• Washington Commanders’ edge rusher Dorance Armstrong is dominating in 2025, leading the NFL with a 25.0% pressure rate and 18 total disruptions through Week 3.
• A former under-the-radar signing from the Cowboys, Armstrong’s versatility across multiple gaps makes him a cornerstone of Dan Quinn’s defense.
• With three sacks in just 72 pass-rushing snaps, he’s proving his worth after a breakout 2024 season that included four playoff sacks.
• Learn why Armstrong is the NFL’s best-kept secret and how his mentorship and on-field impact are elevating Washington’s defense.

Uncovering a Defensive Gem

As an NFL junkie who’s been breaking down tape since the days of flipping through ESPN highlight reels on dial-up, I love spotlighting players who fly under the radar but wreak havoc on the field. Enter Dorance Armstrong, the Washington Commanders’ edge rusher who’s quietly become the league’s most disruptive pass-rusher in 2025. 

Under head coach Dan Quinn, this secret superstar has gone from a Dallas Cowboys afterthought to a game-changer in D.C., and his story is one of grit, smarts, and untapped potential finally unleashed. Let’s dive into why he’s turning heads—and why he’s no fluke.

From Dallas to D.C: Armstrong’s Rise

Back in May 2024, when I was picking underrated players for every NFL team, Armstrong was my no-brainer choice for the Commanders. A 2018 fourth-round pick out of Kansas, he was barely a blip in Dallas pre-2021, maxing out at 273 defensive snaps a season. 

But when Dan Quinn took over as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, he saw something special—think of it like a chef spotting a rare ingredient in a crowded pantry. Armstrong’s snap count climbed (535 in 2021, 618 in 2022, 468 in an injury-hit 2023), and when Quinn bolted for Washington, he inked Armstrong to a three-year, $33 million deal with $16.125 million guaranteed.

The gamble paid off. In 2024, Armstrong notched a career-high 10 sacks and 51 pressures over 450 pass-rushing snaps, shining brightest in the playoffs with four sacks across three games, including two in a 45-31 rout of the Detroit Lions. Now, in 2025, he’s leveling up again, tying Detroit’s Al-Quadin Muhammad for the NFL’s top pressure rate (25.0%) and leading the league with 18 disruptions through three weeks, per Next Gen Stats.

Versatility: The Key to Armstrong’s Dominance

What makes Armstrong a nightmare for offenses? It’s his ability to attack from anywhere, like a Swiss Army knife in cleats. Quinn, who’s coached multi-gap destroyers like Michael Bennett in Seattle, deploys Armstrong everywhere—13% of his snaps come in the B-gaps, with the rest outside.

 This flexibility lets Washington exploit mismatches, whether he’s bull-rushing tackles or slipping inside for quick wins. In Week 3’s win over Atlanta, Armstrong’s two pressures forced a crucial three-and-out, showcasing his knack for clutch plays.

Quinn’s not alone in singing his praises. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. calls him a “complete football player” who handles run defense, pass rushing, and even communicates line stunts like a quarterback audibling at the line.

 “He’s not just a rusher,” Whitt said on September 4, 2025. “He plays first and second down, slides inside on third, and leads the front. He’s had a hell of a camp.”

Why Armstrong’s Impact Matters

Armstrong’s rise isn’t just about stats—it’s about elevating a Commanders defense that’s hitting new heights in 2025. With veterans like Von Miller and Frankie Luvu, plus rookie Javontae Jean-Baptiste learning from him, Armstrong’s mentorship is as valuable as his pass-rush prowess. 

Quinn noted last week, “His versatility lets us feature players better, and he’s mentoring guys like Javontae. He’s right in the middle of our success.”

Consider this: Washington’s pass-rush win rate is up 12% from 2024, per ESPN analytics, and Armstrong’s three sacks in just 72 snaps are a big reason why. 

Compare that to league leaders like Myles Garrett, who’s averaging 1.2 sacks per game but needed 90 snaps for his three. Armstrong’s efficiency is off the charts, making him a dark-horse Defensive Player of the Year candidate if he keeps this pace.

The Bigger Picture: Why “Secret Superstars” Shine

The NFL’s full of players like Armstrong—guys who don’t get the headlines but flip games in crunch time. Think of the unsung linemen who made Tom Brady’s pocket pristine or the role players who fueled Seattle’s Legion of Boom. Armstrong’s journey from a 273-snap nobody to a multi-gap menace shows what happens when coaching, opportunity, and raw talent collide. His 2024 playoff explosion wasn’t a fluke; it was a preview of 2025’s dominance.

Final Thoughts: Time to Talk About Armstrong

I’ve watched enough football to know that a secret superstar like Dorance Armstrong doesn’t stay hidden for long. His three sacks, 18 disruptions, and league-leading pressure rate through Week 3 scream breakout star, and Washington’s 3-0 start owes plenty to his relentless motor. 

As someone who’s seen underdogs steal the spotlight—like Kurt Warner slinging groceries to Super Bowl MVP—Armstrong’s story hits home. He’s not just Dan Quinn’s favorite; he’s the pass-rusher every NFL fan should be watching. Who’s your unsung hero this season? Drop it in the comments—I’m all ears.

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.