Commanders must develop efficient coping mechanisms without Jonathan Allen

Jonathan Allen's been the beating heart of the Washington Commanders' defense for years. The defensive tackle became disenchanted last season as another campaign under previous head coach Ron Rivera spiraled into irrelevancy, but he wasn't alone. And in all honesty, who could blame him?

Allen's been noticeably rejuvenated under the new regime. He's enjoying his football again. The former first-round pick out of Alabama's on-field powers continue to wane, but his presence in the locker room is as strong as ever.

Dan Quinn confident the Commanders can cope without Jonathan Allen

Now, the Commanders will have to cope without Allen. His torn pectoral rules him out for Washington's remaining regular-season engagements in 2024. This is a gut punch to the team's chances, but head coach Dan Quinn is confident that his backup options can come to the fore and make their respective presences felt with more involvement.

"It's a big blow for us. Jon Allen has obviously been a big staple player here with the play style and the attitude. We're really bummed for him as the man and the ball player. Jon's rare, and he has unique skills and talents. It's not just plug-and-play. The good news is that we've got a big, deep crew."

- Dan Quinn via Commanders.com

Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will be hanging their hat on two unproven commodities to plug the gaping hole left by Allen. The Commanders could look to the remaining free-agent pool or sign someone from a practice squad elsewhere. Until then, Johnny Newton and Phidarian Mathis must become an effective coping mechanism without the two-time Pro Bowler.

Newton dealt with injury complications throughout the offseason and has been brought along gradually. The No. 36 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft's snap percentage increased to 54 percent at the Baltimore Ravens once Allen went down. Expect that trend to continue as the Commanders get ready to throw the rookie into the proverbial starting fire much sooner than anticipated.

Washington also has Mathis as an option. The Alabama product endured a torrid run of luck on the health front over his first two seasons. Things look more promising this time around, and the physically imposing interior force is also showing signs of life under improved coaching to raise optimism further.

One could argue that Allen's leadership in the locker room will be missed most of all. Fortunately for the Commanders, general manager Adam Peters made a point of finding players with supreme leadership traits in free agency and the draft in pursuit of improving the culture.

The likes of Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, and even first-year cornerback Mike Sainristil are more than capable of picking up the slack. This also puts the onus squarely on the shoulders of Daron Payne considering the whopping contract given to the player in 2023.

Losing Allen is a blow that will be felt. But it's not the end of the world.

Every team suffers injuries throughout the campaign. The Commanders have been luckier than most through six weeks, so we'll find out more about this staff's ability to cope and adjust without an established presence.

Easier said than done, of course. However, don't count the Commanders out just yet.

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