Commanders rookie defensive lineman Johnny Newton had a great game against the Chicago Bears, and fortunately for Washington, this is just the start. Newton finished with three tackles, one sack, three QB hits, eight pressures, and one fumble recovery in his second start of the season.
From an athletic and technical standpoint, Newton flashed defending the run and as a pass rusher against the Bears. His initial quickness and change of direction stood out throughout the game athletically, and his hand usage and ability to leverage offensive linemen stood out from a technical aspect. His ability to recognize leverage points is growing from previous weeks, given that his high pad level would often get him driven off the line of scrimmage.