Tag: Jonathan Allen

Dan Quinn wants Commanders to be ‘explosive and physical’

Quinn discusses Joe Gibbs and looks forward to coaching Jon Allen and Daron Payne.

Dan Quinn knows fellow NFL players and coaches can become life-long friends.

Friday, while a guest on the “Kevin Sheehan Show” (The Team 980), Quinn spoke of “this connection you have with them going through it together. A guy there is hurt, battling, going through it; those are really cool moments where you see what somebody is made of.”

He talked of how, in NFL football, “they get pushed to the absolute limit. When you put it all out there and be willing to step all the way out there to the edge, that is not easy. When you are in that environment, you do get closer and connected. If you really stay tight, that bond is not changing in three months or three years or thirty years. You can slip back into that conversation knowing, ‘hey man, we did it together, walked through it together’. There is a respect that comes through those moments that you never lose.”

Sheehan inquired if Dan had reached out to the franchise’s most successful coach Joe Gibbs, before taking this job. Quinn shared that he had actually visited with Gibbs prior to his taking the Atlanta Falcons job. “The reason I had asked to meet with him was because he had the most unique background of having much success with different quarterbacks. I really wanted to find out why.”

Indeed Gibbs remains the only NFL coach to win three Super Bowls with three different starting quarterbacks (Joe Theismann, Doug Williams, Mark Rypien. In addition, none of the three will ever be a Hall of Famer.

“I wanted to find out what were some of the important things to him at the time. I didn’t meet with him this time, but it was certainly nice to get a call from him after I was already here.”

When Sheehan asked Quinn what he was learning about the Commanders’ current roster, Quinn responded, “Certainly defensive tackle, that is the strength. Those two (Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne) are tough to block in a lot of ways…I can’t wait to coach both of them honestly.”

Quinn expressed that over the next two weeks, all the coaches will be looking at the film of the Commanders and evaluating, what are the best skills of the players and in what ways they can be most utilized.

The new sheriff is going to be making his message clear to his staff and then players. He conveyed to Sheehan what he is looking for the identity of this team to become, “You want to be explosive and physical. That is what you keep looking for. Is it demonstrated on tape?”

Cowboys hire former Commanders defensive line coach

Dallas hires one of Ron Rivera’s former assistants.

The Washington Commanders took from the Dallas Cowboys this offseason by hiring defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their next head coach. Quinn brought secondary coach and pass game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. with him to Washington as his new defensive coordinator.

That meant the Cowboys had some holes to fill. They interviewed former Commanders head coach Ron Rivera to replace Quinn, but that job went to former Vikings coach Mike Zimmer. Zimmer served as the Dallas defensive coordinator from 2000-06.

Following Quinn and Whitt out of Dallas was defensive line coach Aden Durde. Durde, who followed Quinn to Dallas from Atlanta, was the Cowboys defensive line coach over the past three seasons.

As Washington officially announced its new coaching staff on Thursday, most of its former staff members were free to seek employment elsewhere. The Commanders retained four coaches from Rivera’s former staff. One member of Rivera’s former defensive staff will join Zimmer in Dallas.

Jeff Zgonina, who joined the Commanders in 2020 as the assistant defensive line coach, was promoted to defensive line coach in Aug. 2022 when Rivera fired Sam Mills III. He will join Zimmer as his new defensive line coach.

When Zgonina was promoted in Washington, Rivera hired franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan as the assistant defensive line coach. Quinn retained Kerrigan.

Zgonina played 17 years in the NFL, retiring after the 2009 season. He began his coaching career with the Texans in 2013. In addition to his time with Houston and Washington, Zgonina has coached with the Giants and 49ers.

Zgonina earned rave reviews from some of Washington’s defensive linemen, including Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.

5 takeaways from Commanders’ coordinators introductory press conference

A great first day for Washington’s new coordinators.

The Washington Commanders officially announced their 2024 coaching staff Thursday, and coordinators Kliff Kingsbury (offense) and Joe Whitt Jr. (defense) met with the local media.

A hot topic for Kingsbury was the quarterback position. Kingsbury has coached quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and, yes, presumed No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. As expected, Kingsbury didn’t reveal much on that subject.

