Tag: Daron Payne

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Top photos from Eagles 55-23 win over Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Eagles dominated every facet of the game and won the turnover battle while dominating the Commanders to advance to Super Bowl 59. Philadelphia rushed for seven touchdowns, including three scores each for Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, blowing out their NFC East rival 55-23 at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday.

As preparations begin for the trip to New Orleans, we’re reviewing the top photos from the historic victory.

***

Highlights from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead over Commanders in NFC Championship game

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 27-15 lead Commanders in NFC Championship game

The Washington Commanders have a young, ascending roster, and that youth showed in the first half. Costly penalties and crucial turnovers spurred the Eagles early on, giving them a 27-15 lead in the NFC Championship game.

Saquon Barkley’s two first-half touchdowns energized the Birds, and Jalen Hurts connected with A.J. Brown on a four-yard touchdown with 57 seconds left in the first half. We’re looking at the first-half highlights with the second half set to begin.

***

Commanders vs. Eagles: Inactive list for NFC championship game

The inactives are in for the NFC championship game for the Eagles and Commanders.

The Washington Commanders shocked everyone on Saturday by downgrading defensive tackle Daron Payne from questionable to out. Payne broke a finger two weeks ago and was also dealing with a knee injury he suffered last week. Sunday’s NFC championship against the Philadelphia Eagles will only be the second game Payne has ever missed since entering the NFL in 2018.

So, as the Commanders prepare to face the Eagles for the third time this season — this time for a trip to the Super Bowl — Payne’s name headlines Washington’s inactive list alongside guard Sam Cosmi. Cosmi injured his ACL in last week’s win at Detroit and is out for the remainder of the playoffs.

Here are the Commanders’ inactives:

  • 13 WR K.J. Osborn
  • 16 QB Jeff Driskel (Emergency 3rd QB)
  • 24 CB Michael Davis
  • 36 RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
  • 45 LB Dominique Hampton
  • 76 G Sam Cosmi
  • 94 DT Daron Payne

The Eagles are at full strength for today’s game as center Cam Jurgens, who was a game-time decision with a back injury, is active. Also, quarterback Jalen Hurts and tight end Dallas Goedert, both dealing with injuries, are in the starting lineup.

Here are the Eagles’ inactives:

  • QB Tanner McKee
  • CB Eli Ricks
  • DB Lewis Cine
  • OL Nick Gates
  • OL Darian Kinnard
  • G Trevor Keegan
  • WR Ainias Smith

Commanders will miss Daron Payne vs Eagles

An already struggling run defense will miss Daron Payne.

It’s easy to look at Washington’s run defense rankings and say the Commanders have issues at defensive tackle. Washington finished the regular season ranked No. 30 in run defense. In two playoff games, the Commanders have allowed 302 rushing yards and face the NFL’s second-ranked rushing offense — the Philadelphia Eagles — in the NFC championship game.

And Washington will do so without defensive tackle Daron Payne. Listed as questionable on the injury report all week with a broken finger and a knee injury, the Commanders officially ruled Payne out on Saturday to make a roster move for more depth.

Washington will rely on Jonathan Allen, rookie Jer’Zhan Newton, Sheldon Day, Jalyn Holmes and Carl Davis to stop MVP candidate Saquon Barkley. In two games this season, Barkley rushed for a combined 296 yards and four touchdowns — with Payne.

Fans look at Payne’s salary cap figure and say he doesn’t do enough to justify his pay. In terms of pure statistics, it’s a fair argument. Payne’s best year came in 2022 — a contract year — earning him a four-year contract worth $90 million.

On Saturday, Bill Barnwell of ESPN produced a statistic proving Payne’s value to the Commanders’ run defense.

Something worth pointing out is that Allen missed nine games with a torn pec this season, so those numbers are somewhat skewed. Allen and Newton will start, while Day, Davis, and Holmes will see plenty of action. Day and Holmes have been pleasant surprises for Washington this season. Both veterans were added to the 53-man roster in October.

So, while Payne’s pass-rushing numbers may be down, he still produces against the run. Payne was a first-round pick in 2018, and Sunday’s game will be just the second he’s ever missed.

Sunday’s game is an “all-hands-on-deck” situation. Washington will miss Payne.

Commanders downgrade DT Daron Payne to out for NFC Championship game vs. Eagles

Commanders downgrade DT Daron Payne to out for NFC title game vs. Eagles

The Commanders will be without their best defensive player, star defensive tackle Daron Payne, who has been downgraded to out against the Eagles in the NFC Championship game.

Payne has been dealing with a knee and finger injury and will see his 88-game streak snapped.

Payne has started every game since the 2020 season, and 88 in a row, and his absence opens the door for Jer’Zhan Newton to start.

Newton, a rookie, started 11 games this year instead of Jonathan Allen, who missed more than two months before returning in late December.

Commanders injury updates: Latest news ahead of NFC Championship game

The Washington Commanders had Bobby Wagner and Daron Payne miss practice ahead of the NFC Championship game vs. the Philadelphia Eagles

The Commanders wrapped up a Thursday practice ahead of Sunday’s NFC title game and had multiple key starters listed as limited or nonparticipants.

Running back Jeremy McNichols (hand) was a full practice participant, while wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus (hip) was limited in practice.

