Under-the-radar Commanders veteran defying gloom with surprising surge

There hasn't been much for the Washington Commanders to cheer this season. However, one unheralded veteran has provided a much-needed spark that almost nobody saw coming. It's been an absolutely dismal six weeks for the Commanders, who've gone from potential Super Bowl hopeful to keeping a close eye on top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. But Washington still needs to show some fight the rest of the way, and head coach Dan Quinn's squad made some progress in that regard during defeat to the Miami Dolphins in Madrid. The defensive side of the ball was much better than it had been for the past month after Quinn took over coordinator duties from Joe Whitt Jr. One player in particular continues to be an unexpected bright spot. The Commanders have been decimated by injuries this season, and one position they're especially hurting is at defensive end. Starters Dorance Armstrong Jr. and Deatrich Wise Jr. are both out for the year, as is backup Javontae Jean-Baptiste. All of this, combined with the preseason release