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Riggo’s Rag

Commanders are building a physical identity, and everyone is buying in

John Bates is the Commanders’ tone-setter upfront

At 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds, Bates is the kind of tight end who could have played in any era of football. He’s not flashy, and he’s not a highlight-chasing pass catcher — but if you’re building a running game from the ground up, he’s the player you want setting the edge.

Bates has developed into arguably the most underrated blocking tight end in the NFL. There’s a growing case that he belongs in the same conversation with the likes of George Kittle, the premier in-line blocker at the position. His ability to play with leverage, strike with violence, and maintain balance through contact is exceptional.

He doesn’t just occupy def

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