Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines with less than one month remaining until the team's training camp in Ashburn?
Greetings on this fine Monday as I return from a much-needed vacation of blissful chaos in Spain with the family. There's been plenty to ponder where the Washington Commanders are concerned, with less than a month remaining until the team gets down to business at their annual training camp in readiness for the 2023 season.
Among the news stories causing conversation recently include Sam Howell's leadership, Daron Payne's status, Tress Way's standing, and why the Commanders are not an attractive free-agent destination currently.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders ensure Tress Way gets special rights
There has been plenty of change on and off the field in recent seasons. But there remains one mainstay on the Washington Commanders roster that is widely considered to be among the best at his position anywhere in the league.
Tress Way's performances as a punter often get overlooked. However, it is nonetheless important and matched by ever-increasing leadership for good measure.
When discussing how his role and experience were currently being perceived within Washington's locker room, Way stated to Julie Donaldson via USA Today Sports that fellow veteran Jonathan Allen makes everyone fully aware of the two-time Pro Bowler's standing.
"Jon Allen makes sure I have special rights. I don’t actually have them myself, but whenever you have J.A. telling you what is up, everybody listens to him. So yeah, I’m glad I got in good with him… as long as he’s got my back, I have special rights, yes."Tress Way via USA Today Sports
Considering how many close games the Commanders found themselves in last season, Way's punting could make a big difference in the overall outcome of games. Because all this formidable defense needs is some good field position to make things happen consistently.
Commanders DT Daron Payne surges in re-draft
The Washington Commanders got exactly what they wanted and arguably more from Daron Payne in 2022. While the defensive tackle's run-stopping still needs work, there was a noticeable surge forward in production after those in power opted not to pick up his fifth-year option.
This cost the Commanders a considerable amount to keep around their former first-round selection. Payne was given the franchise tag before signing a four-year, $90 million deal that also came with a whopping $60 million guaranteed to ensure the player's around throughout his prime years.
Payne also got some love recently from Gary Davenport of The Bleacher Report in his recent 2018 re-draft. The one-time Alabama stud went No. 3 overall to the New York Jets, although the writer conceded their trade-up for quarterback Sam Darnold was the only viable outcome.
"[Daron] Payne is an excellent lineman. It took Payne a little while to truly hit his stride, but hit it he has. In 2021, the 6'3", 320-pounder posted 61 total tackles. The following season, Payne exploded for a career-best 11.5 sacks and 64 tackles. Payne and Quinnen Williams (whom the Jets drafted third overall in 2019) would be a truly terrifying pair of tackles. Now all New York has to do is wait for Aaron Rodgers."Gary Davenport, The Bleacher Report
The Commanders will be hoping Payne continues his upturn in consistency now he's getting paid like a top-tier interior defensive lineman. Something that could push him into the truly elite category along the way.
Commanders remain an undesirable destination
Things are looking up for the Washington Commanders after more than two decades of almost constant misery. Josh Harris' ownership group is expected to get their $6.05 billion transaction approved by other NFL owners on July 20, which finally rids Dan Snyder's lingering stain completely from the equation at last.
Harris and his team of investors will already be conjuring up ways to take the franchise forward. A new stadium should be atop the list, but there could be plenty of comings and goings within positions of power if things don't go according to plan in 2023.
This was one of the primary reasons why the Commanders were listed as one of the NFL's most unattractive destinations by Maurice Moton from the Bleacher Report. So much potential upheaval could make pending free agents think twice about choosing Washington if other offers are on the table.
"Any player who considers Washington must take the new owner's potential influence into account. Will the new shot-callers make personnel decisions that impact the roster? If the Commanders finish with a non-winning record for a fourth consecutive year under head coach Ron Rivera, the Commanders may have a new regime in place next offseason. On top of all that, the Commanders have one of the league's least appealing quarterback situations with 2022 fifth-rounder Sam Howell battling journeyman quarterback Jacoby Brissett for the starting job."Maurice Moton, The Bleacher Report
Stability is the keyword here. If Harris' group wants to make widespread alterations to infrastructure, then doing it all at once rips the band-aid off quickly and allows the new foundation to rise.
Commanders praise Sam Howell's quiet leadership
Sam Howell won over teammates emphatically throughout early offseason workouts as he looks to solidify the Washington Commanders quarterback position next season and beyond. He might not have the flamboyance of many signal-callers around the league, but that doesn't mean he cannot take charge in a more methodical way.
A recent report from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated claimed that Howell had a significant lead in the race to become Washington's No. 1 option heading into training camp. The former fifth-round selection is taking nothing for granted but has impressed wide receiver Terry McLaurin with quiet confidence based on his comments via the team's website.
"I think Sam has a real quiet confidence about him. He's not gonna tell people what to do, but he knows what he's doing when he gets out on the field."Terry McLaurin via Commanders.com
This was a sentiment echoed by running back Antonio Gibson, who added that Howell's improved playbook knowledge and growing belief are seeing a genuine leader emerge from the proverbial wilderness as a rookie.
"If someone's not lined up he's taking control of that. If we don't get out fast enough, he's bringing us back in the huddle, being a captain."Antonio Gibson via Commanders.com
Getting those in the locker room onside was a big objective for Howell this offseason. There is still a long way to go, but the North Carolina product is off to a decent start after Ron Rivera placed a significant amount of faith in the second-year-pro.