The Washington Commanders desperately need to beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 as they look to avoid going 0-2 to start the campaign. Their path to a pivotal triumph against a bitter division rival starts with defensive lineman Daron Payne.
Payne is the undisputed alpha in the trenches. He's the team's longest-serving defensive player — a mainstay through the good times and bad. And with fellow lineman Javon Kinlaw listed as questionable with a back injury, the Pro Bowler's performance will be more important than ever.
There was a lot to like about Payne's production in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, even though the Commanders didn't win. He didn't impact the stat sheet much, but he was in the backfield constantly. If he'd turned some of his pressures into sacks, it would have been an even more dominant day at the office.
Daron Payne could hold the key to Commanders' chances in Week 2 against the Cowboys
That wasn't to be, but Payne was a bright spot.
He'll need to bring that consistency into Dallas this weekend.
Payne could have a considerable impact on the proceedings at AT&T Stadium. The Cowboys are missing interior offensive lineman Tyler Smith, which weakens the left guard position. This won't have gone unnoticed by defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, and the former Alabama standout has the physical tools to attack this area to make Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott uncomfortable.
Operating in a 3-4 base defensive system seems to suit Payne. It gives him a little extra space to do damage as an end rather than trying to clog up lanes at tackle. He might be a seasoned veteran by this point, but he remains explosive off the snap. Once he gains early leverage, few guards in the league can deal with him.
It will take much more than Payne, of course. But if he can set the tone inside, it will spread throughout the defense.
Daron Payne has a lot on the line, and he's off to a good start
This is a massive campaign for Payne. Speculation was rife around his future this offseason, with some claiming it might be worth the Commanders trading or releasing him. General manager Adam Peters did nothing, keeping him around but making clear there would be no new contract before 2027.
Payne accepted it. He took on the challenge, and in his last contract year, the 2018 first-round pick gained 11.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl.
Expecting the same heights is unrealistic. Even so, there are signs building that this could be the best campaign Payne has had in some time.
It would be surprising if Kinlaw didn't suit up. But even if he does, the South Carolina product may not be 100 percent. Not ideal, but Payne can pick up the slack.
And if the Commanders want to finally get their season up and running versus the Cowboys, all of their big hitters need to be at their very best.
Payne might be the most important. And he must deliver.
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