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New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
Commanders' Daron Payne is leading by example with his inspiring offseason work
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was in trouble with head coach Dan Quinn at practice this week. Blame Daron Payne. In Tuesday's closed and padless session, Whitt challenged the revamped defensive line to attack. The amped tackle 'went after it' to the point that Whitt apologized to Quinn for the overzealous display, explaining that Payne 'did exactly what I told him to do.' Advertisement It's not that Payne's efforts were out of bounds for game action, nor was the intensity a one-off this offseason. It's why Whitt cited the eight-year veteran when asked during his Wednesday news conference which player stood out early in workouts and organized team activities. '(Payne) looks really good. He looks in tempo,' Whitt said. 'Like, every day this dude is — I'm having to tell him, 'Hey, man, let's calm down.'' Washington fans previously witnessed Payne playing the role of interior monster. The 2022 version collapsed pockets and engulfed ball carriers en route to earning his lone Pro Bowl selection with 11 1/2 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. The 2018 first-round pick signed a four-year, $90 million contract the following offseason. Whitt and Quinn will become unabashed cheerleaders if Payne's performances sniff that level. While solid in the subsequent two seasons, Payne's combined sack (8) and tackles for loss (18) numbers didn't pop. There were a few individual standout moments during Washington's all-smiles 12-win regular season. Maintaining this intensity when the games count would help regain that form. 'I walked past (Payne) today and said, 'Man, you've had a remarkable offseason,'' Quinn said following Wednesday's session. 'I felt that way through the drill work, through the skill (work). You just see something that jumps out differently. … I felt that from him coming into this offseason, and I've certainly been impressed by what I've seen so far.' The Commanders require a big-man group effort to bolster a defense that lagged significantly behind the Jayden Daniels-led offense in Washington's surprising run to the NFC Championship Game. Washington released two-time Pro Bowl tackle Jonathan Allen, yet met the internal goal of getting 'bigger and longer' up front by signing free agent linemen Javon Kinlaw and Deatrich Wise Jr. Advertisement Johnny Newton enters his sophomore season a year removed from surgeries on both feet. Frankie Luvu, Washington's top returning sacker, and Dorance Armstrong remain. 'The vision of how we want to play, how we want to be and how we want to look, you're seeing more of it right now from a size, length and speed standpoint,' Whitt said. The coaches and players understand that the eye test in these unphysical OTAs doesn't automatically translate to in-season success. There are still outside concerns about Washington's edge defender talent and pass rush effectiveness. Many of the personnel transactions, including free-agent defensive tackle Eddie Goldman, were with last season's 30th-ranked run defense in mind. Payne is the one lineman with game-changing potential. Once part of a starting lineup with four consecutive first-round picks, Payne is now the lone rotational lineman who has been with Washington for more than one season. Accordingly, Washington's second-longest tenured player behind punter Tress Way embraced defensive line coach Darryl Tapp's challenge following the season to become the group's leader. 'I've been trying to work hard … trying to show the young boys how to do it,' Payne said. 'Just going out training hard every day, and then reloading in the morning and coming back the next day, trying to do it again.' Whitt correctly notes that Payne 'doesn't talk much at all. But he is leading by example. This year, you can really see him taking that leadership role to the next step.' Usage is another area where Payne stands out. He will play on all three downs. Others might; Quinn and Whitt will spend the summer sorting out line combinations. Along with preseason games, Quinn confirmed the Commanders will hold joint practices with the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens. Advertisement 'We'll get a couple of practices against other teams, and those practices help, too, because as coaches we can emphasize (matchups and scenarios),' Quinn said. 'So those are helpful, too, which you don't get during the (preseason) game.' With Kinlaw, a hulking 6-foot-5, 319-pounder, Washington has 'the ability to move him up and down the line of scrimmage,' Whitt said. Wise, a Super Bowl champion with New England, likely starts at end opposite Armstrong, but he can play inside. Goldman is a run-game specialist. 'Man, we got some big ol' guys, bro,' said the 6-foot-3, 320-pound Payne. Measurables aside, there's no potentially bigger impact player on the line — and arguably the entire defense — than Payne. Though not entering a contract year, motivation may come from seeing Allen released. The Commanders would gain significant salary-cap savings by releasing Payne next offseason. After enduring numerous down seasons, Payne isn't looking to leave now that opponents see Washington as a considerable foe. 'Man, it's super fun being on a big stage,' Payne said. 