Things are changing for the Washington Commanders, where the hope is extra beef can make a difference against the run, but what the group needs more is a true “cornerstone” player, something coaches hope a young breakout candidate will become.
Second-year defensive tackle Jer’Zhan ‘Johnny’ Newton is the most likely Commanders player to emerge from obscurity and enjoy a banner campaign. That’s according to David Helman of Fox Sports, who thinks “the Commanders’ brain trust has to be hoping this is a big year for Newton.”
Hope has increased since the Commanders “released Jonathan Allen in March, and Daron Payne is entering his eighth NFL season. Even with Javon Kinlaw under contract, it’d be nice to know the position has a young cornerstone player to build around.”
Payne and Kinlaw will add greater bulk to the heart of the trenches, but Newton is more versatile and potentially explosive. The second-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft has the core tools to be the difference-making pass-rusher Washington’s defense needs along the interior, provided he can reach his full potential.
Jer’Zhan Newton’s Yet to Meet Expectations
Newton faced a steep learning curve after being selected with the 36th pick a year ago. He flashed intriguing athleticism and move skills, but he was also guilty of mental lapses.
The most notable of those lapses occurred when Newton took the bait and jumped offsides on 4th-and-1 to help the Pittsburgh Steelers steal victory in Week 10.
This was a loss of concentration, but Newton also had trouble winning the physical battles against both phases of offenses. The 22-year-old logged just two sacks and a mere nine pressures, per Pro Football Reference.
That’s not enough heat on the pocket from a roving, downhill lineman who can attack from anywhere across the front. Newton must add to his repertoire of pass-rush moves for a D-line lacking a marquee pressure specialist along the inside and on the edges.
The Commanders will also be keen for the former Illinois star to become more sturdy against the run. Newton found himself mauled too often as a rookie, like when Baltimore Ravens right guard Daniel Faalele put him on skates in Week 6, per Ravens.com Editorial Director Ryan Mink.
Some serious 💪 on Derrick Henry’s two touchdown runs.
First by Pat Ricard, who takes on veteran Bobby Wagner. Henry does the rest with his vision and acceleration outside.
Then big Daniel Faalele drives rookie Jer’Zhan Newton out of the gap.
Getting tougher against the run is the priority for Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Especially after his unit was flattened by NFC East rivals the Philadelphia Eagles and NFL rushing champion Saquon Barkley in last season’s NFC Championship Game.
A host of versatile linemen will contribute in specific ways, but the Commanders will still want an all-rounder to emerge and lead the rotation.
Commanders Can Afford Patience With Jer’Zhan Newton
His failures last season made Newton a logical trade candidate in the eyes of some, but he’s still young and gifted enough to develop as the Commanders had hoped. Particularly if he adds some consistency to those occasional glimpses of his ability to dominate.
Those glimpses included Newton being a menace in the pass pocket against No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears in Week 8, per PFF WAS Commanders.
Jer’Zhan Newton among IDL in Week 8:
♦️ 7 pressures (1st)
♦️ 31.3% win rate (1st)
♦️ 43.8% pressure rate (1st)
More of this level of disruption will help compensate for the Commanders still lacking a bluechip edge-rusher. It would also keep a rotation headlined by Payne and Kinlaw, and also featuring a few returning journeymen, strong.
Things will be stronger still if Newton also holds up better against the ground game. Like he did for this run stuff against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3, highlighted by Last of the Fullbacks.
Commanders Rookie Jer’Zhan Newton continues to peak my interest.
Two weeks in a row of playing limited snaps but I like what I’ve seen so far. Good hands and plays with a good center of gravity.
Nice job here of taking the hammer from RT, shucking the defender and making the
The raw talent is obvious, but Newton needs to start putting it all together more often if he’s going to be the breakout player the Commanders envisage.
