Commanders veteran got his coach in trouble with Dan Quinn because he's making such an impact during OTAs

You always want your leaders and top veterans to set the culture and standard on the football field and that's exactly what Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne is doing during OTAs. 

And he's doing such an effective job that he got his defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. in some trouble with defensive line coach Darryl Tapp during a recent OTA session.

"The guy that to me, he just looks really good, he looks intentful: Daron Payne," Whitt Jr. told reporters Wednesday. "Man, like, every day this dude is, I'm having to tell him, 'Hey, man, let's calm down.' Like, I got in trouble with the head coach yesterday because I challenged the d-line and he went after it. I said, 'Q, that was my fault. I told him to do it and he did exactly what I told him to do.'

"I've been really pleased [from] the walkthroughs to everything [else] that we've asked him to do. And he's a leader, he doesn't talk much at all, but he is leading by example, and this year, you can really see him taking that leadership role and taking it to the next step."

Payne is the latest proof that the Commanders aren't taking 2024's success for granted

Jayden Daniels spoke last week about how the Commanders still have to earn everything after last year and now Payne is conveying that message/attitude through his actions.

It's absolutely crucial the Commanders' top leadership set this tone as early as possible. There were a lot of young components to last year's success and it's easier for the younger guys to forget success is never guaranteed in the NFL. Each and every single year is a different story and entity and whatever happened the year before doesn't matter when it comes to winning a Super Bowl, now.

Having guys like Payne and Daniels around to make sure everyone keeps their eyes on the prize is the first step, yet one of the most important steps, in the process of dethroning the Philadelphia Eagles - both in the division and at the top. Now it's all about making sure this sticks with everyone into February. Fortunately, the Commanders have plenty of guys who will ensure that happens.