As for Whitt, he was direct, honest, passionate and enthusiastic.

Kingsbury didn’t give any details about the current roster, while Whitt did offer some details on some of Washington’s young players.

Here are five thoughts/takeaways from Kingsbury and Whitt’s media session.

5 takeaways from Commanders coach Dan Quinn’s opening press conference

Some thoughts from Quinn’s first press conference, including the fact he will not call plays.

The Washington Commanders introduced new head coach Dan Quinn to the local media and fans on Monday, and he talked for close to an hour, answering every question.

They say everyone wins the press conference, and if we judge by those standards, Quinn knocked it out of the park. While the press conference means little, perhaps Quinn’s passion and sincerity helped win over some fans disappointed that the Commanders didn’t hire an offensive-minded coach.

So, what stood out from Quinn’s introduction to Washington?

Here are five takeaways from Quinn’s opening press conference.

Commanders DT Jonathan Allen mentions team’s old name

This should make Washington fans happy.

Local radio hosts from the two most popular sports talk radio shows in the Washington, D.C., area were together on Friday for an event called “106.7 The Fan vs. Team 980 LIVE.”

The purpose of the event was for the hosts to talk about the local sports landscape, tell stories, and interact with those in attendance. They had a special guest: Washington Commanders defensive tackle and team captain Jonathan Allen.

They discussed numerous topics, such as the Commanders’ recent changes, hiring new GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, what to do with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and the team name.

Allen weighed in on the name — and fans will be happy.

Grant Paulsen, co-host of “Grant and Danny” weekdays from 2-6:30 p.m. on 106.7 The Fan, weighed in:

Another fan in attendance also captured the following image:

That should further endear Allen to Washington’s fans.

Another name change isn’t on new owner Josh Harris’ immediate agenda, but he and his partners understand it remains an issue. This offseason will be about rebuilding the front office, coaching staff and roster. Perhaps next year, another rebranding could be an option. As of now, Harris has more important things to worry about, such as finding a home for a new state-of-the-art stadium.

Commanders DT Jonathan Allen excited about the future: ‘I want to win here’

Jonathan Allen is looking forward to the new regime.

The Washington Commanders’ offseason will be one of change. That change began when the team fired former head coach Ron Rivera and hired new GM Adam Peters.

On Thursday, the Commanders finally found their head coach: Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

The Commanders’ next step is filling out a coaching staff and preparing for free agency. But before Washington gets to free agency, it will have decisions to make about the current roster.

How many of the dozen or more free agents will the Commanders look to retain?

And what about defensive tackle Jonathan Allen? Allen, you recall, expressed frustration multiple times during Washington’s eight-game losing streak this season. While he never said he wanted a trade, he did admit he thinks of what it would be to play somewhere else.

Was that just the emotion after a game talking?

On Friday, hosts from the two most popular sports radio stations in the DMV gathered at the Bethesda Theater in Bethesda, Md., with Allen as the special guest.

Allen spoke candidly about the recent changes with the Commanders and his future.

“I’m excited, man,” Allen said told JP Finlay. “(GM) Mr. (Adam) Peters and Coach (Dan) Quinn, I think we’ve done a lot of great things; we’ve brought in a lot of winners, guys who’ve been to Super Bowls, guys who have been a part of winning Super Bowl organizations. I am excited.”

Allen then discussed how much he wanted to win in the burgundy and gold.

“It matters a lot; my goal has always been to win a Super Bowl,” he said. “But, I want to win it here. Obviously, winning a Super Bowl someplace else would be great, but it wouldn’t be the same as winning it here. I went to high school in this area; I grew up a Washington fan, so, obviously, I want to win here.”

Allen and fellow defensive tackle Daron Payne are two players who could benefit most from Dan Quinn’s hiring. While anything can happen, it’s certainly a good sign for Allen’s future in Washington if he and Peters have already spoken.

Commanders DT Phidarian Mathis looks to turn things around in 2024

2024 will be a make-or-break year for Phidarian Mathis.

Washington defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations since being picked No. 47 overall in the 2022 NFL draft.

