Tag: DT Johnny Newton

Commanders’ Johnny Newton will work with Jonathan Allen this offseason

Jonathan Allen took the rookie under his wing this season.

Jonathan Allen and Johnny Newton are already planning offseason workouts.

Monday was the mandatory cleaning out of lockers for the Washington Commanders, their season having ended Sunday with a very disappointing 55-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game.

Newton, a rookie from Illinois, spoke with Scott Abraham of 7 News DC. During the interview, Newton revealed that he and fellow defensive tackle Jonathan Allen are already planning on working out together, with skills work included for Newton’s development.

Though he has only been in the NFL one season, Newton mentioned that he understands there will be numerous teammates on this surprising 12-5 team who will not be here next season. “I am just glad I was able to spend this time with my brothers,” said Newton. “I know I have a brother in a lot of these players.”

Abraham mentioned that several players on Sunday expressed they “never want to have this feeling again.” Newton quickly responded, “I am a sore loser; I hate losing. The feeling I felt yesterday, I am never going to feel again.”

Well, I recall in my early 20s, Dan Marino, in his second season, leading the Miami Dolphins to the Super Bowl. He most likely thought he would make it to another Super Bowl. Undoubtedly, he worked hard and worked with teammates to return to the Super Bowl. However, every single season for the remainder of his NFL career ended with losses, keeping him from another Super Bowl.

It has been said various ways and many times, “At the end of the day, you can’t control the results; you can only control your effort and focus.”

But yes, Commanders’ Wire certainly hopes the best for Johnny Newton and the Commanders in 2025.

Quick facts from Commanders’ Week 16 win over Eagles

Some quick facts and numbers from the Commanders’ win over the Eagles.

The Commanders twice trailed by 14 points and overcame five turnovers to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 36-33 at Northwest Stadium in Landover.

Here are some of the quick facts from the Commanders 10th win of the 2024 season:

  • The Commanders’ win over the Eagles broke the Eagles’ 10-game winning streak.
  • The Commanders pulled off a rarity on Sunday: They lost the turnover battle 5-1 and still won the game.
  • The Commanders trailed 33-28 with 1:58 remaining when the Eagles lined up to kickoff to Washington. The Commanders then drove 57 yards in 9 plays, earning the victory.
  • Third downs were crucial in this game. The Eagles converted only three of 16, while the Commanders converted seven of 13.
  • Washington entered the game 0-4 against teams with a winning record. Thus, this is their first 2024 win against a winning team.
  • The Commanders surrendered 211 Eagles rushing yards, including 5.4 yards per rushing attempt. Saquon Barkley rushed for 150 yards on 29 carries.
  • Jalen Hurts ran for 41 yards on his first three rushing attempts, but on his third carry, he was injured and did not return.
  • Jayden Daniels completed 24 of 39 passes for 258 yards, five touchdown passes and two interceptions. Daniels was also Washington’s leading rusher, running for 81 yards on nine rushes.
  • Olamide Zaccheaus did not have a touchdown in the first 14 games. He had two touchdown receptions Sunday, finishing with five receptions for 70 yards.
  • Receiver Jamison Crowder only had two receptions on Sunday. However, both were for Commanders’ touchdowns.
  • With the Commanders’ win today, the Cowboys and 49ers were both eliminated from the playoffs.
  • When Sonny Jurgensen was traded from Philadelphia to Washington, he threw five touchdowns against the Eagles in his first season in Washington (1964). Not until today did another Washington quarterback pass for five touchdowns against the Eagles.
  • Jayden Daniels is the first Washington rookie quarterback to pass for five touchdowns in a game and the sixth NFL rookie quarterback to accomplish the feat (according to Washington PR).
  • Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton produced three tackles for a loss, and Frankie Luvu had two as well.
  • The Commanders were outplayed so badly by the Eagles in the first quarter that the Eagles generated 183 total yards of offense while Washington only produced 35.
  • The 21 points the Commanders surrendered in the first quarter was the most they had given up this season.
  • Frankie Luvu’s first-quarter interception was his first as a Commander.
  • With his five receptions for 60 yards today, Terry McLaurin goes over 1,000 receiving yards for the fifth consecutive year. He has done it five times in his six NFL seasons.
  • McClaurin’s touchdown reception was his 12th this season. He now has 37 touchdown receptions for Washington, which passed Ricky Sanders.

