Grading Sonny Styles' first NFL performance with the Commanders

Sonny Styles faced extremely harsh criticism during his brief preseason involvement this summer. Thankfully, the Washington Commanders rookie linebacker got the chance to shut everyone up in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

To say he achieved this objective would be an understatement.

Styles imposed his will on the Eagles immediately. He looked as advertised, displaying physicality, positional awareness, and the natural instincts needed to make things uncomfortable for almost anyone in his path.

Sonny Styles passed his first big test with the Commanders

There are still some areas for Styles to improve. But considering this was his first taste of a regular-season environment in the NFL, it was a highly encouraging sign of what might be coming.

The Ohio State caused problems for Philadelphia's offense all afternoon. He knew his assignments and executed them effectively, for the most part. He got lost in the shuffle a couple of times, but the attack-minded scheme implemented by new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones definitely played to his strengths.

Styles' anticipation was arguably his biggest positive. He diagnosed plays quickly and with conviction, allowing him to reach the contact point with aggression. He made up his mind and went for it, and he was almost always right.

Of course, one highlight stole the show.

The No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft came bulldozing into the backfield on a blitz, steamrolling over running back Saquon Barkley before taking down quarterback Jalen Hurts for his first career sack. It was only one moment, but it showcased everything the Commanders were anticipating when he surprisingly fell out of the top five and into their laps.

Sonny Styles already has the NFL's attention after encouraging Commanders debut

And it got Barkey's attention, too.

"It didn't shock me; he's a good back, he's a good linebacker. I tried getting underneath him; he did a really good job of keeping his feet. I stopped my feet. He got underneath me, and the rule of football, the lower man wins. Got my a-- ran over. We get back up, and we keep going."

A fair assessment, as the tape suggests.

Styles had some issues. These centered on pre-snap communication when veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu, who started the game as the green-dot defensive play-caller on the field, went out with a mild groin strain.

The pre-snap calls and where people lined up were a little disjointed. Styles had too much to worry about, and some problems inevitably emerged.

That will improve as he gains more experience. But overall, the Commanders couldn't have asked any more from their first-year star.

The Commanders believe Styles has the tools to become a franchise cornerstone. His athletic traits cannot be taught, but his level of comfort in the intimidating Lincoln Financial Field atmosphere was even more impressive.

This is just the start for Styles.

He's only going to get better. He's only going to get stronger. And once the game slows down for him, Styles will be a dominant tone-setter at all three levels of Washington's defense.

If Luvu is forced to miss time, Styles has to grow up quickly. He'll likely be the green dot in this scenario, and he has to think a little quicker. Fortunately, he'll have a week of practice in this role, since it's unlikely the second-team All-Pro out of Washington State will do much.

It was a loss at the end of the day. The Commanders left themselves too much to do despite a late rally, and head coach Dan Quinn's squad is now on the back foot.

But for Styles, his NFL regular-season debut proved he belonged.

And those who foolishly wrote him off as a bust after a few preseason snaps are already ordering a large slice of humble pie.

Sonny Styles' Week 1 grade: B+

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