Week 1: Daron Payne, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne has been named the DC Touchdown Club Pro Football Player of the Week after his strong defensive performance led the Commanders to a season-opening 21-6 win over the visiting New York Giants on Sunday.

Beginning his eighth season in the NFL, Payne was a force throughout the win, especially on third down.

On the Giants’ opening possession, Payne disrupted a screen pass on third-and-11. In the second quarter, on third-and-9, he burst into the backfield to sack quarterback Russell Wilson. In the third quarter, he shared another third-down sack and later batted down a pass to force another punt.

The Giants never reached the end zone and managed just two field goals in the game. They were 4 of 16 on third down and managed just 231 yards of total offense.

After the game, Coach Dan Quinn said that Payne has taken his play to another level.

“There was another space he went to in practice and performance,” Quinn said. “It was better. It was different. It was higher.”