After 2025 injury, Dorance Armstrong has to prove himself again - Daily Slop

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 13: Dorance Armstrong #92 of the Washington Commanders looks on against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Northwest Stadium on October 13, 2025 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Daily Slop

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Commanders linksArticles

Sports Illustrated

Dorance Armstrong Must Prove He Still Fits Commanders' Future

Before tearing his ACL in Week 7, Dorance Armstrong was flashing elite efficiency metrics; now, a deep and largely rebuilt edge rotation ensures he must fight to prove his long-term value

Before tearing his ACL last season, Dorance Armstrong was playing some of the best football of his career. Now he is set to return to a rebuilt Commanders pass rush with only one season to prove he still belongs in Washington's long-term plans.

It feels odd to say Armstrong must prove himself after starting last season with 5.5 sacks in only six games. He had already surpassed the five he finished with during his first year in Washington. Then came the torn ACL, against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, and everything, including his place on the defense, changed in Week 7.

It would not be fair to say that Armstrong has lost anything while recovering from injury. The problem, for him, is that the team could not spend the offseason blindly assuming he would immediately return as the same player. Washington signed Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson and Charles Omenihu, then added Joshua Josephs from Tennessee in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.

Those moves gave the team options in case they cannot depend on Armstrong. That is not to say he has been replaced. It does mean the Commanders have moved forward without waiting to see Armstrong's return.

Commanders Roundtable

Commanders training camp primer: Running backs

Yet the top of the room will likely be led by White and Croskey-Merritt. The addition of White upgrades not only the receiving threat in the room, but also the pass blocking. The latter is also an area where Kaytron Allen can build on his role as a rookie as he looks to become the short yardage back in the offense, but Croskey-Merritt's growth could be what tells the tale for the unit.

Running backs coach Anthony Lynn noted that the reps for Croskey-Merritt to be utilized like a receiving threat just haven't presented himself, indicating the absence of the former seventh-round pick in the passing game isn't for a lack of ability after posting just nine catches on 13 targets in 2025. Whether that proves to be true for the explosive, shifty back that adds the speed back to the room will be where Croskey-Merritt can show signs of growth in year two, but it isn't the only area. Head coach Dan Quinn joined Lynn in noting through offseason workouts that pass protection is an area of growth for Croskey-Merritt where a potential improvement could elevate him beyond being an early down back.

Heavy.com

Commanders Believe in Jacory Croskey-Merrit Because of Key Stat

David Blough is convinced JCM can be a starting running back, which is a good vote of confidence" ahead of training camp, according to Commanders.com Senior Writer Zach Selby.

Blough's confidence is founded upon Croskey-Merritt having averaged nearly five yards per carry and led the league in success rate, meaning he gained at least 40% of the yards required for a first down on 53.7% of his 175 carries."

From Riggo's Rag:

After his midseason slump, Croskey-Merritt put together some of his most impressive performances of 2025 toward the end of the year. He found the end zone four times in the final four weeks, including a season-long 72-yard home run score against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17.

Entering 2026, Croskey-Merritt has gained considerable muscle as he looks to pick up even better than where he left off. He might not touch the ball 25 times per game, but he can be a lethal weapon for Washington under a new coordinator who comes from a coaching tree that loves to run the ball.

Riggo's Rag

Chig Okonkwo just got the perfect motivation for a breakout season

ESPN released its annual top-10 position rankings, and Okonkwo was nowhere to be found heading into 2026. Again, his missing the cut shouldn't exactly come as a surprise. He wasn't even highlighted in the honorable mention" or also receiving votes" sections, however, which is mildly discouraging from a Commanders fans' perspective.

23 players were brought up, yet Okonkwo wasn't one of them. Let that sink in for a second. Keep in mind that the results aren't just an analyst's opinion, too; they're voted [on] by league scouts, executives and coaches."

From coaching turmoil to poor quarterback play and a weak supporting cast around him, Okonkwo was never truly set up for success in Tennessee. Through it all, though, the Maryland product remained a valuable contributor, specifically as a dynamic pass-catching weapon, which the numbers bear out.

