Cody Barton spent his first four NFL seasons in Seattle before coming to the Commanders this summer, and even in a scheme where linebacker is a bit devalued, Jamin Davis’ legal situation may give him a chance to be an impact player in DC right away.
But, he didn’t want to brag on himself when he joined Kevin Sheehan Tuesday morning, and Sheehan asked him to describe his game for those who don’t know him.
“I like to think of myself as a high-energy, high-effort guy. Intelligent, and someone who can take command and be wherever they need me on the field,” Barton told Sheehan. “I think I’m a good athlete with speed and quickness, although I feel like I don’t want to be out here bragging.”
Barton is a Utah alum, and played for one of Sheehan’s favorite coaches to watch in Kyle Whittingham – so Kevin knows mental toughness is a forte of Barton, like many Utes players. That will come in handy given all the pressure on the team now that they are under new ownership, but the ability to play the position he felt most suited for drove him to come to DC as soon as interest was known.
“They called my agent, and I was looking for somewhere that would let me play the MIKE, the position I felt I could flourish in. They said the opportunity was here and they’d love to have me, so I jumped right on it,” Barton said. “I love this scheme; we’re able to play fast and be who we are as individuals, and it works as a unit. I knew about the history of this defense, too, and so far, it’s been awesome.”
Barton is just getting to know his teammates, but he’s loving DC and been impressed with the defensive line so far, and he feels like the defensive secondary is strong enough to let the linebackers cheat the run or the rush because they can handle themselves on an island.
He gave Sheehan some positive reports on Jonathan Allen and Chase Young up front, and his early impression of rookie Emmanuel Forbes was “super athletic, and sticky in coverage,” and named fellow LB Khaleke Hudson as someone who could be a surprise superstar on the defense.
But what about what he’s seeing across the way from the offense, where Sam Howell is the biggest question mark on the team?
“I’ve seen him step up to the challenge. This new scheme, there’s a lot on their plate, but he’s handled it like a pro, been a leader on the offense and done what he’s needed to do,” Barton said.
Listen to Barton’s entire call-in to Sheehan above!
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