Remember in the summer of 2021 when Washington defensive end Montez Sweat predicted he and Chase Young would break the NFL sack record for a season by teammates?
That feels so long ago, but each week that passes without Sweat getting to the opposing passer and bringing them down, that comment comes back to mind.
In the ugly Week 3 loss to the Eagles, Sweat was credited with zero pressures on Jalen Hurts, according to Pro Football Focus. Per PFF, Sweat had 15 pass-rushing snaps and did not register one pressure. Sweat did not record a quarterback hit, either. For the season, Sweat has zero sacks after three games.
Look, we know sacks aren’t everything, but pressures and QB hits tell a bigger story. Sweat isn’t getting close. On more than one occasion Sunday, Sweat would rush the passer too wide against the offensive tackle, leading Hurts to step up and Sweat to run himself out of the play.
This is what we saw from Chase Young at times last season. It’s almost as if the speed rush isn’t working; Sweat lacks a countermove. Now, in fairness to Sweat, he had a terrific game in Week 1, although he didn’t record a sack. He was impactful. And with 21 sacks through his first three seasons, we know Sweat can wreak havoc.
A popular pick for a breakout player in 2022, Sweat’s combination of size, power and speed sets him apart from most. Somehow, some way, the Commanders need Sweat to start getting to the quarterback more frequently.
The defense needs help, and defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen are doing their part. Sweat raising his game would do a lot for Washington’s struggling secondary.
