Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio saw big things for defensive end Montez Sweat in 2023. This summer, Del Rio said Sweat’s numbers would “explode” once he started finishing more.
Last season, defensive tackle Daron Payne was playing on his fifth-year option, and there was a lot of uncertainty beyond the 2022 season. How did Payne respond? He had a career year, establishing career-highs in tackles, tackles for loss and sacks. The Commanders responded by placing the franchise tag on Payne.
Many figured Payne would play the 2023 season on the franchise tag because that’s how things have transpired in Washington. But the Commanders took care of Payne, signing him to a four-year, $90 million contract just before free agency began.
Sweat was paying attention. He said Payne showed him the “blueprint” on how to get your bag.”
So what does Sweat need to do to cash in next offseason?
Here’s what Del Rio said in June:
“I think he’s been very disruptive, done a lot of really good things,” Del Rio said of Sweat. “I mean, he’s a good football player, and when he starts finishing at a higher rate, his numbers are gonna explode. I anticipate him having that kind of a year for us.”
In Week 1, Sweat made what was arguably the play of the game, sacking Arizona quarterback Joshua Dobbs and forcing a fumble that Payne recovered. Quarterback Sam Howell would then lead Washington on what would be the game-winning touchdown drive.
Sweat had five tackles, two of which were for loss, two forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks in the season opener.
On Thursday, Del Rio weighed in on Sweat’s performance.
“Well, I the biggest thing is we harped all along about the finish, and he ends up doing some nice finishing,” Del Rio said of Sweat. “So, yeah, he’s dialed in. He’s going after things, and really, that finish element is part of it. He’s gonna be around the quarterback. He’s a talented rusher.”
Sweat couldn’t have asked for a better start to his contract year. The key, of course, is following up that performance. Sweat’s career-high is nine sacks, which he set in 2020. If he follows Payne’s blueprint, Sweat could shatter his previous career-highs in 2023.