Tag: Jonathan Allen

Which Commanders are in the NFL’s top 10 statistics?

Several Washington players rank in the top 10 of various NFL statistics this season.

In this 2022 NFL season, which Washington Commanders players are among the league leaders’ top 10 in their respective categories as players?

The source for these statistics is ProFootballReference.com

  • Longest Pass: Carson Wentz (4th) and six others for 75 yards.
  • Pick-sixes: Taylor Heinicke and four others (2) and seven have one.
  • Pass attempts per game: Carson Wentz (6th) with 38.7
  • Pass completions per game: Carson Wentz (8th) 24.0
  • Comebacks: Taylor Heinicke (2) is tied for 9th with 8 players
  • Longest reception: Dyami Brown one of six tied for 4th, 75 yards
  • Receiving yards: Terry McLaurin (8th) with 945.
  • Yards per reception: Terry McLaurin (10th) with 15.2
  • All-purpose yards: Antonio Gibson (9th) 1,115
  • Yards per kick return: Antonio Gibson (6th) with 23.6
  • Punt return yards: Dax Milne (8th) 233
  • Kick and punt returns: Dax Milne (T1st) with 42
  • Punts: Tress Way (T2nd) with 66
  • Punting yards: Tress Way (4th) 3,101
  • Punt returns: Dax Milne (2nd) with 30
  • Tackles for loss: Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne (T2nd) with 15
  • Passes defended: Kendall Fuller (T7th) 11
  • Fumbles forced: Jonathan Allen (T10th) 2

 

Where do some Commanders stand in the latest Pro Bowl voting?

There is still a week remaining for fans to vote for their favorite Commanders

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen made his first Pro Bowl in 2021. Allen recorded 62 tackles, including 10 for loss, nine sacks and 30 quarterback hits.

Allen has been even better in 2022, recording 53 tackles, 15 for loss, 7.5 sacks and 17 quarterback hits with four games remaining.

His longtime teammate, Daron Payne, is having his breakout campaign this season. Payne has 51 tackles, 15 for loss, 8.5 sacks and 16 quarterback hits. All are career-highs except tackles, which he could realistically set in the final four games.

Could both Allen and Payne make the Pro Bowl?

According to the current fan voting for the Pro Bowl, Allen is ranked No. 6 among defensive tackles, with Payne behind him at No. 9.

Seriously?

Allen and Payne aren’t just playing at a Pro Bowl level; they are playing at an All-Pro level. They are tied for second in the NFL in tackles for loss and are the top defensive tackles on the list.

Fortunately, fan votes count for only 1/3 of the voting, as coaches and players comprise the rest of the selection process. However, there is still plenty of time for fans to make their voices heard. You can vote for your favorite players on NFL.com, the team’s official website, or Twitter. To vote on Twitter, fans must include the first and last name of the player, the player’s Twitter handle, or a hashtag of the player’s first and last name. Whichever method you choose, you must always include #ProBowlVote in your tweet.

Where do some other Commanders stand?

  • WR Terry McLaurin: No. 7 among WRs
  • DE Montez Sweat: No. 10 among DEs
  • P Tress Way: No. 2 among Ps
  • LS Camaron Cheeseman: No. 3 among LSs

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Commanders’ bye is coming at the perfect time

The bye is arriving at the right time for the Commanders.

It’s not often a team in the middle of a playoff chase gets a bye week in Week 14. In the case of the Washington Commanders, it couldn’t come at a better time.

The Commanders have battled injuries throughout the season but have remained relatively healthy overall. However, in Sunday’s tie with the New York Giants, their injury luck began to change.

Right tackle Sam Cosmi, who made his first career start at right guard Sunday, left the game with an ankle injury. It does appear Cosmi escaped serious injury and could return for the Week 15 rematch.

Center Tyler Larsen doesn’t appear so lucky. Larsen, Washington’s fourth center this season, had been playing in the absence of starter Chase Roullier who was injured in Week 2 and lost for the season. Larsen was carted off the field late in Sunday’s game with a dislocated kneecap.

It’s unfortunate for Larsen and Washington. Larsen’s season ended prematurely last season after he replaced an injured Roullier midway through the season. Larsen suffered an Achilles injury in Week 14 and missed the remainder of the season. He began this season on the physically-unable-to-perform list, and Washington activated him on Oct. 8. He quickly replaced Nick Martin at center and stabilized the Commanders offensive line.

While Larsen’s injury is a big blow to Washington’s offensive line, the bye week gives the Commanders time to determine if they want Martin back at center or decide to move Wes Schweitzer to center. Schweitzer was activated ahead of Sunday’s game.

In addition to the offensive line injuries, the bye week gives players time to rest after a grueling season. Antonio Gibson, Logan Thomas, Trai Turner, Dax Milne and Jonathan Allen are among those who’ve been banged up recently.

The break also gives defensive end Chase Young an extra week as the Commanders hope Young can finally make his debut in Week 15.

