The Washington Commanders young linebacker corps stepped up when the team needed them the most, helping lead the way in a thrilling 33-31 victory over the Seattle Seahawks.
This win also ended the defending Super Bowl champions’ 12-game winning streak, a recurring theme for the Commanders when facing teams on long win streaks.
First-round pick Sonny Styles and second-year player Kain Medrano both recorded their first career interceptions in Sunday’s game. Medrano, who came off the bench following a scary neck injury to Leo Chenal, caught and returned a 50-yard pick-six to seal the victory for the Commanders.
Medrano saw a lot of playing time in the matchup after injuries to interior linebackers Chenal and veteran defensive captain Frankie Luvu.
Luvu suffered a groin injury in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, putting the Commanders in a rough spot as the defense lost its primary leader.
However, Medrano filled the void in a big way. Styles also stepped up to the plate, acting as the defensive signal-caller in Luvu’s absence and having the best performance of his rookie season so far.
In total, the entire linebacker group combined for 29 tackles, two interceptions, and four pass deflections. They led the Washington defense in halting Sam Darnold and the high-powered Seahawks offense to secure the upset win.
Sonny Styles: 5 tackles | 1 Interception | 1 Forced Fumble | 2 Pass Deflections
Kain Medrano: 5 tackles | 1 Interception | 1 Touchdown | 2 Pass Deflections
Joshua Josephs: 5 tackles
Odafe Oweh: 5 tackles
K’Lavon Chaisson: 3 tackles
Leo Chenal: 3 tackles
Ale Kaho: 3 tackles
Medrano Steps Into the Spotlight With an Amazing Performance
Medrano was the team’s sixth-round pick last season after spending his collegiate career at UCLA. After seeing limited action in his rookie season, the inside linebacker played most of Sunday’s game and made a major impact with several key stops.
One of Medrano’s biggest plays came on a much-needed fourth-and-goal stop before the half, when his quarterback hit forced a Darnold incompletion.
In the fourth quarter, with only four minutes remaining and Washington clinging to a three-point lead, the defense needed a stop.
On what looked like a promising Seahawks drive, Medrano stepped in front of a Darnold pass and took it 50 yards to the house. He finished the game with five tackles, two pass deflections, a QB hit, and the game-winning pick-six.
Styles Makes His Presence Felt Throughout the Game
Meanwhile, on the right side, Styles had a stellar performance while wearing the green dot as a rookie. The first-year linebacker produced two key takeaways, helping set up a Commanders touchdown on the ensuing possession.
His first career forced fumble came via a “Peanut Punch” on Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price. The play also marked the Commanders’ first takeaway of the season.
Styles’ second takeaway was an interception off a Darnold pass that defensive tackle Tim Settle tipped.
The rookie’s athleticism is flashing more as the season progresses, as he has already filled out the defensive stat sheet in just three games.
Styles has also shown great coverage skills, adding two pass deflections to his stat column and earning an elite PFF coverage grade of 90.8.
One of those deflections came on a disrupted deep pass intended for Price, where Styles matched the running back step for step and tipped the ball away.
The future of the Commanders’ linebacker corps looks bright, especially with Styles leading the charge and Medrano showing what he has in the tank. The pair exploded in a make-or-break game, as the team couldn’t afford to go 0-3 this early in the long season.
With Chenal officially out for the season, and Luvu still recovering, there could be more opportunities for the young Washington Commanders linebacker duo, Medrano and Styles, to play together.
