Who is the Commanders' player to root for not named Jayden Daniels or Terry McLaurin?
Daniels should be a fan favorite for years to come, unless you root for the Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, or Bears. Why Chicago? Bears' fans developed a strange obsession with Daniels after he outplayed No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams last season. Oh, and let's not forget, Daniels' Hail Mary to shock the Bears as time expired was so incredible that it won an award at NFL Honors.
While Daniels is an obvious fan favorite, as is star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, what other Commanders' player should fans root for in 2025?
Well, everyone loves a good comeback story. Right? Defensive tackle Daron Payne isn't coming back from injury, but is coming off two subpar seasons after a breakout season in 2022. This offseason, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and head coach Dan Quinn singled out Payne for having a "remarkable" offseason.
Tom Blair of NFL.com named one player from every team to root for in 2025 and made a compelling case for Payne as his choice.
Many of us are already rooting for Jayden Daniels, because, duh, and for Terry McLaurin, because he's A) very good and B) paid his dues in the extreme as a mainstay of the franchise's pre-Daniels days. How about giving some love to the other roster stalwart who has Really Gone Through It in Washington? Jonathan Allen's departure this offseason leaves Payne (drafted 13th overall in 2018) as one of the longest-tenured Commanders, someone who's started 84 straight regular-season games for the team -- just 38 of which ended in victory, including 12 last season. The 28-year-old is as deserving as anyone of reveling in Washington's transformation into a legit contender. All the better if Payne, whose pressure rate and sack totals dipped after an 11.5-sack 2022 season, can translate the positive buzz he's been generating to a renewed dominance on the field.
Allen probably would have been the choice if the team hadn't parted ways with him over the offseason. However, Blair makes a strong case for Payne. The eighth-year standout is dependable, having started every game in six of his seven NFL seasons to date. That's difficult as an interior defensive lineman. He also proved in 2022 that he could be a dominant force.
The Commanders struggled to stop the run last season. Payne is capable of making a significant impact as a run defender and pass rusher. If he can do that, Washington fans will be chanting his name at Northwest Stadium as they hope for another deep playoff run.
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Yahoo
15 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Which Giants will make the cut? Here's our 53-man roster projection after Week 1 of camp
EAST RUTHERFORD − The New York Giants are jockeying for position at the many levels of the depth chart and training camp has only begun. Full pads are set to go on Monday morning in the Giants' fifth practice of the summer, and this represents an opportunity for many to drastically change perspective in the battle for jobs [and playing time]. Here is a position-by-position analysis of where the Giants stand with the chase for spots on the 53-man roster just heating up through a week of camp: OFFENSE (26) Quarterback (3) Russell Wilson Jameis Winston Jaxson Dart Breakdown: Nothing has changed here with Wilson the clear QB1. Dart has gotten most of the second-team reps, while Winston has made the most of his with solid play as well as demanding the standard be just as high for players who might be fighting for spots not on the active roster, but the practice squad. His presence as noticeable. Tommy DeVito has had limited chances, but he has looked good with those reps. He's likely still staring at a practice squad offer or heading elsewhere unless there is a significant injury. Running back (3) Tyrone Tracy Devin Singletary Cam Skattebo Breakdown: Tracy is the lead back and looks good. Will be interesting to see him when the run game starts getting work. Skattebo has been fantastic as a receiver, catching every pass thrown his way while working with the second and third teams. Singletary is solid and his reliability in pass protection is a plus. Turbo Miller has had a strong start to camp and will be fighting to force the Giants to keep four backs. His burst jumps out. Can he carve out a role on special teams and lock down a roster spot? Wide receiver (6) Malik Nabers Darius Slayton Wan'Dale Robinson Jalin Hyatt Ihmir Smith-Marsette Beaux Collins Breakdown: Special teams ace Bryce Ford-Wheaton had an inside track to a spot from this position until he tore his Achilles in Sunday's practice. It's a crushing blow for a third-year player who has