While the bye week is perfect for the Week 15 rematch against the New York Giants, the decision to move the game to Sunday night puts the Commanders at a bit of a disadvantage for Week 16. Washington travels to San Francisco to play the red-hot 49ers on short rest for a game on Christmas Eve the following Saturday.

The Commanders aren’t complaining, though. To be playing meaningful football in December is a nice change.

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Jonathan Allen is giving out free tickets to fans on Twitter

All you have to do is tell Allen how big of a Commanders fan you are.

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen is a man of action. After Sunday’s tie against the New York Giants, Allen spoke to reporters about the importance of the Week 15 rematch with the Giants from FedEx Field.

“This game that we’re going to play here in two weeks means double,” Allen said. “So, I mean, look, I’m going to need the fans of the Commanders to really show out the next game. I’m going to provide as many free tickets as I can, we need everybody there. This game could be the season. So, we need full support; we need that stadium rocking.”

As expected, Allen followed through on his promise.

Fans responded, mostly with photos of their fandom at the stadium or with family wearing Washington gear, expressing how much they love the Commanders.

Allen responded to several fans Tuesday, telling them to DM him.

In his weekly appearance on the “Sports Junkies” Tuesday, Allen said he planned on giving away around 100 tickets. He said he would give “20-30” to 106.7 The Fan, and he would have the team handle around 40 tickets, and the remainder of the tickets he would give out through his social media accounts.

Allen said he wanted to do his part to show the fans how important they were to the team.

This isn’t the first time Allen has done these giveaways. There is a lot of excitement around the Commanders, and Allen wants to channel that excitement into a packed-out crowd of Washington fans for the rematch against the Giants in Week 15.

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Commanders’ top defensive player grades for Week 13, per PFF

Who were Washington’s top defensive performers in Week 13?

The Washington Commanders [7-5-1] tied the New York Giants in Week 13, putting them a half-game behind the Seattle Seahawks for the No. 7 and final NFC wild-card spot.

The Commanders are off in Week 14 and host the Giants on Sunday Night Football in Week 15 in a matchup that could determine one of the NFC’s final playoff spots.

As for Washington’s Week 15 tie with the Giants, the defense struggled to contain New York’s running game in the first half, allowing a combined 116 rushing yards from quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley. However, in the second half, the Commanders held the Giants to 18 rushing yards and essentially nothing in the passing game.

Pro Football Focus graded the Commanders’ top 10 defensive players from Sunday’s tie with the Giants.

Commanders/Giants Week 15 flexed to Sunday Night Football

The Week 15 rematch will be under the lights at FedEx Field.

The Week 15 game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders could very well determine the NFC’s final playoff spot. Sunday’s 20-20 tie made the rematch even more critical and the NFL has taken notice.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the league has flexed the Commanders and Giants from Sunday afternoon to Sunday Night Football.

This is good news for fans wanting a big-time game at FedEx Field with playoff implications under the lights. However, a reminder that the Commanders travel to San Francisco for a Christmas Eve matchup against the 49ers — on Saturday.

So there isn’t much of a turnaround for Washington. In addition, the 49ers play on Thursday Night Football in Week 15.

Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen sent a personal message to fans after Sunday’s game that he wanted to see FedEx Field “rocking” for the rematch. Allen said he would provide 100-200 free tickets to fans.

The Commanders have a bye in Week 14, while the Giants play division-leading Philadelphia.

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Jonathan Allen had the funniest description of Tyler Heinicke’s 4th-down completion

Jonathan Allen has a funny reaction to Taylor Heinicke’s completion to Curtis Samuel to keep the game-tying drive alive.

Washington Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke didn’t have the best game at times during Sunday’s tie against the New York Giants. Heinicke missed some throws high, one of which would’ve been a touchdown to tight end Logan Thomas in the first half. The Commanders settled for a field goal.

At times, Heinicke looked excellent, making off-schedule plays, such as his touchdown pass to wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Heinicke evaded the pass rush and sidearmed it to McLaurin, who did the rest.

But when the game was on the line, Heinicke’s heroics were on full display.

With less than three minutes remaining in the game, the Commanders trailed 20-13 and faced a fourth-and-4. If Heinicke doesn’t complete a pass, then the game is over.

Heinicke is pressured on the play, rolls to his left, stops and finds wide receiver Curtis Samuel working with him toward the sideline, and drops a dime that Samuel catches for 20 yards and a first down.

Heinicke hit wide receiver Jahan Dotson for the game-tying score a few plays later.

After the game, defensive tackle and team captain Jonathan Allen was asked about the play and offered the following response:

Heinicke “biggest nuts I’ve ever seen,” Allen said.

That’s a compliment, folks.

Look, fans can remain split on Heinicke, but he’s the quarterback for the remainder of the season barring injury, and you take the good with the bad. It’s not Heinicke’s fault the team has been unable to find a solution under center.

Unfortunately for Heinicke, he did help tie the game but couldn’t get over the hump, and the Commanders ended the game with their first tie since 2016.

They face the Giants again in two weeks.

