Why should Commanders fans be excited about this season?
That was the final question Bryan Colbert Jr. asked Jonathan Allen following practice Friday.
“You should be excited because, regardless of the score, regardless of the record, you are going to be proud of what you see on that field. I can always guarantee that.”
Allen was rather upbeat despite being disappointed when last season came to a 4-13 close.
“There’s a lot of change going on in this organization for the better. The fans are excited, the players are excited.” Allen mentioned how several players have expressed to him how they loved playing for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt.
“I can see it, the energy they bring day in and day out. They make football, for me personally, fun again. I feel like I am back in high school again, having fun with the guys while also working harder than I ever have before. It’s been incredible.”
When Quinn was hired, it was a surprise because the media had convinced the DMV that the new hire would be Ben Johnson or Mike Macdonald.
“I went into it with an open mind and wanted to see what he was about and how things were going to be run. After listening to his excitement and passion, I knew that I at least wanted to see it. Once I started seeing it, there was no doubt: I wanted to be here.”
Now in his eighth season, has Allen lost any of his drive? “I’m feeling hungrier than I’ve ever been, trying to work harder than I ever have, doing all the little things. I am just excited to be out here.”
How does Allen feel about the Commanders drafting defensive tackle Johnny Newton? “After seeing some of his film, he is definitely a ball player, and I am excited to get to play next to him.”
Daron Payne, former Alabama teammate, joined the Redskins in 2019, and the two have played together since.
“Daron Payne, he just wants to come in and push you, so I always accept that challenge. We always compete with one another; we always push each other to get better.”
What does Allen think about his new defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt? “He’s a guy that I want to play for. I think there’s something to be said when you have a coach who makes players want to play hard for him. He is that coach for me. I’m excited; I love it.”