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The Washington Commanders were one of the worst defenses in football during the 2023 season. Under Ron Rivera, the unit had the worst pass defense in the league, and struggled against even the worst offenses in the sport.
Things drastically changed in 2024 under Dan Quinn. Washington saw their pass defense bump to the third best in the league, and their run defense was a key part of its success.
Despite the clear turnaround, not everyone is seeing a continued set of success for the team going into the 2025 season.
Bleacher Report writer Gary Davenport ranked all 32 defenses in the NFL, and the Commanders came in at No. 23. The big reason why Davenport is so low?
Losing key players along the defensive line and not replacing them with upgrades.
"The Washington Commanders impressed defensively against the pass last year—only two teams allowed fewer yards through the air," Davenport wrote. "However, the Commanders were just average in total defense and scoring defense, largely because of a run defense that gave up 137.5 yards per game on the ground—third most in the league.
"Unfortunately, there's little reason to expect that run defense to be markedly better this year. The Commanders lost tackle Jonathan Allen in free agency, and his replacement (Javon Kinlaw) is a downgrade. Bobby Wagner will likely one day find himself enshrined in Canton, but at 35, his best days are behind him."
Allen's departure and Wagner's age is certainly something the Commanders are gambling with at this time. In a division with top offenses, Washington is gambling against some really good teams.
Time will tell if their 23rd spot will be correct going into the new season, though.
Continue reading...
Things drastically changed in 2024 under Dan Quinn. Washington saw their pass defense bump to the third best in the league, and their run defense was a key part of its success.
Despite the clear turnaround, not everyone is seeing a continued set of success for the team going into the 2025 season.
Bleacher Report writer Gary Davenport ranked all 32 defenses in the NFL, and the Commanders came in at No. 23. The big reason why Davenport is so low?
Losing key players along the defensive line and not replacing them with upgrades.
"The Washington Commanders impressed defensively against the pass last year—only two teams allowed fewer yards through the air," Davenport wrote. "However, the Commanders were just average in total defense and scoring defense, largely because of a run defense that gave up 137.5 yards per game on the ground—third most in the league.
"Unfortunately, there's little reason to expect that run defense to be markedly better this year. The Commanders lost tackle Jonathan Allen in free agency, and his replacement (Javon Kinlaw) is a downgrade. Bobby Wagner will likely one day find himself enshrined in Canton, but at 35, his best days are behind him."
Allen's departure and Wagner's age is certainly something the Commanders are gambling with at this time. In a division with top offenses, Washington is gambling against some really good teams.
Time will tell if their 23rd spot will be correct going into the new season, though.
Related: Commanders Reign Of Terror Finish Reveals Key NFL Fact
Related: Commanders Protecting 'Greatest Asset' Earning Power Ranking Praise
Related: Commanders Protecting 'Greatest Asset' Earning Power Ranking Praise
Continue reading...