Washington tight end Ben Sinnott (shoulder) was limited, while center Tyler Biadasz (ankle) practiced fully.

Defensive tackle Daron Payne (knee/finger) did not practice, along with Bobby Wagner, but linebacker Frankie Luvu was listed as limited with a shoulder injury.

Daron Payne injury vs. Buccaneers: Latest update on Commanders DT

Daron Payne left with an injury in the second quarter.

Daron Payne has been with the Washington Commanders since he was selected 13th overall in the 2018 NFL draft. Throughout his seven NFL seasons, he has missed just one game.

During the first half of Washington’s NFL wild-card game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Payne was injured, appearing to favor his hand, and in severe pain.

He did not return in the first half.

Early in the third quarter, NBC’s Melissa Stark gave an injury update on Payne, saying it was classified as a finger injury. Payne remained in the locker room on Tampa Bay’s first offensive possession.

The Commanders said Payne was questionable to return.

With Payne out, rookie Johnny Newton and Jonathan Allen will see the bulk of snaps at defensive tackle. All three generally rotate, along with Sheldon Day and Jalyn Holmes.

The Buccaneers scored on their first second-half possession to take the lead. We’ll keep you posted on Payne’s status.

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 21-14 lead over the Commanders

Sights and sounds from first half as Eagles hold a 21-14 lead over the Commanders

A solid backup quarterback is the most important thing to an NFL team, and Kenny Pickett finally had his moment after Jalen Hurts was forced to exit with a concussion. The former Steelers first-round pick had one ugly interception but made some big throws as Philadelphia went into the half with a 2-14 lead.

An Eagles win would give Nick Sirianni, the head coach, his second NFC East title in four years.

Here are sights and sounds from the first half.

***

Commanders-Saints inactives: Who’s in, who’s out for Week 15

Which players are in for the Commanders in Week 15? Who is out? The Week 15 inactive list is here.

The Washington Commanders (8-5) continue their chase to the playoffs on Sunday with a trip to the Caesars Superdome to face the New Orleans Saints (5-8).

In some unexpected news, the Commanders will be without starting center Tyler Biadasz. Biadasz was added to the injury report on Sunday morning with an illness. Biadasz came onto the field for warmups before Washington ruled him out.

Veteran Michael Deiter will start at center. Biadasz has been an anchor for the Commaders’ vastly improved offensive line this season.

The Commanders placed wide receiver Noah Brown on injured reserve Saturday. He’s expected to miss the remainder of the season. The Commanders elevated kicker Greg Joseph from the practice squad, and he will kick for Washington, as Zane Gonzalez is inactive. Gonzalez was on the injury report with a left foot injury.

In better news for the Commanders: Defensive tackle Daron Payne is active and will play. Payne was added to Friday’s injury report with a back injury.

Here’s Washington’s full inactive list for Week 15 vs. New Orleans:

  • QB Jeff Driskel
  • DT Phidarian Mathis
  • K Zane Gonzalez
  • C Tyler Biadasz
  • WR K.J. Osborn
  • CB Michael Davis
  • LB Dominique Hampton

As expected, the Saints will be without quarterback Derek Carr. Last week, Carr suffered a concussion and fractured his left wrist. Jake Haener will start in his place, which will be his first NFL start.

What does Dan Quinn think about Daron Payne’s play in 2024?

Is Dan Quinn concerned about Daron Payne?

During his weekly Friday press conference, head coach Dan Quinn was asked a question about Daron Payne.

The Commanders are 7-5 and on a three-game losing streak. They are facing the Tennessee Titans (3-8), who are coming off an upset road win at the Houston Texans last week.

So, why was Payne signaled out as the subject of one of Quinn’s questions?

The reason is that Payne’s play has raised concerns. Is Payne injured? Why is Payne such a non-factor in numerous games? Is Payne being doubled repeatedly, forcing other defenders to make plays?

“Yeah, it’s probably a better one for later. I don’t, just from the comparison side, we’re just working as hard as we can to get him as good as we can,” replied Quinn.

Quinn interestingly responded further by mentioning Titans standout defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons. “Going against Jeffrey [Simmons] and seeing him playing this week, you see, you’re watching that guy for that week.”

Translation: Simmons is causing us to focus so much on him in every film session and each practice this week. He is one of the better defensive tackles in the league.

As for Payne? In his defense, perhaps since the season-ending injury to Jonathan Allen, Payne is getting doubled more often than usual. Payne has started and played in all 12 games this season, totaling 30 tackles, including 2.5 QB sacks. However, he only has two tackles for a loss and 4 QB hits.

By contrast, Allen only played in six games yet had two QB sacks, two tackles for a loss, and six QB hits. Rookie Johnny Newton also has 30 tackles, with two tackles for a loss and six QB hits.

It does raise questions. But Quinn chose not to take the bait.

“But as we’re going through it, we’re just trying, man, to dig in and say, ‘Where can we improve?’ And that’s not just for Daron but for all the guys. So, probably a better for end of the season kind of comment, honestly.”

Yet, when there was a follow up question regarding Payne’s play this season, Quinn did choose to reply positively.

“I think the square at the line of scrimmage when it’s combination blocks; I think that’s where he plays with very good strength, and those are some things. So, he’s stout at the line. That’s what I’ve seen the most from him.”