Crimson Commanders: Week 2

The Washington Commanders day had the furthest thing from a banner day in Detroit as the team fell by a score of 36-27 to the Lions. While three of the five Alabama alumni on the team were dressed and saw action, they were mostly a non-factor.

The Commanders put on a dismal performance in the first half, allowing Jared Goff and his cohorts to jump out to a 22-0 halftime lead. The lack of pressure from Alabama's former stars in the interior of Washington's defensive line played a roll in that.

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Jonathan Allen - Defensive Tackle

Allen had an unusually quiet day. The Commander captain only recorded two tackles and neither were solos. In fairness to Allen, he saw a lot of double teams and chip blocks from the Lions offensive line, but he mostly was another cog in Washington's disappointing defensive performance.

Allen was listed as questionable heading into Sunday's matchup with a groin injury. He was limited in practice most of the week after suffering a minor injury towards the end of the team's week one victory over Jacksonville.

Daron Payne - Defensive Tackle

Payne was one of the few bright spots for the Commanders' defense today. He tallied a total of four tackles with two being solo. He also notched a sack and a tackle for loss while being credited for two more hits of Jared Goff.

Payne was a key leader in the second half surge Washington had. His ability to blow up plays and swarm the quarterback has been on display in the early parts of this season. Payne is playing in a contract year and so far, appears to be taking full advantage of the opportunity that presents.

Cam Sims - Wide Receiver

Over the last two years, Cam Sims has proven himself to be more valuable to the Commanders than his position on the depth chart would indicate. He was a go-to target for them on third downs and in the red zone, and came through consistently.

This year, however, the Washington receiver room is deep, and Sims has struggled to get snaps. That continued Sunday with him only being targeted twice and not being able to handle either of the passes. One of the throws from quarterback Carson Wentz came in the end zone, but was not put in a place that set Sims up for success.

The other was harder to watch for Alabama fans. Carson Wentz had Sims in one-on-one coverage down field on a trick play and completely missed him. While Sims seemed unaware of where the ball was thrown, that was likely because Wentz threw it to a completely different portion of the field.

Brian Robinson, Jr. - Running Back

Robinson continues to work his way back after the gun shot wound he suffered three weeks ago. He was seen doing agility drills in practice this week, in addition to spending time on the exercise bike.

Phidarian Mathis - Defensive Tackle

Mathis underwent successful surgery to reconstruct the torn meniscus he suffered during last week's tilt with the Jaguars. His road to recovery is a long one, and as such, his season is over.

Washington starts their in-division schedule next week as they host the Philadelphia Eagles at 1 p.m. on Sept. 25.