Tag: Jonathan Allen

Commanders make roster moves after Jonathan Allen’s injury

Rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste also lands on IR.

On Monday, the Washington Commanders lost a big part of their team when it was revealed that defensive tackle Jonathan Allen would miss the remainder of the season with a torn pec.

Washington made it official on Wednesday, placing Allen on the reserve/injured list. However, the Commanders made another move that impacts their defensive line depth, placing rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste on IR. However, Jean-Baptiste will be designated to return as head coach Dan Quinn doesn’t believe it’s a long-term issue.

“Dorance will not practice today and yes, we’re hoping it’s shorter than longer with Javonte with his ankle injury,” Quinn said. “So, we’re hopeful that it’s at the limit, and we’ll get a see for there. It’s too early to call today.”

Washington signed veteran defensive tackle Sheldon Day to the 53-man roster and replaced him with Carl Davis. Day was active for one game this season.

In another move, the Commanders also signed defensive end Jalyn Holmes. A fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft, Holmes, 28, has spent time with the Vikings, Saints, Giants, Bears and, most recently, the Jets. Holmes appeared in three games for New York this season. In his career, Holmes has played in 44 games and has two sacks.

Starting defensive end Dorance Armstrong injured his ribs in Sunday’s loss to Baltimore, but Washington hopes his injury is short-term.

Jonathan Allen’s injury is sad news for him and the Commanders

Allen’s loss is sad news for him — and for the Commanders.

Jonathan Allen waited eight years to play on a good team. The veteran defensive tackle remains a key part of the Washington Commanders, which is 4-2 and leading the NFC East.

Unfortunately, Allen’s season is over. And with one year remaining on his contract, it’s fair to wonder about his future with his hometown team and the only NFL franchise he’s ever known.

Allen left Sunday’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter with a pec injury. He was quickly ruled out, but there was optimism afterward that he’d be back this season. On Monday, it was revealed that Allen’s pec was torn, and he would be out for the year. Allen will get a second opinion, but the odds are his season is done.

That’s a shame for Allen and for the Commanders. The 29-year-old two-time Pro Bowler had two sacks for Washington this season and played well in the Commanders’ wins over the Cardinals and Browns.

Allen has been a model employee for Washington through the worst of times. He has always stood up for his coaches and teammates, played hard, and produced regardless of what was happening around him. When the Commanders rebranded in 2022, the franchise rightly made him and wide receiver Terry McLaurin the focus—two good guys who’d been here through thick and thin.

Criticism has been aimed at Allen over the last two years, mainly because of his frustration last year. At one point, Allen questioned whether he wanted to remain with Washington. So, the social media world attacked Allen for his pre-game speeches and lack of production last season, forgetting everything he’s done for the franchise.

In the offseason, Allen was re-energized by the new regime.

Is he the same player as he was three years ago? Maybe, maybe not, but general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn did not want to trade him, and they essentially cleansed the roster in the offseason. I bet if you ask Quinn and Peters privately what they think of Allen, it would be different than what some think on social media.

Then, there’s the football impact. Sure, Washington’s defense is struggling right now. Up until Sunday, there had been signs of improvement. The Commanders’ weaknesses at cornerback are a significant problem.

Regardless of what the stats tell you, Washington will miss Allen. He remains a good player and a respected leader.

The good news is that the Commanders used a second-round pick on Johnny Newton in the 2024 NFL draft. Newton’s snaps have increased in recent weeks, and he now appears poised for a significant role alongside Daron Payne and Phidarian Mathis moving forward.

It was a tough day for the Commanders in what has been a fun year, especially since the NFL season began last month.

We wish Allen the best and hope he has a speedy recovery.

Former Alabama defensive lineman to reportedly miss remainder of NFL season

The former Alabama star was enjoying a strong start to the season.

After suffering an injury during Sunday’s loss against the Baltimore Ravens, former Alabama Crimson Tide and current Washington Commanders star defensive lineman Jonathan Allen will reportedly miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season.

This was confirmed Monday by a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, with Allen now likely to undergo season-ending surgery.

A former first round pick from the 2017 NFL draft, Allen is currently in the middle of his eight season in the league, with each of which having come in Washington. So far this season, Allen had started in all six games to post a combined stat line of 15 tackles, two TFL, and two sacks.

Allen was a four-year player at Alabama from 2013-16 in which he amassed a combined 153 tackles, 46 TFL, and 28.5 sacks with the Crimson Tide. The defensive lineman was also a one-time national champion at Alabama, and had two seasons of double-digit sacks in 2015 and 2016 on his way to multiple awards.

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1845890193632395298

Report: Commanders fear DT Jonathan Allen suffered season-ending injury vs. Ravens

Commanders believe Jonathan Allen suffered season-ending injury in Sunday’s loss.

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen departed Sunday’s 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the third quarter with what the team called a pec injury. Washington immediately ruled Allen out for the remainder of the game, which likely meant the news wasn’t good.

On Monday, Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported that Washington believes Allen suffered a season-ending injury.

JP Finlay of NBC Washington and 106.7 The Fan revealed a text message he received from a team source who said, “It’s bad.”

