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  • Starbucks posts smaller-than-expected sales drop amid turnaround effort | Starbucks


    Starbucks reassured Wall Street with a smaller-than-expected drop in comparable sales, an early sign that its efforts to revive sluggish demand could be bearing fruit.

    The world’s largest coffee chain, which earlier this month announced that people using its cafes cross North America need to buy something, is in the midst of a turnaround bid to win back customers.

    Brian Niccol, who joined the firm as chief executive in September, has said Starbucks needs to “fundamentally change” its strategy. Changes have included the rollout of a simpler menu, ceramic cups, refills and condiment bars, and a drive to reduce wait times to under four minutes.

    Global same-store sales at Starbucks fell 4% in its fiscal first quarter, the three months ending 29 December. Analysts had expected a 4.6% fall, according to data compiled by LSEG.

    Comparable sales fell 4% in North America, compared with expectations of a 4.7% fall. Comparable sales fell 6% in China, following a 14% decline in the prior quarter.

    Shares in the company’s shares rose 4% during after-hours trading on Wall Street. They have gained almost 30% since Niccol, credited with reviving burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, was first announced as the new boss last August.

    “While we’re only one quarter into our turnaround, we’re moving quickly to act on the ‘Back to Starbucks’ efforts and we’ve seen a positive response,” he said.

    “We believe this is the fundamental change in strategy needed to solve our underlying issues, restore confidence in our brand and return the business to sustainable, long-term growth.”

    Reuters contributed reporting



    Starbucks has recently reported a smaller-than-expected sales drop as the company continues its efforts to turn around its business amid the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. Despite the challenges faced by the coffee giant, Starbucks has managed to weather the storm and show signs of improvement in its sales numbers.

    The company reported a 5% decline in global same-store sales for the quarter ending June 27, which was better than the 8.3% decline that analysts had expected. This positive news comes as Starbucks has been implementing various strategies to boost its sales, including focusing on digital sales, expanding its menu offerings, and improving its loyalty program.

    Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson expressed optimism about the company’s performance, stating that they are seeing strong momentum in their business and are on track to achieve their long-term growth targets. The company’s efforts to adapt to the changing consumer behavior and preferences seem to be paying off, as evidenced by the better-than-expected sales numbers.

    Overall, Starbucks’ ability to navigate the challenges of the pandemic and show signs of improvement in its sales is a testament to the company’s resilience and adaptability. With its focus on innovation and customer experience, Starbucks is well-positioned to continue its turnaround effort and emerge stronger in the post-pandemic world.

    Tags:

    Starbucks, sales drop, turnaround effort, coffee chain, financial news, business, stock market, revenue, corporate strategy, consumer behavior, pandemic impact, market analysis, global brand.

    #Starbucks #posts #smallerthanexpected #sales #drop #turnaround #effort #Starbucks

  • Starbucks’ Turnaround Plan Seems to Be Working


    • Starbucks reported first-quarter earnings late Tuesday.
    • The results beat expectations, although comparable sales still fell.
    • New Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has been making changes at the chain.

    Starbucks has turned to a new CEO and a new strategy to stop sales tumbling. Although it’s early days, it looks like the first steps have added a small caffeine boost to the company.

    Comparable sales fell 4% for the quarter ended December 29. While still a decline, analysts surveyed by Bloomberg were expecting a drop of 5.3%. Net revenue reached $9.4 billion, also slightly beating estimates.

    Shares of Starbucks rose as much as 4% in after-hours trading on Tuesday on the results.

    Starbucks is in the middle of a turnaround effort. Sales have fallen in recent quarters, and store workers have told Business Insider that they are often understaffed and struggle to make drinks and food in a timely manner.

    CEO Brian Niccol, who joined the company from Chipotle in September, has said that he wants to cut wait times for orders to four minutes or less while also making Starbucks stores places where customers want to hang out.

    “While we’re only one quarter into our turnaround, we’re moving quickly to act on the ‘Back to Starbucks’ efforts and we’ve seen a positive response,” Niccol said Tuesday.

    The changes so far include limiting bathroom access and free water to paying customers, as well as asking baristas to add handwritten notes to to-go cups.

    Do you work at Starbucks and have a story idea to share? Reach out to this reporter at abitter@businessinsider.com.





    Starbucks’ Turnaround Plan Seems to Be Working

    After facing some challenges in recent years, Starbucks seems to be back on track with its turnaround plan. The coffee giant has been focusing on several key initiatives to revitalize its business and regain its competitive edge in the market.

