The Washington Commanders are in a healthy position heading into their long-awaited bye week. A vital win over the Tennessee Titans has head coach Dan Quinn's men at 8-5 and in control of the seventh seed in the NFC. This break came at the best possible time for a unit beginning to look weary.
Things are trending up for the Commanders. Few around the media projected them to get eight wins this season. They thought things would take longer to bear fruit after wholesale changes to the football operation under the new regime. The fact Washington is in legitimate contention for a postseason spot represents a solid foundation from which to build.
The Commanders have ruthlessly disposed of inferior opposition this season, which hasn't always been the case. They don't look ready to mix it with the NFL's elite just yet, so general manager Adam Peters must identify problem positions and strike with the assets available when the 2025 recruitment period rolls around.
This is an exciting time for everyone associated with the Commanders. The season is going much better than even the brightest optimists anticipated. That's not the case for everyone.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players failing to meet expectations at the 2024 bye week.
Commanders players failing to meet expectations at the 2024 bye week
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE
The Washington Commanders had high hopes for Dorance Armstrong Jr. heading into the season. He was their marquee defensive arrival in free agency - a high-priority target that thrived under Dan Quinn during their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. The defensive end instantly became the team's No. 1 edge rushing option from the moment he got into the building.
Armstrong put up outstanding numbers in a rotational role with the Cowboys. Doing it as a focal point of opposing protection schemes is proving more challenging.
The former Kansas standout has just two sacks on the season. Armstrong hasn't had a quarterback takedown since Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns. He's flashed good moments, especially versus the run, but it's nowhere near what the Commanders had in mind.
Perhaps Armstrong is better suited to being a complimentary piece, which is fine. That means general manager Adam Peters will be on the lookout for pass-rushing help once again in 2025.