Any team that wants to reach its full potential needs a competent defense that can make stops when it matters most. A defense needs to be able to shut down teams if the offense is struggling to get going — the Commanders’ defense ranked 27th through seven weeks.
In Washington’s past two games against the Bears and Cowboys, the defense left a lot to be desired, giving up multiple big plays. The two opposing offenses were able to move down the field and put up points easily.
The defense needs to get better, or the Commanders will bottom out very soon.
Run Defense
The Commanders are bad at stopping the run; Washington ranks 21st in run defense through seven weeks.
Not being able to stop the run is often a death sentence in football. The run opens up so many opportunities for the offense and chews the clock. Being unable to stop the run often leaves a defense demoralized. The defense loses control of the game and confidence in themselves.
Against the Cowboys, Washington had a similar narrative as the previous couple of games; running backs were consistently getting to the second and third levels. The defense couldn’t tackle, nor could the D-line anticipate plays and stop them before they started. They lacked the physicality needed to bring runners down, as the Cowboys’ backs would shoot through the gaps.
Washington looked outmatched and unable to compete at every position.
https://twitter.com/dallascowboys/status/1980039655648063507
Mental Mistakes
Mental mistakes are also keeping the Commanders’ defense from reaching its full potential.
Multiple mental lapses have led to explosive plays throughout the year, including via blown coverages, which led to offensive players wide open with space to run.
Oftentimes, Washington has left the flat wide open, and offenses would run a screen pass for a huge gain, which is one of the most frustrating things to watch as a fan.
Miscommunication is a major reason for these mistakes. The defense is not communicating effectively; players are not clear on their assignments or zones pre-snap. After the snap, there’s panic and chaos as the defense tries to figure out if every player or area of the field is covered.
Joe Witt Jr., Washington’s defensive coordinator, needs to get this team focused, disciplined, and on the same page.
https://twitter.com/dallascowboys/status/1980040976316928377
Jayden Daniels‘ Injury
Jayden Daniels suffered a hamstring injury in the third quarter of the Dallas game after a sack by Shemar James. This marks his second injury this season, as he just came off a knee injury. This spells trouble for the Commanders as they’re already below .500 and can’t keep losing games or they’ll risk being last in their division.
The defense needs to step up and control its side of the ball, as the offense is plagued by injuries. They need to limit mental mistakes, make stops, and create turnovers, or else this team will be looking at their draft position sooner than their playoff position.
Conclusion
The defense is stopping Washington from sitting atop their division. Thus far this season they have had to have a near-perfect offensive game to have a chance to win. After every big play the defense gives up, momentum swings the opposing team’s way. What makes the defense frustrating is that they have great players, but they fail to deliver as a unit.
Luckily, there’s a lot of season left, which means the Commanders could clean up a lot of these mistakes and become an effective unit. It’s up to the coaching staff and players to make adjustments to get this defense rejuvenated, especially in the wake of Daniels’ injury.
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