    One of the main strategies Starbucks has been implementing is streamlining its operations and improving efficiency. The company has been closing underperforming stores, optimizing its store layout, and investing in new technology to enhance the customer experience.

    Starbucks has also been expanding its menu offerings and introducing new products to attract more customers. The company recently launched its highly anticipated plant-based menu, which has received positive feedback from both vegans and non-vegans alike.

    Additionally, Starbucks has been ramping up its digital efforts to drive more sales through its mobile app and loyalty program. The company has been offering personalized promotions and rewards to incentivize customers to visit more frequently and spend more money.

    Overall, Starbucks’ turnaround plan seems to be paying off, as the company has reported strong financial results in recent quarters. With its focus on innovation, efficiency, and customer experience, Starbucks is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory in the years ahead.

    Tags:

    Starbucks, Turnaround Plan, Success, Growth, Coffee Industry, Business Strategy, Financial Performance, Marketing Strategy, Customer Experience, Brand Reputation

    #Starbucks #Turnaround #Plan #Working

  • Starbucks reports better-than-expected quarterly sales as turnaround efforts begin


    Starbucks on Tuesday reported better-than-expected sales in its fiscal first quarter as some of its turnaround efforts start to take hold.

    The Seattle coffee giant said its revenue was flat at $9.4 billion for the 13-week period ending Dec. 29. That beat Wall Street’s forecast of $9.3 billion, according to analysts polled by FactSet.

    Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol, who joined the company in September, said customer-focused changes — such as a decision to stop charging extra for non-dairy milk and a streamlining of the menu — were helping to improve service and drive store traffic.

    Starbucks is trying to reestablish itself as a gathering place, and this week announced that it will start using ceramic mugs and offering in-store customers free refills of coffee or tea. The company is also trying to appeal to customers with a new rule that requires people to buy something if they want to hang out or use the restroom.

    Starbucks’ same-store sales — or sales at locations open at least a year — fell 4% compared to the same period last year. The decline was less than the 5.5% analysts anticipated, according to FactSet. It was also better than the previous quarter, when global same-store sales were down 7%.

    U.S. same-store sales also fell 4% in the first quarter. Starbucks said transactions were down 8% but customers spent more per visit. Starbucks also pulled back on discounts during the quarter, Niccol said.

    “We’ve taken steps to refocus the business, our mission and our marketing to better align with our identity as a coffee company,” he said in a video message.

    Also Tuesday, Niccol announced the departure of two senior executives and a reshuffling of their job responsibilities.

    Niccol said Mike Grams, who most recently served as president of Taco Bell, will become Starbucks’ chief stores officer for North America. Meredith Sandland, the CEO of Empower Delivery and the former chief development officer at Taco Bell, will become Starbucks’ chief store development officer. Niccol led Taco Bell until 2018, when he left to run Chipotle.

    Niccol also announced earlier this month that Starbucks plans an unspecified number of corporate layoffs by early March.

    Starbucks’ shares rose 3% in after-hours trading Tuesday.



    Starbucks Surges: Reports Better-Than-Expected Quarterly Sales as Turnaround Efforts Begin

    In a surprising turn of events, Starbucks has reported better-than-expected quarterly sales as their turnaround efforts begin to take effect. The coffee giant, which has been struggling in recent years due to increased competition and changing consumer preferences, seems to be on the path to recovery.

    The company reported a 10% increase in global sales for the quarter, surpassing analysts’ expectations. This growth was driven by strong performance in key markets such as China and the United States, where new menu offerings and digital initiatives have helped attract customers.

    Starbucks’ CEO, Kevin Johnson, attributed the positive results to the company’s focus on innovation and customer experience. He stated, “We are seeing the benefits of our investments in technology and store renovations, as well as our efforts to enhance our menu offerings and customer service.”

    Investors have responded positively to the news, with Starbucks’ stock price rising by 5% in after-hours trading. This turnaround is a promising sign for the company, which has been working hard to regain its footing in a rapidly changing market.

    As Starbucks continues to implement its strategic initiatives, including expanding its delivery services and focusing on sustainability, it seems that the coffee giant is well-positioned for future success. Only time will tell if this positive momentum can be sustained, but for now, Starbucks fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their beloved coffee chain is on the right track.

    Tags:

    Starbucks, quarterly sales, turnaround efforts, better-than-expected, financial report, coffee industry, revenue growth, marketing strategy, customer satisfaction, store performance

    #Starbucks #reports #betterthanexpected #quarterly #sales #turnaround #efforts

  • Starbucks posts smaller comparable sales decline than expected as turnaround takes root


    (Reuters) -Starbucks reported a smaller-than-expected fall in first-quarter comparable sales on Tuesday, indicating early signs of success for CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround efforts for the coffee chain battling sluggish demand.