Who will be the Commanders’ game captains vs. Saints?

Dan Quinn explains why he picked the Commanders’ Week 15 captains.

Commanders’ head coach Dan Quinn made his weekly announcement of captains for this week’s upcoming game.

The three captains for the game against the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday will be tackle Cornelius Lucas, defensive tackle Johnny Newton, and tackle Trent Scott.

Lucas had a good game starting at right tackle for the injured Andrew Wylie against the Titans.

“Big Luke has made a big impact on his community in Louisiana, and he’s done that here too,” expressed Quinn. “He played left tackle, started right tackle and so he kind of steps up when those things are called for. I think that speaks to his off-the-field work as well.”

Newton had played some in each game but was thrown into the fire when starter Jonathan Allen tore a pectoral muscle, requiring surgery.

“JZ’s put in a lot of work that’s unseen, coming off the surgeries and coming in. And so, we’re now getting to see some of that work showing up. And so, I thought that’ll continue on this weekend.”

Scott has seen some action at tackle this season, spelling the injured Andrew Wylie or Brandon Coleman. Readers may recall he caught a touchdown pass earlier this season on MNF against the Bengals on a “tackle eligible” play.

“The last one we chose was Trent Scott. And so just energy and the connection of the team, what he does, both sides, number of positions, and so his impact on and off the field. What a lot of people probably don’t know is that today he’s also earning his master’s degree from Grambling State. So, I thought here’s a guy digging in to get better all the time. And kind of just shows who he is and what he stands for and the impact that he makes.”

Quinn later clarified that Scott earned the degree today and will walk in the Spring at Grambling State. Quinn added that he respects people who put in extra work and that Scott is another example of that to the team, who earned the right to be a team captain.

Quick facts from Commanders’ 18-15 win over the Bears

Some quick facts from Commanders’ win over Bears.

The Commanders were entirely outplayed in the final quarter, gave up the lead, and yet won with a final Hail Mary to beat the Bears 18-15 at Northwest Stadium.

Here are some of the quick facts from the sixth win of the Commanders’ season:

  • Jayden Daniels said it was his very first Hail Mary to win a game…ever!
  • Terry McLaurin today passed Ricky Sanders for seventh place in franchise receptions.
  • Daron Payne recorded his first solo sack of the season.
  • The Commanders went 59:57 seconds before scoring their only touchdown today, scoring on the game’s final play.
  • The Commanders outgained the Bears 481-307.
  • The Commanders, in the final quarter, surrendered drives of 84 yards (but the Bears bailed them out by fumbling on the exchange) and then 62 yards for what appeared to be the winning touchdown by the Bears.
  • P Tress Way has achieved his 280th career punt to be inside the 20-yard line. Way is second in the NFL.
  • Jayden Daniels had 313 passing yards compared to only 111 for Caleb Williams.
  • The Commanders have not lost a game at “Northwest Stadium” (4-0).
  • DT Johnny Newton recorded his first NFL quarterback sack and first recovered fumble today.
  • 1997 was the last time the Commanders had held two consecutive opponents scoreless in the first half (Weeks 10 and 11).
  • Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’s three first-half completions for 33 yards were his fewest for any half thus far in 2024.
  • The Commanders are 6-2 for the first time since 2008. That team collapsed, finishing 8-8.
  • K Austin Seibert passed Mark Mosely’s franchise record of 81 points scored through eight games, which he accomplished in the 1983 season. Remember, Seibert did not play in the first game of this season.
  • Austin Seibert made his first four field goal attempts before missing his fifth attempt, (connecting with the ground slightly before his foot struck the ball).

Commanders need more from DT Daron Payne

With Jonathan Allen out, Commanders need Daron Payne more than ever.

Daron Payne is not having one of his better seasons.

The former Alabama defensive tackle taken first round in the 2018 NFL draft had his biggest season in 2021, earned himself a big contract and hasn’t been as productive this season.

Payne thus far, through six games played, has contributed eight tackles (6 solo, 2 Assists). However, Payne has only produced two QB hits, 0.5 QB sacks, and zero tackles for a loss.

On Thursday, before the media, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was asked about last Sunday’s game in which Payne did not record a defensive statistic.

“Sometimes that’s going to happen. I’m not going to just dive into stats totally. He’s given us what we want. For the run game, alright, they ran for yards. It wasn’t because of him, alright. It was some other issues that they ran for. So, he’s one of our leaders and he’s doing the things that he needs to do.”