shown flashes, but has been hit by bad injury luck in each of his three seasons. That potentially opens the door for another receiver. Undrafted rookie Beaux Collins has stood out with chances on the first and second teams with Russell Wilson, Jaxson Dart and Jameis Winston, so he gets the early nod. Dalen Cambre is another UDFA rookie who could have a path to replace Ford-Wheaton because of his special teams prowess in college at Louisiana. Another option: free agent Gabe Davis did visit the team in May and has strong bonds with Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen. Smith-Marsette has done well with his opportunities on offense and he is the kick returner. Tight end (4) Theo Johnson Chris Manhertz Daniel Bellinger Thomas Fidone Breakdown: I kept four tight ends here, but as expected, this could be a position that gives up a spot depending on a numbers' crunch elsewhere. A fifth in Greg Dulcich has had a strong start to camp. Bellinger and Manhertz have been relatively quiet, so it'll be interesting to see the physicality they can bring with the pads going on. Offensive line (10) LT Andrew Thomas LG Jon Runyan Jr. C John Michael Schmitz RG Greg Van Roten RT Jermaine Eluemunor T James Hudson T/G Marcus Mbow G Evan Neal G Jake Kubas G/T Joshua Ezeudu Breakdown: Thomas has started camp on the PUP list and he can be activated at any time, but don't expect the Giants to rush him. He's working with the training staff to make sure he's ready on road back from Lisfranc surgery. Rookie fifth rounder Marcus Mbow has emerged at left and right tackle with the second and third teams, and while James Hudson has been at left tackle with the 1s, if for some reason Thomas' return is slower than anticipated, it's possible Mbow gets even more of a look. John Michael Schmitz had a tough first week and needs to step up when the physicality increases. It's going to be interesting to watch Evan Neal at guard when the pads go on. DEFENSE (24) Defensive line (5) Dexter Lawrence Rakeem Nunez-Roches Roy Robertson-Harris Darius Alexander Elijah Chatman Breakdown: Nunez-Roches is going to get pushed by younger players such as Elijah Garcia, who has had a strong start to camp. Chatman gets the fifth spot for now, but the Giants have depth here and it'll be a roller coaster for all those competing for a spot here. All depends on the combinations, and don't forget Abdul Carter and Chauncey Golston can also play inside in rush packages. Edge (4) Brian Burns Kayvon Thibodeaux Abdul Carter Chauncey Golston Breakdown: Carter has been as advertised - maybe even better so early. Burns is so underrated and such a presence on this team. His production should catch up to that perception. Thibodeaux is off to a strong start as well. Golston rounds out this quartet and he's had his moments, too. Free agent signee Victor Dimukeje was injured while training away from the team, tearing his pectoral and landing on the PUP list to start camp. Inside linebacker (5) Bobby Okereke Micah McFadden Chris Board Darius Muasau Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles Breakdown: Okereke and McFadden are mainstays in the middle. Board and Muasau are core special teams players. Flanningan-Fowles is an addition from our initial projection; he's also a contributor on special teams. Cornerback (6) Paulson Adebo Tae Banks Dru Phillips Cor'Dale Flott Tre Hawkins III Korie Black Breakdown: Banks and Flott are battling for the starting job opposite Adebo, and so far, Flott appears to have the upper hand. It's early, however. Phillips is a potential game-changer at nickel. Nic Jones had a Pick 6 of Jaxson Dart on Day 1 and he's been pushing for bigger chances as Phillips' backup. He could threaten for a role, which could put Hawkins or Black in jeopardy if that continues. Safety (4) Jevon Holland Tyler Nubin Dane Belton K'Von Wallace Breakdown: The top of this position is set with Holland and Nubin. Both have made plays and gives the Giants their best safety tandem since Super Bowl XLVI with Antrel Rolle and Kenny Phillips. Belton has had a quiet start to camp after such a loud spring as a takeaway machine. Wallace was signed on the eve of camp, so he's working his way up the depth chart. Specialists (3) K Graham Gano P Jamie Gillan LS Casey Kreiter Breakdown: No reason to think anything has changed here. Jude McAtamney is still on track to be a second kicker on the practice squad as part of the International Pathway Program. This article originally appeared on NY Giants roster projection: Our prediction after Week 1 of camp
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Astros host the Nationals on 5-game home losing streak
