Kliff Kingsbury Praises Commanders’ Quarterback Room, Excludes Sam Hartman from Family

Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, has expressed his admiration for the team’s quarterback room this season. With a sense of humor, he remarked that he would approve of any of the quarterbacks to "marry my hypothetical daughter," except for one: practice squad quarterback Sam Hartman.

Kingsbury’s Take on Sam Hartman

During a recent press conference, Kingsbury lightheartedly excluded Hartman from his endorsement due to the quarterback’s "too good looking" appearance. Hartman, an undrafted free agent from Notre Dame and Wake Forest, has had a fluctuating career with the Commanders. Despite not yet featuring in an NFL game, he has been waived and re-signed multiple times over the past two seasons.

Hartman’s Journey So Far

• Undrafted free agent: Signed by the Commanders post-college.
• Preseason Play: In the current season, Hartman played in all three preseason games, completing 25 of 46 passes for 207 yards, along with four interceptions.
• Current Status: Positioned behind Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Josh Johnson in the depth chart.

The Strength of the Commanders’ Quarterback Room

Kingsbury credited quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard and assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough for fostering strong team chemistry. He emphasized the importance of camaraderie in developing a solid unit, stating:

“Just phenomenal people above all else, hard workers, professionals and they’re truly a joy to be around every day.”

This strong bond has been key in revitalizing Kingsbury’s coaching career after parting ways with the Arizona Cardinals post-2022 season.

Performance Highlights

As a testament to their efforts, the Commanders ranked fifth in the NFL for scoring per game, averaging 28.5 points, and seventh for total yards, with 369.6 yards per game. Their season ended in the NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles, showcasing the effectiveness of their offensive strategies.

Looking Ahead: Adjustments for Week 3

The team is facing adjustments following a knee injury sustained by starting quarterback Jayden Daniels during their Week 2 matchup. Daniels has been ruled out for their upcoming game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

New Starting Quarterback: Marcus Mariota

• Experience: Former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft.
• Leadership: Kingsbury praised Mariota’s professionalism in practice, stating:

“Anytime he’s asked to play or practice or even on scout team, he’s been phenomenal.”

With Mariota stepping in as the starter, the Commanders will rely on his experience and skill to navigate this crucial game.

Conclusion

The dynamics within the Commanders’ quarterback room reflect not only the team’s strategy but also a community spirit that fosters growth and performance. With Kingsbury at the helm, the expectation remains high as the Commanders look to build upon their early-season successes.

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