Commanders Defensive Line Ranked Worst in NFC East by PFF
ASHBURN, Va. - The Washington Commanders, a once dominant force along the defensive line, has lost its touch, according to ProFootballFocus.
PFF is giving the group a mediocre ranking among NFL teams ... and placing it dead last in the NFC East.
The dramatic fall from grace may have been caused by the trading of defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat last season. But PFF focused, too, on the down season from defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
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Here's what they had to say about the defensive tackle duo and what led to the Commanders' ranking 19th on their list. ...
"Last season resulted in unexpected down years from the interior duo of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. Allen led the team in quarterback pressures, with 49, but it was his worst PFF pass-rushing grade since 2019 and the worst overall grade of his career.
"Rookie Johnny Newton will hope to force his way into the rotation inside and make some noise, but the big issue for this team is on the edge, where new free agent Dorance Armstrong may be the most proven commodity."
To add insult to injury, they have the Commanders ranked behind the entire NFC East, including the New York Giants. ...
- 3. Philadelphia Eagles
- 6. Dallas Cowboys
- 18. New York Giants
But fear not, the Commanders' new head coach, Dan Quinn, specializes in improving defensive fronts. He brought in former Cowboys defensive ends Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. to boost their pass rush and drafted Newton to reinforce the defensive front.
We can argue that Quinn should be able to get Allen and Payne back on track, with Armstrong and Fowler Jr. adding juice to their pass rush. Newton is the wildcard in this equation, depending on how he returns from two foot surgeries, he could give them more pressure up the middle.
If it all works out this once-feared defensive front, will be at least respected once again.