Washington Commanders 2022 Season Preview – Part 4
The Washington Commanders 2022 season is off and running with their training camp this year at the team’s headquarters in Ashburn. The defense is the story thus far and the offense is trying to find their stride. The special teams unit is also looking very good as well.
The NFL regular season opener is roughly a month away and the Commanders still have plenty of time for their offense to jell. The defense is turning heads each day with plenty of superb plays and the special teams unit is drawing rave reviews thus far. Welcome back to our season preview for each unit on offense, defense, and special teams.
Instead of examining each unit on defense (and a look at special teams) through two or three additional articles, we will finish up our summer series today. As we mentioned in the most recent article, time constraints due to personal circumstances have forced us to take this approach. In the last article, we combined two articles into one and that made it parts 2 and 3. It was labeled Part 3 and today, we are doing the same thing – taking parts 4-6 and simply calling it the fourth part. We will still provide you with plenty of details and afford you to see what is to be expected from the Commanders this season.
The Commanders’ defense is hoping to bounce back from a 2021 campaign that did not live up to expectations, especially after a solid 2020 season. If training camp is any indication thus far, the defense could produce even greater success than what was seen two years ago. Today, we’ll take a look at the defensive line, linebackers, secondary, and special teams. Let’s get right to it!
The Commanders' defense had a good day today which means....
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) August 1, 2022
The offense heard plenty about it😂😂 pic.twitter.com/xXloXdnILk
Defensive Line
The defensive line looks to be a shining jewel of the Washington’s defense, but this unit could be hobbled early in the season with an injury to a key player.
Jonathan Allen
Jonathan Allen is the gold standard for Washington’s line and he could be an All-Pro first team selection this year.
Stat Prediction: 8 sacks, 64 tackles, 11 tackles for lost yardage, 32 quarterback hits, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 interception, 4 pass deflections.
1. Jonathan Allen is a leader and a stud. In 2023, he'll have the highest cap hit for a #Commanders position player.
— Colin Dunphy (@mofopod) August 9, 2022
The four remaining years of his contract rank 5th for DT, so it will be important that he maintains his production, if not improve. The expectations are higher. https://t.co/0ZmSS94xI0
Montez Sweat
Montez Sweat was hampered by injuries last year, but he still managed to turn in a moderately productive season. Look for Sweat to bounce back in 2022.
Stat Prediction: 9 sacks, 48 tackles, 7 tackles for lost yardage, 27 quarterback hits, 1 forced fumble, 1 safety, 7 pass deflections.
Daron Payne
Daron Payne could be making one last lap in a Washington uniform this season, but he is still one of the better linemen in the NFL.
Stat Prediction: 4 sacks, 51 tackles, 5 tackles for lost yardage, 19 quarterback hits, 3 pass deflections.
Chase Young
Chase Young will likely miss the first few games of the season and possibly more. We will not post any stat predictions, but when Young does return, it will take some time for him to be in football shape. This determined Buckeye could have a significant impact down the stretch. Don’t bet against him.
Look for significant contributions this year from Phidarian Mathis, Shaka Toney, Daniel Wise, James Smith-Williams, Efe Obada, and possibly Casey Toohill. Players who could be on the bubble include Bunmi Rotini, and David Bada. Tyler Clark and Jacub Panasiuk could end up on the practice squad. Justin Hamilton and William Bradley-King could be on the outside looking in.