Johnny Newton braced for rookie baptism amid Commanders' injury problems

Losing defensive tackle Jonathan Allen for the season thanks to a torn pectoral suffered in Week 6 at the Baltimore Ravens is a big blow to the Washington Commanders. It's their first major complication of the campaign to an established figure on and off the field. It's also another challenge Dan Quinn must overcome in pursuit of keeping some outstanding early momentum going.

As is always the case where the NFL is concerned, disappointment for one player means an opportunity for another. This is a next-man-up league. There is no room for sentiment. Everyone fit and available must keep pushing forward to achieve one common goal.

Allen will be eager to play his part behind the scenes like a true locker-room leader. This will form a strong support system for second-round pick Johnny Newton, who's in line for a rookie baptism much sooner than anticipated from a prominent role without the former Alabama star to depend upon.

The Commanders have taken things slowly with Newton, which is understandable considering he missed a lot of time over the offseason after having foot surgeries. The interior force has played 38 percent of defensive snaps in five games. Expect that to be ramped up considerably without Allen.

Commanders rookie Johnny Newton looking to embrace his big opportunity

It's a daunting challenge facing Newton. Instead of shirking it, he's keen to embrace every opportunity and lean on his more experienced teammates to smooth his transition into a prominent role.

"Just take advantage of every opportunity I get, that's my mindset no matter the circumstances. I talked to Jon [Allen], he told me what it was and that it's my time now. I don't want no drop-off, so just go in there and play the same level that he did. I'll be picking all the vets in the room that's been there before, relying on them and leaning on them. We share the same mentality, we all want to win and we all want to be the best at our position. I feel like if we go out there with that mentality, then eventually it will come."

- Johnny Newton via Scott Abraham/X

He's got the talent - one look at his college tape at Illinois to see that. It's a small sample size in the pros, but Newton's explosiveness and ability to get into backfields quickly could serve him well.

It won't be easy this weekend against the Carolina Panthers. They've got a highly productive offensive line after spending big money on Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis in free agency. Newton needs to step up and find ways to penetrate this formidable interior to make life uncomfortable for veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton.

The Commanders were thrilled beyond measure when Newton fell into their laps at No. 36 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. They didn't hesitate to end his concerning slide. They feel he's got the right mentality and physical gifts to become a future cornerstone piece this franchise can build around.

Newton's big moment to repay Washington's faith came much sooner than expected. But that doesn't mean he cannot deliver inside the proverbial pressure cooker.

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