Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt likes what he sees from some of his pass rushers.
Whitt knows the defense needs to turnover the ball more this season than they did in 2024. He knows very well, his pass rushers can help tremendously in turning over the ball to the offense.
The Commanders signed future Hall of Fame pass rusher Von Miller this summer, before training camp, to a one-year deal. Whitt likes not only what Miller is still doing physically, but what he is doing with other pass rushers on the defense.“Well, you know Von, first, he’s a professional,” Whitt said Thursday. “He’s come in and really helped all the guys with all the knowledge that he’s had over the years. You know, I was with [Former Carolina Panthers defensive end] Julius Peppers later on in his career when he came to Green Bay, and they’re very similar to very good pass rushers. They’re different guys, but very good pass rushers. And Von still has a very, very fast first step. He can bend, he’s quick. And so, all those athletic ability things he still has. And then with his knowledge, I’m excited to watch him play on Sunday.”
The Commanders will need to replace Dante Fowler’s 10.5 quarterback sacks in 2024. Miller, being a situational pass rusher, is unlikely to accomplish 10.5 himself. But one player who make pick up a few more sacks than he did in 2024 is Dorance Armstrong. Armstrong produced five sacks last year, and came on strong in the two playoff wins vs. the Bucs and Lions.
Whitt when asked about Armstrong replied, “A complete football player, he’s not, just a rusher. He is not a guy that just can play the run. He can do it all. He can play on first and second down outside on third down; you can kick him inside. You can play, you know, a six technique, nine technique with him, three technique. He’s just a complete football player. He’s a really smart man. I know he doesn’t say a lot, but he can communicate and when we’re running games and when we’re changing things up front, he can communicate that with the other d-linemen. So, he’s one of the leaders on this defense. And, um, he’s had, like you said, he’s had a hell of a camp it’s going to show up.”
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders believe Von Miller, Dorance Armstrong will have a big year
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