ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders roster is full of new acquisitions with plenty of experience that will likely make an impact right away. One of those players, Dorance Armstrong, says he left the Cowboys after six seasons to follow his defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, who got the head coaching job in Washington this year.
Armstrong racked up 23.5 sacks in six seasons with the Cowboys. Twenty-one of those sacks came in the last three seasons. He chose the Commanders in free agency this past offseason.
"Familiar with the coaches, familiar with the system that we run," said Armstrong. "Literally that was it."
Quinn was Armstrong's defensive coordinator for three years in Dallas before getting the head coaching job in Washington.
“He’s just a hell of a person, hell of a guy, hell of a teacher, hell of a man," said Armstrong. "He just really pushes you to be great at all times and that’s what he expects from you and it’s hard to get that. I appreciate who he is as a person and what he expects from us as players.”
He considers the D-line to be leaders on the Commanders' defense.
"For sure, no question," said Armstrong. "We believe our team goes as far as our D-line goes and that’s our motto. With that being said, we’ve got to come out here hard, fast strong, and just lead the team.”
Armstrong has reached the end zone one time in his career. A moment he won't forget in a stadium he'll be more familiar with in 2024.
"For sure, for sure. It was right here. Right here in Washington," said Armstrong who scored against the Commanders in 2021 during a Cowboys 27-20 win over Washington. "It was a strip sack, fumble recovery by me and I think it was by Michael or Randy. I’m not sure, but yeah, I remember that."
As for what Commanders fans can expect from the 27-year-old pass rusher?
"I’m just here to make plays, baby."