"Payne was playing his best football since his dominant 2022 Pro Bowl year earlier in the campaign. This was the season that earned him a four-year, $90 million contract extension. He had a sack in the Commanders' season opener against the New York Giants. He forced a fumble in Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons. He blocked a field goal in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears."
"Over his past three appearances, Payne has recorded no stats beyond four tackles, only one of which was a solo tackle. That is unacceptable for Washington's biggest salary-cap commitment. Payne's Week 1 sack of Russell Wilson remains the only time this year he's taken down a quarterback. His inconsistency has been a theme throughout his career: he can be dominant in spurts, but seemingly only when he's motivated."
The Washington Commanders entered the season relying on veteran leadership and Dan Quinn's culture shift, but they now face near-elimination from playoff contention. Daron Payne began 2025 playing his best football since 2022, registering a sack in Week 1, a forced fumble in Week 4, and a blocked field goal in Week 6. He produced a safety and three pass breakups in Week 7. Payne then faded, recording only four tackles over his past three appearances and no sacks since Week 1. A suspension after an altercation with Amon-Ra St. Brown interrupted availability. Payne must recapture early-season form to justify his contract and boost the defense.
Read at Riggo's Rag
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]