As a rookie, Mathis injured his knee on the third play of his NFL career and missed the remainder of the season. In 2023, a calf injury cost him seven games. Through two NFL seasons, Mathis has played a total of 206 defensive snaps.

In his 206 snaps, Mathis has just eight tackles and no sacks.

With a new general manager in town and new coaches to follow, Mathis must produce in 2024 to stick around. He’s no longer viewed as a second-round pick. He understands the urgency and plans on having a strong offseason.

“I just want to come back next year and just have a full year and turn everything around,” Mathis said, per commanders.com. “Mentally, it took a toll on me bad. You’ve got people who have expectations for you. You got family expectations, you’ve got expectations for yourself. It’s kind of overwhelming because you know what you can do, and you keep having setbacks after setbacks; it’s kind of a mental game for me. It kind of took me into a deep depression. I was kind of down all year long just knowing I was supposed to be out there, and I wasn’t able to be out there.”

Mathis plans on coming back as a different player beginning in the spring.

“I just want to improve all around, my game. I want to come back a different person, have a different mindset, a different mentality. I just want to come back a different guy. I know I’m gonna come back a different guy, and I’m gonna put more on tape. I’m going to work so hard until I can’t no more. I know this is an important year for me just to show everybody who I really am.”

Mathis, and fellow third-year defensive tackle John Ridgeway are under contract for two more seasons. Starters Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne also return, although there is speculation Allen could be traded. Regardless of Allen’s status, 2024 is a make-or-break year for Mathis.

Will the Commanders trade DT Jonathan Allen this offseason?

What kind of return could Allen bring back in a trade?

One of the most significant decisions new Commanders general manager Adam Peters will face is what to do with defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

Allen, the two-time Pro Bowl, and longtime team captain made headlines in October in an expletive-filled rant after a loss to the Giants. Allen cooled down a day later and said he wanted to remain in Washington. After all, he’s from Northern Virginia.

Later in the season, after another tough loss, Allen appeared frustrated again. In an appearance on the “Sports Junkies” the day after the game, Allen admitted he thought of what it would be like to play somewhere else when he was asked.

“1,000 percent,” Allen said. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. I play this game to win, and I would love to win here, for sure. But I want to win, first and foremost.”

Allen didn’t say he wanted out. He stated he would examine his options after the season with his wife.

Allen has two years remaining on a four-year extension he signed in 2021. While he has cap numbers at $21.4 and $23 million for the next two seasons, there is no guaranteed money remaining on his contract. Allen’s numbers took a significant hit in 2023, much like the rest of the defense. However, Allen played all season on an injured foot.

Peters must determine whether Allen’s foot injury impacted his play and whether now is the time to sell on Allen.

The Commanders received inquiries on Allen at the trade deadline in October but refused to move him.

How will Peters view Allen? And what would an Allen trade look like?

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report previewed the offseason and five trades that could shape the next few months. He proposed an Allen trade to the Green Bay Packers. In return, Washington would receive Green Bay’s second-round pick (No. 41) and fourth-round pick (No. 125).

If the Commanders made this move, they would have 11 selections, including three second-round picks and four of the top 41.

The Washington Commanders are a good bet to be active in the trade market during the 2024 offseason. The team is coming off a disappointing 4-13 campaign—its worst since 2019—and now have a new general manager in place in Adam Peters. While Peters’ first task will be finding the organization’s next head coach, he’ll soon get to work on crafting a roster that can contend.

While Washington has nine picks in the 2024 draft—four in the top 67—it could use more to overhaul a pockmarked lineup. Dealing veterans to free up salary-cap space and add more draft capital to the coffers should be a priority for Peters. Due to this shift in focus, Jonathan Allen, the team’s standout defensive tackle, could be on the way out after seven seasons with the club.

Allen has some of the most trade value on the team after making back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2021-22. While his 5.5 sacks this year were his lowest total since 2020, he still had a strong individual season and appeared in at least 15 games for the seventh straight year.

