Lost in the talk of the Washington Commanders’ Thursday night win over the New York Giants was the play of rookie linebacker Sonny Styles.
The box score shows Styles’ impact: 13 tackles, including one for loss. He was phenomenal.
And while quarterback Jayden Daniels’ 32-yard touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs will be remembered as the play of the game for the Commanders, Styles made sure Daniels got another chance after throwing back-to-back interceptions.
First, let’s set the scene. New York is facing a third-and-7, with two minutes remaining. The Giants have quarterback JJ McCarthy roll left in an attempt to get the first down with his legs. He found success throughout the game running the ball. However, Styles was having none of it. Not only did
the rookie read the play, but he quickly navigated through New York’s offensive line to chase down McCarthy and drop him for a two-yard loss. The Commanders called their second timeout, leaving Daniels with 1:54 to get some redemption.
.@Commanders @Giants @sonnystyles_ is the QB of this defense ..Know the formation ; Know the play. Instant recognition. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/XT0yUmdVJ3
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 13, 2026
Did it almost look like Styles knew what was coming? Well, he sorta did. After the game, Styles again showed why he looks, thinks, and plays nothing like a rookie. He explained in detail what he saw before the play, showing incredible detail.
“I think everyone understood in that moment, like we got to get a stop right here,” Styles said. “I was just really thinking about the last time we played them. We had like a third-and-4 situation, and they did like crack toss in the back and then, when they went empty, kind of just looking at the tight end. Looked like he was cracking. Kind of had the idea that it was a QB run, so I just reacted.”
"I had an idea it was QB run."@sonnystyles_ had flashbacks to a week 5 play, predicted right and made a game-saving tackle 🧠 @Commanders pic.twitter.com/pMP7KtWjEa
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) November 13, 2026
This is elite-level stuff. Styles’ recall and recognition are as impressive as the athleticism he displayed in making the play.
Now, Styles and the Commanders get some extra rest before heading home to face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11 on Monday Night Football.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders LB Sonny Styles shows why someday soon he'll be elite