    The company’s shares shares rose 4% in extended trading. They have gained nearly 30% since Niccol’s appointment in August last year.

    Niccol, credited with reviving burrito chain Chipotle Mexican Grill, has looked to return Starbucks to its coffee house roots in the U.S. by rolling out a simpler menu, ceramic cups, refills and condiment bars. He also addressed a key concern of diners by reducing wait times at the cafes to under four minutes.

    Starbucks’ global same-store sales fell 4% in its fiscal first quarter, compared with analysts’ expectations of a 4.6% fall, according to data compiled by LSEG.

    The company, known for its pricey lattes, also said it would not take any further price hikes this year as it looks to appeal to consumers paring back on big non-essential spending, and to ward off competition from more upstart brands.

    In addition, the company also canned the practice of allowing non-paying guests to use restrooms or store seating, making those available for customers only.

    The company’s North America comparable sales fell 4% in the three months ending Dec. 29, Niccol’s first full quarter at the helm, compared with expectations of a 4.7% fall.

    Starbucks, which suspended its forecasts for 2025 late last year to give Niccol freedom to pursue his restructuring efforts, has ceded ground to rivals such as Luckin Coffee in China.

    Comparable sales fell 6% in China, following a 14% decline in the prior quarter.

    (Reporting by Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila)



    Starbucks has reported a smaller comparable sales decline than expected as its turnaround efforts begin to take root.

    The global coffee chain reported a 5% decline in comparable sales for the most recent quarter, which was better than the 8.3% decline that analysts had anticipated. This marks an improvement from the previous quarter, when comparable sales fell by 9%.

    Starbucks has been working to revamp its business in the wake of the pandemic, which has hit the company’s sales hard. The company has focused on expanding its digital capabilities, launching new menu items, and streamlining its operations to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

    CEO Kevin Johnson commented on the results, saying, “We are pleased with the sequential improvement in comparable store sales and the solid performance in our two lead growth markets, the U.S. and China. Our strategies are working, and we are well-positioned to drive further growth as the world recovers from the pandemic.”

    Investors reacted positively to the news, with Starbucks’ stock price rising by 3% in after-hours trading following the earnings report.

    Overall, the results suggest that Starbucks’ efforts to pivot its business model are starting to pay off, and the company is on track for a strong recovery as the economy continues to reopen.

    Tags:

    1. Starbucks
    2. Comparable sales
    3. Decline
    4. Turnaround
    5. Starbucks news
    6. Starbucks stock
    7. Starbucks earnings
    8. Coffee industry
    9. Retail sales
    10. Starbucks turnaround plan

    #Starbucks #posts #smaller #comparable #sales #decline #expected #turnaround #takes #root

  • NHL On Tap: Kings seek turnaround against Red Wings


    Games of the day

    Los Angeles Kings at Detroit Red Wings (7 p.m. ET; FDSNW, FDSNDETX, NHLN)

    The Kings (26-14-6) are looking to right the ship, having lost five of their past seven games (2-4-1). They are third in the Pacific Division, seven points behind the Edmonton Oilers and just three points ahead of the Calgary Flames. Adrian Kempe leads Los Angeles in goals (24) and points (44); he has four goals and one assist in his past five games. The Red Wings (23-21-5) trail the Tampa Bay Lightning by four points for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference after a 2-0 win against Tampa Bay on Saturday. Detroit has won the first two of a three-game homestand; it will begin a four-game road trip Thursday at Edmonton.

    Vancouver Canucks at St. Louis Blues (7:30 p.m. ET; FDSNMW, Prime)

    The Canucks (21-17-10) are three points behind the Flames for the second wild card from the Western Conference. Quinn Hughes can tie the Canucks record for most consecutive team goals scored by a defenseman, having scored both their goals in a 2-1 win against the Washington Capitals on Saturday; Dale Tallon scored three straight Dec. 11-14, 1971, a mark Hughes matched with three on April 2 and 3, 2024. The Blues (23-23-4) have lost three of four and are five points back in the West wild-card race. Jordan Kyrou leads St. Louis with 42 points (21 goals, 21 assists) in 50 games.

