These Commanders players have no margin for error.
Dan Quinn probably didn't expect the Washington Commanders to be in the playoffs during his first season at the helm, although he'd never admit it publicly. Now that they are, the head coach won't want to waste this opportunity.
The Commanders secured 12 wins and proved on countless occasions that they were never out of the fight. There is a newfound resolve within the locker room. Everyone is pulling in the same direction and fighting for each other. This provided the spark that ignited this struggling franchise after decades of decay.
A different set of challenges await Washington in the postseason. The playoffs have higher stakes and bigger pressure attached. Nothing but executing their assignments and maintaining the same sense of collective purpose will do.
This starts at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football. Looking further ahead than that is not an option. Thankfully for the Commanders, they've done a good job of staying focused on what they can control to cement their status in the knockout rounds. This mentality should serve them well during their journey into the proverbial unknown.
There is no room for passengers. Everyone available must contribute. Some are under more pressure than others after coming in for criticism over recent weeks.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who must silence their critics in the playoffs. We'll begin with underperforming defensive tackle Daron Payne.
Commanders players who must silence their critics in the playoffs
Daron Payne - Commanders DT
The Washington Commanders haven't gotten much bang for their buck with Daron Payne since the interior presence penned a lucrative deal in 2023. His performances have been average more often than not. The Pro Bowl form that propelled him to stardom in 2022 has long gone.
Payne should be making better use of his physical attributes. He proved two years ago how dominant he can be when everything comes together. Whether it's complacency after being paid or not is debatable, but it cannot go on for much longer.
Perhaps the most concerning aspect of Payne's contribution is against the run. He gets pushed around far too often for a man his size and lacks the countermoves needed to regain leverage. That won't go unnoticed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their strategic planning for the wildcard contest.
Payne needs to show some heart and remind people why the Commanders gave him such a lofty financial commitment.
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
Dyami Brown is a curious case. There are times when the wide receiver looks dynamic enough to be a real asset in Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme. However, there isn't enough trust to make him a focal point just yet.
Considering the former third-round pick out of North Carolina is out of contract this offseason, that opportunity might never arrive.
The Washington Commanders need to strengthen their wideout room via free agency, the draft, or the trade market depending on which direction general manager Adam Peters goes down. What that means for Brown's future is undetermined, but he can improve his chances by capitalizing on every target or carry that comes his way at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brown has the athletic attributes to make a big play or two. If the Commanders can firmly establish the ground game early on, it should open things up in the passing game. Picking and choosing the spots to take downfield shots is a job for Kingsbury. When they arrive, the fourth-year-pro must deliver.
There is no grey area here. Either Brown seizes the moment when his number is called, or the Commanders will find someone who can during the upcoming recruitment period.
It's that simple.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE
The Commanders made Dorance Armstrong Jr. one of their top priorities when the legal tampering period before free agency began. Dan Quinn was suitably impressed with the defensive end during their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. Washington gave him a long-term deal and a significant increase in responsibilities.
Producing the goods from a rotational role with the likes of Micah Parsons taking up attention is one thing. Coming through as a primary focus of opposing protection schemes is something else entirely. Armstrong's struggled at times with this steep transition, although he's flashed enough to leave reasons for encouragement.
Armstrong's 46 pressures accumulated this season rank 33rd out of 211 qualifying edge rushers. His pass-rush grade of 76.4 from Pro Football Focus ranks 22nd. The sacks might not be in plentiful supply, but the former Kansas standout is generating pressure when opportunities arise.
Things are less promising against the run. Armstrong doesn't set the edge effectively enough and lacks gap discipline. That went relatively under the radar during the regular season, but it won't suffice in the knockout rounds.
The Commanders need Armstrong to emerge as the complete package. Making veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield uncomfortable and keeping the former No. 1 pick contained in the pocket is a good place to start. That is the best way to cement his importance to the team's long-term plans.
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
Jonathan Allen worked exceptionally hard to get back for the playoffs. He got two games to get his feet wet in the regular season after so long away from the gridiron. The time to step up has officially arrived.
Allen's production since returning to the rotation represents a mixed bag. Not entirely unexpected when one considers his long absence with a torn pectoral and the form displayed earlier in the campaign, but the Commanders need more from the Pro Bowl-caliber performer.
This is a time for big players to stand up and be counted. Allen is a respected leader in the locker room and is going to be relied upon heavily to set the tone. That means raising urgency and providing a sounder footing against the run.
It's an area of weakness for the Washington Commanders. That might sound strange with so many high-end draft picks on the defensive line interior, but it's a fact. This is going to be trench warfare versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and they must answer the call.
The Buccaneers are among the league's most efficient rushing attacks. Rookie sensation Bucky Irving is a formidable proposition to overcome. Rachaad White provides an explosive complimentary piece capable of causing damage if afforded enough space. Washington cannot let this duo dictate the tempo.
Allen must be at the heart of it. Something that would improve his chances of seeing out the final year of his deal along the way.
Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
Brian Robinson Jr. started the season off tremendously well. The running back's powerful, explosive playing style complimented the finesse of Jayden Daniels to form a productive backfield tandem. That's dipped slightly over the second half of 2024.
The Commanders' ground game is non-existent without the quarterbacks carving up yards. Robinson's injury was a significant bump in the road and he hasn't been the same since. His influence is waning at the worst possible time.
Kliff Kingsbury abandoned giving his running backs the football almost completely in Week 18 at the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders have gotten away with it during their impressive end to the campaign. That won't be the case when the margins get finer in the postseason.
Washington needs to establish a strong rushing attack at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Easier said than done versus stud nose tackle Vita Vea, impressive defensive lineman Calijah Kancey, and veteran linebacker Lavonte David among others, but the Commanders have to try.
Robinson's role will be integral. He needs to provide a punishing presence that keeps Tampa Bay's defense honest and takes some heat off Daniels with the primetime spotlight glaring. Anything less could see general manager Adam Peters examine alternatives during the offseason.
