Trading defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat predictably wrecked the Washington Commanders’ pass rush. The franchise can solve the problem by signing Dorance Armstrong Jr. from the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 NFL free agency.
A “secondary pass-rusher,” Armstrong’s “length gives him the ability to line up in multiple spots so he could really fit in with most defensive systems,” per Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine.
Armstrong merits “a larger role than the one he has in Dallas right now,” thanks to 6.5 sacks. No pass-rusher on Washington’s roster has recorded as many quarterback takedowns after Young and Sweat left town.
Take away the 11.5 sacks Young and Sweat combined for, and the Commanders have just 27.5 to their collective credit. This is a defense in need of an active and versatile pressure specialist.
Armstrong fits the bill thanks to plays like this hit on Bryce Young against the Carolina Panthers, highlighted by Aaron Day of DLineVids.
Dealing their star edge-rushers allowed the Commanders to stockpile 2024 NFL draft picks for an inevitable rebuild. Yet, those trades also rendered the pass rush a virtual non-factor.
It must gall the Commanders to be struggling to generate pressure while Young and Sweat have impressed in new homes. Young has combined well with All-Pro D-end Nick Bosa for the San Francisco 49ers, like for this sack against Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