The eight-year veteran is a two-time Pro Bowler and has been a mainstay in the middle of Washington’s defensive line since his 2017 rookie season. After missing 10 games as a rookie, Allen has only missed three games over the past six seasons combined.

Washington’s defense struggled in the loss to the Ravens, but the Commanders sit atop the NFC East with a 4-2 record, and Allen’s loss is a big one. His injury means more time for rookie Johnny Newton and third-year DT Phidarian Mathis.

According to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post, Allen will seek a second opinion.

Quick facts from Commanders’ 30-23 loss to the Ravens

Several facts and stats from Commanders’ loss to Ravens.

The Commanders’ inability to stop the Ravens’ offense was the most significant factor in Washington’s 30-23 loss at Baltimore on Sunday.

Perhaps the second most essential component of the day was the absence of running back Brian Robinson Jr. As a result, the Commanders struggled running inside and didn’t have the success running to utilize more effective play-action passing of Jayden Daniels.

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

  • The loss snapped the Commanders’ four-game winning streak.
  • The Commanders lost Jonathan Allen (pectoral injury) and Dorrance Armstrong (shoulder) and were already without starting running back Brian Robinson (knee).
  • The Ravens outgained the Commanders 484-305.
  • K Austin Seibert connected on a 55-yard field goal, a new career-long. Seibert had previously made a 53-yard field goal in 2019.
  • The Commanders’ defense could not keep the Ravens off the field. Baltimore had the ball for 36:08, compared to only 23:52 for Washington.
  • The Ravens defense refused to allow Jayden Daniels to become a dual-threat quarterback. He gained a season-low 22 yards on six carries, with a long of only 9 yards.
  • DE Dante Fowler contributed three tackles for a loss, including two quarterback sacks.
  • WR Terry McLaurin caught two touchdown passes for the third game of his career and for the first time since Week 4 of the 2021 season.
  • Terry McLaurin only caught four touchdown passes all of 2023. He now has four for the season.
  • The Commanders had three receivers today totaling over 50 yards in receptions: Zach Ertz (68 yards), Noah Brown (58 yards), and McLaurin (53 yards).
  • The Commanders came into the game averaging 175 rushing yards. Today, without Brian Robinson Jr., they managed only 52 yards on 18 attempts.
  • Lamar Jackson was the story of the game, completing 20 of 26 for 323 passing yards.
  • Commanders’ corner Mike Sainristil ended the first Ravens possession with his first NFL interception. It was also the first Commanders’ interception of the 2024 season, not coming until the sixth game.
  • The Commanders keying on the Ravens’ running game were still unable to keep them under control. Derrick Henry gained 132 yards on 24 carries and Lamar Jackson contributed another 40 yards.

 

Commanders DT Jonathan Allen ruled out vs. Ravens

Commanders lose Jonathan Allen.

The Washington Commanders lost one of their top defensive players during Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Eight-year defensive tackle Jonathan Allen departed the game with a pectoral injury and was ruled out.

It’s unknown when Allen suffered the injury, but with him being ruled out, it sounds like it could be a long-term injury.

The Commanders have struggled to stop Baltimore’s top-ranked offense, but much of the damage has come with open receivers in the secondary. Earlier in the game, Washington also lost starting defensive end Dorance Armstrong with a rib injury. Armstrong was listed as questionable to return but looked in pain on the sidelines and did not return to the game.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Allen is a big loss for Washington but means even more playing time for second-round rookie Johnny Newton. Newton’s snaps have gradually increased over the last few weeks, and he could be moving into a more significant role moving forward.

WATCH: Jonathan Allen thinks Ravens game is a ‘measuring stick’ for Commanders

Jonathan Allen thinks the game against the Baltimore Ravens will be a measuring stick for the Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders are 4-1 and first in the NFC East, but their first five opponents have a combined record of 9-16, and they’ll have a true litmus test in Week 6.

Washington will face the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, and it’ll be a massive jump in competition against a 3-2 team that looks like a potential Super Bowl favorite.

Jonathan Allen was with Washington when it was one of the worst organizations in the NFL, and he’s excited about a matchup that can be a “measuring stick” for just how talented Dan Quinn’s team really is.

Washington has a 3-4 overall record against Baltimore and a 1-1 record on the road against the Ravens, but that was before Jayden Daniels arrived.

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft, Daniels is the first player in NFL history to have had 1,000-plus passing yards and 250-plus rushing yards in their first five career games.

Are the Ravens a measuring stick game for the Commanders?

Should the Commanders consider Week 6 a measuring stick?

The Baltimore Ravens (3-2) host the Washington Commanders (4-1) from M&T Bank Stadium in the Week 6 game of the week. Washington has four in a row, while Baltimore has won its past three entering Sunday’s game.

While the Ravens are a perennial contender and have been for years, the Commanders are a resurgent franchise under new ownership, a new GM, a new coach and a phenomenal young quarterback.

That begs the question: Is this a measuring stick game for the Commanders?

