Sam Fortier

Washington, D.C.

Reporter covering the Washington Commanders

Education: Syracuse University, B.S. in magazine journalism

Sam Fortier is a beat writer for The Post covering Washington's NFL team. He previously covered the Washington Nationals' World Series-winning season, and before joining The Post in April 2019, he covered the Los Angeles Chargers for the Athletic. Fortier was born and raised in Strafford, N.H.
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Latest from Sam Fortier

18 things we learned from the Commanders’ skid-snapping blowout of the Titans

Washington enters its bye on a high after ending a three-game losing streak.

December 2, 2024
Commanders tight end Zach Ertz celebrates his touchdown catch Sunday against the Titans. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)

The next big test for Jayden Daniels: Cold weather

Until this year, Jayden Daniels exclusively lived in the Sun Belt, and in college and the NFL, he’s almost always played in relatively ideal conditions.

November 30, 2024
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) leaves the field after an 18-15 home win over the Chicago Bears in late October. (Nick Wass/AP)

One key to fixing the Commanders’ offense? Run the ball better.

The Commanders need to sustain drives to unlock their up-tempo scheme. That requires a more productive running game.

November 28, 2024
The Commanders will probably be without running back Austin Ekeler against the Titans on Sunday. He suffered a concussion during last Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys. (John McDonnell for The Washington Post)

7 things that have gone wrong for the Commanders since their hot start

From quarterback Jayden Daniels to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to kicker Austin Seibert to the supporting cast, Washington’s play has slipped.

November 25, 2024

The flagging Commanders offense gives Kliff Kingsbury a familiar problem

Kliff Kingsbury’s offenses have dropped off before, but this Washington Commanders swoon seems different.

November 21, 2024
Kliff Kingsbury's offense has slowed down midway through the season. (Tommy Gilligan/Imagn Images)

Bill to give D.C. control over RFK site passes key milestone in Senate

The full Senate now stands in the middle of the Washington Commanders’ stadium search, which has become a regional competition between D.C. and Maryland.

November 19, 2024
RFK Stadium looms in the distance as a cyclist passes by in the Kingman Park neighborhood of D.C. in September 2023. (Craig Hudson for The Washington Post)

Jayden Daniels says he’s fine. His performances tell a different story.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels hasn’t looked like himself, and there are no easy answers.

November 15, 2024
Zack Baun (53) and Reed Blankenship disrupted a fourth-down Jayden Daniels run that went nowhere. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

The Steelers slowed down Jayden Daniels. Can the Eagles?

Jayden Daniels ran just three times for five yards in the Commanders’ loss to the Steelers, and the rookie QB’s legs hadn’t been neutralized like that in years.

November 13, 2024
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels ran the ball just three times against the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Daniel Kucin Jr./AP)

13 things we learned from the Commanders’ loss to the Steelers

The ‘brotherhood’ is real, Marshon Lattimore needs to heal up, offensive line depth is a problem and more things we learned about the Commanders on Sunday.

November 11, 2024
Johnny Newton (95) helped Jeremy Chinn celebrate his interception; later, teammates comforted Newton after a penalty. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Marshon Lattimore changes the Commanders’ entire defense

The cornerback, acquired Tuesday at the trade deadline, could solve a math problem for Washington, which can now play more aggressively.

November 6, 2024