It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Kingsbury gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Kingsbury, IN is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and”
“They were my mother's caretakers up until we moved away to seek life saving treatment.”
“I have worked alongside Always Best Care and they have been amazing. Very quick to help out patients in need and staff is very polite and professional.”
“ABC is a great place to be! Thank you Patti, Stephanie, and Michele for all you do! You all are Awesome & thank you for the honors of being part of the team also acknowledging myself for Employee of the Month of March! You all are appreciated”
“Best Company I’ve ever encountered. I love how flexible and efficient they are. I love the open door policy. Michelle is my favorite schedule she does an amazing job with communication.”
“I give always best care of 5 stars. They are caring and have a sincere heart I love working with this agency..”
“Always Best Care has been exceptional the four years i’ve worked there. The staff and schedulers, especially Michele, are helpful in finding compatibility for your clients, they’re also flexible in scheduling hours. Great company, great staff.”
“it is my pleasure to leave a review for the Coffee need that support the most I would like Stephanie Kramer for supporting me and helping me get through my work schedules and feel comfortable at my place of employment. I am sad to see that she left Scheduling , but she still tries her best to help everyone even with her new position. Her dedication means everything I would like to Tasha as well for communicating with me so much I also cannot forget Patricia and Michelle as well. You ladies help me so much with my client. I greatly appreciate you ladies. I appreciate all of the hard work and dedication that you ladies have with meeting me halfway when it comes to our job it definitely makes everything much easier. Keep up the great work as well as the rest of the staff thank you ladies for everything that you do and congratulations Monique on your new position.”
“I have worked with more home health agencies than I care to remember, both in GA and MI, when I worked in healthcare; and I have to say that Always Best Care is one of the best home health care agencies that I have found since the early 90's !!! I have been a client with Always Best Care since February 2022 and I have been extremely pleased with the help I have received both from my caregivers and the office staff. All the staff work hard and the quality of care is exceptional!!! The few occasions that I didn't like a caregiver because of either poor work ethic or personality, Always Best Care always took care of finding another caregiver to better meet my needs ASAP!! When I first started with Always Best Care I did get a few caregivers that weren't a good fit. But, within a very short period of time my scheduler learned my specific needs and personality and she found caregivers for me that were a wonderful match!! As in every area of healthcare, the high turnover of employees is to be expected!!! But, Always Best Care has always made sure that I have a new caregiver that matches my needs and expectations!! I have and would, highly recommend Always Best Care for your home health daily care!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“We used ABC several years ago for my dad, after he had a stroke. I called a few months ago to set up a care plan for my elderly mom. She had a hip replaced, and lives alone. I knew we would feel better having someone there to help her and visit with her until she could get up and around on her own. ABC works through our scheduling nightmares (mom tends to send people home early, and tell them not to come back)….and they have been SO patient with our ever changing and increasing needs for mom. Their response time and communication are impeccable!!”
“I love working for Always Best Care The staff is very helpful, encouraging wonderful, loving family. Thank you for the opportunity of serving for your company thank you to Michelle, who is always looking out for me and making sure that I have the hours that I need.”
“Always Best Care gives great encouragement and support to their caregivers during any situation or time of need. The care and dedication to their staff is incredible and I throughly enjoy my time working along side them!”
“I love the company I think they really do care about the employee the residents”
“Stephanie Stevens is a great CSD! Thanks for all you do!”
“Always Best care is amazing!”
“Always Best Care is a great company. Not only do they provide the best care for their clients, but they go above and beyond for their staff as well.”
“We have used Always Best Care two different times for our Mother. Both times the care was excellent. I have referred Always Best Care to several people.”
“Hi my name is Linda and I've been working with always best care for 2 years now and it's a great atmosphere I like coming in to work meeting new people. It's a place that's kind friendly and it makes you feel at home it makes you feel that you're working with people that understand you know you're different needs your different hours and if something come up they are there to help you with anything that you need help with it's a great company I'm so glad I signed up with the company I signed up a little bit after the pandemic and I just needed somewhere that I could really consider myself at home or I find a home and I have I'm amazed at how the people are so nice when you talk to them on the phone how nice they are friendly you can tell this saying it with a smile I enjoy working there I tell people ask me where I work at always best care they like what yeah always best care yes it's a nice company sign up with it you won't regret it I'm glad I do it I'm really glad I did”
“Always best care has always been there when I needed them! They make it convenient for me to take care of my father. I most definitely recommend them!”
