Commanders Coach Jack Del Rio Sets Expectations for DE Montez Sweat, LB Jamin Davis

For different reasons, Washington Commanders defenders Montez Sweat and Jamin Davis are entering critical seasons, and coordinator Jack Del Rio expects big things from both of them.

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Commanders are entering a season that will prove to be historic one way or another. 

At a minimum, it should go down as the year the Commanders got to exit the 'Dan Snyder Era' and turn that page to what will hopefully be a much more successful one. 

If Washington can surprise the league and become a true contender this season, it may also go down as the year coach Ron Rivera and his staff saved their jobs. 

In order to do so there are several Commanders who need to have career year, including defensive end Montez Sweat and linebacker Jamin Davis. 

And both men have high expectations set on them by defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. 

"I think that was really the message for Daron Payne going into last year. He was very disruptive the year before and left a lot on the plate," Del Rio said. "I think Montez is in a similar situation. I think he’s been very close, very disruptive, done a lot of really good things. 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. He needs to have that for himself and we’d like to see it for our team.”

Payne entered 2022 wanting a new contract while playing on his fifth-year option. But Washington held firm on making him earn it, and the defensive tackle responded by tallying 11.5 sacks.

That sack total eclipsed Payne's total from the three seasons prior, combined.

If Sweat can match that type of improvement in a contract year, then he too should be celebrating new money in 2024 the way Payne is currently. 

“We had more splash plays (from Jamin Davis) and less what the heck are you doing plays (last year)," Del Rio continued when talking about the expectations for his other defender in a critical career season. "And we need that trend to continue. Year three now, we should expect him to be at his best and he’s going to be challenged...So when Jamin gets back, the key for him is going to be eliminate some of the what the heck plays from his game, and have some more of those splash plays.”

Del Rio also mentioned the elevated play of depth linebackers like Khaleke Hudson and new arrival to the room Cody Barton, and how both could challenge Davis for playing time if he doesn't bring his best game once physically able to do so. 

Davis represents Rivera's second opportunity to have a player earn his fifth-year option, something defensive end Chase Young - the coach's first draft pick leading the franchise - failed to do. 

Going 0-for-2 on fifth-year options wouldn't be a gold star on Rivera's draft resume, and the lack of production leading to it could also result in a degraded defensive unit that falls short of everyone's long-term goal of returning to the Commanders in 2024.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

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