3 Commanders players who must get more involved down the 2024 stretch
By Dean Jones
Things have started to tail off slightly for the Washington Commanders after a sensational start to the campaign. Losing to the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers is no disgrace looking at how both teams are faring this season. However, head coach Dan Quinn needs to right the ship quickly to avoid all their hard work going to waste.
Having a late bye week is proving complicated. That's mercifully on the immediate horizon and the Commanders enjoyed a longer rest after their Thursday Night Football defeat at Lincoln Financial Field. They also have an easier time of things schedule-wise in the coming weeks, which could work in their favor as Washington looks to return to the postseason.
Making the correct adjustments is what separates the contending teams from the also-rans. The Commanders must slightly alter their approach to get their campaign back on track. That involves potential schematic alterations and perhaps getting some players on the fringes more involved for good measure.
With this in mind, here are three Commanders players who the team should feature more prominently down the 2024 stretch.
Commanders players who must be more involved down the stretch
Sheldon Day - Commanders DL
This is the time of year when the Washington Commanders normally count on Jonathan Allen more than most. The defensive tackle is a respected locker room leader and top-level performer at the peak of his powers. Unfortunately for the organization, they'll have to do without his services after he was ruled out for the season with a torn bicep.
They've done relatively well without Allen. Second-round rookie Johnny Newton is flashing promise and Phidarian Mathis is holding his own when called upon. This trend wasn't evident over the last fortnight as the Commanders were bullied in the trenches in defeats to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Sheldon Day was a late arrival to the set-up after Allen's injury. He took time to adjust but is starting to show encouraging signs. His performance against the Steelers was a genuine bright spot - something that could see more reps come his way down the stretch.
This will be part of a defensive line rotation with Newton, Mathis, and Daron Payne. Day's proven capable of producing the goods when called upon. That's exactly what coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. needs for his unit to continue their recent ascent in difficult circumstances.