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Redskins vs. Panthers: 5 players to watch in Week 6 of 2018

By Jacob Camenker

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 30: Josh Doctson #18 of the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium on November 30, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins sacks quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets in the first quarter of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 16: Defensive tackle Da’Ron Payne #95 of the Washington Redskins sacks quarterback Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets in the first quarter of a preseason game at FedExField on August 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

So far, Daron Payne has been exactly what the Redskins hoped for when they drafted him. He has eaten up space in the middle of the defense and has proven to be a solid pass rusher at the NFL level thanks to his ability to collapse the pocket. And on Sunday, they’ll need him to be at his best again.

The Panthers offensive line has held up for most of the season, but they are a banged-up squad that has weakness on the edge. However, the middle of the line is fairly solid. That said, if Payne can generate push and get into the backfield, that will do a lot to render the Panthers offense less effective.

Notably, Payne’s biggest effect could come in the run game. So far during his career, Christian McCaffrey has merely been decent between the tackles and if the Redskins can plug those gaps, he will be limited. And if McCaffrey can’t run the ball, the Panthers will be forced to run a one-dimensional attack or utilize Cam Newton as a runner more than they might like.

Payne has the athleticism needed to find holes in the Panthers line. He should be able to shoot gaps on either side of Ryan Kalil, and that will be big for him. After being totally dominated in the trenches last week, the defensive line will need to set the tone early. And Payne might be one of the guys to help do that.

It should be interesting to see if Payne can continue to step up and possible record a sack in a third-straight game. Either way, he’s a player to watch because of how important he has been to the success of the front so far.

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