Johnny Newton Emerging As Key Part Of Commanders Defense

Washington Commanders rookie defensive tackle Johnny Newton played the best game of his young career in Sunday's thrilling 36-33 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Newton recorded a personal-high six tackles, a sack, and three tackles for loss. The ascending defender is becoming a notable contributor to Dan Quinn's defense.

Newton's sack stalled Philadelphia's first drive of the second half—he recorded the backfield takedown on 3rd-and-3 from the 4-yard line. The Eagles had to settle for a short field goal, missing an opportunity to score a red-zone touchdown.

Newton was routinely in the backfield. He recorded TFLs on Saquon Barkley and Kenneth Gainwell via backside pursuit. The former Illinois standout was making a living in Philly’s backfield, showcasing closing speed, effort, and hustle.

Newton totaled two pressures and a career-high four stops against the Eagles, according to Pro Football Focus. The versatile defender is also earning the trust of Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Newton played 41 snaps in Sunday's triumph. He accounted for 55% of Washington's available defensive plays.

Newton's development occurred at the opportune moment for a banged-up Washington defensive line. Superstar tackle Jonathan Allen suffered a season-ending torn pectoral muscle in Week 6. Third-year second-round pick Phidarian Mathis has been inactive recently, with the franchise souring on his long-term prospects. Newton and Daron Payne have been carrying most of the workload for the interior defensive line.

Newton was largely considered a first-round prospect throughout the pre-draft process, but a serious injury muddied his evaluation. It was revealed that Newton would need to undergo surgery to address a Jones fracture in his left foot just four months after undergoing the same surgery in his right foot. Serious injuries in both feet saw the fighting Illini playmaker slide on draft weekend.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters pounced on Newton’s availability with the No. 36 overall selection in the second round. The Atlanta Falcons traded up in front of Washington to No. 35 and took a different defensive tackle, opting for Ruke Orhorhoro. Despite the concerns, Newton made his debut in Week 2 and has been handling a sizable snap count weekly. The Commanders walked away with a steal.

Newton has a bright future with the Commanders. When Newton is a sophomore in 2026, both Allen and Mathis will be entering contract years. Given Allen's season-ending injury, Peters could consider making the aging asset an offseason cap casualty, saving potentially $17 million by releasing him, per Over The Cap. Mathis isn't even a lock to make the 53-man roster next summer given his current lack of playing time.

Injuries made Newton an unknown throughout the pre-draft process. The Commanders placed their faith in his skill set and his recovery timeline. They are currently reaping the rewards, with a healthy Newton making game-changing plays for Quinn's defense. The Commanders are going to the playoffs, and their rookie defensive tackle is capable of helping them make noise in the NFC.