Commanders' finish top-five in defensive takeaways
The introduction of new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones has already brought significant intrigue. His creative concepts have been a big hit over the summer, and there is still so much to show when the real action arrives.
One of the main objectives for the Commanders' defense this season is enhancing the number of takeaways.
The ball matters greatly to Jones, and he's preaching this to his players. It's brought a positive response, with Washington's unit looking more opportunistic both in joint practices and the first two preseason games.
This is a small step in the right direction. And if this trend continues into the regular season, it's going to completely change the outlook.
There is more athleticism, more speed, and more hunger across all three levels. Jones' switch to a 3-4 base scheme with exotic blitz packages is intriguing, and if they can take the football away more effectively, the fine margins will make a big difference.
Drew Stevens gains 92% field goal success
The Commanders held a kicking competition that they planned to take right through the preseason. But thanks to the exceptional efforts of undrafted rookie Drew Stevens, head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters were convinced.
Stevens' leg strength and accuracy caught the eye immediately. Veteran Jake Moody kept up over Washington's offseason program, but he began to flounder when the pressure increased. And after one mistake too many, the Commanders cut him loose.
They have placed a significant amount of faith in Stevens. The first-year pro out of Iowa is not lacking in confidence, but what comes next is even more important.
Winning the job was just the first step for Stevens. Cementing his position as Washington's long-term option at kicker is something else entirely.
The Commanders have to ride the rookie wave with Stevens. But if he can get a 92 percent field goal success rate throughout his debut NFL season, that will be a great way to repay Washington's faith.
Sonny Styles wins Defensive Rookie of the Year
There was some asinine discourse around rookie linebacker Sonny Styles over the preseason. Engagement farmers on social media were trying to stir things up by criticizing his very brief involvement on the field, but those who actually know what they are looking at were much more impressed.
Styles isn't interested in what people have to say. He's focused on the task at hand, which involves being the genuine game-wrecking second-level player the Commanders envisaged when they took the Ohio State product at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That hasn't changed.
If you were to build the prototypical NFL linebacker in a lab, it would look like Styles. He's got the size, strength, speed, and physical profile. His approach to improving and willingness to lead cannot be taught. The social media chatter will only make him more motivated.
Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese are getting more positive attention, but Styles can win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
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