Commanders news: Kamren Curl, QB dilemma, Amarius Mims and DT tandem

Commanders DT tandem praised

The Washington Commanders' defense failed to meet lofty expectations in 2023. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio was fired. Things didn't get much better with Ron Rivera calling plays. There was a dejected feel in the locker room as another campaign that promised much delivered absolutely nothing.

Hopefully, this can change under the new regime. Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. have both preached the importance of building through the trenches. The new defensive play-caller believes he is fortunate to have Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne manning the interior based on comments via Sports Illustrated.

"Everything starts up front. I'm a backend guy, but when you see me at practice, I'm gonna be; even when I was the cornerback coach in Green Bay or Louisville, it doesn't matter. I'm always going to the big guys. It starts up front. I'm a believer of that, and that's where we're going. I'm glad we have those guys because that's where it all starts."

- Joe Whitt Jr. via Sports Illustrated

Allen and Payne will be the first to admit they weren't at their best last season. They weren't alone in that regard, but the need for this supreme defensive tackle tandem to spearhead Washington's exciting shift in course cannot be overstated.

We know the talent both possess. There should also be plenty of extra motivation under a fresh injection of coaching energy.