Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was himself, taking responsibility for the slow start Sunday.
Rather than talk of how the offense had only scored 3 points, Allen told of how the defense made things hard for the team, getting off to a slow start and giving up touchdowns on Denver’s first three possessions.
He said he enjoyed “being able to come back after playing so poorly defensively in the first quarter and tighten things up and give our team a chance to win.”
Then Allen quickly praised the offense, “Hats off to our offense; they played a great game. Guys made plays when they needed to, and it was great to get the victory.” He feels “it’s definitely a new era.”
Allen credited the Broncos offense for making plays and also added the Commanders defense contributed by having some communication errors, and they were “not gap sound” at times.
Down 21-3, Allen declared, “On the sidelines nobody was screaming at each other; nobody was defeated. Let’s just calm down, slow down; it’s an 18-point game, there’s lots of game left. Let’s do it one play at a time.”
When the offense suddenly scored on their last two possession of the first half, Allen said he saw the score had become 21-14, and he thought, “We’re good.”
Having Chase Young back in the lineup was an encouragement. Allen said, “It felt great! I’m looking forward to having a fun season with him.”
“This is by far the most complete team I have had (in the NFL),” Allen expressed. “It’s going to be a fun season.”
Regarding linebacker Jamin Davis’ improved play, Allen pointed to the fact that Davis actually only started one year in college, and the transition to the NFL can be very difficult. But he sees Davis playing faster and sees a good year for Davis.
He also pointed out Daron Payne is really living up to his performance of last season, and this is why the team signed Payne to his new lucrative contract.
Emmanuel Forbes is a rookie Allen really likes thus far. “You would think he has been in the league five or six years. He is level-headed, calm, just a ball player. I love it.”
When Denver scored on the Hail Mary attempt as time expired, Allen said, “I was so tired I didn’t even know what to think at that point. The way the ball bounced, I guess they got lucky. I really don’t know what to say about that.”
Allen is excited about new Commanders quarterback Sam Howell. He said he was impressed with Howell’s preparation this last week and that the team is believing in Howell’s ability and leadership.
The rest of the team can learn by listening more to Jonathan Allen; that much is altogether certain.