Commanders DT Allen: Washington's Top Building Block?

The Washington Commanders are expected to be better on the defensive side of things than the offensive side, and one of the reasons is the presence of defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. 

As the bonafide leader of the Commanders defense Allen is often times the first player media surrounds following wins and losses, and leads with a steady personality rooted in the belief every man on the field just needs to do their jobs. 

That stability, in tone and performance, is one of the factors that made him Pro Football Focus’s first player it identified for Washington to build around moving forward. 

“While Daron Payne received a gigantic and well-deserved extension…Allen is still arguably the best player on this defensive line, says PFF. “His 161 total pressures and 15.5% pass-rush win rate since 2020 both rank fourth among interior defenders.”

The great thing about Allen’s game is that it’s consistent. Evidenced by his earning a third-straight pass-rush grade above 80 according to the popular grading site. 

Meanwhile, with the Commanders defense taking center stage, the offense is looking to climb north in NFL rankings behind second-year quarterback Sam Howell. 

Of course, he’ll also have the services of two more foundational players in receivers Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. 

“McLaurin has established himself as one of the best wide receivers in the game,” PFF says. “2022 rookie Jahan Dotson displayed crafty route-running ability and knack for finding the open field against zone coverage…the two could be a very tough combo to cover for opposing secondaries for years to come.”

No doubt Washington has some impressive young talent on the roster. 

With a good season as a full-season starter perhaps Howell will join this list in 2023. 

Of course, then PFF would have to figure out which of these three Commanders to leave off next year, and that would be a great problem for the Commanders to create.