The goalposts seem to move with every Washington win. In Week 3, the Commanders were big underdogs to the Bengals. Looking back, Cincinnati, now 1-4, isn’t very good, even though the Bengals took the Kansas City Chiefs and the Ravens to the final whistle. The Browns are a joke, although they have a quality defense that Washington totaled 434 yards of total offense and 34 points against.

Those aren’t our words; they’re the excuses critics have for every Commanders’ win. We could do the same for the Giants and Cardinals, but you get the point.

Now, for the Commanders to earn national respect, they must beat the Ravens.

So, does head coach Dan Quinn think this is a measuring stick game?

“No, we don’t talk in those terms of measuring stick,” Quinn said. “Like honestly, just you’ve heard us say there’s so many things for us to attack and get better at, so we’re not trying to use this game as a measuring stick.”

Quinn isn’t looking at this as a measuring stick because he’s worried about winning. He doesn’t care if the national or local media consider Washington a good team. He does understand how successful of an organization the Ravens have been for years.

“Hey, it’s no secret, Baltimore’s a really good football team, but we’re not using it as a measuring stick of where we’re at,” Quinn said. “Like every time we go, we’re here to get down and go for it. So, it has no bearing on a measuring stick or any of that. We know how good they are and we’re ready to go fight too. So yeah, but not a measuring stick game for us.”

What do the players think?

“I would think so,” defensive tackle Jonathan Allen said. “We look at Baltimore and what they’ve done however many seasons, they’ve definitely been the standard as far as what you want to be as a team. So, I’m excited to see where we’re at and go from there.”

Both are good answers. Quinn comes from a different perspective than Allen because his focus is on the next game. Whereas Allen, who has been in Washington for eight years, is ready to see how good the Commanders are and how they stack up against a successful and stable franchise like the Ravens.

Whether you want to call it a measuring stick or not, this weekend is a big-time opportunity for Washington.

Quick facts from Commanders’ 34-13 win over Browns

Several facts and stats from Commanders’ 34-13 win vs. Browns.

Here are several of today’s quick facts regarding the Commanders 34-13 win over the Cleveland Browns in Landover.

  • The Commanders won their fourth consecutive game Sunday, after losing the season opener. The last time Washington won four straight was in 2021, when Washington was 2-6, won four straight to go to 6-6.
  • With the win, the Commanders are 4-1 for the first time since the 2008 season. But that team fell apart, finishing 8-8.
  • No. 17 Terry McLaurin caught four passes for 112 yards today. It was the 17th game McLaurin has totaled at least 100 receiving yards.
  • With another rushing touchdown today, RB Jeremy McNichols has scored in consecutive games for the first time in his career.
  • With three touchdowns rushing today, Washington has now registered three rushing touchdowns in three consecutive games for the first time in franchise history.
  • The Commanders’ defense held the Browns to 1-13 on third downs, while the Commanders were 8-17 on third downs.
  • Washington accumulated 434 total offensive yards, while the Browns only managed 212. The Commanders averaged 6.7 yards a play while limiting the Browns to 3.6 yards a play.
  • The Commanders are reporting that today QB Jayden Daniels has become the first player in NFL history to have had 1,000+ passing yards and 250+ rushing yards in their first five career games.
  • Scoring 34 points on Sunday, Washington has now scored 30+ points in three consecutive games for the eighth time in franchise history and the first time since 2005.
  • Terry McLaurin reached 400 NFL career receptions. McLaurin, Gary Clark and Satana Moss are the only receivers in franchise history to record 400+ receptions in their first 6 seasons with Washington.
  • Frankie Luvu had 7 tackles (4 solo) a fumble recovery, 2.5 sacks as the Commanders totaled 7 QB sacks. Others who had one were Bobby Wagner (1.5), while Jonathan Allen, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler each had one.

Which four Commanders fit DC Joe Whitt’s playing style?

Which four Commanders have stood out to DC Joe Whitt Jr?

“Last week was still not “the play style” that we are desiring.”

That was how Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr began very early in his Friday time with the press.

Whitt did counter that the Week 2 game against the Giants was better than the opener against the Bucs.

“Give credit to both teams we have played, but a lot of our third-down ills are mistakes that we are making on different levels.” He said some were corrected in the second week, but some were still not, and the Commanders will correct them.

Whitt acknowledges his defense has made some positive plays but is frustrated with the reality that the defense is not getting off the field enough. “We’re causing some negative plays on first and second downs, but we get to third downs and for one reason or another (pause). We’ve had five penalties on defense, all five have come on third down. That’s something that can’t happen.”

Whitt made it clear he is concerned about Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase, comparing him to Davonte Adams and alluding to a game in which Chase beat two double teams against the Cowboys.

It is no secret the cornerbacks have struggled. Whitt confirmed this Friday, saying, “We’re looking for the combination that’s going to give us the best chance…It will be a week-to-week deal throughout the defense of we think is going to give us the best opportunity to win the game we are about to face.”

When asked about Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne’s play, Whitt talked of rushing as a collective unit, staying in one’s rush lane being essential for all the defensive line.

Whitt later returned to “the play style,” pointing out Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Ben (St-Juste) and Quan (Martin), “Those four men have been playing the play style.”

He also praised safety Percy Butler for making some nice open-field tackles that were difficult.