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The Washington Commanders were able to make massive improvements to their defense in the first year under Dan Quinn. While the numbers still weren't great, they improved from the worst defense in the league to 13th in yards and 18th in points.
Despite that marked improvement, the Commanders aren't being taken seriously on the defensive side of the ball still.
Matt Johnson from Sportsnaut ranked Washington's defense at No. 24 league-wide in his post-draft power rankings. Washington drafted Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos, but did not really address their pass-rushing needs.
"While we don’t expect this to be one of the worst NFL defenses in 2025, we’re skeptical of it recapturing its success from last season. The Commanders grossly overpaid for defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw in free agency and we’re suspect of a 35-year-old Bobby Wagner maintaining his level of play," Johnson wrote. "Throw in a below-average pass rush with question marks at cornerback – Jonathan Jones and Marshon Lattimore – you can find reasons to be concerned.
"With that said, Quinn already proved us wrong once and he could certainly maximize this roster for a top-20 defense this fall."
Washington's free agent splurge came mostly on the offensive side of the ball, but the Kinlaw signing, as Johnson stated, is certainly one that opened eyes around the league.
If their veterans play as well as they did last year, Washington will be on an All-Pro track. Anything less, though, and the team may be a lot worse on that side of the ball as people think.
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Despite that marked improvement, the Commanders aren't being taken seriously on the defensive side of the ball still.
Matt Johnson from Sportsnaut ranked Washington's defense at No. 24 league-wide in his post-draft power rankings. Washington drafted Ole Miss cornerback Trey Amos, but did not really address their pass-rushing needs.
"While we don’t expect this to be one of the worst NFL defenses in 2025, we’re skeptical of it recapturing its success from last season. The Commanders grossly overpaid for defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw in free agency and we’re suspect of a 35-year-old Bobby Wagner maintaining his level of play," Johnson wrote. "Throw in a below-average pass rush with question marks at cornerback – Jonathan Jones and Marshon Lattimore – you can find reasons to be concerned.
"With that said, Quinn already proved us wrong once and he could certainly maximize this roster for a top-20 defense this fall."
Washington's free agent splurge came mostly on the offensive side of the ball, but the Kinlaw signing, as Johnson stated, is certainly one that opened eyes around the league.
If their veterans play as well as they did last year, Washington will be on an All-Pro track. Anything less, though, and the team may be a lot worse on that side of the ball as people think.
Related: Commanders Trade for WR Projected To Produce Fantasy Stats
Related: Jayden's Commanders Predicted To Surprise With 2 Rookie Starters
Related: Jayden's Commanders Predicted To Surprise With 2 Rookie Starters
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