The Washington Commanders turned in a much-improved performance before falling agonizingly short against the Denver Broncos on Sunday Night Football. Head coach Dan Quinn was right to go for a two-point conversion in overtime with nothing left to lose. Unfortunately, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota couldn't get his pass over veteran edge rusher Nik Bonnito.
There were several encouraging signs to take from the contest. However, the concerning trend involving one highly touted draft pick continues to raise alarm bells among the fan base.
Johnny Newton just isn't progressing enough. The second-year defensive tackle was seen as a steal when the Commanders ended his slide at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He hasn't reached this status yet, but fans were hopeful he could progress with a full offseason free of the injuries that blighted his rookie transition.
Commanders are not seeing enough growth from Johnny Newton as pressure grows
That hasn't come to fruition. Newton remains a rotational presence but nothing more. His anonymous contribution accounted for 29 percent of the team's defensive snaps versus the Broncos. Even so, it was a disappearing act that left more questions than answers about his long-term outlook.
Head coach Dan Quinn trusts his veteran defensive tackle trio of Javon Kinlaw, Daron Payne, and Eddie Goldman a lot more right now. They performed well, which only heightened Newton's lack of impact. The former Illinois standout failed to register a single defensive statistic, and his explosiveness in pass-rushing situations was completely stonewalled by Denver's offensive line more often than not.
Unless there is a miraculous turnaround from Newton over Washington's final five games of the season, starting this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings, a critical offseason awaits.
Much will depend on the futures of Payne and Goldman. Still, unless the Clearwater Central Catholic High School graduate becomes a well-rounded interior force, especially by showing improvements on running plays, it's hard to envisage a scenario in which his role would change.
With the Commanders having nothing much to play for other than pride down the stretch, Quinn and his staff should take this opportunity to get the younger players more involved. He's been hesitant so far, but they have to know how specific individuals are progressing as part of their ongoing roster assessments. Newton is right at the top of the list, especially given how wildly inconsistent he's become as pressure builds.
Newton is a good player. His flashes when called upon, and his game-wrecking capabilities in college, confirm this theory. But unless he raises urgency in the coming weeks, his chances of becoming a franchise cornerstone will diminish.
It's that simple.