The Washington Commanders had their backs against the wall heading into Week 10 against the Detroit Lions. To keep this game even remotely competitive, they needed their leaders to step up and make a difference.
Instead, there was an almost inevitable implosion.
The first half went as badly as fans feared. Washington was outmatched, failing to generate any positive offensive momentum. As for the defense? They were nothing short of an abomination once again.
Daron Payne's ejection was a microcosm of everything from with the Commanders
Detroit got whatever it wanted. They score touchdowns on their first three possessions, effortlessly moving the football downfield and bullying the Commanders at all three levels of the field. Frustrations boiled over, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs was carried about eight yards into the end zone after receiving contact from Washington's defenders.
It was simply unacceptable, and it sent one established figure over the edge.
Amid the injuries suffered by linebacker Frankie Luvu and second-round rookie cornerback Trey Amos, veteran defensive lineman Daron Payne managed to get himself ejected. Fans watching were perplexed, but the eye in the sky never missed a thing.
The former Alabama standout was spotted throwing a punch at Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Javon Kinlaw was also flagged for his involvement in the incident, although he managed to escape being tossed, too.
This is a microcosm of everything wrong with the Commanders right now. They are a sloppy, undisciplined team with no authentic leadership emerging. Payne is one of the most established figures; someone others willingly follow who is supposed to set an example. This sort of petulance is more in keeping with what occurred almost constantly under previous Washington regimes, and the line must be drawn.
Payne is supposed to be a cornerstone piece. He should know better, and so should Kinlaw. It's a passionate game, and nobody likes getting beaten down, but the interior force didn't do a good job of harnessing his aggression positively. The Commanders paid a heavy price.
The one-time Pro Bowler can expect a hefty fine coming his way. Even worse, Payne exposed the Commanders' leadership problem without even trying. If players of his stature are losing their cool, what sort of example is this setting for others?
It's a problem. And it doesn't look like it's going to get better anytime soon.