Rusher, 69-Sack, Appropriate for Commanders
The Washington Commanders have prioritized rebuilding their pass rush this offseason, but Yannick Ngakoue, a free agent, is still a possibility. With 69 sacks under his belt, Pro Bowl Edge would contribute significantly to Washington’s deeper defensive end rotation.
That’s what Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report suggests. He feels that even with the addition of a few of head coach Dan Quinn’s previous players in free agency, the Commanders still lack depth at D-end.
Dante Fowler Jr. and Dorance Armstrong Jr., who both played for Quinn with the Dallas Cowboys, are among the new signings. Clelin Ferrell joins them, but Knox drew attention to the fact that the Commanders “did not use an early draft selection on a replacement” for Chase Young or Montez Sweat, who were moved away during the previous season.
Washington took a chance on Notre Dame’s Javontae Jean-Baptiste in the seventh round, but Knox believes the Commanders could afford more seasoned depth behind Armstrong, Fowler, and Clelin Ferrell. Yannick Ngakoue, a free agent with 69 career sacks, might supply it.
In actuality, Knox has suggested the perfect combination of player and plan.
Yannick Ngakoue: A Perfect Match for Leaders
Quinn’s defenses rely on a platoon of adaptable edge rushers that alternate positions. Ngakoue’s quickness off the edge and adaptability to line up as a standup rusher or with his hand on the ground make him a good fit for such a scheme.
With four sacks and eleven pressures on the quarterback for the Chicago Bears the previous season, the 29-year-old demonstrated he hasn’t lost any of his ability to get to the quarterback. Among those takedowns was this one where Bryce Young was sacking the Carolina Panthers.
Reaching Young shown that Ngakoue hasn’t slowed down. Additionally, he continues to be a mobile pressure specialist who teams can deploy anywhere to thwart blocking plans.
In Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers, Ngakoue slanting inside after rushing from the opposite side to get to Jordan Love for a sack that was highlighted by ImBearingDown.
Quinn’s method is based on the style of play that this is. Pass-rushers who never stop collapsing the pocket from various angles.
Adding Ngakoue to the team would provide a tried-and-true player with greater potential than his exceptional output.
Leaders Require Verified Assistance on the Defense End
Quinn is taking a chance on Armstrong, who recorded 22 sacks in three seasons while playing a situational role for the Cowboys. With 45 career sacks, Fowler has a longer resume than Ferrell, a former first-round selection who has never finished a season with more than 4.5 sacks.
There is space for a more active QB hunter like Ngakoue, according to the data. He would enter a congested rotation that includes KJ Henry, a second-year professional, and Efe Obada.
A pass-rusher with the ability to dominate games from the edge is what’s lacking. For the Commanders to fully utilize their talent along the interior, one is required.
Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton, the second-round choice of the 2024 NFL draft, together make up a powerful defensive tackle trio. They will take up several blockers and exert enough pressure inside to aid in the feast that outside pass-rushers will be enjoying.
With this kind of support, Ngakoue can reach double digits in sacks again in a season.
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