'I know (opponents) used to single us out because they think they get an easy win. Now they want to beat us.' • Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, left tackle Laremy Tunsil and cornerback Marshon Lattimore skipped voluntary OTAs for a second consecutive week. While McLaurin and Tunsil were in town for other portions of the offseason program, Lattimore has stayed away. The four-time Pro Bowler battled hamstring injuries before and after last year's trade deadline deal with the New Orleans Saints. During the playoffs, Lattimore also labored in coverage against star receivers Mike Evans and A.J. Brown. Whitt said the team has 'been in communication' with Lattimore. 'When he gets here, we'll see exactly where he is from a conditioning standpoint. From a mental standpoint, the coaches have been talking with him. He's a smart young man, but we'll see exactly where he is when he gets here.' Advertisement Kinlaw and wide receiver Michael Gallup did not participate in Wednesday's on-field work but are with the team. • The passing game was crisper this week after an uneven OTA opener. Daniels continues his upward trajectory, displaying accuracy and his signature calm professionalism. Washington found different ways to put the ball in receiver Deebo Samuel's hands as a pass catcher and runner. While tight end Ben Sinnott worked out with a black jersey, indicating an injury, reserve Colson Yankoff had multiple receptions in 11-on-11 drills. for your viewing pleasure — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 4, 2025 • Whitt demoted safety Quan Martin to the second-team defense last offseason because 'he was making mistakes that we can't afford to make.' The turnaround was immediate and sustainable. Martin shone in the following three practices before delivering an impressive second NFL season despite dealing with enough shoulder pain to warrant eventual surgeries. This year, Whitt sees a 'laser-focused' player capable of breaking out. 'This kid has the potential to be one of the better safeties in this league, and that's what I'm holding him to,' Whitt said.
Washington Post
28-05-2025
- General
- Washington Post
Bulked up Jayden Daniels looks to have put on weight coming off rookie season with the Commanders
ASHBURN, Va. — Jayden Daniels evades the topic as if he's an oncoming pass rusher and ducks away from the questions as if he's avoiding a sack. It sure looks as if the Washington Commanders' franchise quarterback has bulked up, adding some muscle after his AP Offensive Rookie of the Year season. He just won't say how much and insists it was not a particular mission of his.
New York Times
28-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Commanders OTA practice features a ‘little bit thicker' version of Jayden Daniels
ASHBURN, Va. — How does Jayden Daniels follow one of the most powerful rookie seasons in NFL history? Get stronger. 'Put on a little muscle, huh? Yeah, for sure,' said center Tyler Biadasz, one of the blockers tasked with protecting the Washington Commanders' franchise quarterback. 'He said what he was going to do, and he did it.' Advertisement Let's be clear: Daniels will never be confused physically with quarterback behemoths like reigning MVP Josh Allen or Cam Newton, even if the 210-pounder's arms appeared a smidge bulkier on Wednesday at the start of organized team activities. The coaching staff did not demand that the Southern California native spend his offseason lifting weights at Los Angeles' famed Muscle Beach. Still, fans were abuzz on social media about a potentially swole Daniels. The always even-keeled quarterback smiled when asked about his fitness regimen. 'I was just in the weight room working out,' said a smiling Daniels. 'You always try to improve in different areas, but I don't know what to say. I'll let people talk about it.' spot the difference — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 22, 2025 Tack on this hefty topic to constant chatter surrounding last season's breakout star. With Daniels under center, the Commanders finished with a 12-5 regular-season record before reaching the NFC Championship Game following road playoff victories over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. Washington had not won as many as 12 games or reached the conference championship since the 1991 season. Expectations for the quarterback and the team now start at the contender level. For coach Dan Quinn, that does not change Washington's mentality. 'We're always the hunters,' Quinn said. Last season's fifth-highest scoring offense (28.5 points per game) won't surprise anyone this coming campaign. Daniels, the runaway winner of the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year award, finished with 3,568 passing yards, a 69.0 completion percentage, 25 touchdown passes and nine interceptions. The dual-threat also rushed for six touchdowns and 891 rushing yards. The latter set a new rookie quarterback record, breaking the mark set by former Washington starter Robert Griffin III in 2012. The game-breaking mobility is why nobody wants Daniels jacked up, even if his 6-foot-4 frame makes an inviting target for defenders with bad intentions. Considering how frequently he runs into football traffic or faces pass rushers racing his way, adding muscle would benefit Daniels. Though still listed by the team at 210 pounds, by the eye test, mission accomplished, right? Advertisement 'I think he's still pretty lean,' offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said. 