Losing Dorance Armstrong Jr. for the season is the latest blow to a hit a Washington Commanders defense bleeding among every position group, but the Burgundy and Gold have at least moved quickly to replace the versatile defensive end and team sack leader, by signing a familiar face.
The Commanders brought back Jalyn Holmes on Tuesday, October 21 after Armstrong was sent to injured reserve. Both moves were confirmed by the team on X.
Holmes suited up for the Commanders in 14 games, including the playoffs, last season. He offers similar flexibility to Armstrong as a lineman who can play on the edge and also slide inside to D-tackle.
What Holmes won’t do is provide the same juice as a pass-rusher as Armstrong, who’d logged 5.5 sacks before suffering what proved to be a season-ending knee injury against former team the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7.
Armstrong’s ability to create pressure will be missed, but Holmes might offer more as an edge-setter against the run. Meanwhile, being without Armstrong should mean extended work for a more decorated pass-rusher.
Commanders Play Safe With Jalyn Holmes Move
Sticking with who they know makes some sense for the Commanders. Holmes is familiar with the schemes of head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., as well as being able to work alongside defensive line coach Darryl Tapp.
Those things might not be endorsements given how much the Commanders are struggling on the defensive side of the ball. They surrendered 44 points to the Cowboys, who moved the ball freely both through the air and on the ground.
Quarterback Dak Prescott threw for three touchdowns and was sacked just once. Running back Javonte Williams gained 116 yards on 19 carries and also found the end zone.
Both phases worked for the Cowboys because the Commanders generated too little pressure up front. Holmes is unlikely to change that because he only recorded a mere two sacks and as many pressures for the Commanders last season, per Pro Football Reference.
What the 6-foot-5, 283-pounder might do is provide some more solidity against the run. The Commanders are missing big-bodied edge defenders along the front after both Javontae Jean-Baptiste and Deatrich Wise Jr. suffered season-ending injuries.
Perhaps Holmes helps offset those losses, but the Commanders will need more dramatic solutions for adequately replacing Armstrong.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. Injury an Opportunity for 8-Time Pro Bowler
Some solid performances from 36-year-old Von Miller have been lost in all of the ineptitude embodied by Washington’s defense. The eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion has logged four sacks in seven games, including two in his last three outings.
Miller can still create havoc off the edge and make the big plays the Commanders are missing on this side of the ball. He was signed to be a situational pass-rusher, but the 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year should see an uptick in his snap count while Armstrong is sidelined.
Turning Miller loose more often will make a sluggish pass rush better, while Holmes can add some much-needed beef on running downs. The combination can be a start of sorts to the Commanders fixing their widespread problems on defense.
Commanders Sign Familiar Face to Replace Dorance Armstrong Jr.