Washington Commanders Star Daron Payne Compares Team’s ‘New Feeling’ to Alabama Days

Defensive tackle Daron Payne describes the new feeling throughout the Washington Commanders organization.

Daron Payne (94)

General Manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have brought a new energy to the Washington Commanders, and players are already feeling it in the offseason.

Star defensive tackle Daron Payne explained what the current vibes in Washington feel like for Commanders’ players.

“It’s definitely a new feeling,” Payne said in an interview with Scott Abraham. I got this feeling when I was a freshman going into Alabama, and I got it again when I was a rookie coming here. It feels like the same type of energy.”

Payne also said that he’s been training with the guys this offseason, which could be a great sign of things to come in the future, considering how many new additions to the team’s defense have been made in free agency, such as future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Last year, at age 33, Wagner led the league in tackles while setting a new career high for his combined single-season total of 183. Wagner now joins Payne and Jonathan Allen on a defense that struggled last year, but the organization expects to turnaround considering that Quinn is a defensively-minded coach with multiple Super Bowl appearances from his involvement with teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons.

Washington may be in a rebuilding, but the team is still loaded with talent on its defensive line even after moving defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat at last year’s trade deadline.

Allen and Payne are old Alabama teammates who have found individual success in their careers. They have combined for three Pro Bowl appearances in the last three seasons.

The hope is that Peters’ additions to the team’s roster and Quinn’s presence will be enough to change the Commanders’ culture and shift the energy from being upset with losing that Allen vocalized a year ago, into becoming a winning environment going forward.

Related Posts

Browns’ Huntley & Thompson-Robinson Viewed as Potential Trade Candidates

The Cleveland Browns quarterback room is one of the deepest in the NFL. While much of their success will depend on Deshaun Watson to perform at the level he…

49ers Urged to Sign Former DPOY Amid Injury Issues

With just one preseason game in the books, the San Francisco 49ers are already dealing with a litany of injuries. Running back Christian McCaffrey (calf), linebacker Fred Warner (foot) and wide receiver Ricky…

Steelers Claim Massive Tackle off Waivers from Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers claimed massive 6-foot-5, 380-pound offensive tackle Tykeem Doss off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. The Pittsburgh Steelers made an addition to their roster on…

Bears Urged to ‘Permanently’ Bench $30 Million Starter in 2024

Getty Bears head coach Matt Eberflus. The Chicago Bears are entering their second-to-last full week of 2024 training camp and still do not have starting right guard Nate Davis back from his…

Former All-Pro WR Has Strong Take on Who Should Start for Raiders at QB

Getty Gardner Minshew & Aidan O’Connell of the Las Vegas Raiders. Through one preseason game, it doesn’t seem like there’s a clear favorite to win the Las Vegas Raiders‘…

Will Nick Harris Signing Alter Future For Another Browns Player?

Last season, Nick Harris was not only the backup center for the Cleveland Browns, but he also served as the fullback for much of the year. The decision…