The Green Bay Packers will want to throw their hat into the ring for Allen’s services. While they’ve quickly started flourishing in the post-Aaron Rodgers era, the Packers could use more help on the defensive front. Even on the heels of a strong regular season finish and Wild Card round victory, the Packers still have a real need in the defensive trenches after allowing a lowly 126.3 rushing yards per game and tallying a middling 45 sacks in 2023.

Allen would be an ideal solution to both issues and can slide over to defensive end in Green Bay’s 3-4 front. It would likely cost the club the better of of its two Round 2 draft selections this year plus more to get a deal done, but parting with these picks would well be worth the value Allen will add to this defense.

Peters may want to keep Allen and Daron Payne together for next season, as Washington’s defense needs a lot of work. Allen is also a respected team leader and popular in the community.

However, his value may never be higher. If the Commanders were offered a second-round pick and an additional fourth, it may be difficult to pass up.

Ranking Commanders’ 10 biggest needs entering 2024 offseason

We examine all of Washington’s top needs heading into the offseason.

New Washington general manager Adam Peters has his work cut out for him this offseason. Peters inherits a roster with plenty of holes on both sides of the ball.

Fortunately for Peters, the Commanders have six of the top 102 selections in the 2024 NFL draft, including No. 2 overall, and an estimated $75-80 million in cap space this offseason.

Before Peters attacks the roster, he must first find a head coach. Washington’s head coaching search picked up last week with several candidates interviewed.

With some of their teams eliminated from the playoffs, the Commanders could begin scheduling second interviews this week. However, four of the coaches Washington interviewed remain alive in the NFL playoffs, and the Commanders will need to wait at least another week before pursuing a second interview.

As for Washington’s roster, we rank the Commanders’ top 10 needs heading into the 2024 offseason.

Commanders Jonathan Allen: ‘I want to win now’

Jonathan Allen liked what he heard from owner Josh Harris on Monday.

On Tuesday’s edition of the “Sports Junkies,” a conversation with Washington defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was both entertaining and revealing.

Allen revealed he sat down with Ron Rivera prior to the season finale, and they discussed his playing with a sore knee and plantar fasciitis.

The two agreed with the Commanders being 4-12, it really was not worth it for Allen to be out there again this season.

Allen goes to great measures to maintain his health. He expressed that during the season, he really cuts back on drinking alcohol and cuts back on greasy foods as well.

Allen and his wife will be taking another extensive trip this offseason. This time they are going to Easter Island, which is west of Chile, South America.

When asked about some of the unusual cults approaching him while on Easter Island, Allen did not hesitate to respond, “Oh man, I’m a follower of Jesus Christ. Man, I don’t believe in all of that mumbo, jumbo.”

Then asked if he believes in the voodoo witch doctors, Allen replied, “No sir, hey, keep that away from me. I don’t even watch TV shows that have that crap in it.”

When Allen walks through airports, fans come up to him. But interestingly, when Allen is with his wife, Allen insists no one comes up to him.

His wife is a distance runner, having even run half marathons and a marathon. Allen, who weighs around 300 pounds, told of how he tried to run with her one time, and he only ran a mile, expressing he was miserable.

When flying into some of these remote airports across the planet, Allen said he has literally prayed, recognizing, “People get mad at me when I say this, but I’m on a plane, and I have no control. So, if it is my time to go, it is what it is. I can’t control it now.”

When asked why he puts his huge body in a plane seat all of those hours to fly on these trips all over the world, Allen again did not hesitate, “Well, that’s what the wife likes, you know, so got a suck it up.”

When the Allen’s traveled to Bhutan (between China and India), Allen talked of how the elevation was 12,000 feet above sea level. They embarked on a hike up to a place called Tiger Nest, a Buddhist Temple. Jonathan said it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. You start at 12,000 feet and hiking up to 14,000 feet. I was getting crushed by this thing; lack of oxygen. Again, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I don’t think I will go back.”

He expressed he liked what he heard from Josh Harris at the press conference, stating he is not looking for a reason to be leaving, but he does want to win now.

That is certainly understandable, as Allen’s first year in the NFL was 2017. He has been through many battles in the trenches.

There was even more revealing from Allen; here is the link to the entire conversation.