3 best pairings on the Commanders’ roster in 2022

2. Chase Young and Montez Sweat

It wasn’t that long ago (last offseason) that Young and Sweat disclosed their intentions to break the combined sack record for teammates. When push came to shove, they combined to miss 15 games in 2021, so that dream was dead before it started. The previous year, however, they showed fans that they can be the most dominant defensive end pairing in the NFL.

In 16 games, Sweat tallied nine sacks, 12 tackles for loss and 20 QB hits. He also showed his athletic upside with six passes defended and producing a sublime 86.0 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. If Sweat can overcome his adversity-filled 2021, he should be in the Pro Bowl conversation.

If that happens, he’ll give the Commanders no other choice but to initiate extension negotiations, which would be quite the accomplishment given he’s under contract for 2023 after his fifth-year option got picked up this offseason.

Unlike Sweat, Young already has a reputation around the NFL after he was a catalyst in Washington’s playoff push as a rookie in 2020. Young took home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was a Pro Bowl alternate after posting 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery returned for a touchdown.

While 2021 was a disappointment for Young, he has Defensive Player of the Year (not exaggerating) potential if his head’s on straight.