Washington Nationals (43-62, fifth in the NL East) vs. Houston Astros (60-46, first in the AL West) Houston; Monday, 8:10 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Nationals: Brad Lord (2-5, 3.39 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 57 strikeouts); Astros: Framber Valdez (11-4, 2.67 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 129 strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -232, Nationals +190; over/under is 7 1/2 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros are looking to break their five-game home slide with a win against the Washington Nationals. Houston has a 33-23 record at home and a 60-46 record overall. The Astros have gone 33-7 in games when they scored at least five runs. Washington has a 43-62 record overall and a 22-31 record in road games. Nationals hitters have a collective .389 slugging percentage to rank ninth in the NL. The teams meet Monday for the first time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Jose Altuve has 17 doubles, a triple and 17 home runs while hitting .280 for the Astros. Brice Matthews is 5 for 32 with three home runs over the last 10 games. James Wood has 21 doubles and 24 home runs while hitting .263 for the Nationals. Josh Bell is 12 for 39 with two doubles and two home runs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Astros: 4-6, .241 batting average, 4.89 ERA, outscored by 17 runs Nationals: 5-5, .235 batting average, 4.19 ERA, outscored by five runs INJURIES: Astros: Brandon Walter: 15-Day IL (elbow), Lance McCullers: 15-Day IL (finger), Brendan Rodgers: 60-Day IL (oblique), Isaac Paredes: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jake Meyers: 10-Day IL (calf), Zach Dezenzo: 60-Day IL (hand), Yordan Alvarez: 60-Day IL (hand), Luis Guillorme: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jeremy Pena: 10-Day IL (rib), Jacob Melton: 10-Day IL (ankle), Shawn Dubin: 15-Day IL (forearm), Pedro Leon: 60-Day IL (knee), Spencer Arrighetti: 60-Day IL (thumb), Ronel Blanco: 60-Day IL (elbow), Hayden Wesneski: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (elbow), J.P. France: 60-Day IL (shoulder) Nationals: Dylan Crews: 60-Day IL (back), Trevor Williams: 60-Day IL (elbow), Keibert Ruiz: 7-Day IL (concussion), Derek Law: 60-Day IL (forearm), DJ Herz: 60-Day IL (elbow), Josiah Gray: 60-Day IL (elbow) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Associated Press
an hour ago
- Associated Press
Astros host the Nationals on 5-game home losing streak
Washington Nationals (43-62, fifth in the NL East) vs. Houston Astros (60-46, first in the AL West) Houston; Monday, 8:10 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Nationals: Brad Lord (2-5, 3.39 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 57 strikeouts); Astros: Framber Valdez (11-4, 2.67 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 129 strikeouts) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -232, Nationals +190; over/under is 7 1/2 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Houston Astros are looking to break their five-game home slide with a win against the Washington Nationals. Houston has a 33-23 record at home and a 60-46 record overall. The Astros have gone 33-7 in games when they scored at least five runs. Washington has a 43-62 record overall and a 22-31 record in road games. Nationals hitters have a collective .389 slugging percentage to rank ninth in the NL. The teams meet Monday for the first time this season. TOP PERFORMERS: Jose Altuve has 17 doubles, a triple and 17 home runs while hitting .280 for the Astros. Brice Matthews is 5 for 32 with three home runs over the last 10 games. James Wood has 21 doubles and 24 home runs while hitting .263 for the Nationals. Josh Bell is 12 for 39 with two doubles and two home runs over the last 10 games. LAST 10 GAMES: Astros: 4-6, .241 batting average, 4.89 ERA, outscored by 17 runs Nationals: 5-5, .235 batting average, 4.19 ERA, outscored by five runs INJURIES: Astros: Brandon Walter: 15-Day IL (elbow), Lance McCullers: 15-Day IL (finger), Brendan Rodgers: 60-Day IL (oblique), Isaac Paredes: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jake Meyers: 10-Day IL (calf), Zach Dezenzo: 60-Day IL (hand), Yordan Alvarez: 60-Day IL (hand), Luis Guillorme: 10-Day IL (hamstring), Jeremy Pena: 10-Day IL (rib), Jacob Melton: 10-Day IL (ankle), Shawn Dubin: 15-Day IL (forearm), Pedro Leon: 60-Day IL (knee), Spencer Arrighetti: 60-Day IL (thumb), Ronel Blanco: 60-Day IL (elbow), Hayden Wesneski: 60-Day IL (elbow), Luis Garcia: 60-Day IL (elbow), Cristian Javier: 60-Day IL (elbow), J.P. France: 60-Day IL (shoulder) Nationals: Dylan Crews: 60-Day IL (back), Trevor Williams: 60-Day IL (elbow), Keibert Ruiz: 7-Day IL (concussion), Derek Law: 60-Day IL (forearm), DJ Herz: 60-Day IL (elbow), Josiah Gray: 60-Day IL (elbow) ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