“I have used quite a few different providers and ABC is by far the best company. From the office staff to the caregivers, they are doing what they love and it shows.”
“Great place to work at very professional and appreciative for their staff”
“Overall a great company to work for! They do a wonderful job recognizing caregivers; from big recognition like a monthly caregiver award and random drawings, to small recognition such as any time you visit the office you are free to grab snacks, beverages, gear and more often than not there is some type of food they have ordered that is available. They really don’t hold back in this area! There has been quite a bit of changes made in office positions within the last year. Response time, outside of the scheduling department, can be improved upon.”
“They really help people when they need it”
“I've had caregivers for about 5 years now. Only having been disappointed and frustrated. Since Always Best Care came into my life, my worries have ended. I never knew if previous caregivers were going to show up, or do what I needed. Everytime they would complete a task, they would sit down and be on their phone. Kari and Jamisha finish a task and right to the next. No problems. My mind has been put at ease. They are very professional yet so so friendly. They ask, what else they can do for me. I also have my ABC emergency call button. Now I have peace of mind if an emergency should arise. My case coordinator Stephanie Stevens. Stays right on top of my case. Thank you so much for making my life easier. I have recommended your company to others that may need assistance in the future.”
“Carole is an excellent caring professional. She has been extremely helpful in advising us and in scheduling care. With respect to the caregivers, we have no complaints. We want to give a special thank you to Rhona for her time and effort in creating a special bond with our mother.”
“They were my mother's caretakers up until we moved away to seek life saving treatment. It was hard for them at times, because sometimes the homecare aides sometimes called off last minute. One time something came up missing, and the owner personally delivered a replacement. They're not perfect but they try their best.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Kingsbury park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Kai Sushi or visit National Public Housing Museum, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Kingsbury, IN, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Kingsbury, IN understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Kingsbury, IN 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
There was a period of time that Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was at the center of the Chicago Bears offseason.Given that Caleb Williams was the focus of the offseason for the Bears, one of the early interv...
There was a period of time that Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was at the center of the Chicago Bears offseason.
Given that Caleb Williams was the focus of the offseason for the Bears, one of the early interviews that the team had in looking for Luke Getsy's replacement was with Kingsbury. The messaging around Kingsbury's interview with the Bears was mixed.
Some were of the belief that the Bears were only meeting with Kingsbury as a way to continue their vetting of Williams. There was also the idea that given Matt Eberflus would be on the hot seat if the Bears' 2024 season got off to a slow start, Eberflus would not have wanted to hire an offensive coordinator in Kingsbury who would have been an internal candidate to replace him as the team's head coach.
Kingsbury is now the offensive coordinator of the Commanders, who are set to face the Bears on Sunday. When asked about his interview with the Bears on Thursday, Kingsbury's response left much for interpretation.
The simplest answer is that Kingsbury is now the offensive coordinator of the Commanders, and he does not want to reflect on an opportunity he did or didn't have. To Kingsbury's credit, he has raised his profile as an offensive coach in the NFL. After Kingsbury's time as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, the thinking was that the NFL had solved his offense. Of course, that could still hold true and Sunday's effort against the Bears' defense will likely play a factor in that.
The possibility also remains that Kingsbury is bummed he couldn't continue his coaching of Williams at the NFL level.
For as much as Shane Waldron took criticism during the opening weeks of the season, it seems that he may have been the better hire for the Bears and Williams. Not discredit Kingsbury and the work he has done with Jayden Daniels but Waldron and the Bears haven't handcuffed their handling of Williams. There's no question it was a slow start for Williams but recent weeks have proven that the rookie quarterback is on the rise.
Kliff Kingsbury / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe trepidation around Northwest Stadium was palpable after rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels injured his rib on the opening drive. He's the glue that holds the Washington Commanders' chances of becoming a playoff contender to...
