It was a comfortable afternoon at the office as the Washington Commanders began their 2025 campaign with a divisional victory over the New York Giants. And the biggest positive to emerge from the contest was painfully obvious.
Much was made about the Commanders' defensive line throughout the offseason. Fans were skeptical that the moves made by general manager Adam Peters would bear fruit, especially if they wanted to topple the Philadelphia Eagles. But the early returns suggest this unit can far exceed expectations.
There will be bigger challenges than the Giants, who are soft on the interior and were also missing stud left tackle Andrew Thomas due to injury. Even so, the level of havoc caused from start to finish cannot be anything other than encouraging.
Commanders' defensive line was nothing short of sensational in Week 1
Daron Payne led the charge. The Commanders saw something different in the Alabama product this offseason after releasing veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen. This gave him the freedom to step out of his shadow, and this was arguably his best performance since earning Pro Bowl honors in 2022.
Payne was ably assisted by Javon Kinlaw. The Commanders took a lot of heat for giving the free-agent signing so much money, but his ferocious physicality completely shifted the mindset. Russell Wilson got no reprieve, and he either had to get the football out quickly or run for his life.
This continued on the edge. Dorance Armstrong Jr. finished the game with nine pressures, which was the joint-most in the league over Week 1. Not having to go up against Thomas was a plus, but all signs point to a better campaign in 2025 if he can build on this newfound positivity.
Deatrich Wise Jr.'s arrival went under the radar compared to others this offseason. There were issues with his hand placement on occasion. Still, his production was better than anything he put together with the New England Patriots last time out.
With Eddie Goldman and Von Miller also flashing enormous promise, things are finally looking up for Washington's defensive front. But make no mistake, what comes next is more important.
The Commanders have to make sure this becomes the new standard. Producing one dominant display against inferior opposition is one thing. Doing it consistently versus some of the league's elite is something else entirely.
Washington's primetime showdown against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football will be a much sterner test of their credentials. If the defensive line comes through with flying colors again, there's just no telling what they might be capable of.
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