Tag: Jonathan Allen

Commanders DT Jonathan Allen ‘hyperextended’ knee in loss to Browns

The severity of Allen’s injury will likely be determined Monday. Hopefully, it’s not serious.

The Washington Commanders have had plenty of bad performances over the years. Sunday’s performance in a 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns was one of Washington’s ugliest in recent memory.

Lost in another bad defeat that likely ends Washington’s playoff hopes was the injury to Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

The team captain went down in the second quarter with a knee injury. It was essentially a non-contact injury, as Allen was engaged with a Cleveland offensive lineman before coming away with a limp. There was no collision on the play. Allen was down on the field for a bit before heading to the sidelines.

At halftime, Washington ruled him out for the game, and Allen was seen on the sidelines in the second half sporting a hoodie and supporting his teammates.

After the game, head coach Ron Rivera told the media Allen “hyperextended” his knee and the severity will likely be determined on Monday at the team facility.

Regardless of what happens with Washington’s playoff chances, an injury to Allen is devastating news. Here’s hoping there is no structural damage and Allen is fine heading into the offseason.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Jonathan Allen is out for the remainder of the game vs. Browns

Devastating news for the Commanders.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

The Washington Commanders received some potentially devasting injury news in the second quarter of their Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns.

Pro Bowl defensive tackle — and team captain — Jonathan Allen was engaged with a Cleveland offensive lineman when he suddenly pulled away, limping after the play.

The Commanders got the ball back on offense and held it for the remainder of the half before scoring and taking a 7-3 lead into halftime.

On the sideline, Allen was seen sitting on the bench with his defensive line teammates, which seemed like an encouraging sign, and the Commanders ruled him as questionable to return at that point.

However, at halftime, Allen was downgraded to out for the remainder of the game with a knee injury.

This is devasting news for the Commanders. Obviously, the severity of the injury isn’t known at this point, but Allen is Washington’s best defensive player and the heart of the team.

The Commanders will likely use a combination of John Ridgeway, Efe Obada and David Bada in Allen’s absence for the remainder of the game.

Daron Payne is one the NFL’s top free agents in 2023

Daron Payne will be a hot commodity this offseason if the Commanders can’t find a way to retain him.

The Washington Commanders have one of the NFL’s best defensive lines. Having spent four consecutive first-round picks on the defensive line, you should have a dominant group.

But it wasn’t until the 2022 season that Washington’s defensive line seemingly put it all together to become one dominant unit. A big reason for Washington’s defensive surge this season is fifth-year defensive tackle Daron Payne.

Through 15 games, Payne has already established career-highs in tackles for loss and sacks. Payne has 9.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, which is tied for No. 3 in the NFL — with teammate Jonathan Allen.

The bad news for Washington is Payne is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March. While there was talk last offseason that Washington would let Payne walk, head coach Ron Rivera has said at every turn how much the Commanders want and need Payne back.

If the season were to end today, where would Payne rank among potential free agents?

According to Pro Football Focus, which ranked the top 25 prospective free agents for 2023, Payne comes in at No. 12. This, of course, is before teams use the franchise tag to keep players off the market.

Payne showed early in his NFL career that he could be a stout run-defender from the nose tackle position, with his 86 defensive stops against the run the most in the NFL from 2018-20. And he has now continued to build on his pass-rush arsenal to the point where he’s now a problem for interior offensive linemen trying to keep their quarterback upright. Payne has 80 quarterback pressures since the start of 2021, 10th-most among interior defenders, with his 11.9% pass rush win rate a very respectable figure on the inside.

Payne still needs to put all his tools together for a complete season where he’s a positive factor in both facets, and he’s shown he has the talent to do just that.

What Washington fans do not want to hear is the franchise tag. However, with Payne this close to free agency, it’s difficult to believe he and the Commanders will agree to a new contract, making the tag an option.

It should be another interesting offseason for Washington.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

4 matchups to watch for Commanders vs. Browns in Week 17

We’ve picked four matchups that could determine the outcome of Sunday’s game between the Commanders and Browns.

The Washington Commanders [7-7-1] host the Cleveland Browns [6-9] Sunday in a critical Week 17 game from FedEx Field.

If the Commanders win, they remain in possession of the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoffs. However, a Washington loss could spell doom for the Commanders’ playoff chances.

Washington hasn’t won a game since Nov. 27, yet remains alive for a bid to the playoffs. For the big game, head coach Ron Rivera chose to make a change at quarterback, bringing back Carson Wentz to start over Taylor Heinicke. Washington’s offense has moved the ball well recently but struggled to finish drives for various reasons. Rivera is hoping Wentz can spark the offense.

As with every NFL game, specific matchups will play a big role in the outcome. We’ve chosen four critical matchups for the Commanders and Browns ahead of Sunday’s game.

Commanders’ top defensive player grades for Week 16, per PFF

Chase Young returned and was outstanding in Week 16 vs. the 49ers.

The Washington Commanders looked locked in on defense throughout the first half of their Week 16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Commanders held the 49ers to seven first-half points and stopped San Francisco’s potent rushing attack outside of one run.

Unfortunately for the Commanders, everything unraveled in the second half. Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy found a wide-open George Kittle for two third-quarter touchdown passes. Washington’s offense battled back, but the 49ers kept scoring and scored on six of their seven second-half possessions. The 49ers also benefitted from two Taylor Heinicke turnovers deep in Washington territory.

Defensive end Chase Young returned and was expected to play between 12-16 snaps. Young was outstanding and ended up playing 30 snaps against the Niners. According to Pro Football Focus, Young was Washington’s highest-graded defender in Saturday’s loss.

Who were the rest?

Here are Washington’s top 10 graded defensive players from Week 16.