Kliff Kingsbury / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The trepidation around Northwest Stadium was palpable after rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels injured his rib on the opening drive. He's the glue that holds the Washington Commanders' chances of becoming a playoff contender together. It also left many wondering how the offense would function without the new face of the franchise.
As it turned out, fans shouldn't have worried. The Commanders were ruthlessly efficient even without Daniels. Veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota had some early jitters against the Carolina Panthers but put together an outstanding performance overall. This also became another masterclass of play-calling efficiency from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
The Commanders hired the right guy when Magic Johnson swooped at the 11th hour to prevent Kingsbury from joining the Las Vegas Raiders. Some in the media criticized the appointment just one year removed from his firing as Arizona Cardinals head coach. It's still relatively early days, but this looks like a tremendous piece of business by the new regime.
Kingsbury ran rings around Carolina's defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. He implemented some creative rushing concepts, mixing the power-run game with read options and outside shifts extremely well. The Panthers are under-strength defensively, but it's also worth remembering the Commanders were doing this without Daniels or rookie third-round left tackle Brandon Coleman.
Washington accumulated 421 yards of total offense. They secured 26 first downs. They averaged 6.7 yards per play and mustered an impressive 214 rushing yards. This isn't some fluke, it's down to Kingsbury's composure and ability to adapt no matter the situation.
Daniels was all smiles on the sidelines after the Commanders decided to end his afternoon early. There was no need to put him back out there in this one. They need their star player fresh for the team's upcoming challenges. And make no mistake, they won't be playing a team as bad as the Panthers again in 2024.
The Commanders bounced back in fine style following their competitive defeat at the Baltimore Ravens. They remain atop the NFC East and in the playoff places with the midseason point fast approaching. Perhaps more impressive is the fact they are finding new ways to win. It's a true collective effort and the core fabric of the improved culture in Washington.
Kingsbury's role is an integral one. He's getting a tune out of this offense and speculation is rising about another head coaching chances as a result. Whether it's something that interests the play-caller right now is anyone's guess, but he's relaxed enough to focus on the task at hand and worry about the rest later.
Hopefully, Daniels will be back under center this weekend and the Commanders can extend their remarkable start to the campaign. They're dominating teams that would have made a better fight of things last season. Looking at how things have unfolded up to now, Kingsbury's hire could arguably be Washington's best if the same trend continues.
The Commanders won't be playing the Panthers every week, more's the pity. However, with Kingsbury controlling the offense, they should be a match for almost anybody.
That's a testament to how things have come together much sooner than expected. Long may it continue.
After losing their opening game of the 2024 season, the Washington Commanders have ripped off three straight wins to bring them to 3-1 on the season and have them sitting atop the NFC East standings early on in the season.The defense could...
After losing their opening game of the 2024 season, the Washington Commanders have ripped off three straight wins to bring them to 3-1 on the season and have them sitting atop the NFC East standings early on in the season.
The defense could still use some tinkering, but the Commanders' offense has been on fire over the past few weeks and was exemplified by Washington putting up 42 points on the Arizona Cardinals this past weekend. The exemplary play by Jayden Daniels has been impressive because he has come in as a rookie and taken complete control over what the Commanders and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury want to do.
Speaking of Kingsbury, his returning to his old stomping grounds as an NFL head coach in Arizona was one of the talking points heading into the matchup as to whether or not it would impact the game in any way. It did not, and in fact, Kingsbury likely showed Cardinals fans that they should have given him a bit more time to get things done and corrected on Sunday.
Following the lopsided victory, Commanders' head coach Dan Quinn spoke to the media about how much this game meant to Kliff Kingsbury and the subsequent game ball he received in the locker room following the game.
“I thought Kliff (Kingsbury) was really - Over the last few weeks, I thought the connection, the game planning to go, and so yes he did. I've been in that space before and know there's some emotion that goes with that of playing somewhere where you put so much into it and it doesn't go the way that you want," Quinn said. "So yeah, he definitely got one today and there'll be some others as we get back home, but I wasn't going to leave Arizona without presenting one to him. But he did an excellent job all week, honestly just like staying in it, the game plan, the focus, the effort and no one would've ever known otherwise. The internal side and those emotions that are there, but it was really cool to see that after the game.”
