Dorance Armstrong has emerged as the Commanders’ pass-rushing threat with a pair of sacks and 10 total tackles through two games. As a high motor defender with heavy hands and a relentless approach, the veteran outworks and outlasts blockers on the edges. For a defense that takes pride in his effort pursuing the ball and tracking down quarterbacks, Armstrong is the tip of the spear for Commanders defense.
Marcus Mariota is an accomplished player in this league, but he is tasked with replacing a superstar at the position. Though the Commanders do not need the veteran to make the spectacular plays that helped Daniels secure the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year award, he must manage the game effectively and keep the offense on schedule against an active Raiders defense.
Bobby Wagner vs. Ashton Jeanty
The future gold jacket defender will spend the majority of the game with his eyes on the Raiders’ rookie runner. As the centerpiece of the Commanders defense, he will track Jeanty’s movements to ensure the rookie doesn’t have a breakout game in Week 3. If he successfully neutralizes the Raiders’ RB1, the Commanders could force the Raiders offense into a one-dimensional approach that exposes Geno Smith’s flaws by game’s end.