Austin Ekeler and other free agent signings answer questions
Former Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler’s signing with the Washington Commanders was officially announced by the team this morning, and that means it’s time for him to answer some questions from the local media. Ekeler said that the Commanders were the team that was most interested in signing him. He said the energy in Washington is really high, and that he, and some of the other veteran signings, would work to maintain a standard. He was asked about being part of a franchise turnaround, and he said he’s seen it, and been a part of it with his former head coach Anthony Lynn who is now Washington’s run game coordinator/running backs coach. Ekeler is ready to score touchdowns, and also work with the younger players on the roster.
Austin Ekeler
LIVE: RB Austin Ekeler meets the media https://t.co/Kugu8AYH3c
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) March 18, 2024
Signing with Washington:
Austin Ekeler said part of why he decided to sign with the Commanders was because they showed the most interest. Simple enough.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 18, 2024
Energy in Washington:
Austin Ekeler addressing the media now. He said the energy in Washington is “really high.” He, along with veterans Bobby Wagner and Zach Ertz, can help the roster maintain that standard
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) March 18, 2024
Turning around the franchise:
Austin Ekeler: “I’ve seen it done before with actually coach [Anthony] Lynn as my head coach. … We saw it last year too with the Texans, how they went through their [down] season and had a bounce-back season. … It doesn’t have to take long. I think we can get something going…
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 18, 2024
Leadership:
Ekeler on what he can add to the roster: A lot. Wants to use his skill set to help the offense and push younger player on the roster as leader
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) March 18, 2024
Down year last season:
Austin Ekeler said the Chargers had “a different philosophy” last season, contributing to his down year. Also had a string of injuries. “Just trying to battle through, not trying to make excuses … it was unfortunately not as good of a year as I’ve had in the past.”
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 18, 2024
Austin Ekeler said part of his issues last season stemmed from ankle injuries as well as a different offensive philosophy. Said Chargers wanted more downfield throws + downhill runs. Said that didn’t fit his play style.
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 18, 2024
Brian Robinson Jr.:
Austin Ekeler said the Commanders’ pitch was to come in and be part of the two-back backfield with Brian Robinson. “That was the opportunity and environment I wanted to be in.”
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 18, 2024
Anthony Lynn:
Austin Ekeler: “Just the philosophies of Coach Lynn as well as far as a running backs coach, this man is an absolute guru. So just being back in a room with him I know will definitely keep me focused, keep me locked in and give me the best opportunity to push myself as a player.”
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) March 18, 2024
Scoring TDs:
Really liked this line from Austin Ekeler: “I’ll score some TDs for you, that’s for sure.” Ekeler first player in NFL history with 30+ rush TDs and 30 rec TDs in just first 7 seasons.
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) March 18, 2024
Austin Ekeler on what he adds here: “A lot. I’m going to score some touchdowns for you, that’s for sure. …I’m going to bring some energy. You’re going to hear me at practice, you can hear me in the locker room… You’re going to find me in the weight room pushing people…”
— John Keim (@john_keim) March 18, 2024
Michael Davis
Signing with Dan Quinn’s team:
New Commanders CB Michael Davis is addressing the media. Said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play for Washington. Seeing the way Quinn’s defense has performed, he feels like he’s a perfect fit for the scheme
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) March 18, 2024
Sharing knowledge with younger players:
Davis feels like he can add his knowledge and experience to Washington’s young roster. He’s played against the best and beaten the best, so he said he has a lot to offer
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) March 18, 2024
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