The Washington Commanders’ pass-rush struggles are becoming a glaring issue heading into Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season. With the exception of defensive end Clelin Ferrell, the team has failed to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks through the first two games. Unfortunately for the Commanders, their top sack producer won’t be available for Monday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a knee injury.
Ferrell, who has recorded both of the team’s sacks so far this season, was officially ruled out by the Commanders on September 21. His absence leaves a significant void on a defense still searching for rhythm.
From Commanders.com: “Ferrell recorded both of the team’s sacks in the first two weeks, and with him sitting out for Week 3, the Commanders will need to look for more pass-rush production from a unit that has been slow to gain momentum. It’s possible that Jamin Davis will receive more snaps after being a healthy scratch against the New York Giants, but head coach Dan Quinn also highlighted draft picks Johnny Newton and Javontae Jean-Baptiste for how they worked in practice this week.”
Ferrell has been one of the few bright spots on a defense that has struggled to impose its will early in the season. Signed on a one-year, $3.75 million deal in March, Ferrell was expected to provide a veteran presence. In his limited time on the field, he’s delivered with relentless effort and a warrior mentality.
“He’s a warrior presence for us in terms of the toughness and all that he brings, but it just hasn’t turned quickly enough for him to be fully him,” said Quinn about Ferrell’s early impact.
Clelin Ferrell’s Journey: From Top 5 Pick to Commanders Standout
Ferrell was originally selected fourth overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2019 NFL Draft. While his rookie season showed promise with 4.5 sacks, he was quickly overshadowed by fellow rookie and fourth-round pick Maxx Crosby, who has since become a Pro Bowl regular and one of the league’s elite pass rushers.
By the time Ferrell left Las Vegas, he had accumulated just 10.0 sacks over four seasons. However, a fresh start with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 breathed life into his career. He played in all 17 games for the 49ers and contributed 3.5 sacks as the team made a run to the Super Bowl.
When former 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters took over as the Commanders’ general manager, he wasted no time bringing Ferrell to Washington, banking on his experience, leadership, and ability to mentor younger players.
Commanders’ Defense Needs to Step Up in Ferrell’s Absence
With Ferrell out, the Commanders will need more production from the rest of the defensive line. Highly-paid linemen Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, and Dorance Armstrong have yet to record a sack in 2024, despite their combined contracts exceeding $195 million.
The defense is currently ranked 21st in the NFL, allowing 348 yards per game. More concerning is the lack of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, a factor that has allowed offenses to pick apart Washington’s secondary at times.
Help may come from rookie Johnny Newton, a second-round pick from Illinois who was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2023. Newton missed Week 1 with a foot injury but played limited snaps in Week 2. With Ferrell out, Newton could see a bigger role as the Commanders try to revive their pass rush against a Bengals team led by quarterback Joe Burrow.
As Washington prepares for a tough matchup, the spotlight will be on how this defense responds without its top performer.