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Jonathan Allen on game vs. Giants in Week 15: ‘We need that stadium rocking’

Jonathan Allen wants Washington fans to pack FedEx Field to support the Commanders in Week 15. He plans on helping.

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen certainly understands the importance of the Week 15 rematch against the New York Giants.

After the Commanders tied the Giants, 20-20, in Week 13, the Week 15 game at FedEx Field became even more critical.

After the game, Allen spoke to the media and encouraged fans to pack FedEx Field for the Dec. 18 rematch.

“This game that we’re going to play here in two weeks means double,” Allen said. “So, I mean, look, I’m going to need the fans of the Commanders to really show out the next game. I’m going to provide as many free tickets as I can, we need everybody there. This game could be the season. So, we need full support; we need that stadium rocking.”

Allen was asked about providing free tickets, which he has done in the past.

“I’m going to give away 100, 200 tickets, however many it takes to get that stadium sold out. We need the fans at that one. This is a huge game; our season is on the line. We need everybody.”

Allen is right. Washington can’t afford to lose to the Giants after tying them in Week 13. If the Eagles take care of the Giants in Week 14 and the Commanders take care of their business in Week 15, Washington would sit in good shape for the final three games.

So, Washington fans, listen to your captain. Don’t sell your tickets to New York fans. Ryan Clark of ESPN praised the crowd at FedEx Field for Week 12. The Commanders need a similar turnout for Week 15.

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WATCH: Taylor Heinicke avoid pass rush to find Terry McLaurin for Commanders’ touchdown

Taylor Heinicke finds Terry McLaurin for a Washington touchdown against the Giants.

The Washington Commanders [7-5] and the New York Giants [7-4] are arguably playing their most significant regular-season game against one another since Joe Gibbs and Bill Parcells roamed the sidelines in the 1980s.

So, a fast start was imperative for the Commanders at MetLife Stadium.

The Giants were on offense first when Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen forced a fumble, and linebacker Jamin Davis recovered. The Commanders drove down to inside New York’s five-yard line but were stopped short and settled for a field goal.

On Washington’s second drive, quarterback Taylor Heinicke found wide receiver Terry McLaurin for a 19-yard touchdown to give the Commanders a 10-0 lead.

Heinicke avoided the rush and went sidearm to find McLaurin who did the rest, scampering into the end zone.

Check it out.

Ron Rivera reiterates desire to keep Daron Payne long term

Ron Rivera regrets being unable to keep both of his star defensive tackles in Carolina. He doesn’t want to repeat that scenario with Daron Payne

The Washington Commanders have the best defensive tackle duo in the NFL. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne have combined for 13 sacks and 27 tackles for loss through 12 games this season.

In a few short months, Payne is scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency, meaning he could be elsewhere in 2023.

However, if it’s up to head coach Ron Rivera, Payne, like Allen, will be signing a long-term contract with the Commanders to stick around for several more seasons.

Multiple times this season, Rivera has made it clear where the Commanders stand with Payne: They want him back. Allen signed a four-year extension in July 2021 but was one year away from free agency when he signed his new deal.

Would Payne want to re-sign with Washington before he has a chance to hit free agency? And would the Commanders apply the franchise tag on Payne? That’s a dreaded phrase for Washington fans, as Kirk Cousins and Brandon Scherff played on the franchise tag for two years before leaving.

Payne isn’t Scherff or Cousins. He legitimately seems happy playing in Washington with his current teammates. He is having a career season and is just 25 years old, making him a prime candidate for a lucrative extension.

When Rivera was in Carolina, he had two excellent defensive tackles in Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. Both were outstanding. Lotulelei was a first-round pick in 2013, while Short was a second-round pick in the same draft. Ultimately, Carolina chose to pay Short and allow Lotulelei to leave, something that still bothers Rivera.

“The big problem with it more than anything else is it’s gonna impact your linebackers, and it’s gonna impact all the way across,” Rivera said. “It really is because what happened was Star was that guy that would absorb the double teams and hold the point so your linebackers could run, and so your three-technique was typically singled up, and KK made a lot of plays. But when Star wanted, Star would take it over. I mean, that’s how good he was. We’re fortunate that we have a guy that, for the most part, in [DT] Jonathan [Allen] that is really good at both. And you have a guy in [DT] Daron [Payne] who’s really good at both. So we don’t have to always try and flip one to make one to one and the other one to three, which is what we did with Star. We said, ‘Hey, we’ll make him the one and KK will be the one that flips.’ And it turned out that they’re both just as equally as valuable. It’s the lesson we learned, and if I had all to do over again, I would’ve asked that if we could get ’em both signed.”

As for keeping Payne around, Rivera has made it clear where he stands.

Payne already has career highs in sacks and tackles for loss under new defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina. Washington’s defensive line is playing like the dominant group everyone expected when you spend four consecutive first-round picks on the same position group.

When Carolina re-signed Short in 2017, the Panthers first applied the franchise tag. However, he never played on the tag as he agreed to a five-year deal shortly after.

The Commanders are hoping for a similar outcome for Payne.