New Commanders Coach Joe Whitt Jr. Reveals Thoughts on Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen

Commanders new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. reveals why he's excited to coach Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.

New Washington Commanders' defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. believes that the team has the start of a great defense in defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.

While some fans might be skeptical regarding the talent on defense after trading away defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young, the team's chief defensive mind likes what he has in the trenches. 

Washington Commanders' defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) celebrates with Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

“Everything starts up front," Whitt Jr. said. "I'm a backend guy, but when you see me at practice, I'm gonna be; even when I was the cornerback coach in Green Bay or Louisville, it doesn't matter. I'm always going to the big guys. It starts up front. I'm a believer of that, and that's where we're going. I'm glad we have those guys because that's where it all starts.”

Whitt Jr. began coaching in the NFL back in 2007 and has spent many years working under the Commanders' new head coach hire, Dan Quinn, both while with the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 and during their tenure with the Dallas Cowboys from 2021-2023. 

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Chemistry is the key to any successful team, and it seems as though Washington will have that between both the defensive coaching and the players themselves. Allen and Payne have played together since 2015 when both were at Alabama. Since getting drafted to the Commanders in the first round of the 2017 and 2018 drafts, both made at least one Pro Bowl team.

If Whitt Jr. can form a good relationship with the former Bama stars and get the defense to buy into his scheme, then perhaps happier days will be ahead for Allen, who voiced frustrations about being "tired" of the team's struggles since getting drafted there.