5 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 7 vs. the Panthers
By Dean Jones
Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S
After Jeremy Chinn's career with the Carolina Panthers fizzled out following a sensational beginning, a fresh start was always the most likely solution. The former second-round selection is looking to find a new home with the Washington Commanders, signing a one-year deal with the promise of more to come if performances are up to the required standard.
It's been a little hit-and-miss for Chinn to date. He's the team's third-leading tackler behind Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu. There remain complications in coverage on occasion, which must be eradicated as a matter of urgency heading into Week 7 against his old employers.
The Commanders will be counting on Chinn more than ever this weekend. Washington is dealing with some problems in the safety room. Quan Martin and Percy Butler both missed practice at stages this week, so they might not be at 100 percent for the contest. The Panthers will also have enough information to exploit the player's weaknesses if Andy Dalton gets time in the pocket.
This is a big-time measuring stick for Chinn's temperament. However, nobody will be more motivated to put in a tremendous showing.
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
Losing Jonathan Allen for the season is a big blow to the Commanders. His production might have diminished over the last two years, but he remains an inspirational leader in the locker room. Not having his presence is going to hurt, so others must step up to compensate for this unfortunate complication.
The spotlight is shining brighter on Daron Payne than most. He's flattered to deceive since getting a lucrative contract extension from the Commanders following his Pro Bowl campaign in 2022. That cannot continue for much longer with Allen out of the equation.
Carolina has a lot of problems. The offensive line is not one of them following some outstanding additions throughout the offseason. Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis are a formidable interior tandem to overcome. Payne needs to counteract this supreme threat and make his presence felt to limit the influence of promising running back Chuba Hubbard.
Not having Allen alongside him removes Payne's security blanket. If there was ever a time for the defensive tackle to step up and remind the world of his capabilities, it's now.
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