Tag: DT Jonathan Allen

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.”

Adam Peters continues strengthening Commanders

Adam Peters continues to make all the right moves.

On Wednesday, in his press conference, Commanders’ general manager Adam Peters said, on more than one occasion, that he wanted to do what was good for the team.

Who could dare argue that Peters has done a fantastic job of repeatedly addressing the roster and seeing what changes he can make that are good for the team?

When hired, David Aldridge of The Athletic asked Peters what he thought of the roster. Peters didn’t reply immediately. He paused, took a breath, and replied that there were a few cornerstone pieces to the roster, and he had a lot of work to do.

And work is what Peters has done. He did not tweak Ron Rivera’s roster. Peters overhauled Rivera’s roster. After training camp, when the roster was reduced to 53, 30 were those brought in by Peters since taking the job.


Rather than being satisfied with his efforts,  Peters immediately returned to the driver’s seat and made quite a few decisions in the next week. He signed receiver Noah Brown (cut by the Texans), traded defensive tackle John Ridgeway to the Saints, signed linebacker Nick Bellore (released by the Seahawks), re-signed tackle Sam Cosmi to a four-year contract, and released receiver Byron Pringle; these all before the opener.

Once the season began, Peters released kicker Cade York, but the Jets released kicker Austin Seibert, so Peters quickly grabbed Seibert.

A few weeks later, veteran DT Jonathan Allen was lost for the season, and DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste was placed on injured reserve for at least four weeks. Well, the Jets had just released DE Jalyn Holmes. Instead of promoting a DE from the practice squad, Peters felt that the best thing for the team was to sign Holmes to the active roster. Holmes played only 11 defensive snaps against the Bears, but one of those, he had a quarterback sack.

Two weeks ago, Peters released Jamin Davis, a first-round draft choice by Rivera in 2021. This week, he traded for veteran Saints corner Marshon Lattimore and released DE Efe Obada, making room for Lattimore.

On Wednesday, Peters released WR Mike Strachan. Why? With DE Clelin Ferrell’s knee still not 100%, Peters brought back Obada to the practice squad, doing what he thinks strengthens the Commanders.

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 sign a defensive tackle to practice squad

The Commanders make a move after losing Jonathan Allen for the season.

Adam Peters didn’t take long. On Tuesday, the Commanders general manager signed a defensive tackle.

In Sunday’s loss to the Ravens, eight-year veteran Jonathan Allen tore a pectoral muscle, which requires surgery and will miss the rest of 2024. Consequently, the Commanders desperately need their present defensive tackles to step up big time.

According to Mike Garafolo, Peters has added one more defensive tackle to the team, signing Carl Davis to the practice squad.

Davis was with the Cowboys in 2023, so he is known by both Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. Davis is 32, so Peters is not looking to Davis for a long-term solution but is adding him for this season if he is needed.

At 6-foot-5, 335 pounds, he is more of a run-stopping tackle like Phidarian Mathis (6-4, 312). In the 2015 NFL draft, the Ravens selected Davis 90th overall (round 3) out of Iowa.

Understand, this is only a depth signing for this season. Peters does not have some vision of Davis at this stage of his life/career coming in and being a Dave Butz or Darryl Grant.

Davis has appeared in 75 games in his eight NFL seasons, starting 19. He has played for the Ravens (2015-17), Browns (2018), Colts (2019), Jaguars (2019), Patriots (2020-22), and Cowboys (2023).

Ben Standig reported that the Commanders also worked out defensive tackles Deadrin Senat and Jonathan Marshall, electing to sign Davis. Senat (age 30) was the Falcons’ 2018 90th overall selection. He has played in 37 games for the Falcons and Buccaneers, starting two. Marshall (age 27) was drafted 207th by the Jets in 2021 and has appeared in four games.

Commanders suffer multiple injuries on the defensive line

Commanders lost more than a game in Week 6.

The Commanders’ loss to the Ravens Sunday was not their biggest loss.

On Monday, head coach Dan Quinn told the press that DT Jonathan Allen had suffered a pectoral tear, and the team would miss Allen this season as he was looking at season-ending surgery.

You don’t simply replace a Jonathan Allen player and leader.

“Yeah, for sure. It’ll be a multitude of people and roles, and how we can feature guys to do that because Jon’s rare and he’s got unique skills and talent. So, it’s not just plug and play,” Quinn said.

Quinn then pointed to the depth at the position for the Commanders. “We got a big, deep crew and we’ll feature all of them a little bit differently and finding the ways that we can do that. But we’ll certainly miss Jon and the strength and the attitude that he brings inside.”

But Allen was not the only defensive lineman injured Sunday.

Quin said Dorance Armstrong had a rib or oblique injury, and Javontae Jean-Baptiste has an ankle injury. We will hopefully get some more information on that. “The X-rays were negative, but certainly dealing with the type of sprains and things to go.”

The return of Efe Obada was just in time because he is certainly going to be needed now without Allen. Quinn did not dismiss the possibility that the Commanders might now be forced to acquire another lineman.
“It’ll be something that [General Manager] Adam [Peters] and his staff and I will visit with about.”

