LANDOVER, Md. — Sonny Styles, the Washington Commanders’ first-round draft pick, made a significant impact in Sunday’s 33-31 victory over the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, delivering key defensive plays that contributed to the team’s first two turnovers of the season.

Styles, 21, who has appeared in only three NFL games, forced a fumble and recorded his first interception after a tipped pass, stepping up in the absence of linebacker Frankie Luvu, who missed his second consecutive week due to injury. His presence helped stabilize the Commanders’ defense during a critical moment in the season.

“Tremendous leadership,” defensive tackle Tim Settle said of Styles. “Tremendous effort. He willed us to a victory today.”

One of Styles’s notable moments came late in the first half when he shadowed Seattle’s rookie running back Jadanan Price on a 25-yard wheel route. Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 243 pounds—considerably larger than Price—Styles matched Price stride for stride and defended a pass attempt by quarterback Sam Darnold. Styles described the challenge of maintaining focus on his assignment without being drawn away by the ball.

“I didn’t feel like I was in a position to look back all the way,” Styles said. “So I kind of just played his hands, trying to make sure I wasn't getting too grabby.”

Commanders Coach Dan Quinn praised Styles’s ability to handle such coverage assignments, emphasizing the physical and mental demands involved.

“Sonny knows ball, man,” said teammate linebacker Kain Medrano, highlighting Styles’s football intelligence.

Styles’s football acumen stems partly from his upbringing. He and his brother, Lorenzo Styles Jr., now a rookie safety with the New Orleans Saints, are sons of former NFL linebacker Lorenzo Styles, who played six seasons in the league and won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams. Raised in Pickerington, Ohio, the brothers were encouraged to engage in multiple sports, including basketball, baseball, and wrestling, fostering a broad athletic foundation.

At Pickerington High School Central, Styles excelled across various positions and was part of a state championship basketball team. His high school coach, Jay Sharrett, emphasized the extensive film study and preparation that set Styles apart from many peers.

“That takes athletic ability,” Sharrett said. “In Styles’s case, it also took study... When you do that, you look even faster on the field because you can almost anticipate what your opponent’s running.”

Styles began his collegiate career at Ohio State as a safety before transitioning to linebacker in his junior year, a move that required him to deepen his understanding of defensive schemes.

The Commanders selected Styles seventh overall in April’s NFL Draft. From the start of training camp, defensive coordinator Daronte Jones noted Styles’s dedication to learning, praising his football IQ and work ethic.

“He stays in the building. He asks a lot of questions, which is good,” Jones said ahead of Washington’s opening game.

In Week 1, Styles drew attention for a sack of Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and a hard hit on running back Saquon Barkley. His command of defensive calls in Luvu’s absence further impressed teammates.

Defensive lineman Odafe Oweh remarked on Styles’s maturity and quick grasp of defensive responsibilities, saying he was “way ahead of where you think he is.”

Against the Seahawks, Styles recorded four tackles, assisted on another, defended two passes, forced a fumble, and intercepted a pass—demonstrating his ability to influence multiple facets of the game. Despite these achievements, Styles maintained a measured self-assessment.

“I don’t think I'm anywhere near where I want to be,” he said. “You got to be real with yourself, be hard on yourself.”

Coach Quinn highlighted Styles’s exceptional physical traits and athleticism as key components of his early success.

“You felt the speed, the length, all of those things,” Quinn said.

For the Commanders, Styles’s combination of natural ability and deep preparation offers hope for bolstering a defense that had struggled early. His emergence in Sunday’s upset may mark the beginning of a significant role in Washington’s season.