On Sunday, against the Panthers, Payne will have to begin playing without long-time partner Jonathan Allen, also from Alabama. Allen tore a pectoral muscle against the Ravens last week, requiring surgery. Allen will miss the remainder of 2024.

Thus, Payne will now start alongside rookie Johnny Newton (Illinois). Not only will Newton receive more snaps, but also reserve tackle Phidarian Mathis will be called upon more often. DT Sheldon Day was elevated to the active roster and DT Jalyn Holmes was signed. The Commanders also signed DT Carl Davis to the practice squad.

Commanders’ Jonathan Allen: ‘It is unfortunate, but God has a plan’

Jonathan Allen maintaining a positive attitude despite setback. Wants to help Johnny Newton.

Jonathan Allen again Tuesday showed himself to be a strong, dependable man.

Allen, for eight seasons, has been a leader for the Redskins/Commanders and very much a leader in taking accountability, being direct, and responsible.

Having torn a pectoral muscle Sunday and being declared out for the season, Allen, wanting to fulfill his obligation to the Sports Junkies (106.7 The Fan) Allen was faithful to his weekly appearance on their show.

Even more, to get in the fulfillment, Allen telephoned the Junkies while driving…driving to his scheduled surgery. Allen expressed this is his fifth surgery, having previously endured surgery and rehab on his shoulder (twice), neck, knee, and now pectoral muscle.

“People only see the good parts about playing in the league,” said Allen. “They see the money, the fame, the title that goes with it. But there are a lot of other things that come with it as well. If you’re motivated by money, eventually you’re going to look at it and be like, ‘it’s not worth it’.”

“Money doesn’t motivate me,” continued Allen. “I’m going to be just as hungry now as I was coming back to my work year. I’m looking forward to it. Does it suck? Yes, but everyone has a job, and everyone has a part of that job that sucks. This (injury needing surgery) happens to be my part.”

https://Twitter.com/NickiJhabvala/status/1845905040717824390

Allen was asked how it feels that the Commanders finally got a good quarterback (Jayden Daniels), and now he (Allen) suffers a season-ending injury.

“Yeah, it is unfortunate, but God has a plan, and his plan is never wrong. When you’re in the midst of it, it is easy to say, ‘Woe is me,’ and want everybody to feel bad for you. But at the end of the day, he has a plan that I’m going to be faithful to and see it through.”

“Trust me, the good thing about our situation is as long as we have Jayden, we have a chance. So I highly doubt this is going to be the only year that we’re going to have an opportunity to play some good football late in the season.”

Allen plans to remain in the building and do all he can to help rookie Johnny Newton, who suddenly finds himself having much more expected of him with Allen out for the remainder of the season.

Commanders’ Quinn expects more from the D-Line vs. Cardinals

The head coach expects more from his DL vs. Cardinals.

Though the Commanders’ offense is now rolling, the defense has been extremely disappointing through the first three games this season.

The defense has surrendered the second-highest yards per play in the NFL (6.6). Three teams have produced only one takeaway, and the Commanders are one of them. Only the Colts have given up more first downs (71) to Washington’s 70.

In scoring percentage defense, the Commanders are so bad that they are dead last in the NFL, permitting a score on 69 percent of the opponents’ possessions. How bad is it? Well, the Rams are second at 55 percent and the Jaguars third at 53 percent.

So, on Friday, a member of the press asked Dan Quinn, “What are you looking to see from the defensive line this week?”

“Number one, I have a lot of respect for (RB) James Connor,” opened Quinn. “He’s a factor. They have a good run game and the play passes that go off of it. So, being stout, being physical up front, that is going to be a key. Then finding ways on third down to making our presence felt, to when can get the individual rushes to go.”

Playing a mobile quarterback like Kyler (Murray) presents its own challenges. So, having the discipline from them to do that, will be front and center for us.”

Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Clelin Ferrell, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler have all really struggled. The Commanders need healthy substitutions from Johnny Newton, Phidarian Mathis, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste.

As Quinn was succinct and direct in his response, so too must the Commanders be direct in responding. Otherwise, Kyler Murray, James Conner, and the Cardinals’ offense will make Commanders Nation miserable on Sunday.

Quinn names game captains, provides Newton, Forbes injury updates

Quinn updates the Commanders’ injury situation ahead of Monday night. He also named the captains.