But he also stated that players on the depth chart need to prepare for unexpected injuries. He spoke of Jeremy McNichols as a prime example of “staying ready, and your moment comes, you nail it.” He’s the one on our team right now that comes to mind first.

When they last met: Commanders vs. Cardinals

What happened the last time the Commanders played the Cardinals? We look back at that meeting.

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington Commanders 20, Arizona Cardinals 16 – Week 1, Sep. 10, 2023

In a sloppy season opener at FedEx Field, the Commanders came from behind to defeat the Cardinals 20-16.

New starting quarterback Sam Howell ran for a touchdown and passed for another touchdown, and Joey Slye added two field goals for the Commanders.

Though no one was aware at the time, the game was a foreshadowing of what was to come in the 2023 season.  How so?

  1. Washington would trail at halftime.
  2. The Commanders would have three turnovers losing the turnover battle.
  3. Washington would give up six quarterback sacks on the day.
  4. The Commanders were so horrible it would be the last home win of the 2023 season.

Washington trailed 13-7 after Howell was sacked, fumbled and Cameron Thomas scooped up the fumble and only had to travel two yards for a Cardinals touchdown.

Trailing 16-10 after three quarters, Sam Howell concluded a 29-yard drive in 7 plays with his own 6-yard touchdown, putting the Commanders on top of the Cardinals 17-16.

Following another Cardinals fumble, the Commanders could only generate seven yards, but it was enough for Joey Slye’s 33-yard field goal and the final scoring margin of 20-16.

Brian Robinson Jr. led Washington rushing with 59 yards in 19 carries, while Howell completed 19 of 31 passes for 202 yards, a touchdown pass to Robinson and one interception, finishing with a passer rating of 77.6.

Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson both had five receptions for 54 and 40 yards, respectively, while Logan Thomas caught four receptions for 43 yards.

Defensively, Montez Sweat (1.5), Jonathan Allen (1.0), and Abdullah Anderson (0.5) all contributed a quarterback sack. Sweat, Allen and Daron Payne all totaled two tackles for a loss. Payne and Anderson both also recovered a Cardinals fumble.

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.

When they last met: Commanders vs. Bengals

What happened the last time these two teams met?

“When they last met” is an ongoing series during the NFL season, recalling the preceding game between Washington and the next opponent on the Commanders’ schedule.

Washington Football Team 20, Cincinnati Bengals 9 – Week 11, Nov. 22, 2020

In gaining 94 rushing yards, Antonio Gibson led Washington to a 20-9 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at FedEx Field in Landover.

Gibson, with his 16 carries, helped Washington control the ball, including his 1-yard run in the opening quarter, which gave Washington a 7-0 lead.

Trailing 9-7 in the third quarter with 8:58 remaining in the third quarter, quarterback Alex Smith connected with Steven Sims from three yards out, pushing Washington back ahead 14-9.

Washington kicker Dustin Hopkins then added successful field goals from 32 and 50 yards, extending Washington’s lead to 20-9.

Terry McLaurin led the Washington receivers with five receptions for 84 yards, including a 42-yarder.  J.D. McKissic contributed six rushing attempts for 43 yards and three receptions for 26 yards.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, then a rookie, dropped back to pass deep in the Cincinnati end, leading 9-7 with 11:41 remaining in the third quarter. Just after he released the ball, Jonathan Allen hit him (cleanly). Burrow went to the ground, immediately in pain, grabbing at his left knee. He would be lost for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury. He had completed 22 of 34 attempts for 203 yards.

Commanders’ DTs Payne and Allen need to produce

The Commanders need more from Allen and Payne.

Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen are under increased scrutiny.

The former Alabama defensive tackle duo Allen (2017) and Payne (2018) were both drafted in the first round by Washington. Both have extensive NFL experience; Allen is 29, and Payne is 27.

Both are also paid well, like first-round draft choices they were—their stat lines for 2024 after two games do raise eyebrows. Allen has contributed two solo tackles, two assisted tackles, as well as two QB hits, with no QB sacks. Payne has one solo tackle and has yet to record anything else: no assists, TFL, no QB sacks, no QB hits.

In Payne’s defense, both of Clelin Ferrell’s sacks resulted from Payne being the first to put pressure on the quarterback, moving him to where Ferrell then stepped in and got the quarterback sack.

Craig Hoffman of The Team 980 had some strong declarations to make regarding Payne’s play.

“Eventually, you have got to give production. Yeah, he ate some blocks, got some penetration on Clelin Ferrell’s sack. He’s the main instigator there, pushing the pocket. One of his two hurries that PFF credited him with.

“But at the end of the day, you are paying these dudes major money to produce. You need stat sheet stats from them. You need tackles, sacks.”

“You need Daron Payne to be the Daron Payne, not that he was necessarily against Denver last year for that one series where he entirely wrecked it. That is unsustainable for a game.”

“But can we get some flashes of that dude a couple of times a game? Maybe it is what they are asked to do in this defense. Which is why I am not willing to fully say, “Bad job, Allen, bad job, Payne.”

“Ultimately, the thing I am willing to say at this point is that this defense needs to get to a point where they are producing more.”