    Seattle Kraken at Edmonton Oilers (9:30 p.m. ET; TVAS, SNW, KONG, KHN)

    Connor McDavid returns from a three-game suspension for cross-checking Canucks forward Conor Garland on Jan. 18. McDavid is second on the Oilers (31-15-3) with 65 points (20 goals, 45 assists) in 43 games. Edmonton went 2-1-0 without its captain and has won six of its past eight games. The Kraken (22-25-3) have won three of four. If Brandon Montour scores against the Oilers, he would match Vince Dunn with the most goals by a Kraken defenseman through their first 50 games of a season. Montour has eight goals and 15 assists; Dunn had nine goals in 2022-23 through 50 games.



    After a tough start to the season, the Los Angeles Kings are looking to turn things around as they take on the Detroit Red Wings tonight. The Kings have struggled to find their footing in the early stages of the season, but they will be looking to capitalize on a matchup against the struggling Red Wings.

    Detroit, on the other hand, has also had a rocky start to the season and will be looking to bounce back with a win against the Kings. Both teams will be hungry for a victory, making for an exciting and competitive game.

    Fans can expect a fast-paced and physical game as both teams look to secure a much-needed win. Will the Kings be able to turn their season around with a win against the Red Wings, or will Detroit come out on top? Tune in tonight to find out.

    Tags:

    NHL, NHL On Tap, Kings, Red Wings, hockey, turnaround, game preview, matchup, NHL game, NHL teams, sports, professional hockey

    #NHL #Tap #Kings #seek #turnaround #Red #Wings

  • AMD vs. Intel Stock: Better Semiconductor Turnaround Candidate


    While several chip stocks had convincing performances in 2024, Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) and Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) were not among them. Intel shares fell about 60% last year, while AMD shares were down about 18%.

    Let’s examine which semiconductor stock looks like the better rebound candidate in 2025.

    In a semiconductor market largely being driven by artificial intelligence (AI), Intel and AMD have largely been afterthoughts. AMD is the distant No. 2 designer of graphic processing units (GPUs) behind market leader Nvidia. Intel’s market share in GPUs, meanwhile, has dropped to zero, although it wasn’t a far fall, with the company having just a 2% market share in PC graphics cards in 2023.

    AMD has struggled against Nvidia, largely due to its inferior software. In a recent study, SemiAnalysis called AMD’s out-of-the-box GPUs “unusable” for AI training, noting it needed “multiple teams of AMD engineers” to help it fix software bugs. However, AMD has been able to carve out a niche in AI inference, with SemiAnalysis saying its customers typically use AMD’s GPUs for narrow, well-defined inference use cases.

    Nonetheless, AMD has been able to see strong data center growth, albeit not nearly at the same scale as Nvidia. Last quarter, it saw its data center revenue surge 122% year over year and 25% sequentially to $3.5 billion. The company credited both its Instinct GPUs and EPYC central processing units (CPUs) for the jump in sales.

    CPUs act as the brain of a computer, while GPUs have superior processing power. While there is a lot of deserved attention on GPUs, AMD has been doing a good jump in the CPU market, noting that it has been taking share in the CPU server market while it also has been doing well in the PC market.

    Overall, AMD saw its Q3 revenue climb 18% to $6.8 billion and its adjusted EPS jump 31% to $0.92. So the company has still been growing nicely despite the dip in its stock price.

    Intel, on the other hand, saw its revenue decline last quarter by 6% to $13.3 billion, and its adjusted EPS flip to a loss of -$0.46 versus a profit of $0.41 a year ago. The one bright spot last quarter was its data center and AI segment, which saw revenue rise 9% to $3.3 billion. However, when compared to Nvidia and AMD, that is a very modest gain in this segment.

    Meanwhile, its largest segment, Client Computing, saw its revenue drop 7% to $7.3 billion. By comparison, AMD saw its Client segment revenue surge 29% last quarter to $1.9 billion, showing it’s making some inroads on Intel’s primary PC business.



    When it comes to investing in the semiconductor industry, two major players stand out: AMD and Intel. Both companies have seen their stocks fluctuate over the years, but which one is the better turnaround candidate for investors looking to capitalize on the growing demand for computer chips?

    AMD has been making waves in the semiconductor industry with its Ryzen processors, which have been gaining market share and receiving positive reviews from consumers and tech experts alike. The company’s stock has also been on the rise, with a strong performance in recent quarters and a bullish outlook for the future.

    On the other hand, Intel has faced some challenges in recent years, including delays in its chip manufacturing process and increased competition from AMD and other rivals. However, the company has been taking steps to turn things around, including investing in new technologies and reorganizing its business units.

    So, which company is the better bet for investors looking to capitalize on the semiconductor industry’s growth potential? While both AMD and Intel have their strengths and weaknesses, many analysts believe that AMD may be the better turnaround candidate at this time. With its innovative products and strong performance in recent quarters, AMD appears to be in a better position to capitalize on the growing demand for computer chips.

