After a disastrous campaign so far, everyone within the Washington Commanders was probably looking forward to a change of scenery this week. Dan Quinn's squad traveled to Spain to take on the Miami Dolphins in a high-stakes clash in unfamiliar surroundings, and they must perform.
The Commanders are in a legitimate slump. They are 3-7 when most fans thought they would be challenging for the NFC East crown by this point. Injuries, poor performances, and free-falling morale have all played their part, but something didn't seem right from the outset.
Quinn has taken matters into his own hands, assuming defensive play-calling duties from Joe Whitt Jr. Just how much that will help when push comes to shove remains to be seen, but the head coach had to do something.
The Dolphins won't be doing them any favors. They are not to be taken lightly, as evidenced by their shocking upset win over the Buffalo Bills last time out. They are also still fighting for head coach Mike McDaniel, who remains on the hot seat heading into the business end of the campaign.
It's a precarious situation for the Commanders, and nothing but maximum effort, supreme focus, and outstanding execution will do. Before then, here are seven Commanders players facing soaring pressure in Madrid.
Commanders players facing soaring pressure in high-stakes battle with Dolphins
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
Daron Payne is suspended for one game in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins after pushing Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. He got baited into it, but the defensive tackle should have known better. Now, the Washington Commanders will be without their best interior defender by a considerable margin.
This is the NFL. Disappointment for one player means an opportunity for another. And the primary beneficiary could be Johnny Newton.
Quinn has already confirmed that Newton will start alongside free-agent signing Javon Kinlaw. The 2024 second-round pick has been a rotational presence once again this season. This is his chance to prove he can effectively handle starting responsibilities with the national NFL audience watching.
Newton flashed promise, especially as a pass-rusher. There is work to be done to improve his strength against the run, which is why the Commanders remain cautious with his game reps. They have Sheldon Day and Eddie Goldman capable of filling the void if things don't go well, but that would be a disaster of epic proportions for the Illinois product's career outlook.
The Commanders are confident that Newton can step up. But make no mistake, this is a litmus test to see how far he's come and how much development is needed before he can meet pre-draft expectations.