Sam Cosmi and 4 Commanders on the hot seat entering Week 13 vs. Titans
By Dean Jones
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE
It's time for Dorance Armstrong Jr. to prove why the Washington Commanders identified him as a high-priority target in free agency. There continue to be flashes from the defensive end, but the consistency to generate pressure is nowhere near the level anticipated upon joining the franchise.
Armstrong hasn't registered a sack since Week 5 and has 2.5 quarterback takedowns on the season. He's accumulated 18 pressures throughout the campaign to go with 25 tackles. One could forgive the coaching staff for expecting more from someone who was their No. 1 edge rushing option heading into the year.
This was Armstrong's big chance to prove he could be a legitimate starting-caliber performer rather than a key rotational piece. The jury is still out on that one, so a huge effort is needed over Washington's five remaining games.
The former fourth-round pick out of Kansas won't get a better chance to make a statement. The Tennessee Titans are giving up 3.7 sacks per game on average, ranked No. 30 league-wide. If Armstrong cannot wreak havoc versus porous protection in front of Will Levis, the Commanders have a big problem on their hands.
Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S
Jeremy Chinn's been a positive signing for the Commanders overall. Those in power thought his physical skills would be tailor-made for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive system. It's not been perfect all the time, but the former second-round selection looks well on course to get an extension when the campaign concludes.
Before then, Chinn needs to step things up further.
His indifferent capabilities in coverage were exposed versus the Cowboys last time out. Chinn cannot allow the same to happen against second-year quarterback Will Levis, who remains inconsistent but is a big play waiting to happen at any point.
Keeping tabs on running back Tony Pollard will also be high on Chinn's list of priorities. So the task awaiting him is a steep one.
The Commanders potentially getting stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore back would change everything for the Southern Illinois product. It would allow Chinn to focus on what he does best - being instinctive and getting himself around the football prominently at the second level.
Chinn's got the talent to shake off last weekend's poor outing. But make no mistake, the Commanders are counting on him and others to set the tone on defense right out of the gate.