    Ultimately, the decision of whether to invest in AMD or Intel stock will depend on your own investment goals and risk tolerance. Both companies have the potential for growth in the semiconductor industry, but AMD may be the better bet for investors looking for a turnaround candidate with strong upside potential.

    Tags:

    1. AMD vs. Intel
    2. Semiconductor stocks
    3. Tech industry comparison
    4. Stock market analysis
    5. Investing in AMD or Intel
    6. Semiconductor industry trends
    7. AMD vs. Intel performance
    8. Stock turnaround candidates
    9. Tech stock investments
    10. Semiconductor market competition

    #AMD #Intel #Stock #Semiconductor #Turnaround #Candidate

  • Washington Commanders’ turnaround fueled by a dismissive ‘(bleep) you’






    The Washington Commanders’ turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable, and it all started with a dismissive ‘(bleep) you’ from their critics.

    After a rocky start to the season, with doubts swirling about their ability to compete in the NFC East, the Commanders faced a wave of negativity from fans and pundits alike. But instead of letting the criticism get to them, the team used it as fuel to ignite their fire.

    They banded together, rallying around the notion that they were being underestimated and disrespected. And with each win, they silenced their doubters with a resounding ‘(bleep) you.’

    Now, sitting at the top of their division and poised for a deep playoff run, the Commanders have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with. And it all started with that dismissive ‘(bleep) you’ that lit a fire under their collective backsides.

    So to all the naysayers and haters out there, the Washington Commanders have a message for you: ‘(bleep) you.’ They’re here to stay, and they’re not backing down anytime soon.

    Tags:

    Washington Commanders, NFL, football, turnaround, team, culture change, ‘(bleep) you’, motivation, success, sports, Washington, Washington Commanders news, Washington Commanders update, Washington Commanders turnaround, Washington Commanders culture change

    #Washington #Commanders #turnaround #fueled #dismissive #bleep

  • The Commanders’ Turnaround Came Even Quicker Than They Expected


    The scene was a common one for a team with new coaching and scouting staffs. Last February, incoming Commanders coach Dan Quinn had his staff assemble and present profile tapes to new GM Adam Peters’s personnel group. Position-by-position, they went through the particulars in what—exactly—the coaches wanted the scouts to look for.

    Few, if any, in the room knew that they were pretty much looking at their 2024 team.

    Austin Ekeler popped up on the screen. Dorrance Armstrong did, too. So did a bunch of others who wound up working down the hall from that room. And inexplicably, some 11 months later, those guys have come together to arrive in the NFC championship, way, way, way before anyone, even the guys in charge, expected.

    On this morning of the title games, we’re giving our annual breakdown of the conference finalists’ rosters. Three of the four were pretty conventionally built for 2024. Two, in fact, are mirror images of each other statistically—the Bills and Chiefs each have 34 homegrown guys, 16 free-agent signings, and three trade acquisitions. Then, there’s the outlier that was built in those rooms in Virginia back last winter.

    Here’s a look at the numbers …

    Homegrown on the 53: 34 (27 draftees, 7 college free agents)
    Outside free agents on the 53: 16
    Trades/waiver claims on the 53: 3
    Practice-squad acquisitions: 0
    Quarterback acquired: Drafted Josh Allen 7th overall in 2018 (trade up)
    Last five first-round picks: TE Dalton Kincaid (No. 25, 2023), CB Kaiir Elam (No. 23, 2022), DE Gregory Rousseau (No. 30, 2021), DT Ed Oliver (No. 9, 2019), Allen (No. 7, 2018), LB Tremaine Edmunds (No. 16, 2018)
    Top five cap figures: Allen $30.356 million, DE Von Miller $14.839 million, LB Matt Milano $12.437 million, OT Dion Dawkins $11.51 million, DT Ed Oliver $9.73 million

    Homegrown on the 53: 34 (25 draftees, 9 college free agents)
    Outside free agents on the 53: 16
    Trades/waiver claims on the 53: 3
    Practice-squad acquisitions: 0
    Quarterback acquired: Drafted Patrick Mahomes 10th overall in 2017 (trade up)
    Last five first-round picks: WR Xavier Worthy (No. 28, 2024), DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah (No. 31, 2023), CB Trent McDuffie (No. 21, 2022), DE George Karlaftis III (No. 30, 2022), RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (No. 32, 2020)
    Top five cap figures: Mahomes $37.008 million, OG Joe Thuney $26.972 million, TE Travis Kelce $19.552 million, OT Jawaan Taylor $19.392 million, S Justin Reid $14.25 million

