Daron Payne is looking for a giant 2022 season from himself.
Payne appeared before the press Friday, and was visibly uncomfortable in the beginning, unable to stand still, pulling his shirt up. It’s no wonder, the very first question was concerning his contract status. You could see the look on his face was like, “Oh no, the very first question.”
Payne instantly replied, “I’m playing, playing hard, I love playing football. That is what I am doing. I get a chance to go out here and show my stuff. That’s what I do every day.”
Asked about Carson Wentz, he quickly declared, “He’s a good quarterback. He’s slinging the pill around. I’m excited to have him on my team.”
Again, the next member of the press inquired about Payne’s contract as well. “I’m here for the football,” said an understandably agitated Payne. You get the contract for playing football, sir.”
When asked what the problem was last season on third down, Payne quickly contended, “I really can’t say,” immediately turning away, as if to say, “Next question, please.”
“I’m always looking to improve by game. Get bigger, faster, stronger, get more in shape. I want to rush the passer. I want to stop the run, improve in everything,” again turning away immediately.”
Payne recalled back that in college he had very few sacks but stated he is always “trying to piece together my pass-rush game. I feel like I am doing a good job. It is always a learning process; always things you can get better at.”
He referred to how the defensive line often worked out locally in the offseason, seeing each other often. When asked if they talk about “what went wrong last year,” he instantly countered, “We really don’t talk about last year. We are trying to get better this year.”
When it was mentioned that Payne and Jonathan Allen (both inside tackles) produced sacks and pressures, Payne was ready to not boast of himself but to point the attention to his defensive coordinator. “Coach Jack Del Rio, he gives us the freedom to really just go; he lets us get vertical up the field. So, it allows us to be more aggressive and get to the quarterback more often.”
Inquiring regarding Chase Young being out some time, Payne was eager to remind those in attendance that Young is present watching film with the defensive line. Payne feels Young “has a good head on his shoulders and is ready to get back out there and show everybody what he has.”
Friday, Payne visibly revealed he has no desire to talk (publicly) about his contract or the defense’s problems during the 2021 season. Who can blame him? Payne has much at stake THIS season, and he seems to be focusing on that reality.
LIVE: Daron Payne speaks to the media following practice https://t.co/V8SgWfGSHC
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 29, 2022