At his Saturday press conference, Dan Quinn announced the three captains for the Commanders’ game on Monday night.

Quinn announced the three captains will be receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, punter Tress Way and linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Zaccheaus signed as a free agent in the offseason. He plays with the Falcons (2019-22) and last played for the Eagles in 2023. The former Virginia Cavalier has played in two games this season for the Burgundy and Gold. He has four receptions for 29 yards and returned a punt against the Giants for 24 yards. Quinn Saturday spoke of how Zaccheaus is working hard, “chasing better and better.”

Wagner, a future Hall of Fame linebacker, Quinn said Saturday he really likes Wagner’s “consistency, dependability, if you need something, you look to Bobby. His tackling, his hitting will certainly be a presence this game.” Wagner leads the Commanders with 19 combined tackles, 9 assists and 4 tackles for a loss through two games.

Way is the longest-tenured Washington player, dating back to 2014. “The impact in our building goes way beyond being a great punter, and he has a real presence with our guys,” expressed Quinn. Way has punted three times, averaging 46.3 yards a punt, with 41.3 net yards per punt.

Quinn also spoke positively about rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton. Recovering from foot surgery after the draft, Newton missed the season opener but saw his first action last week against the Giants, playing 12 defensive snaps.

Quinn preached throughout Newton’s rehab and now returns that he was going to be patient with Newton throughout training camp, choosing to bring him along slowly and have him become more acclimated to the speed of the NFL.

Newton did not record a statistic during his 12 snaps last week, but Quinn said this week in the practices with Newton, “You felt the speed, you felt the movements. And we’re excited to get him more reps.”

Lastly, Emmanuel Forbes did get some practice reps on Saturday. Quinn said they will monitor him, and he could be available on Monday; however, Quinn added Forbes would be more likely to play the following week.

 

LT Brandon Coleman to play in Commanders’ opener

Some good news regarding a pair of rookies.

Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn announced Friday that Brandon Coleman will play in the season opener on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Coleman was drafted out of TCU in round three (67 overall) of April’s NFL draft, and he was getting some reps as the No.1 left tackle in training camp when he injured a pectoral muscle. This resulted in Coleman missing all three preseason games.

The left tackle has been trending upward the last two weeks, and Friday at his press conference, Quinn asked, “Will Brandon Coleman start?”

Quinn responded, “He will play.”

Consequently, because Cornelius Lucas started in the preseason, he will get the start Sunday in Tampa against the Bucs. Coleman is trending upward; the Commanders think he is ready to play some but don’t want him bearing the load just yet. So, it looks like Lucas and Coleman will rotate in some fashion on Sunday.

To this point, no Commanders coach or player has unveiled their plan for playing both left tackles on Sunday. Todd Bowles has active blitz packages for the Bucs’ defense. Thus, perhaps the Commanders don’t want to rush in Coleman too soon with too many blitz rushes to consider.

In other injury news, Quinn made it clear that No. 2 quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a pectoral injury in Wednesday’s practice. Missing practice Thursday and Friday, Mariota has been ruled out for the opener against the Bucs. Jeff Driskel will serve as Jayden Daniels’ backup.

Rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton is trending upward. Quinn said he was closer. In fact, he expressed that Newton will travel on Sunday and said, “We haven’t ruled him out” of playing in the 2024 opener.

Will QB Marcus Mariota miss the Commanders’ season opener?

Will it be Jeff Driskel serving as Jayden Daniels’ backup in Week 1?

Thursday’s Commanders’ practice had two noticeable absences.

Defensive tackle Johnny Newton did not practice, but the biggest news out of practice was that No. 2 quarterback Marcus Mariota also did not practice. What is most concerning is that on Wednesday, Mariota was limited in practice but did not even practice on Thursday.

It has been a strange turn of events for Mariota this preseason. He only played a series in the preseason opener against the Jets and did not play again in two preseason games. His first injury was a groin injury and we don’t know how or when, but the team has reported the last two days Mariota has a chest injury. An injury that apparently kept him out of practice on Thursday.

Newton apparently was pushed Wednesday, and the team wanted to rest him Thursday, push him again Friday, and then evaluate whether he is ready for the opener. But Mariota’s inability to practice raises questions about whether he will be inactive on Sunday. If so, the team would have their third quarterback, Jeff Driskel, active as the backup to starter Jayden Daniels.