Dan Quinn’s challenge to Commanders rookie Sonny Styles to truly unleash the beast

The Washington Commanders are an exciting team to watch at training camp. Washington is gearing up for a comeback season after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign. One Commanders rookie could be the key to unlocking the entire defense in 2026 and beyond.

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn issued a bold challenge to Sonny Styles during the early days of training camp. He is encouraging Styles to take plenty of risks during his rookie season.

“I want to push him to make a mistake. Go for it,” Quinn said, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. “Take the shot right here. I want to encourage him. He’s such a respectful, do-it-right [guy]. No, you can make that play and the other guys can’t. So you have permission to try it. Where are the spaces I can get to? If you can, all right. If not, we know it’s not the right call.”

The Commanders are clearly excited about Styles’ future on their defense. After all, they used the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to acquire him. That is a significant investment in a blue chip player, so expectations will be high for Styles right away.

Styles is mild mannered by nature, so part of Quinn’s plan is to force him out of his shell.

“Styles has more of an ‘old soul,’ Quinn said, as he is respectful and intentional but not loud,” Fowler wrote. “So part of Quinn’s task is to unleash his more aggressive side, which starts with the request for Styles to chase down that open space.”

The Commanders will start Styles as inside linebacker next to either Leo Chenal or Frankie Luvu. They will be counting on his leadership skills and playmaking ability early in his career.

It will be exciting to see if Washington’s defense can take a big step forward later this fall.

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