'But he's definitely worked really hard on his fitness and (in the) weight room. … I (bet) that he's a little bit thicker than he was.' Washington's decision-makers beefed up help around Daniels. The Commanders sent three draft picks to the Houston Texans for five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, acquired wide receiver Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers and selected University of Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round. Two Day 3 selections, speedy receiver Jaylin Lane and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, could have roles this season. 'Those are good additions that we brought in,' Daniels said of his likely new tackle pairing. 'You have to trust (general manager Adam Peters) with everything that is going on.' Samuel watched Daniels' historic arrival from the West Coast. The excitement for the yards-after-catch force has only increased since working with his new teammate for two to three months. 'I feel the man can make every throw,' said Samuel, a 2021 Pro Bowl selection looking to bounce back after a trying 2024 season. 'He's comfortable. He knows what's going on. He knows where the ball needs to go. I think he's very smart.' Daniels' throws in 7-on-7 drills were sharp, though expected kinks existed. He overthrew an open Samuel on one deep shot, and interceptions on consecutive plays went on his unofficial ledger. One on-target pass ricocheted off the hands of wide receiver Michael Gallup with a defensive back there for the turnover. The next toss, also to Gallup, was caught by second-round cornerback Trey Amos after the two bumped over the middle, causing Gallup to fall. Daniels later completed crisp passes to wide receiver Noah Brown and tight end John Bates during a two-minute drill. These early sessions — Week 1 is 99 days away as of Wednesday — are about 'getting on the same page with the guys,' Daniels said. 'There are some guys that played with me last year, some new guys, trying to get them up to speed. Teach them how I see it through my lenses.' the way he throw so tuff — Washington Commanders (@Commanders) May 28, 2025 Daniels, 24, rarely takes a mental or physical break from football. Despite significant demands for his time and attention, the admitted introvert maintained focus in the offseason. 'It was fun just to sit back and reflect and figure out how I'm going to move throughout this offseason and move forward,' Daniels said. 'Other than that, just living life, still working and training.' Setting the work-first attitude isn't lost on his head coach. 'He's an amazing teammate,' Quinn said of Daniels. 'The amount of work that he puts in that goes unseen here to get ready to play, to learn it, to teach others to, you know, connect the guys that's going through. There is no flinch in Jayden Daniels.' Advertisement • Wide receiver Terry McLaurin missed recent offseason work during Phase 3, including Wednesday's practice session. The 2024 second-team All-Pro and 2026 free agent is seeking a new contract extension after setting a career high with 13 touchdown receptions. Tunsil and cornerback Marshon Lattimore were also absent. Peters keeps Quinn 'up to date' on contract matters, and the relentless optimist maintains a positive attitude despite not working with a full roster. 'The offseason's been excellent,' Quinn said. 'I've been in touch with every guy on the team. I've really enjoyed this time.' McLaurin, Daniels' top target, was with the team earlier in the offseason program. The two also built outstanding chemistry last season. 'Me and Terry have a good relationship outside of football. He has to handle what he has to handle, but that doesn't change anything, the fact that he is part of our brotherhood,' Daniels said. 'We know Terry is working and everything. We have to get better, and he knows he has to get better each and every day.' • The controversial tush push perfected by the rival Philadelphia Eagles remains legal following a vote at last week's league meetings. Washington linebacker Frankie Luvu became the defender most associated with unsuccessfully attempting to stymie Philadelphia in the NFC championship by drawing penalties for twice diving over linemen with the ball outside the Commanders' goal line. The attempts turned Washington's top returning sacker into a social media meme. From now on, there's little funny about blunting the Eagles' highly successful play. 'We just got to stop it,' Luvu said. Frankie Luvu on the 'Tush Push' sticking around… #Commanders #Eagles — Ben Standig (@BenStandig) May 28, 2025 • Washington's bevy of punt return candidates was joined at practice by one of the best to take on the job, Brian Mitchell. Quinn asked Mitchell, who has over 19,000 combined return yards, to spend time with the returners. 'Couldn't think of a more ideal person to share some insights and ideas about returning,' Quinn said. Mitchell, a college quarterback who never returned punts or kicks until reaching the NFL, ranks second to Jerry Rice in all-purpose yards in league history. • Quinn did not offer a recovery timeline for right guard Sam Cosmi but said the lineman is 'hitting all the markers that he's supposed to' with his rehabilitation following ACL surgery in January. Cosmi, Washington's longest-tenured offensive lineman, suffered the knee injury in the Commanders' divisional-round win over the Lions. Andrew Wylie and Nate Herbig are among the replacement options.
