3 pleasant surprises from Commanders win vs. Cardinals in Week 1

Commanders DL

Unquestionably, one of the game's highlights was the Washington Commanders defense. This unit has shown its potential since last year but was missing some key names along the defensive front which posed a moderate level of concern heading into the 2023 season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.

A team that played most of the previous season not having defensive end Chase Young to depend upon started the current campaign without him in Week 1. But that didn't stop the group, who made plays when needed to shut down a weak Arizona offense almost from start to finish.

The defense overall has 11 tackles for a loss. Six of these came from the defensive line trio of Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Montez Sweat.

Sweat racked up 1.5 sacks and Payne helped himself to one quarterback takedown. The defense came up with key stops when needed, even though they gave up a 29-yard end-around by Marquise Brown.

It seems as if the Commanders will be missing Young for a second-straight contest at the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Phidarian Mathis and Efe Obada are both on injured/reserve, but hopes are high that some exceptional weapons can hold down the fort until they get fully healthy across their defensive line depth chart.