Commanders DT Daron Payne Reveals 2023 Sack Goal

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne finished with 11.5 sacks in 2022 and predicts an even higher ceiling in 2023.

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne is hoping to build off his momentum from last season.

Payne totaled 64 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks in 2022. For those formerly ignoring the consistent success of the young Payne, his Pro Bowl status overturned the rocks they've been under. Because of his strong 2022 campaign, Payne signed a four-year, $90 million contract in the offseason, making him one of the league's highest-paid defensive tackles.

Payne recently sat down for an interview with Commanders reporter Julie Donaldson and revealed that he set a high bar for himself in 2022 ... but that he's hoping to raise it in 2023.

"Last year I went into it with a goal of 10 sacks, and I got 11.5," Payne said. "I think I'm going to shoot for like 13 [sacks], and a whole bunch of TFL's and forced fumbles."

2022 goal: 10.0 sacks
2022 outcome: 11.5 sacks
2023 goal: 13.0 sacks
2023 outcome: ????

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 5, 2023

Considering he had 4.5 sacks the year prior and 14.5 in the league over the course of his four-year career, the goal of 10 sacks in 2022 was preposterous for the Alabama product. Then, year five hit. Payne became one of the most monstrous defenders in the league, nearly doubling his sack and tackle-for-loss numbers in a single season.

If recent history has told us anything, Payne is going to continue his Pro Bowl prowess as one of the more dangerous pass rushers in the NFL.

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