5 Commanders in increasingly precarious situations despite Week 3 triumph

Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE

The Washington Commanders identified Dorance Armstrong Jr. as a high-priority target in free agency. He came highly recommended by new head coach Dan Quinn, who got a real tune out of the defensive end during their time together on the Dallas Cowboys. This came from a rotational role, but doing the same in a prominent starting role is a different matter entirely.

Armstrong's gone from almost an afterthought to the primary focus of opposing protection schemes in obvious pass-rushing situations. This is proving challenging, although it's also worth remembering that nobody else seems capable of generating consistent pressure based on the opening three weeks.

Washington needs more from Armstrong. He's the senior figure and was signed to be the No. 1 pass-rushing option. With 0.5 sacks, five pressures, and three quarterback knockdowns so far, it's not the return on their investment the Commanders had in mind given his previous knowledge of Quinn's schematic demands.

The former fourth-round selection out of Kansas has enough talent to become more impactful. But it's a situation general manager Adam Peters and his staff will be monitoring closely.

Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT

Jonathan Allen is an experienced performer and one of the Commanders' undisputed leaders within the locker room. The defensive tackle seemed eager to make his presence felt under the new regime after becoming completely disenchanted during Ron Rivera's final season. It's still early days, but the performance levels aren't where they need to be just yet.

Allen is having trouble generating any push at the line of scrimmage or pressure on opposing quarterbacks. He looked gassed and slow to the contact point throughout Washington's sensational win at the Cincinnati Bengals. One could also make a strong case for rookie second-rounder Johnny Newton outperforming the Commanders' high-earning defensive tackle tandem in Week 3.

That's a big concern. Joe Whitt Jr. was counting on Allen and Daron Payne to set the tone. They haven't done so as yet and the entire defense is struggling because of it. Unless this improves in the coming weeks, a situation could emerge where the Commanders install Newton in a prominent starting role once he gets back to 100 percent health.

What that would mean for Allen's future is uncertain. He's good enough to start putting together better performances. If not, then general manager Adam Peters might look to extract some value for the Alabama product before the trade deadline.

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