The Washington Commanders' defense has been a major concern this season. In their opening game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the defense struggled with communication issues, coverage busts, and difficulties in defending the screen game. One of the most frustrating aspects was the inability of defenders to finish plays, leading to missed tackles and extended plays for the opposing quarterback.
2. Missed Sacks
The Commanders' defense had multiple opportunities to sack the quarterback but failed to capitalize. Defensive linemen like Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen were unable to bring down Baker Mayfield, allowing him to escape and extend plays. These missed sacks not only cost the Commanders potential sacks but also allowed the Buccaneers to maintain possession and attempt crucial field goals.
3. Communication Problems
Communication issues within the defense were evident in the game against the Buccaneers. These problems led to coverage busts and confusion among defenders, making it difficult for them to coordinate their efforts effectively. This lack of cohesion on the field resulted in several missed opportunities and allowed the opposing team to capitalize on these mistakes.
4. Run Defense Issues
The Commanders' run defense also faced challenges during the game. The Buccaneers' run schemes were effective in negating the aggressive defensive line, allowing them to gain significant yards on the ground. This weakness in the run defense could be a concern moving forward, especially against teams with strong running games.
5. Quarterback Pressure
Despite the defensive line's aggressive play, they struggled to bring down the quarterback. The pass rushers had multiple opportunities to sack Mayfield but failed to do so, allowing him to extend plays and find open receivers. This inability to finish plays at the quarterback level was a significant factor in the Commanders' defensive struggles.
6. New Coordinator Challenges
The Commanders' defense is under new leadership with coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. While there have been flashes of improvement, the start of the season has been troubling. Whitt will need to address the communication issues and improve the team's ability to finish plays if they are to turn their season around.
7. Sustainable Offense
On the other hand, the Commanders' offense has shown promise. Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, the team has maintained a high-scoring baseline despite injuries and new faces. The offense has been efficient in run plays and has adjusted to include more vertical shots and dropback passing plays, making it difficult for defenses to keep them off the field.
