Allen sustained the injury during a 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. According to ESPN’s John Keim, Quinn will use a committee system to replace a key starter.
The latter stated that the Commanders “Have (Jer’Zhan ‘Johnny’) Newton, (Phidarian) Mathis.” Also, Efe Obada can play inside on some pass downs.”
Turning to this trio makes sense, especially given the Commanders are dealing with one or two injuries on the defensive line.
Commanders Need Numbers To Replace Jonathan Allen.
Despite not playing his best football, Allen remained a force in the trenches. So he’ll be missed after being driven to the ground by Ravens left guard Patrick Mekari, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.
Allen was understandably outmatched on the rep, and Ravens running back Derrick Henry capitalized with a rushing touchdown. Losing too many skirmishes up front has resulted in the Commanders allowing five yards per carry, the second-highest in the NFL this season.
This is why Quinn is correct to suggest a committee approach to replacing Allen. The Commanders require different defensive tackles for each duty.
Rookie Jer’Zhan ‘Johnny’ Newton is the obvious choice, but the second-round pick in this year’s draft is a pass-rusher rather than a run-stuffer. So is Obada, a defensive end whose quickness and agility are advantageous when facing guards.
Phidarian Mathis will be a more formidable opponent to the run. The third-year pro has come back from being a potential cut candidate to showing indications of domination against the Cleveland Browns in week five.
Mason Kinnahan of “Keeping Up With The Commanders” demonstrated how Mathis and his brute force may be effective against both phases of an offence.
Mathis was always going to play a larger role after John Ridgeway III, a natural run blocker, was dealt to the New Orleans Saints. Mathis’ workload will now grow even more, especially if Obaba is forced to spend extended periods of time on defence.
Washington’s defensive front is experiencing an increase in injuries, not only at tackle. There are additional concerns toward the end, which “Quinn stated that DE Dorance Armstrong will have testing today for a rib/oblique issue. According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, tests on DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste’s ankle were negative, but his status for Week 7 is unknown.
The statuses of rookie Jean-Baptiste and veteran Armstrong are serious issues. Not when Armstrong has been performing at a high level.
Fortunately, the commanders have options, including Dante Fowler Jr. He recorded two sacks against the Ravens, so more action is expected in his near future.
Jamin Davis, a disappointed former first-round pick, may be able to return to the field. Davis changed to an edge rusher this offseason, but he was a healthy scratch in Week 6.
Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. plan to replace Allen by mixing and matching versatile personnel.
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