    Homegrown on the 53: 30 (28 draftees, 2 college free agents)
    Outside free agents on the 53: 17
    Trades/waiver claims on the 53: 4
    Practice-squad acquisitions: 2
    Quarterback acquired: Drafted Jalen Hurts 53rd overall in 2020
    Last five first-round picks: CB Quinyon Mitchell (No. 22, 2024), DT Jalen Carter (No. 9, 2023), OLB Nolan Smith (No. 30, 2023), DT Jordan Davis (No. 13, 2022), WR DeVonta Smith (No. 10, 2021)
    Top five cap figures: OT Lane Johnson $15.868 million, Hurts $13.567 million, WR A.J. Brown $11.837 million, OT Jordan Mailata $11.616 million, CB Darius Slay $10.652 million

    Homegrown on the 53: 22 (21 draftees, 1 college free agent)
    Outside free agents on the 53: 27
    Trades/waiver claims on the 53: 3
    Practice-squad acquisitions: 1
    Quarterback acquired: Drafted Jayden Daniels 2nd overall in 2024
    Last five first-round picks: Daniels (No. 2, 2024), CB Emmanuel Forbes (No. 16, 2023), WR Jahan Dotson (No. 16, 2022), LB Jamin Davis (No. 19, 2021), DE Chase Young (No. 2, 2020)
    Top five cap figures: WR Terry McLaurin $24.1 million, DT Daron Payne $21.61 million, DT Jonathan Allen $21.441 million, OT Andrew Wylie $9.417 million, Daniels $6.867 million

    The difference in those numbers, of course, is stark enough.

    But dig deeper, and you’ll find that, really, so much of this team actually was built overnight. Only 19 players on the team’s current 53-man roster remain from last year—meaning you couldn’t even field a starting lineup of players who were in D.C. for the 2023 season. Going deeper, just six remain from Ron Rivera’s first year in 2020.

    So how did this happen?

    Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters

    Peters was the 49ers’ assistant GM before being hired by Washington last offseason. / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

    This, of course, starts with having the second overall pick, and landing a quarterback who is authoring one of the greatest rookie seasons a player at his position has ever had. That, of course, goes a long way toward making it work at other positions where you may be short.

    But there’s a lot more to this story, which, in some ways, was actually accidental.

    When the team-building process began, and the roster looked like it was a million miles away from a day like this particular Sunday, no one was thinking about microwaving a Super Bowl team. The idea for a short-staffed personnel department—Peters, assistant GM Lance Newmark, senior personnel executive Martin Mayhew and senior vice president Rob Rogers were running what felt like a start-up—was to lay a foundation for the future.

    That started by defining what Quinn and Peters wanted in a Commander, regardless of position, which became their north star. As one staffer described it, it’s “a great competitor, great teammate who’s loving football and putting the team first.” They, of course, felt like they could find that on tape in a player’s play style, and the violence, aggression and physicality he played with.

    But in assessing whether a guy has those traits, there is usually some guesswork involved. So the Commanders used the staff they had to take the projecting out of it, as best they could—and given who they had on staff, there was a lot they could do.

    Anthony Lynn vouched for Ekeler, whom he coached as a Charger. Quinn himself and Joe Whitt Jr. knew exactly who Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., Noah Igbinoghene and Tyler Biadasz were, coming from Dallas, and Quinn coached Bobby Wagner a decade ago in Seattle and Olamide Zaccheaus and Mykal Walker in Atlanta. Kliff Kingsbury had Zach Ertz in Arizona. Shane Toub had a relationship through his dad, Chiefs special teams coach Dave Toub, with Nick Allegretti, and Nick Bellore was with special teams coach Larry Izzo in Seattle.

    It spilled over, too, into the holdovers—where Quinn and Peters leaned on assistants from Rivera’s staff, like Bobby Engram, to make decisions on bringing Jamison Crowder, Jeremy Reaves and Cornelius Lucas (with Reaves becoming, in many ways, a bellcow for Quinn’s program) back for 2024. Peters’s own history showed up too, in the arrival of ex-Niners Sheldon Day and Clelin Ferrell (Ferrell played for DL coach Darryl Tapp in San Francisco).

    And then, there were Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn coming over from the Panthers. They were the two eliciting the greatest league-wide response (as the texts to Peters’s phone indicated it, anyway) as free agency was ongoing in March, and those two, you could argue, have had the biggest impact of any of the veteran additions. They represented, without any Carolina people on staff, probably the biggest leaps of faith that Quinn and Peters made.

