3 Commanders players who could spoil Week 4 for the Dallas Cowboys

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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 25: Defensive tackle Daron Payne #94 of the Washington Commanders reacts after recording a safety during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at FedExField on September 25, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Daron Payne, DT

As mentioned, this defense is really struggling, especially in the secondary. To Washington’s credit, they’ve been playing without Chase Young and have been dealing with several other injuries around their entire defense.

One highlight from this unit has been Daron Payne. The former first-rounder out of Alabama was the subject of contract concern rumors over the summer. Many assumed that he would take a back seat to rookie Phidarius Mathis this season. However, Mathis’ Week 1 knee injury opened the door for Payne to prove why he’s a key member of this defense.

In fact, the 25-year-old’s safety was some of the only points Washington was able to score against Philly.

Daron Payne against a TE is a huge mismatch. Payne made the most of it to penetrate into the backfield and make the tackle for a safety pic.twitter.com/AOoa5FQKEH
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 25, 2022

As a whole, this defense has allowed an average of 27 points (28th in the league) so far this season, which is great news for a Dallas team that has struggled to get in the end zone. However, Payne may make this a pain (sorry, had to).

So far on the year, Payne has two passes defended, two sacks, 10 tackles, three tackles for loss, and six QB hits. He’s a major factor on his team.

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