Needless to say, Kingsbury got the job done, and he did so emphatically. Whether or not it was a sticking point with the team his guys came out there and put on a show despite being without explosive running back Austin Ekeler and a large kudos was warranted for him.
The video of Kingsbury receiving the game ball goes to show how much the guys have bought in and love their coach. Kingsbury didn't give a long speech after receiving the game ball but did have a few choice words to keep things rolling.
Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.
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With former Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury in town to face his former team as the new offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, PHNX Cardinals wanted to get a feel for the differences in the offense Kingsbury ran from 2019-2022, and the one that Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon and OC Drew Petzing are running now.So PHNX Card...
With former Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury in town to face his former team as the new offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, PHNX Cardinals wanted to get a feel for the differences in the offense Kingsbury ran from 2019-2022, and the one that Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon and OC Drew Petzing are running now.
So PHNX Cardinals’ Bo Brack asked the question of QB Kyler Murray while I attended Commanders availability at Arizona State University where Washington practiced all week.
Murray didn’t offer much insight and that’s no surprise. Nobody wants to throw anybody under the bus in this age of viral videos. And nobody in the NFL wants to give away state secrets.
The one thing that will keep us all guessing — maybe forever because he probably won’t elaborate — is that wink at the end of Murray’s answer. It was so subtle that many missed it, but not you, Cardinals nation. We’re all ears for your interpretation.
For his part, Kingsbury was nothing but complimentary of his time here. Despite the 2021 collapse after a 7-0 and 10-2 start, despite a roster chock full of deficiencies, and despite the 5-10-1 final season, Kingsbury insisted that he enjoyed his time in Arizona and learned from it.
“That’s why I’ve still got my house here,” he said. “Man, I love it out here. I will always be grateful to Michael [Bidwill] for giving me that opportunity that he did; first fired college coach ever to get that opportunity.
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“I have a great appreciation for the place and the players. Obviously, when you look at the film, Budda Baker is still [all in with] the way he plays the game. Jalen Thompson, Zaven [Collins], all those guys. It’s exciting to get to play a bunch of guys you know and have a bunch of respect for.”
Kingsbury was asked about his time working with Murray and the state of their relationship. He didn’t address the latter part but spoke on the former.
“It’s been fun to watch him,” he said. “The end of last year, I thought you could see the confidence getting back in the knee. He made a bunch of great plays and played really well, and he’s played great this season. They’re a couple plays away from being undefeated.
“You see the speed, the quickness, the competitive nature is there. I basically banked my entire career on what he would be and I still believe in it. It’s cool to see him playing as well as he is.”
Kingsbury said he used the time after he was fired to study NFL offenses and refine his play calling. He also sought advice from Baltimore Ravens OC Todd Monken. In 2023, he spent the year at USC as a senior offensive analyst under coach Lincoln Riley before taking his current post in time to guide rookie QB Jayden Daniels.
“It’s been fun to take the year at USC and just kind of step back and be around Lincoln and be the good cop the entire year and then get back into it,” he said. “It’s been a good perspective change. It’s been a fun group. DQ [Commanders coach Dan Quinn] does a great job with the staff and culture so I’m really enjoying myself.”
To recap, we got nothing from Murray and a loveliest from Kingsbury.
There aren’t a lot of players left from the offense that Kingsbury ran. Without much insight from Murray, with Will Hernandez dousing the line of questioning on Thursday, and with Trey McBride missing practice all week while in the concussion protocol, we turned to offensive lineman Kelvin Beachum and receiver Greg Dortch for their thoughts.
“Completely different philosophies,” Beachum said. “One is on the ball, hurry up and the goal is to get as many plays in as possible to push the tempo. This offense now is a more traditional, pro-style offense.
“We’re trying to establish the line of scrimmage and run the ball,” Dortch added. “A lot of things are under the center, play-action and then it’s pass after that.
