Commanders' brutal Week 4 loss exposed glaring weakness that won’t go away

The Washington Commanders’ loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4 was frustrating for a multitude of reasons, but one issue persists in every matchup.

Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense still cannot defend tight ends or the passing game at all when they need a stop.

Sunday was another example of the same recurring nightmare, and Kyle Pitts Sr. once again played the part of tormentor. Atlanta’s star tight end found space repeatedly. Washington had no consistent answer — because the answers on the roster aren’t equipped to solve the problem right now.

Let’s start with the group of linebackers, where the coverage issues begin.

Commanders must find solutions for defensive frailties in the secondary

Bobby Wagner remains a respected veteran and a tone-setter in the run game. Asking him to mirror athletic tight ends in space is a losing proposition in 2025.

At this point in his career, his range is limited, and teams are aware of it. Just look at the long scamper from Bijan Robinson in the second half, as well. It doesn't matter whether it's a back or a flex weapon; teams have isolated Wagner, and it has often worked to their favor.

Beside him, the athleticism is there with Jordan Magee and rookie Kain Medrano, but the instincts and experience are not.

Magee’s flashes in pursuit don’t always translate to understanding route stems or reading leverage in coverage. Medrano is still trying to find his footing in the speed and complexity of the pro game. The talent is promising, but this game was a reminder that there’s a steep curve between potential and productivity.

Where Washington hoped to compensate was with its hybrid defenders — players like Quan Martin and newly acquired Darnell Savage Jr., who were supposed to provide the secondary with flexibility against possible mismatches. Instead, the production was almost nonexistent.

Martin struggled to get into phase with Pitts on inside-breaking routes and offered little resistance when working from the slot. Savage, brought in to provide experience and range in sub-packages, looked tentative and disconnected from the rest of the coverage structure. Instead of disrupting the Florida product's timing or contesting catches, both were often trailing or bracing for a tackle.

The result was predictable. Pitts won leverage snaps, moved the chains, and kept the Commanders' defense on the field. The Falcons didn’t need to scheme anything exotic — they let their tight end work against mismatches and soft spots in zone, and Washington obligingly provided both.

Until the Commanders find an actual answer at the second level and in their sub-packages, opposing coordinators will continue to highlight the weakness in red ink.

Wagner’s leadership and physicality still matter, but he can’t be the solution in coverage. Magee and Medrano need time they don’t have. And if Martin and Savage can’t produce in the role they were brought in to fill, Washington will continue to stay on the field.