Commanders may have found the secret to unlocking breakout defensive weapon

The Commanders' defensive line was viewed as a weak spot on the roster over the offseason. After being abused throughout 2024, particularly in the run game, Washington was lambasted all summer. Peters' most significant move to address the problem was to sign Javon Kinlaw, which every national analyst immediately declared a massive overpay.

Returning starters Armstrong and Daron Payne were considered disappointments. So far, they have flipped the script.

In both of Washington's wins, they've dominated in the trenches and made life miserable for the opposing quarterback. Even in the Commanders' Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers, the pass-rush was far from the biggest problem.

Armstrong has been the one leading the charge. His three sacks are a team high. The former Kansas star's 15 tackles ranked third behind Wagner and Luvu. He's well on his way to clearing his career-highs in both categories.

During his six seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Armstrong was never a full-time starter. It's a role he had to adjust to when he reconnected with head coach Dan Quinn. Despite his disappointing first season with the Commanders, hopes were high after a productive training camp that he could turn it around.

To say Armstrong has done that so far would be an understatement. Washington needs him to be simply a solid supporting piece. Instead, he's playing like a game-wrecking superstar.

Armstrong surely won't end up with a sack in every game this year, but if the Commanders can continue getting this level of production from the eight-year veteran, all of the concerns about the defensive line can be put to rest.