“With Kliff it was more kind of spread open, bubble screens, get the ball out quick to your playmakers.”
As previously noted, much of the personnel on the offensive units has changed to suit the philosophy, but both players are certain this offense suits its personell.
“Hell, yeah it suits this personnel,” Dortch said. “We’ve got a great powerful back with James [Conner], we have all the pieces receiver-wise, we’ve got a great O-line and we’ve got a great quarterback. We’ve got everything we need.”
“I think this offense fits what we’re trying to do and what we’re trying to build here,” Beachum added. “What we’re trying to build here is playing complementary football — making sure the offense is taking care of the defense and the defense is taking care of the offense.”
Neither player was willing to opine on which approach is better.
Neither player was willing to opine on the contrast of finesse vs. physicality in these two offenses.
Neither player was willing to opine on the propensity for penalties under Kingsbury (the Cardinals led the league twice and finished top-five in penalties all four of Kingsbury’s seasons).
And nobody was willing to opine on how reliant the Kingsbury offense was on superhuman performances from Murray, instead of a more balanced attack.
Fortunately for you, PHNX Cardinals’ Johnny Venerable and Bo Brack were more than willing to offer their thoughts.
Be the better offense: The coaches and the players downplayed the return of Kingsbury, but you can bet Kyler Murray wants to show his estranged former coach how much he has progressed in Drew Petzing’s system, and you can bet that Kingsbury wants to prove that he is the offensive guru that Michael Bidwill envisioned when the Cardinals hired him in the wake of the Steve Wilkes disaster.
It would help if the Cardinals are able to establish running back James Conner the way they did in the first half in Buffalo, and the way they did all day against the Rams. If Washington has to worry about the run, it will make its porous defense all the more susceptible.
Bring Daniels back to earth: It’s funny how hype works in the NFL. Jayden Daniels had two OK performances in the first two weeks of the season in which he was efficient with Kingsbury’s short passing game but did not throw a TD. One week later, people are asking if he’s a better QB than No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams.
The NFL’s over-analysis machine is absurd, but that doesn’t mean Daniels won’t present problems with his arm — and more so with his legs. Watch film of the Bengals game and you’ll notice that Daniels rolls and runs exclusively to his right. That’s Kingsbury putting Daniels in positions to succeed, but it also may be a limiting factor of the offense.
Should the Cardinals spy him with a player such as Mack Wilson Sr.? Can they sustain pressure up the middle with two more defensive linemen (Justin Jones, Khyiris Tonga) out of the lineup? Limiting Daniels’ ability to hurt the Cardinals with his legs will probably remind everyone that he is still a rookie with lots of development ahead. And if he doesn’t slide on one of those runs the way his OC and his former coach at ASU want him too, well, that could provide another tough lesson.
Turnovers: Washington is the only team in the NFL that has not turned the ball over this season. That’s good because the Commanders have only forced one turnover (only Jacksonville is worse at zero).
The Cardinals are even in the turnover department with three each way, but they should have had a pick-6 against the Lions if the officials hadn’t blown dead that infamous first-half play just before the two-minute warning. In a game that figures to feature a lot of offense, turnovers could play a larger role than usual.
Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. vs. Commanders secondary
It’s unclear if the Commanders will move shut-down-cornerback-by-default Benjamin St-Juste from side to side to defend Harrison, or if they will rotate coverage with players such as Michael Davis and Emmanuel Forbes Jr,. also taking a crack.
Here’s what we do know. The Washington defense has allowed the second most passing yards per game in the NFL (255.7), the seventh highest completion percentage (71.9) and the Commanders are tied for the third fewest sacks in the NFL with four, even though they did a better job of pressuring Bengals QB Joe Burrow last week, giving him an average time of 2.06 seconds to throw per Pro Football Focus.
Those stats are a good indication of why Washington has allowed the third most points per game at 29.3.
Even if Washington opts to take Harrison away with coverage adjustments (we’re not sure they can), that should open opportunities for the rest of the receiving corps, whether it’s tight end Elijah Higgins, or receivers Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch.
The Cardinals passing game needs to feed this week.
