4 critical observations from Commanders-Ravens joint practice No. 1

Commanders DT Daron Payne was dominant

There was absolutely no way the Washington Commanders were going to let Daron Payne leave in free agency. The defensive tackle enjoyed the best campaign of his professional career by a considerable margin in 2022, earning a Pro Bowl honor and securing 11.5 sacks en route to a megabucks contract extension.

Payne signed a four-year, $90 million deal with $59 million guaranteed and immediately set about repaying this faith. The former Alabama star has been one of the offseason standouts at camp, displaying his elite-level explosiveness and brute strength alongside Jonathan Allen on Washington's formidable defensive line.

Washington's first joint practice with the Baltimore Ravens allowed Payne to showcase his supreme athletic gifts to a wider audience. He was nothing short of dominant in one-on-one drills according to those in attendance, which is a positive sign heading into Year 6 of his professional career.

Much will depend on health, obviously. But the Commanders look to have a player in Payne that comes into the new season with All-Pro potential. Becoming more disciplined against the run is the next big challenge, but there's nothing to suggest improvements cannot arrive based on what's transpired since he put pen to paper.

Containing former NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson was almost impossible once he left the pocket, but Payne and the defensive front deserve praise for making things extremely difficult throughout their opening joint session.