Associated Press
28-05-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Bulked up Jayden Daniels looks to have put on weight coming off rookie season with the Commanders
ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Jayden Daniels evades the topic as if he's an oncoming pass rusher and ducks away from the questions as if he's avoiding a sack. It sure looks as if the Washington Commanders' franchise quarterback has bulked up, adding some muscle after his AP Offensive Rookie of the Year season. He just won't say how much and insists it was not a particular mission of his. 'That's up for grabs — I don't know,' Daniels said Wednesday after an offseason practice session. 'I was just working out. It wasn't about this amount or much. Just go out there, have a plan and naturally just put on weight.' Daniels is happy to let others talk about his weight, and that extends to his teammates and coaches. They notice, chalking it up to him being a competitor looking to gain another edge. Kliff Kingsbury, back for a second season as offensive coordinator, has not seen what Daniels is lifting but observes the 24-year-old looking a little thicker. 'He's still pretty lean, but he's definitely worked really hard at his fitness and the weight room,' Kingsbury said. 'He knows what he has to do to protect himself and where he feels comfortable playing. But the arm strength: He looks better, and you can tell he's stronger. There's no doubt.' That wasn't a message from the coaching staff coming off Daniels leading the way in Washington exceeding all expectations to make the playoffs and go on an improbable run to the NFC championship game. Kingsbury wanted Daniels to get some rest rather than rush back into preparing for his second professional season. Easier said than done. A year since being the second pick in the draft and going through an entirely new process, he took some time to reflect and adjusted his priorities. 'You just have so much time and freedom to kind of do what you want,' Daniels said. 'It was difficult trying to navigate that, but you on lean on people closest to you and obviously you've got to keep the end goal in mind. You're trying to get better each and every day, and you're trying to progress each and every season, each and every month and snap.' Part of getting better was absolutely getting some more upper-body heft — especially given Daniels' penchant to escape the pocket and run for big gains and given reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia, Dallas and the New York Giants have no shortage of bruising defenders ready to hit him. 'Put on a little muscle, huh?' center Tyler Biadasz said. 'For sure. He said what he was going to do, and he did it.' Daniels upon arriving in Washington developed the reputation as a player who arrives early to the team facility and stays late. No one around the Commanders anticipates that will change now that he may be a few pounds heavier. 'I haven't gotten like side by side in the mirror or anything, but he's doing great,' coach Dan Quinn said. 'You can sense when people are going for it, and he's certainly one that is. ... There is no flinch in Jayden Daniels. He is as focused and relentless as you could (be) about getting better.' No McLaurin Trade pickup Deebo Samuel was in attendance for organized team activities Wednesday, but fellow wide receiver Terry McLaurin was not around for the voluntary stage of offseason workouts after taking part in mandatory sessions recently. Left tackle Laremy Tunsil and cornerback Marshon Lattimore were also absent. McLaurin's camp is believed to be discussing a new contract with general manager Adam Peters. McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, is only signed through next season. 'I understand the business side of the things, and when he stopped coming I understand his side of the story,' Samuel said. 'I just not try to get bothered with it and just let him deal with it on his own and just kind of handle it on his own.' Quinn said he has been in touch with every player, plus Peters to see if there are any extension updates. 'Those guys have been excellent in terms of the communication with me,' Quinn said. 'I can speak to Terry, specifically: He's having a great offseason.' No one seems to be worried about McLaurin. Certainly not his QB. 'Me and Terry got a good relationship outside of football,' Daniels said. 'He's got to handle what he has to handle, but that doesn't change anything with the fact that he's a part of our brotherhood. We know Terry's working and everything, so we got to get better and he knows he's got to get better each and every day.' ___ AP NFL:
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vibracoustic Selects DXC to Lead Global Business Transformation with SAP
ASHBURN, Va., May 26, 2025 /CNW/ - DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC), a leading Fortune 500 global technology services provider, today announced a multi-year IT services agreement with Vibracoustic, a leading expert in automotive Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) solutions to transform its SAP environment and modernize global IT operations. Under the five-year agreement, DXC will become Vibracoustic's strategic partner for SAP services, taking responsibility for the company's global SAP Application Development and Management Services (ADMS) across 17 countries and over 30 manufacturing facilities. The transformation will streamline operations, standardize processes, and improve service delivery for more than 5,000 users. "DXC's unparalleled expertise in SAP solutions, its ability to manage complex global IT systems, and client-centric approach make it the ideal partner," said Nico Klohr, Commodity IT Manager at Vibracoustic. "With DXC's support, we are confident in achieving a unified and efficient SAP service landscape that will further enhance productivity and drive growth." By consolidating multiple existing vendors into a single, integrated global service led by DXC, Vibracoustic aims to reduce complexity, enhance consistency, and accelerate innovation. "With over 15,000 SAP professionals worldwide and over 5 million SAP users supported globally, DXC is a leading provider of SAP solutions, helping businesses to quickly respond to market dynamics, simplify operations, and minimize the disruption, risks and costs of enterprise transformation," said Juan Parra, President, DXC Europe. "As Vibracoustic's global strategic supplier, we will manage its mission-critical SAP systems and help to drive greater efficiency across the organization." This agreement underscores DXC's position as a leader in major IT transformations, reaffirmed by its recent recognition in PAC's SAP Services Europe report as well as Whitelane Research's 2024/2025 European IT Sourcing Study. DXC has over 35 years of experience delivering SAP solutions, with a global team of 15,000+ SAP professionals and 2,500+ SAP certifications. DXC supports nearly 850 SAP customers across 60 countries, helping customers simplify operations, scale efficiently, and drive innovation through end-to-end SAP transformation strategies. To learn more, visit About DXC Technology DXC Technology (NYSE: DXC) helps global companies run their mission-critical systems and operations while modernizing IT, optimizing data architectures, and ensuring security and scalability across public, private and hybrid clouds. The world's largest companies and public sector organizations trust DXC to deploy services to drive new levels of performance, competitiveness, and customer experience across their IT estates. Learn more about how we deliver excellence for our customers and colleagues at About Vibracoustic Vibracoustic is a leading global automotive NVH expert, providing customized solutions adding comfort and supporting efficiency, safety and durability. Its expertise along the entire product life cycle and all vehicle systems as well as its broad product range enable Vibracoustic to solve current and future NVH challenges across all automotive segments. With approximately 12,000 employees at around 40 production and engineering locations across 17 countries, Vibracoustic serves all major automotive manufacturers. In 2024 Vibracoustic recorded total sales of 2.6 billion €. For more information, see Forward Looking Statements All statements in this press release that do not directly and exclusively relate to historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements." These statements represent current expectations and beliefs, and no assurance can be given that any result, goal or plan set forth in any forward-looking statement can or will be achieved. Such statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements, many of which are outside of our control. For a written description of these factors, see the section titled "Risk Factors" in DXC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024, and any updating information in subsequent SEC filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements which speak only as of the date they are made. We do not undertake any obligation to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement or to report any events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DXC Technology Company View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
