4 Commanders who put on a show in Week 11 win over Texans

3. Montez Sweat, DE

This was a toss up between Sweat and Daron Payne; two players who are giving Washington A LOT to think about this offseason. We’ll cross that bridge when the time comes, because both players are dominating right now.

Over the last three games, Sweat has as many sacks (three) as he recorded over the fist nine games of the season.  That’s not to say Sweat was ineffective to start the year, but stockpiling sacks will only boost his case to make the Pro Bowl, as sacks are the ultimate measuring stick for defensive ends.

Sweat sacked Davis Mills twice on Sunday, giving him his second multi-sack game of the campaign. Entering Week 10, Sweat ranked first among defensive linemen in quarterback hits (31), with the next-closest having 23, first in knockdowns (16), third in pressures (37) and second in hurries (24).

Those are Pro Bowl numbers if we’ve ever seen them. While Jon Allen and Payne are enjoying equally dominant seasons, the importance of Sweat setting the tone on the edge without running mate Chase Young cannot be overstated.

The Commanders exercised Sweat’s fifth-year option this season, and he’s putting together a career year with a potential big pay day on the horizon.