WATCH: An emotional Jeremy Reaves finds out he made the Pro Bowl

Do you want to know why players love Ron Rivera? Look no further.

Don’t tell some NFL players that making the Pro Bowl isn’t an honor. For years, many players have skipped the glorified exhibition game, but for others, it’s much more personal.

On Wednesday, four Washington Commanders made the Pro Bowl, including two first-timers in wide receiver Terry McLaurin and special-teams star Jeremy Reaves. Punter Tress Way and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen made their second Pro Bowl.

One of the coolest videos you’ll see around the NFL world occurred Wednesday when Washington head coach Ron Rivera informed each of his four players they made the Pro Bowl.

Allen, McLaurin and Way were grateful. But when Way and McLaurin found out Reaves made it, they were much happier than they were for themselves.

As for Reaves, he wasn’t quite sure why he was being summoned to meet the head coach. For a player who has been cut multiple times, you take nothing for granted.

When Reaves entered Rivera’s office, he looked at the coach, and there was an awkward moment of silence before Rivera said, “Congratulations, you’re the special teams guy. You’re the starter.”

Reaves stared at Rivera, ducked his head and turned around, wiping tears away. The former undrafted safety from South Alabama shared an emotional embrace with Rivera, who told Reaves that his mother would be proud.

Way comes back into the room to congratulate Reaves, and the two share a handshake and a long hug.

If you want to know why players love Ron Rivera, look no further. This was an awesome moment.

Congrats to Reaves, Allen, McLaurin and Way on being named to the Pro Bowl and to Daron Payne and Montez Sweat on being named alternates.

 

 

Four Commanders named to the NFL Pro Bowl

Terry McLaurin and Jeremy Reaves earn their first Pro Bowl nods.

Jonathan Allen, for the second consecutive year, was named to the Pro Bowl, leading the way as four Commanders were named to the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl.

The other Commanders also named to the Pro Bowl were wide receiver Terry McLaurin, punter Tress Way and special teams player Jeremy Reaves.

Commanders head coach Ron Rivera decided to have some fun with the players Wednesday, in the manner in which he revealed to them they were named Pro Bowlers (see video below).

 

Allen, a defensive tackle out of Alabama, was taken in the first round by the Commanders in the 2017 NFL Draft (17th overall).  Allen has been a stalwart of the Washington defense, and it is certainly no surprise Allen was voted to the Pro Bowl.

McLaurin, a third-round choice out of Ohio State in the 2019 NFL draft (76th overall) has from his first NFL game, been productive and a leader of the team. It is the first time McLaurin has been voted to the Pro Bowl. McLaurin has collected over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his last three seasons.

Way, a Pro Bowler in 2019 when he led the NFL punting average with 49.6 yards per punt, is averaging 46.8 yards per punt. Undrafted out of Oklahoma, Way signed with Washington in 2014 and this is his ninth consecutive season with the Burgundy and Gold.

Reaves, a veteran of 39 NFL games, has actually only started eight as a defensive back and has one career interception. Reaves has been outstanding on special teams this year and was voted in as the Special Teams representative.

It has no doubt been the defense that has carried this team during its recent success. Consequently, Daron Payne and Montez Sweat were also named as Pro Bowl alternates. Both are unquestionably very deserving of the honor.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbykgy681k112p8 player_id=01eqbvhghtkmz2182d image=]

Commanders’ top defensive player grades for Week 15, per PFF

Which Washington defensive players stood out in Week 15?

Looking at the final stats for Washington’s 20-12 loss to the New York Giants Sunday, you’d say the Commanders defense had an excellent day. Washington held the Giants to just 288 total yards, despite New York winning the time of possession battle.

New York converted on just two of 10 third-down conversions, and if you take out one drive, the Giants had under 200 yards of offense.

However, in watching the game, you’d know it wasn’t Washington’s best defensive performance. The 97-yard drive in the second quarter was embarrassing, specifically, after the Giants went for it on fourth-and-9 — and converted.

There was also that drive after Heinicke’s second turnover, where Saquon Barkley carried the ball three consecutive times for 41 yards. The Giants ended up kicking the field goal, which was critical to the outcome of the game.

How did Pro Football Focus view Washington’s defense? It certainly wasn’t Daron Payne or Jonathan Allen’s best day.

Here are PFF’s top-10 graded defensive players for the Commanders from Week 15.

5 takeaways from Commanders’ 20-12 loss to the Giants

Here are five takeaways from a disappointing Washington loss to the New York Giants.

Two weeks ago, Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen told the media after his team’s 20-20 tie with the New York Giants he wanted to see FedEx Field rocking for the rematch. Allen offered to buy some tickets for fans, which he did, as he indicated this game could be for Washington’s season.

How did the Commanders respond?

By falling behind 14-3 at halftime — after a bye week — to a team that had lost by 26 points last week and had only won one of its last six games. Ultimately, the New York Giants made more plays than the Commanders and walked away with a critical 20-12 victory.

Here are five takeaways from Washington’s loss.

Commanders fall to Giants: Everything we know

We analyze Washington’s 20-12 loss to the New York Giants.

The Washington Commanders blew a significant opportunity to control their destiny concerning the NFC playoffs Sunday with a 20-12 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football.

Yes, Washington remains in the No. 7 playoff spot after the loss but faces the 49ers next week on the road on a short week.

A look at the scoreboard would give you the idea that Washington won the game. However, turnovers, costly penalties and horrendous officiating, among other things, cost Washington a chance to move to 8-5-1 on the season with three games remaining.

While much of the focus will be the officiating, the Commanders had an extra week to prepare and came away with 12 points against a suspect defense. In addition, Washington’s defense failed to pressure New York quarterback Daniel Jones and struggled to get stops at critical junctures in the game, leading to the loss.

Here’s everything we know from Sunday night.