ESPN’s John Keim was heard asking Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn on Friday: “Johnny Newton, What have you seen from him lately? Are you seeing what you’d hope to see?”
Why was Keim asking about Newton? Newton had not been in the news lately. It’s not like Newton said anything controversial. Newton has also not been on the injured list recently. Newton, a defensive tackle, hasn’t even missed any games this year, playing in all 13.
Why, out of the blue, did Keim inquire of Quinn, asking what he had seen in Newton lately? The answer is simple, not complicated at all. Keim asked because Newton hasn’t done anything!
Washington drafted the former Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year (2023) with the 36th overall pick in 2024. In 13 games this season, Newton has not only not played like a major-conference defensive player of the year, but also not played like a second-round draft choice. Honestly, Keim might have been thinking, “Has Newton played more like an undrafted free agent? “
#Commanders select DT Jerzhan Newton pic.twitter.com/UISC8uCjeQ
— Tanner Phifer (@TannerPhifer) April 26, 2024
In playing all 13 games, Newton has only two games he has been in on four tackles. That’s not solo tackles, that’s including assisted tackles. Even more, Newton only has accomplished two tackles for a loss in 13 games. Most of all, Newton did not record a single statistic in last week’s loss in Minnesota. No tackle, no assisted tackle, not a QB hit, nothing. Newton managed to get controlled all game, and contribute nothing?
No wonder Keim asked the question, Friday. So how did Quinn respond?
“Yeah, I think what I wanna see, especially over these four games, is him really working on the edge, and that’s, you know, kind of where I think he’s at his best, where he can penetrate and be aggressive. But yeah, I thought he has developed certainly from where camp is to where he is today, and I think, you know, we will see that over these next four as well. I feel his quickness back at his speed back.”
Newton “has developed certainly from where camp is to where he is today?” Keim certainly didn’t think so, asking the question. Nor do the numbers agree.
A moment later, Quinn was asked, “If I heard you right, were you saying that Johnny Newton, you think his best spot is playing on the edge? Quinn quickly responded, “On the edge of a guard or a center. Sorry, yeah, the penetrating stuff. The movement’s upfield, that should have been more specific. Thanks for clarifying that. Yep, upfield is the wreaking havoc side that I like.:
We would like to see it, too.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Is Dan Quinn disappointed in Jer’Zhan Newton?
