Sonny Styles is learning the ‘why’ behind the Commanders’ defense

ASHBURN, Va. – Instincts are starting to take root for Sonny Styles and the Washington Commanders defense.

Learning the playbook constructed by defensive coordinator Daronte Jones was one of the first major tasks after Styles was selected No. 7 overall in April’s draft. Now, after four months of immersive film, meetings, and on-field work, the rookie linebacker is developing a growing fluency — for himself and the defense around him.

Football instincts develop when reaction begins replacing deliberation. Getting there, however, requires understanding more than an assignment.

It entails recognizing why a particular defense was called. Where the pressure should come from. How an offense might respond. And, eventually, anticipating what happens next.

Jones repeatedly encourages Styles and his teammates to continue “upping our IQ.” Anyone aware of the rookie’s legendary Scouting Combine performance knows he has the athleticism to run with skill players or chase down quarterbacks. According to veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu, there’s a “gritty” quality to Styles’ mentality.

Pair those traits together with instinct and understanding, and the possibilities expand.

“We’re pretty good at knowing what to do, knowing how to do it,” Styles said of the collective defense. “Now, keep taking the steps of knowing why. Why are we calling this? What are we trying to defend? If we’re in this defense, what is the offense gonna try and attack?”