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5 matchups to watch in Redskins vs. Jets preseason Week 2

By Jacob Camenker

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 25: Da’Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after recovering a fumble during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
AUBURN, AL – NOVEMBER 25: Da’Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after recovering a fumble during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan Hare Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

4. Daron Payne vs. Spencer Long

I’m not entirely certain that Payne will play in the game against the Jets, but he has been practicing this week. So, it seems that there’s at least a chance that he could be on the field. And that is something that Redskins fans will be happy to see.

After losing Derrius Guice to an ACL tear, Payne is now undoubtedly the biggest difference-making rookie on the team. Payne should be an excellent run stuffer for the Redskins, and should rush the passer decently as well playing alongside Jonathan Allen. Payne will definitely have a chance to shine against the Jets if given the opportunity to play.

The Jets don’t have a very strong offensive line, but they did upgrade the center position this offseason. They added former Redskins starter Spencer Long to take over at the position, and Long should be a good test for Payne. Long is just an average to slightly above-average guy, so Payne should have a chance to feast against him.

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If Payne can team up with Allen and generate some interior pressure, the Jets are going to have a very tough time getting anything going on offense. That defensive line rotation looks stronger and stronger every day, and when Payne, Allen, and Matt Ioannidis are all healthy and together…look out.

Payne should look to create penetration, shoot gaps, and put his immense athletic ability on display. If he can do that, he will give the coaching staff a lot more confidence in his abilities as the start of the season draws nearer. The fact that he was already penciled in as a starter dictates that he has an excellent future ahead of him, but it all starts when he sees his first NFL action, even if that is coming in the preseason.

In the event that Payne doesn’t get a chance to play for precautionary reasons, then Tim Settle will be the guy to watch here as he tries to lock down the role as the primary backup nose tackle.

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