Commanders are set to receive the perfect Christmas present right when they need it most
The Washington Commanders have a few more weeks to lock in a spot in the NFL Playoffs, and they're expected to get one of their best players back for this final stretch. Per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, the Commanders and opening the 21-day practice window for defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. Allen, an […]
The Washington Commanders have a few more weeks to lock in a spot in the NFL Playoffs, and they're expected to get one of their best players back for this final stretch.
Per NFL Media's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, the Commanders and opening the 21-day practice window for defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Allen, an eight-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowler, suffered a torn pectoral during Washington's Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He was placed on the Reserve/Injured list just over two months ago on October 16.
That's usually an injury that takes you out for an entire season, and yet Allen is on track to return before the regular season concludes.
"He's really worked hard to get ready into this space," head coach Dan Quinn said of Allen's comeback.
Washington has gone 5-3 since Allen's injury with the ninth-best defense in the NFL in terms of EPA/play allowed, but rank 19th and 21st in EPA/rush and rushing success rate allowed, respectively, during those games. Allen's presence will need to be felt there. The former first-round pick from 2017 has 227 career defensive stops, per Pro Football Focus.
It's unlikely that Allen will make his return this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but he would surely be welcomed back for that game. Philadelphia has the league's top rushing attack led by MVP candidate Saquon Barkley. The Commanders will then play the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys to wrap up the season. Atlanta is two games behind Washington in the wild card race, which makes that matchup incredibly important.
Whenever Allen does officially make his return, he'll make an already good Commanders team even better right before the postseason. Not a bad gift to receive right before Christmas.
Former NFL MVP Joe Theismann helps make this a Christmas two military families will never forget
Joe Theismann is a former Super Bowl champion and NFL MVP. He's gone on to have a very successful post-football career, as well, so it's easy to see why he has such a big platform. And he's teamed up with USAA to use that platform in a way that made this Christmas one that two […]
