagner, then Dan Quinn, then Jayden Daniels — had emotional outbursts Sunday.

"That's something we need," Laremy Tunsil said.

How the team held itself to a higher standard in comeback win over Chargers 🔗⤵️ www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2025/...
The Commanders get mad, get even and get going in the right direction
All those angry outbursts Sunday? That’s Washington’s way of showing some urgency this season.
www.washingtonpost.com
tomschad.bsky.social
If these snap counts are correct, #Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt racked up 150 yards and 16 touches on just 28 snaps.

That's about 9.4 yards per touch, which is crazy. And 5.4 yards *per snap* -- which might be even crazier.
tomschad.bsky.social
The stats before/after that 2Q fumble are wild.

For the #Chargers...
Before: 26 plays, 167 yds (6.4 yds per play)
After: 38 plays, 169 yds (4.4 ypp)

For the #Commanders...
Before: 8 plays, 30 yds (3.8 ypp)
After: 47 plays, 359 yds (7.6 ypp)
tomschad.bsky.social
You saw a few instances of the #Commanders D hunting for turnovers and pressing vs. Atlanta. Joe Whitt Jr. said guys were trying to put on capes.

Martin's forced fumble had the opposite effect.

"When we’re getting turnovers, it’s like (exhales). We’re good," Frankie Luvu said.
tomschad.bsky.social
The #Commanders defense has drawn a lot of criticism. Sometimes guys try to use that as motivation. Not Jeremy Reaves.

"Football, it’s all ebbs and flows, right?" he said. "It’s not a game of perfect. It’s a game of effort. You can’t pay attention to that outside stuff."
tomschad.bsky.social
Asked #Commanders safety Quan Martin if he was going for the ball on that forced fumble in the second quarter. Not really, he said.

"I'm just like ‘hit him as hard as I can,'" he said. "Violence solves everything."
tomschad.bsky.social
Final: #Commanders 27, Chargers 10

The defense doubles its takeaway total from the first 4 games. Jayden Daniels returns and wins in his home state. And Bill runs roughshod, on just 14 carries.
tomschad.bsky.social
Jayden Daniels was fuming at the end of that drive. Almost had back-to-back delay of game penalties. Commanders settle for a 36-yard FG from Matt Gay.

Commanders 20, Chargers 10 with 5:49 left in 3Q
tomschad.bsky.social
FOX reported that Dan Quinn was screaming at halftime, telling his players to keep up the urgency. He'll likely be thrilled with that drive.

7 plays, 69 yards -- capped by another Bill touchdown run.

Commanders 17, Chargers 10 with 10:58 left in 3Q
tomschad.bsky.social
Halftime thoughts...

1) That deep ball to McCaffrey is what WAS has been missing so far this season. Need defenses to respect it. Chargers will have to do so now.

2) A well-time turnover can cover up a lot of legit defensive issues.

3) ST penalties = game-changers.