Commanders News: Chase Young, Terry McLaurin, Phidarian Mathis and Montez Sweat
By Dean Jones
Commanders DT aiming for redemption
After a luckless rookie campaign with the Washington Commanders, everything looks more promising for Phidarian Mathis this time around. The formidable defensive tackle is back healthy and making his presence felt throughout early OTAs, which is a positive step after missing so much football in 2022.
Mathis looks set to occupy a key rotational piece behind Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, who also attended Alabama. This will allow the former second-round selection to integrate at his own pace while also learning behind two players he holds in the highest regard.
When discussing his turbulent NFL journey to date, Mathis stated via the team's website that although his predicament has been less than ideal, it's only made him hungrier to succeed after giving his life to the game so far.
"I know this is my dream. This is what I want to do … At the end of the day, I know this is what I want to do with my life. I put all my work into [it]. I worked all my life just to get to this point."It felt like everything was taken away from me in one snap. I had a lot of time to think about all the things I could have done better, things I want to do when I come back."
- Phidarian Mathis, Commanders.com
If Mathis can stay injury free throughout the summer and make the most of whatever reps come his way during the preseason, it'll be a massive bonus. Something that only adds to the options available to Commanders' defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio in 2023.