The Washington Commanders haven’t lacked for star power along their defensive front in recent seasons. But through the first five weeks of 2025, one name has risen above the rest.
Dorrance Armstrong Jr.
The former Dallas Cowboys rotational force who followed Dan Quinn to Washington last offseason has been every bit the disruptive presence the Commanders envisioned when they handed him a lucrative free-agent deal in 2024 free agency. And as Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears come to town for Monday Night Football, the defensive end could be the one player capable of flipping Week 6 on its head.
Why? Let's peel the layers back a little bit.
Commanders have a complete-package defensive end in Dorance Armstrong Jr.
Armstrong’s tape through five games has been nothing short of dominant. He’s been playing at an All-Pro level with 18 pressures and five sacks (top five in football), consistently commanding double teams and still finding ways to affect the pocket.
Whether aligned wide or reduced inside on passing downs, his ability to convert speed to power has overwhelmed opposing offensive tackles. He’s also winning in isolation, collapsing edges, and forcing signal-callers to adjust their internal clock — the kind of impact that doesn’t always show up in box scores, but is impossible to miss on film.
What’s separated Armstrong so far in 2025 is how complete his game has become. Initially labeled a high-effort rotational player in Dallas with the traits to become an impact force down the line, the former Kansas prospect has progressed into a power-laden, refined technician. His first step isn't the most explosive or twitchy, but it’s his counter work — the rip, an inside spin, the ability to disengage from contact — that’s made him so difficult to contain.
He’s not just rushing recklessly upfield; he’s working with a plan, with discipline, and with an understanding of how to manipulate the structure of an offensive line.
That technical growth, specifically this week on the primetime stage, could spell trouble for a Bears offensive line that’s struggled in pass protection thus far. Now, Chicago’s young tackles have shown flashes in that they've only given up seven sacks in four games (eighth best in football), but they've consistently given up costly pressures in high-leverage situations.
Furthermore, Washington will now see former undrafted free agent Theo Benedet start at left tackle, protecting Williams' blindside. This could be a significant positive for defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and the Commanders' front seven.
Against Armstrong’s blend of power and ability to win the leverage battle, Chicago will be tested in ways similar to what they faced against Aidan Hutchinson in Week 2 (five pressures) and Maxx Crosby in Week 4 (five pressures).
If Whitt can isolate Armstrong in a favorable matchup — particularly on the left side with right tackle Darnell Wright off the injury report and good to go — Washington’s defense could dictate the tempo early and force Williams to chase the ballgame. That's an uncomfortable spot for some young quarterbacks.
Looking deeper, Armstrong’s impact has gone beyond sacks and pressures.
He’s been a tone-setter, embodying the aggressiveness and discipline that Dan Quinn has attempted to reestablish in Washington’s front seven. Armstrong gets the chance to showcase this to the entire NFL at Northwest Stadium on Monday night.