54 TEs drew at least 25 targets in 2025, including the playoffs, with Okonkwo among the bunch. He ranked highly in the following notable categories, courtesy of Pro Football Focus ($):

• Fourth in missed tackles forced (13)
• Tied for ninth in yards after catch per reception (6.2)
• Tied for ninth in contested catch rate (71.4 percent)
• 16th in receptions (56)

The Athletic (paywall)

One breakout player to watch for every NFL team in 2026

Washington Commanders: Daron Payne, DT

The 2018 first-round pick has been a staple of the Commanders' defensive line for eight years, but his sack numbers have lagged since he signed his four-year, $90 million contract in 2023. Coincidence or not, Payne has a track record of elevating his play in contract seasons, and adapting to Daronte Jones' scheme could land him another payday - in Washington or elsewhere. Payne's versatility, explosiveness and run-stopping ability make him a strong fit for Jones' system that features more position-agnostic players. Said coach Dan Quinn: What's so much fun about coaching Daron is he's big enough to be a 3-4 end - you guys saw some of that here early on - and he's got the strength that can play inside at nose tackle and quickness to move. ... Because (the defensive tackles) are versatile, it gives Daronte even more options in how to deploy and how to match up guys. So, it's a big deal for us." - Nicki Jhabvala

ESPN

Execs, coaches, scouts rank top NFL quarterbacks for 2026

Honorable Mention:

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders: I know he was hurt [in 2025], but I think this is the year he really makes his stamp and he's the guy we're all talking about as having taken the next step. Such a good decision-maker and very accurate." - NFC exec

I would still take him over the other quarterbacks [from the 2024 draft class] from a pure quarterback, decision-making standpoint." - NFL personnel evaluator

Photos

Commanders.com

PHOTOS | John Riggins through the years

A look back at special moments from the career of No. 44

View LinkView LinkView LinkView LinkPodcasts & videos

Episode 1,367 - Guest: @BenStandig on the state of Washington Commanders fandom on this the six-year anniversary of the retirement of "Redskins." Also, can AJ Dybantsa as a rookie can be for the Wizards what Jayden Daniels as a rookie was for Washington?https://t.co/STf2wd405c

- Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) July 13, 2026

BEST YET: Commanders Built Their Best Roster, But The Secondary Must Raise The CeilingNFC East links

Big Blue View

NY Giants training camp: Can New York stop the run with this defensive line?

[E]very single one of the 11 guys has got to be committed to stopping the run. You can't let people run all over you. There's no doubt about it. It's been important. It's been important. It's been important in football since football started.

The Giants will try to do so with a completely rebuilt defensive line. Dexter Lawrence was traded to the Cincinnati Bengals. Rakeem Nunez-Roches and D.J. Davidson were not re-signed. Elijah Chatman was waived. Roy Robertson-Harris tore an Achilles tendon this spring.

Second-year player Darius Alexander and veteran Chauncey Golston are the only players left from 2025 who might be part of the defensive line group. Did the Giants do enough to supplement the line?

Below is a look at the new Giants competing to earn spots along the defensive line.

From Bleeding Green Nation:

NFL.com

Brian Schottenheimer wants to win Super Bowl for Cowboys players - and get extra' Super Bowl ring for late father

It's always something I've always dreamed of, you know," he said recently on The Twins Take Podcast. I want to win a Super Bowl. I don't want to win it for me."

So, who does he want to win it for? Well, his players for starters.

I want to win it for the people under my leadership," he said. I want to win it for Dak Prescott. I want to win it for CeeDee Lamb, for Quinnen Williams, for, your players that put in so much, you know, hard work and the sacrifice that goes into what we do. You know, from us as a coaching staff, it's the hours, it's the mental strain of game planning, but for the players, they put their bodies on the line.

I make no qualms, that that's the goal. The Super Bowl next year is Feb. 14th, 2027.

We plan on being there."

Best Of Enemies Is BACK https://t.co/P7PEq2c1xR

- George Carmi (@Gcarmi21) July 13, 2026

Hogs Haven's latest season previewsCommanders & Bengals meet for Part 2" of 24 MNF thriller in Week 11

The Week 3 MNF clash between the Commanders and Bengals in 2024 was an offensive masterclass. In a display of poised execution, neither team punted or turned the ball over for the entire sixty minutes, a statistical anomaly that hadn't previously happened in a regular-season game since World War II.

Cincinnati's offense, spearheaded by Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase, moved the ball at will. Burrow threw for 324 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Chase repeatedly shredded the Washington secondary, racking up 118 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. The Bengals consistently sustained drives and answered Washington's scores, finishing the night with 436 total yards and looking every bit like a postseason contender.

Yet, despite Cincinnati's fireworks, the night ultimately belonged to Washington's rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. In his first career primetime game, Daniels delivered one of the most efficient passing performances in NFL history. He completed 21 of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns, rushing for another 39 yards and a score on the ground. His 91.3% completion rate set an all-time NFL single-game rookie record. Daniels operated the offense with a veteran's poise, repeatedly extending plays with his legs and dissecting the Bengals' defense on critical third and fourth downs.

JAYDEN DANIELS. TERRY MCLAURIN. THE COMMANDERS.