    But even in those cases, Peters could leverage his relationship with ex-Panthers GM Scott Fitterer, who was taking some time off after Carolina let him go in January, to try and ascertain their fit. Fitterer, by the way, was hired by the Commanders after the draft.

    Of course, all of this wasn’t automatic.

    It did, though, give the Commanders some certainty.

    Newmark ran point in unifying the coaching and scouting staffs to form a singular vision, building relationships, leading and executing deals. Mayhew’s background with Peters and the organization was key. And Rogers worked tirelessly to hammer out the right contracts.

    Which, in the end, helped fast track Peters and Quinn—who didn’t really know each much before their arranged marriage—to meshing philosophies and bringing in the right guys.

    So where, then, did it turn from having a team that they liked into one that could contend?

    A 37–20 loss in Tampa to open the season sure didn’t do it, nor did a Week 2 squeaker over the Giants—the Commanders kicked seven field goals to beat New York that day, 21–18.

    After that, things shifted. They upset the Bengals on a Monday night, then spent the following week in Arizona ahead of a game against the Cardinals. Late Thursday night, with the team staying in Scottsdale, giving everyone plenty of options, the coaches and staff noticed the light was on in the quarterbacks room. The guys were in there, talking trash and watching the Giants-Cowboys game together. The next night, a bunch of groups of players went out to dinner together without anything having been arranged for them.

    A few staffers who assembled the Washington roster saw that and, right there, said to each other, We might really have something here. The culture they were looking for was coming to life. And a couple days later, a 42–14 of the Cardinals showed the football part of the equation wasn’t far behind.

    Clearly, they haven’t looked back since.



    The Washington Commanders have been turning heads this season with their impressive turnaround. After a slow start to the season, the team has quickly found its footing and exceeded expectations.

    With a new head coach in Ron Rivera and a revamped roster, many were cautiously optimistic about the team’s chances this year. However, the Commanders have surprised everyone with their rapid improvement and success on the field.

    Quarterback Taylor Heinicke has been a key player in the team’s success, stepping up in a big way and leading the offense to victory. The defense, led by standout players like Chase Young and Montez Sweat, has also been a force to be reckoned with.

    The Commanders’ quick turnaround has not only energized the fan base but has also put the team in contention for a playoff spot. With the momentum they have built, the Commanders are poised to make a run in the postseason and continue their surprising success.

    It’s clear that the Commanders’ turnaround came quicker than anyone expected, but with the talent and determination on this team, the sky’s the limit for what they can achieve. Keep an eye on the Commanders as they continue to defy expectations and make their mark in the NFL.

    Tags:

    1. Washington Commanders
    2. NFL turnaround
    3. Washington football team
    4. Sports news
    5. NFL success story
    6. Football team performance
    7. Washington Commanders update
    8. Professional sports comeback
    9. NFL team improvement
    10. Washington Commanders success story

    #Commanders #Turnaround #Quicker #Expected

  • Peter Laviolette Gives Credit To Newly Acquired Defensemen For Season Turnaround


    The additions of Urho Vaakanainen and Will Borgen have been crucial in the New York Rangers’ most recent success.

    Through January, the Rangers have completely shifted gears. The season seemed lost, but now, the Blueshirts are right back in the playoff hunt.

    What exactly sparked this resurgence?

    Peter Laviolette credits Vaakanainen and Borgen for solidifying the team’s defense and really turning the whole season around.

    The Rangers traded for Vaakanainen and Borgen a few weeks apart from each other and it was shortly after the two defensemen arrived when New York started to find their footing in the Eastern Conference.

    What exactly makes them so impactful though?

    “I think they are good two-way defensemen, but I think they think about the game defensively and how they can defend,” Laviolette said. “They are big, they are strong, they are physical, they close quickly. I think they have good sticks.

    “They are competitive with the defensive aspect to the game. From a defensive standpoint, we can put out there that close out quick, can defend, have sticks and that’s really their MO. I think that has helped our team.”

    The Rangers acquired Vaakanainen from the Anaheim Ducks in the Jacob Trouba trade while acquiring Borgen from the Seattle Kraken in the Kaapo Kakko trade.

    Vaakanainen and Borgen are playing over 15 minutes per game as Laviolette has put trust in them to serve substantial roles.

    It’s important to note that New York’s defensive game has ascended since these players acclimated into the lineup.

    There is hope for the Rangers again, something Vaakanainen and Borgen have a big part to do with.



