The Washington Commanders’ pass rush was one of the biggest question marks entering the 2025 season, especially after Dante Fowler departed for Dallas following a 10.5-sack campaign in the burgundy and gold. But through three weeks, Dorance Armstrong has flipped that narrative…and then some.
According to NFL Pro, Armstrong currently leads the entire NFL in both total pressures (18) and pressure rate (25%). NFL Analyst Sam Monson spotlighted Armstrong’s dominance, noting that the veteran edge rusher has been disruptive on nearly every snap.
Armstrong has already recorded three sacks in the first three games, matching his sack total from all of last season. He also etched his name into the Commanders’ history books, becoming just the third player in franchise history to start a season with at least 1.0 sack in each of the first three contests. He joins defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and defensive end Preston Smith on that exclusive list.
This breakout isn’t entirely new territory for Armstrong. He posted a career-high 8.5 sacks with the Cowboys in 2022, showing the flashes of production that Washington is now seeing on a weekly basis. The supporting cast has chipped in as well. Veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner recorded his only two sacks of the season in Sunday’s win over the Raiders, ranking second on the team. Future Hall of Famer Von Miller (1.5), defensive tackle Daron Payne (1), and rookie Javontae Jean-Baptiste (1) have each added to the pressure mix.