: #WASvsCIN on ABC
: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/bP5qrpGN8q

- NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2024

The defining moment of Daniels' winning performance came late in the fourth quarter. With Washington holding a 5-point lead and facing a crucial third-and-7 play, the rookie faced an all-out blitz. Exhibiting ice-cold composure that came to define his rookie season, Daniels stood strong in the pocket and launched a beautifully arched, 27-yard rainbow down the right sideline. The ball dropped perfectly over a defender and right into the outstretched hands of star receiver Terry McLaurin in the back corner of the end zone. The spectacular touchdown pass capped off a masterful drive and effectively iced the 38-33 victory for the Commanders.

Commanders favored on the road in Week 12 vs Cardinals in Arizona

[T]he rivalry is among the oldest in the NFL, dating back to 1932, when the burgundy & gold was introduced to the NFL as the Boston Braves and the team that resides in Arizona today was still known as the Chicago Cardinals. The Cardinals won that inaugural game by a score of 9-0; going forward, the burgundy & gold would dominate the series until 1957, winning 19 of 28 games.

After 1957, the Chicago/St Louis Cardinals would win 15 of the next 21 games as Washington went through its first dark' period as an NFL franchise, with 11 losing records in 12 seasons, (they were 7-7 in 1966) including a pair of back-to-back 1-win seasons in 1960 & 61.

Things turned around when Vince Lombardi took over the Washington team in 1969, achieving the team's first winning record since 1955.

View Link

After Lombardi's unexpected death, three coaches - George Allen, Jack Pardee, and Joe Gibbs - built on his one-year legacy, eventually turning the Redskins into a powerhouse franchise that appeared in 5 Super Bowls between 1972 and 1991, winning 3 of them. During this stretch, the Washington Redskins had a 31-9 record against the St Louis/Phoenix Cardinals.

Washington has won 14 of the past 18 games against the Arizona Cardinals, dating back to 1999, and holds a substantial lead in the 94-year series at 78-47-2, heavily tilted in favor of the burgundy & gold.

NFL league linksArticles

Pro Football Talk

Free agent Stefon Diggs says no WR2 is better than him

My opinion, I can compete with anybody," Diggs said in a video on his YouTube channel last week. But take those [top wide receivers] as your 1s, right? You can't name a No. 2 better than me."

Diggs said presumably" all 32 NFL teams have their No. 1 wide receiver for this season. He argued, though, that there are only seven real [No.] 1s" in the league.

There's not a No. 2 on a team - let's presumably give people the credit and just say, OK, you want to take the No. 1 spot away,'" Diggs said. Name your No. 2 receiver right now, and tell me how much he makes, and then my last question is: Is he better than me?"

The NFL closed its review of Diggs last month after he was found not guilty in May of assaulting his private chef in a pay dispute. Still, he remains in search of his next team.

I brought myself here," Diggs said. Unfortunate at times, but I'm blessed. I'm going to be exactly where I'm supposed to be. . . . I'll be fine. I know I'll be fine."

aBit o'Twitter

.@sonnystyles_ @DaleJrpic.twitter.com/ZPfqz4izI4

- Washington Commanders (@Commanders) July 12, 2026

Into the top 40 we go. Runs 40-31 of 2025 just dropped. pic.twitter.com/Q2mFA38R5x

- NFL (@NFL) July 12, 2026

Year 3 for #Commanders CB Mike Sainristil

(:kingsleymp4 via IG) pic.twitter.com/zIdoRnYTfT

- brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) July 12, 2026

Most sacks in the 2010s:

Von Miller - 106.0
Chandler Jones - 96.0
JJ Watt - 96.0
Cameron Wake - 95.0
Ryan Kerrigan - 90.0
Justin Houston - 89.5
Cameron Jordan - 87.0
Carlos Dunlap - 81.5
Clay Matthews - 81.5
Terrell Suggs - 81.5 pic.twitter.com/u9BbM6KeFJ

- NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) July 12, 2026

Most consecutive starts in #NFL history, including the playoffs:

Brett Favre - 321
Jim Marshall - 289
Bill Romanowski - 271
Philip Rivers - 255
Mick Tingelhoff - 259
Bruce Matthews - 244
Will Shields - 231
Alan Page - 234
Ronde Barber - 224
London Fletcher - 221 pic.twitter.com/n2g6vUnX0H

- NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) July 12, 2026

Commanders safety Percy Butler got married over the weekend pic.twitter.com/hqeo7N97pH

- Martenzie Johnson (@10zJohnson) July 13, 2026

28 homers before the All-Star break for James Wood

Nats franchise record is 46... pic.twitter.com/Y827vXQA93

- Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) July 12, 2026

See you in 9 Sundays.

- Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) July 12, 2026

Sam Neill has sadly passed away at the age of 78. pic.twitter.com/OA1qjeo61w

- DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 13, 2026