Commander Country

Commanders DT Impressing in Rookie Year

The Washington Commanders are happy with how their rookie defensive tackle has performed.

Jeremy Brener

Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (95) celebrates after a sack during the first quarter ab at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (95) celebrates after a sack during the first quarter ab at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images / Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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The Washington Commanders have had strong contributions from their rookie class, especially from first-round quarterback Jayden Daniels.

However, second-round defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton has also impressed under the radar on the defensive side of the ball.

“Well, he's improved, I think he's improved in his run game," Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said. "We've been moving him a little bit more to let him penetrate. He's not as big a man as Payne or JA [DT Jonathan Allen]. So, we put him on the move a little bit more and he's done a nice job with that penetrating. And so, what I need to see him do a little bit more is when he does have to hold a double, hold it and things like that. But I've been impressed with the way that he's played and hopefully it can continue to improve.”

Newton, 22, has recorded 30 tackles in 11 games so far this season for the Commanders. He entered the starting lineup after Jonathan Allen went to injured reserve and has quietly been solid, but if Washington wants to take a step forward, players like Newton need to offer some upgrades.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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