Daron Payne emerges from Jonathan Allen’s shadow in dominant fashion

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne | Jess Rapfogel/GettyImagesEntering the season, one of the biggest Washington Commanders storylines to monitor in Washington was how the defensive line would step up after some notable offseason changes. Veteran Jonathan Allen is out the door, replaced by Javon Kinlaw at great expense in free agency.

But it was one of the team's longest-serving players who had the most to gain from Allen's departure.

Allen's longtime running mate, Daron Payne, is still here. He has become somewhat of a forgotten man in Washington, following a down season in 2024. He's under significant pressure to return to his Pro Bowl form.

And in Week 1, he's hit the ground…