Dan Quinn probably didn't expect the Washington Commanders to be in the playoffs during his first season at the helm, although he'd never admit it publicly. Now that they are, the head coach won't want to waste this opportunity.
The Commanders secured 12 wins and proved on countless occasions that they were never out of the fight. There is a newfound resolve within the locker room. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and fighting for each other. This provided the spark that ignited this struggling franchise after decades of decay.
A different set of challenges await Washington in the postseason. The playoffs have higher stakes and bigger pressure attached. Nothing but executing their assignments and maintaining the same sense of collective purpose will do.
This starts at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. Looking further ahead than that is not an option. Thankfully for the Commanders, they've done a good job of staying focused on what they can control to cement their status in the knockout rounds. This mentality should serve them well during their journey into the proverbial unknown.
There is no room for passengers. Everyone available must contribute. Some are under more pressure than others after coming in for criticism over recent weeks.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who must silence their critics in the playoffs. We'll begin with underperforming defensive tackle Daron Payne.
Commanders players who must silence their critics in the playoffs
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
The Washington Commanders haven't gotten much bang for their buck with Daron Payne since the interior presence penned a lucrative deal in 2023. His performances have been average more often than not. The Pro Bowl form that propelled him to stardom in 2022 has long gone.
Payne should be making better use of his physical attributes. He proved two years ago how dominant he can be when everything comes together. Whether it's complacency after being paid or not is debatable, but it cannot go on for much longer.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Payne's contribution is against the run. He gets pushed around far too often for a man his size and lacks the countermoves needed to regain leverage. That won't go unnoticed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their strategic planning for the wildcard contest.
Payne needs to show some heart and remind people why the Commanders gave him such a lofty financial commitment.