"Washington managed to keep its Week 17 contest much more competitive than anybody would have expected after it was announced that Josh Johnson would be getting the start at quarterback. The offensive supporting cast stepped up, but so did the Commanders' pass rush, sacking Dallas Cowboys signal-caller Dak Prescott six times. Three of those sacks belonged to second-year defensive tackle Johnny Newton, who had a wildly up-and-down day."
"The 2024 second-round pick from Illinois showed some promise as a rookie, when he started 11 games, but he's stalled out in his development in Year 2 and taken a lot of heat in recent weeks. Entering Washington's regular-season home finale at Northwest Stadium, Newton had two sacks all season long. He more than doubled that in one outing, getting home on Prescott by himself twice and contributing to two additional takedowns."
"He hasn't been on the field enough to consistently show it, but there is legitimate upside as a playmaker. There's a reason he was considered a major steal when the Commanders selected him with the No. 36 pick. Unfortunately, Newton's shortcomings were also once again exposed. He has been a nightmare in the run game, and it showed against a Dallas team that repeatedly went straight at him up the gut. The Cowboys rushed for 211 yards against the Commanders' helpless unit, averaging 4.8 yards per carry."
Washington suffered its 12th loss of the 2025 season in Week 17 while managing a surprisingly competitive effort with Josh Johnson starting at quarterback. The Commanders' pass rush recorded six sacks on Dak Prescott, with Johnny Newton accounting for three sacks and contributing to two additional takedowns. Newton earned the start due to absences along the defensive line and more than doubled his season sack total in one game. Newton demonstrated clear pass-rush upside but was repeatedly unsuccessful against the run as Dallas rushed for 211 yards at 4.8 yards per carry, exposing a persistent weakness.
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