5 Commanders players who cannot afford to regress in Week 2 vs. NY Giants

Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL

Nick Allegretti is looking to embrace the opportunity to become a starting NFL interior offensive lineman with the Washington Commanders. The veteran played a leading role in the Kansas City Chiefs' triumph in the Super Bowl to get his shot. Looking at the way he performed in Week 1, he's picked up where he left off.

Allegretti was solid. He didn't give up a sack or concede a penalty and looked accomplished more often than not. This represents a solid platform from which to build, but it'll be a stern test of his credentials this weekend versus the New York Giants.

The Giants' defensive front underachieved in Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, but ignore them at your peril. Dexter Lawrence II, in particular, is a human wrecking ball on the interior that must be accounted for all all times.

Blocking Lawrence one-on-one is almost an impossible task. Allegretti and stud right guard Sam Cosmi will be tasked with helping center Tyler Biadasz early and often. They'll also need to keep their wits about them when Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux come flying off the edge. Not exactly the easiest proposition, but it'll be essential.

Daron Payne - Commanders DT

Daron Payne came in for significant criticism from some sections of the fanbase following Washington's defeat at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He remains defiant and is focusing on himself, but it's also worth noting that he's held to a higher standard after the bumper new contract extension he received during the 2023 offseason.

Payne's performance wasn't terrible upon further examination of the game film. He was getting pressure and disrupting things at the line of scrimmage. However, the former first-round pick out of Alabama couldn't create chances into sacks and fell by the wayside during running plays on occasion.

The Commanders need more from their defensive tackle tandem. Payne and Jonathan Allen regressed last season and must bounce back. Setting the tone versus a New York Giants interior offensive line that's been known to go through complications would be a great place to start.

Anything less from Payne's perspective is only going to see his critics increase. It was a so near, so far game from the player in Week 1. Having the conviction to finish off plays ruthlessly should ensure complications are kept to a minimum.