Daron Payne just exposed Commanders' leadership problem without even trying

"The first half went as badly as fans feared. Washington was outmatched, failing to generate any positive offensive momentum. As for the defense? They were nothing short of an abomination once again. Detroit got whatever it wanted. They score touchdowns on their first three possessions, effortlessly moving the football downfield and bullying the Commanders at all three levels of the field. Frustrations boiled over, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs was carried about eight yards into the end zone after receiving contact from Washington's defenders."

"It was simply unacceptable, and it sent one established figure over the edge. Amid the injuries suffered by linebacker Frankie Luvu and second-round rookie cornerback Trey Amos, veteran defensive lineman Daron Payne managed to get himself ejected. The former Alabama standout was spotted throwing a punch at Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Javon Kinlaw was also flagged for his involvement in the incident, although he managed to escape being tossed, too."

"This is a microcosm of everything wrong with the Commanders right now. They are a sloppy, undisciplined team with no authentic leadership emerging. Payne is one of the most established figures; someone others willingly follow who is supposed to set an example. This sort of petulance is more in keeping with what occurred almost constantly under previous Washington regimes, and the line must be drawn. Payne is supposed to be a cornerstone piece. He should know better, and so should Kinlaw."

The Commanders were thoroughly outplayed in Week 10, producing no sustained offensive momentum while the defense repeatedly failed. Detroit scored touchdowns on its first three possessions, moving the ball easily and physically overwhelming Washington across all three levels. Injuries to linebacker Frankie Luvu and rookie cornerback Trey Amos compounded problems. Veteran defensive lineman Daron Payne was ejected after being seen throwing a punch at Amon-Ra St. Brown, with Javon Kinlaw also flagged. The incident underscored broader discipline and leadership issues, with Payne’s conduct seen as contrary to his expected role as a cornerstone veteran.

Read at Riggo's Rag