Wake Up Washington | Washington's defensive line steps up in win over Arizona

Sep 11, 2023 at 09:59 AM

Kyra Plourde

Contributor

The Washington Commander's defensive line surged in the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, and their dominance came exactly when the team desperately needed it.

For essentially three quarters, the game could have gone either way, but it felt like Washington was grasping for some kind of swing in momentum. There was no sure performance from the offense, and while the defense was holding its own, Arizona had a six-point because its offense was doing just enough to move down the field.

But together, with some effective tackles and game-changing forced fumbles from Montez Sweat and Daron Payne, the defensive line was able to turn the tide of the game, ensuring that Washington began its new era with a Week 1 win.

"They made plays when they had to," coach Ron Rivera said after the 20-16 win. "They gave us opportunities to create a field position. Put us in the scoring position. Did the things that you're going to do right now because that's a group that's been together, for the most part, fourth year in the system, so they're going to be a little bit ahead and they're going to carry us a little bit and they know that."

Watching the first three quarters of the offense and defense were incredibly different versions of the team that were seen in preseason and spring training camp, particularly on offense. The unit gave up three turnovers in the first half, one of which was a fumble by Sam Howell that was returned for a touchdown, making the score 13-7 just before halftime.

The defense, however, was living up to its reputation as one of the best units in the league. Aside from two explosive plays in the first quarter, the Cardinals and Josh Dobbs did little to threaten Washington as they put up just 210 yards.

And yet, as the third quarter was winding to a close, it was clear that Washington still needed more from its defense. Its offense had put up just two yards up to that point in the second half, and the Cardinals had good field position at their own 40.

"That's what we pride ourselves on; defense closing games," Sweat said in the team locker room. "I kept on telling them, 'who is going to be the closer?'"

As it turns out, Sweat himself was the closer the team needed. After Jonathan Allen forced a four-yard sack, Sweat knocked the ball loose from Dobbs' hand on third down. It was recovered by Daron Payne, and the Commanders' offense responded by putting together a seven-play, 29-yard touchdown drive that gave them a 17-16 lead.

Two plays later, Washington's defensive line delivered again. Sweat popped the ball from Dobbs' grasp a second time. It was recovered by Abdullah Anderson, and while the offense didn't do much to move the ball forward, it was enough to give Joey Slye an easier field goal attempt.

In the space of about 10 minutes, Washington went from scrambling for a positive play to holding a four-point lead.

"Yeah, we made a lot of great plays to win the game," Allen said. "Obviously, there's a couple plays we wish we could have back, but we made the plays when they counted, so we're going to look at the film."

After the game, Washington's offensive players praised the defense for keeping the score close.

"They played lights out," said running back Brian Robinson Jr. "They got some key stops when we needed them the most. That's just part of being a team. They saw we were struggling on offense, and they knew they had to make a play, step up on defense. That's exactly what they did, and we applaud them for that too."

Wideout Terry McLaurin was particularly impressed with Sweat, who finished the day with five tackles, 1.5 sacks and a quarterback hit on top of his two forced fumbles.

"I think that's the Montez that has been continually getting better each and every year," McLaurin said. "And now, he's at a place where he's changing the game, and I think you need that from a guy with his potential, a guy with his skill set, and it changed the game what he did.

While Allen said the day wasn't perfect, the defensive line did what they needed to do as a group: they zoned in, saw that they needed to step up and delivered for a Washington win.

A morning roundup of content from the Washington Commanders on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023.

It's time to start preparing for next season! Click HERE to purchase season tickets for the 2023 campaign.

A morning roundup of content from the Washington Commanders on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023.

It's time to start preparing for next season! Click HERE to purchase season tickets for the 2023 campaign.