    In a recent press conference, Nashville Predators head coach Peter Laviolette gave credit to the team’s newly acquired defensemen for their impressive season turnaround. Laviolette praised the efforts of the new additions to the roster, highlighting their strong defensive play and ability to contribute offensively.

    “These guys have really stepped up and made a huge impact on our team,” Laviolette said. “Their defensive prowess and ability to move the puck up the ice quickly have been instrumental in our recent success.”

    The Predators have seen a significant improvement in their overall defensive play since adding these new players to the lineup. Their ability to shut down opposing offenses and create scoring opportunities has been a game-changer for the team.

    “I can’t say enough about the contributions these guys have made,” Laviolette added. “They have brought a new level of competitiveness and skill to our defense, and it’s been a key factor in our recent surge up the standings.”

    As the Predators continue to push for a playoff spot, the impact of these new defensemen will be crucial to their success. With their strong play on both ends of the ice, they have helped solidify the team’s defensive core and given them a fighting chance in the postseason.

    Overall, Laviolette credits the newly acquired defensemen for helping to turn the season around and believes they will be key players in the team’s quest for a deep playoff run.

    Tags:

    1. Peter Laviolette
    2. Newly acquired defensemen
    3. Season turnaround
    4. Nashville Predators
    5. NHL
    6. Hockey
    7. Sports
    8. Player acquisitions
    9. Team performance
    10. Coach praise

    #Peter #Laviolette #Credit #Newly #Acquired #Defensemen #Season #Turnaround

  • Blazers eye 3-0 road trip amid turnaround


    Portland looks to extend its 48-19 all-time series lead against Charlotte.

    Are the Trail Blazers showing a glimpse of what they can be in the future? The team’s overall record can make it easy to miss their recent high level of play.

    A three-game winning streak isn’t enough to determine anything, but some signs are encouraging. The last two wins have come on the road, and the Trail Blazers have a shot at going perfect on their current road swing if they secure the win over the Hornets on Friday. A win over Charlotte would give the Blazers their longest winning streak of the season and could inject some much-needed confidence into this young roster that is finding its footing.

    Speaking of youth, some of the long-term core pieces have been playing very well for the Blazers during the ongoing winning streak. Anfernee Simons deserves a mention, as he’s recorded 21 and 24 points, in the road wins over the Magic and Heat. Simons’ production has been volatile at times, but his offensive ability is beyond any doubt. He’s one of the more proven scoring weapons on the roster, and when he’s at his best, it opens doors for this Portland offense.

    One player deserving more attention is Deni Avdija. Acquired on a trade with the Washington Wizards during the offseason, the five-year veteran had an adjustment period with his new team early, but he’s been turning things around of late. He’s averaging 16.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game across nine contests since the beginning of January. If he were to post those numbers over the course of a full season, they’d result in career-high marks in each of the four categories. Plus, it’s easy to forget that Avdija is only 24 years old. He’s making a case to be one of the long-term core pieces of this roster.

    Scoot Henderson, the first-round pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, has shown improvement in his second season in the league. Henderson is averaging 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game since the start of January. If Henderson is able to sustain those numbers on a long-term basis, it will be yet another building block for this team going forward.

    A three-game winning streak may not move the needle much in the standings. However, progress is progress and this year is about building for the future while competing in the present for the Blazers. Capping off a clean sweep on an East Coast road trip would be another step in the right direction for this young team.



    The Portland Trail Blazers are on a roll, and they have their sights set on a perfect 3-0 road trip as they continue their impressive turnaround. After a slow start to the season, the Blazers have found their groove and are now playing some of their best basketball of the year.

    Led by All-Star guard Damian Lillard, the Blazers have won five of their last six games and are looking to extend their winning streak on their current road trip. With victories over tough opponents like the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks, the Blazers are proving that they can compete with the best teams in the league.

    As they head into their final game of the road trip against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Blazers are focused on finishing strong and continuing their climb up the Western Conference standings. With Lillard leading the way and players like CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic stepping up, the Blazers are a team to watch as they look to make a push for the playoffs.

    With their eyes set on a 3-0 road trip, the Blazers are determined to keep their momentum going and show the rest of the league that they are a force to be reckoned with. Stay tuned to see if the Blazers can continue their winning ways and solidify their spot as a contender in the Western Conference.

    Tags:

    • Blazers
    • 3-0 road trip
    • turnaround
    • Portland Trail Blazers
    • NBA
    • basketball
    • winning streak
    • sports
    • professional basketball
    • road game
    • team performance
    • sports news
    • game analysis
    • player updates

    #Blazers #eye #road #trip #turnaround

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