The Washington Commanders face a critical test at AT&T Stadium this Sunday. Every game against the Dallas Cowboys just means more, but with both teams sitting at 0-1, it's a fight to avoid slipping into the early cellar in the NFC East.
And no one understands the magnitude of this rivalry quite like Dorance Armstrong Jr.
The 2018 fourth-round pick spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Cowboys before Washington signed him in 2024. After an unremarkable first season with the Commanders, he was playing at a Pro Bowl level until he tore his ACL against his former club last year.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. gives the Commanders' defense a boost that has to feel personal
Now, after a one-week suspension, he returns against the Cowboys as well. And he'll be sorely needed.
The Commanders' defense looked mostly promising in new coordinator Daronte Jones' Week 1 debut, aside from giving up a few blown coverages in the secondary. Washington made Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts uncomfortable and held running back Saquon Barkley in check, aside from one 42-yard scamper.
But now comes a much tougher measuring stick against a Cowboys team that has had Washington's number recently. Last year, Dallas scored 74 points across the two matchups against a Commanders defense that gave up more yards than any other team in the league.
This group looks much more potent on paper after changes to both the roster and the coaching staff. Now, the Commanders are getting one of their best players back from a season ago in a full-circle return against both his former club and the one he was injured against.
Armstrong must be more motivated than ever to make a statement. However, he'll also be in a new role.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. won't be tasked with much, but he can still make a difference
The Kansas State product returns to the Commanders' lineup as a reserve this season following the additions of Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson on the edge. He'll also play as a hybrid linebacker in Jones' 3-4 scheme, and he'll need to shake off the rust after a limited offseason due to his injury and suspension.
Washington might have Armstrong on a snap count. It won't be easy, but he can still make an impact whenever he's on the field.
At the same time, Armstrong has a lot to adjust to, and expectations must be tempered.
He probably won't pick up the double-digit-sack pace he left off on last year. But Washington will need Armstrong as a rotational cog who does as much as he can with the snaps he's given.
Armstrong will have a lighter load to carry, which will help keep his legs fresher so that he can produce situationally. Head coach Dan Quinn may also understandably want to ease him back in, so don't be surprised if we don't hear too much from the ninth-year veteran this weekend.
But maybe one highlight-reel sack would be nice. Just to remind Dallas that he's back.
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