Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. made a major technical change this season, and he likes the way his defensive line has adjusted.
When asked about defensive tackle Daron Payne playing well thus far in 2025, Whitt was quick to credit defensive coaches.
“Well, I think you have to talk about the whole d-line crew and start with [Defensive Line Coach Darryl] Tapp and [Assistant Defensive Line Coach] Sharrif [Floyd] and [Assistant Linebackers Coach/Pass Rush Specialist] Ryan [Kerrigan] where we changed a lot of the techniques that we played last year, especially in the run game to this year. And it was challenging for them as coaches because it was totally different than what we did last year. And I take my hat off to those guys because they were not only willing to do it, they ran with it.”
Whitt then said he felt the techniques are a good for for Payne, who has adjusted well. “I think the techniques that we’re coaching now up front are more in Payne’s wheelhouse of what he is used to doing. And so that’s the first thing. And then collectively as a whole d-line crew, they’re just playing more together.”
Whitt likes the progress he has observed in second-year DT Johnny Newton, who is out of Illinois. Newton contributed two solo tackles against the Chargers. One was for a loss, and he also contributed a QB hit and deflected the key interception into the hands of Mike Sainristil, stopping a Chargers’ touchdown threat.”His confidence has really grown. I think it’s been good to have [DT] Eddie [Goldman] here and Kinlaw and [DT] Sheldon [Day], those guys really teach him the finer nuances of the game. So, his confidence is growing, and now he’s playing fast. He’s not thinking anymore. He’s just being explosive. The guy that you saw coming from Illinois, you see that now out of him because he’s playing with confidence. He’s not second-guessing himself.”
“Siri, did anyone praise Johnny Newton’s performance against the Chargers?”pic.twitter.com/EhwVjyC8VUpic.twitter.com/F9TDJuqSS9
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) October 7, 2025
Whitt also feels like defensive end Dorance Armstrong is a more well-rounded player this year than in 2024.
“He’s playing the run, too,” Whitt said. “And so, he’s a complete player. Yes, he’s pressuring the quarterback at a high clip. He’s sacking the quarterback, which is needed, but he plays the run really well. I mean, he sets edges. When he’s a six technique, the tight end can’t block him. He rips off a block. So, I’ve been pleased with his complete game. He’s just not a pass rusher, he is a defensive end, a high level defensive end and pleased with how he’s been playing.”
The Bears will be rested this week, following their bye week last week. So, the offense will be a step quicker, so Armstrong, Newton and Payne will all need to be playing together and be ready for a game that could be close like last season’s Bears game.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: DC Joe Whitt explains technique changes
