ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders are gearing up for their first divisional game since mid-September. They'll suit up against the New York Giants, who the Commanders beat 21-18 in week two.
One critical piece of its defense Washington will be without this time around is defensive lineman Jonathan Allen, who suffered a season-ending injury Oct. 13 in a game against the Ravens.
Stepping into that spot has been rookie defensive lineman, Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton, who started his first two NFL games since the injury to Allen.
On Sunday, Newton turned in his best game as a pro, recovering a Bears fumble at the goal line and recording his first sack -- something he said meant a lot.
"It definitely does," said Newton. "If you play defense, especially defensive line, you want that first sack. As a defensive back, you want that first interception, quarterback you want that first touchdown out of the way. It’s just like a big stress reliever and once you get it out of the way you just start rolling."
Newton has done just that in his first chances as a major contributor in the middle of the Commanders' defensive line. The rookie has kept up, taking snaps next to Daron Payne, who’s played next to Allen since 2018.
"He’s a vet, so I’m really just rubbing off him, seeing how he does things," Newton said of Payne. "I communicate with him a lot, of course. Him and Jon played a lot of football together. I’m really just trying to get to that level, and it starts with communication. Just me asking him a lot of questions on and off the field. Just trying to figure out his play style and how he likes to do things.”
Defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis said the locker room as a whole has had to step up in the absence of Allen.
“Losing [Jonathan Allen], that was a big hurt for us, but I think a lot of guys in the room, especially like myself and Johnny, we took that as ‘just got to step up,’ because the team needs us with (Allen) going down," Mathis saod. "I’m pretty sure (Allen) loves to see us stepping up for him for sure.”