Sonny Styles scrutiny is already becoming unfair after Commanders debut

There was an enormous sense of anticipation around rookie linebacker Sonny Styles taking to an NFL field for the first time. The Washington Commanders are expecting big things from the No. 7 pick, and it's already clear he will be held to a much higher standard.

Some in the media have criticized Styles' effort during his one series against the Miami Dolphins. The AFC East club marched down the field for their only touchdown of the contest, and even though the Ohio State product wanted to continue, the Commanders decided that was enough for the evening.

They are playing the long game. But the overreactions around Styles' contribution are precisely that.

Sonny Styles criticism after Commanders' preseason opener missed the bigger picture

An overreaction.

Looking at the film, there were times when Styles was hesitant, and he is still working on the strength element in his run-gap fits. But it's also worth remembering that this was his first taste of a game-day setting in the pros.

Everything is faster. Everyone is stronger. Styles is finding that out, but there were also plenty of positives that seem to have been completely ignored in comparison.

Styles' speed stood out. He made tackles count when in position, and he seemed to cope pretty well with being the green dot defensive play-caller. That is a daunting task for any rookie, but it shows how in command he is within coordinator Daronte Jones' schematic concepts.

Was it perfect? No, and nobody should have expected it to be.

But the nitpicking Styles received from some in the game's immediate aftermath was extremely harsh.

Styles was fine. And he is only going to get better with more experience.

Being a top-10 pick brings a different type of pressure. Styles came to Washington with a big reputation, and his exceptional offseason only raised expectations. He's got all the tools typically associated with a franchise cornerstone, and that doesn't change just because of one preseason series.

Sonny Styles is going to be great, and one preseason game doesn't change that fact

People are always quick to judge without the correct context. It's the hot-take world we live in. Styles could have done some things better, but there were no doubt a few nerves for his NFL debut as well.

Overall, it was encouraging. The range, the speed, and dynamism were as advertised. Once Styles gets more familiar with the pace of things and everything slows down for him, especially pre-snap, it's all systems go.

The Commanders were blown away by Styles during their pre-draft evaluations. The traits and the glowing reports from former coaches and teammates left them with no doubt. There is a fierce inner drive to be the best that's hard not to love, and confidence in his long-term outlook couldn't be higher.

In truth, Styles was probably keen to get any apprehension about his first NFL appearance out of the way. There will always be critics, but staying the course and trusting his methods are all that count.

And the Commanders will be on hand to guide him every step of the way.

Everything is proceeding as expected with Styles. A few naysayers banging the drum over the preseason don't change that in the slightest.

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