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kliff Kingsbury and his “nice college offense” are looking pretty good these days for the Washington Commanders.Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is quite familiar with the highs and lows Kingsbury’s leadership can bring. Kingsbury — now the offensive coordinator in Washington — was Murray&rsq...
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Kliff Kingsbury and his “nice college offense” are looking pretty good these days for the Washington Commanders.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is quite familiar with the highs and lows Kingsbury’s leadership can bring. Kingsbury — now the offensive coordinator in Washington — was Murray’s mentor and head coach with the Cardinals from 2019-22.
The Commanders (2-1) travel to face the Cardinals (1-2) on Sunday for a reunion. Murray isn’t letting the moment get too big.
“To be honest, I’ve done it before,” Murray said. “I’ve competed against him before and many other coaches that I’ve been coached by. It doesn’t really affect me. My goal is to go out and win the game.”
Kingsbury was hired as the Cardinals’ head coach in 2019, largely because the team wanted an offensive mind to guide Murray, who was taken with the No. 1 pick out of Oklahoma. The coach lasted four up-and-down seasons before being fired following a 4-13 record in 2022.
But there were some highlights. The Cardinals had an 11-win season in 2021, making the playoffs before losing to the Rams in the wild-card round. Murray was selected to two Pro Bowls under Kingsbury’s tutelage. The coach’s Air Raid-inspired offense — at least at times — worked very well.
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Kingsbury said it has been fun watching Murray improve from afar.
“At the end of last year, you could see the confidence getting back in his knee,” Kingsbury said. “He made a bunch of big plays and played really well. He’s played great this season. They are a couple plays away from being undefeated. You see the speed, the quickness, the competitive nature is there.
“He’s a guy that I basically banked my entire career on what he would be. I still believe in it. It’s cool to see him playing well.”
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The Murray-Kingsbury partnership eventually fizzled, but there doesn’t appear to be much animosity. Murray is thriving under new head coach Jonathan Gannon and offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Kingsbury is doing well, too, leading a Washington offense that’s thriving under rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Murray declined to say which coaching staff’s offense was superior.
“Two different systems,” Murray said. “One is more reliant on certain things, and the other one is more reliant on other things.
Washington’s longest-tenured player is punter Tress Way, and for years of organizational struggles, he may have been the team’s best player on the field many days over the past decade.
Not the past two games.
The Commanders have not needed Way to punt since Week 1, scoring on all their possessions except for kneel downs. He is handling it just fine, even if selfishly he would like to be able to do his job.
“I am having a lot of fun just out there holding and the leg feels pretty fresh, so it’s been a lot of fun,” Way said. “It’s pretty cool.”
James Conner had one of this worst games as a member of the Cardinals last weekend, running for just 17 yards on nine carries against the Lions. According to recent history, he’s due for a big game.
The last three times Conner has run for 50 yards or less in a game, he has followed that performance with at least 100 yards on the ground.
The Cardinals also hope to get backup running back Trey Benson more involved with the offense. Benson was expected to have a sizable impact this season after being drafted in the third round out of Florida State, but has run for just 31 yards on 16 carries this season.
Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen thanked the offense for the victory at Cincinnati on Monday night, acknowledging he and his unit still have some work to do after allowing Joe Burrow and the Bengals to rack up 436 yards and 33 points.
Washington’s defense ranks 29th in the NFL and 31st against the pass, a combination of an ineffective pass rush and a largely inexperienced secondary. Cornerback Emmanuel Forbes has had his own struggles early in his pro career, but his return from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb means the return of another body against Murray, Harrison and the Cardinals.
The Cardinals will play their first game without defensive lineman Justin Jones, who injured a triceps against the Lions last weekend and will miss the rest of the season.
Jones was one of the team’s key free agent additions during the offseason, signing a three-year deal worth nearly $20 million in guarnteed money.
Arizona’s already without second-year linebacker BJ Ojulari, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in training camp. The Cardinals are also awaiting the debut of rookie defensive lineman Darius Robinson, who is working through a calf injury and must miss one more game after being put on injured reserve.
AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno in Washington contributed to this report.
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