The Washingotn Commanders have ruled out Daron Payne for the NFC Championship game against their divisional rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. One of the best players and leaders in coach Dan Quinn’s defense will miss the most important game in the team’s recent history.
The former Alabama DT did not train during the week due to a knee and finger injuries. He was labeled as “questionable”, but in today’s injury report the 27 year-old was finally ruled “out”.
This will be the second game Daron Payne has missed since being drafted in 2018. The only game he missed before was against Detroit during Week 12 of 2019 season, due to an ankle injury. He has played in total 118 games of 120.
Sources related to the team reported he was confidento to play, no matter what in this game. Even he pointed that the most concerned injury was the one in the finger. He is caracterized by being one of the strongest players since college. He had a 7.00 grade during the NFL combine in 2018, and was drafted in the 13th overall pick in the same year.
NFC Championship game: Commanders vs Eagles
This is not a good news for HC Dan Quinn and DC Joe Whitt. Tomorrow they will be facing the most scaringrunninback in the league, Saquon Barkley. He is having his best season since turning pro, but also they will face Jalen Hurts, a huge mobility QB.
“The one thing is, is if he’s going to run the ball, and if the coordinator makes the decision for him to run the ball, we’re going to treat him like a running back, and we’re going to hit him that way. So that’s their decision if they want to get him hit the way he gets hit. If they don’t, they’ll keep him in the pocket. So, that’s what we’re going to do.”
Joe and the Commanders warned the Eagles to be prepare for a physical game not only for their RB, but also for QB Hurts.
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What does the Commanders loose without Daron Payne?
On first and 10 runs this season with Daron in the field, Washington had a 64% Success Rate on defense; meanwhile when he was sidelined in over 97 first and 10 run plays, the team dropped the stat to a 51.6 %. Becoming the last of the whole league (per Bill Barnwell).
They will need a huge game from rookie DT Johnny Newton and from veteran Sheldon Day for them to help replace the Payne’s presence and contribute to Jon Allen, the other star from the Commanders’ defense.