5 critical observations from Commanders 2024 training camp Day 4

Daron Payne's renewed purpose

Daron Payne cut a forlorn figure last season. Big things were expected of the formidable defensive tackle after the Washington Commanders gave him a lucrative contract extension. More money comes with higher expectations - something he wasn't able to match during a campaign to forget for all involved.

Payne seemed to lack motivation and enthusiasm as another season petered out under previous head coach Ron Rivera. Things look a lot different now with Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. leading the charge defensively. This is bringing a positive response from the former Alabama star along the way.

The Commanders are relying heavily on their stud defensive tackle tandem of Payne and Jonathan Allen in 2024. Their decision to spend a second-round pick on Johnny Newton only strengthens this unit further. Seeing all three on the field at the same time is a mouth-watering proposition depending on the schematic alignment.

The 2018 first-round pick seemed more rejuvenated when speaking to the media after practice. Payne highlighted the impressive additions made to the edge and Whitt's new philosophy as something he thinks can spark this defense into life based on comments via the team's website.

"It's just to see different D-ends come in, how they move and what things they do to get wins. That boy Cle [Clelin Ferrell], he's high energy, high effort. He's gonna get after the quarterback. We're really working on just flying around, getting to the ball, hunting. That's the main emphasis right now, just he [Joe Whitt Jr.] wants everybody hunting. Be around the ball, no matter how far the ball is down the field."

- Daron Payne via Commanders.com

Having a motivated Payne is going to help enormously. The same applies to Allen, who also made no secret of his frustrations during the previous campaign. Both players regressed from their typically high standards last season, but they remain a potentially devastating duo when firing on all cylinders.

Payne is responding well to the fresh injection of energy provided by the coaching staff. Hopefully, this enables the interior force to get back to the form that got him such a lofty new deal.