Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Commanders defense desperately needs help in this area

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 9, 2024 2:55 PM ET

The Washington Commanders ranked last in yards and points allowed last season, and judging from their 37-20 loss in Week 1 to Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the unit hasn't improved.

On Sunday, Washington allowed 392 yards, including 280 passing, and the Bucs converted nine of 13 third-down plays.

Despite the additions of safety Jeremy Chinn and linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu in free agency and cornerback Mike Sanirstill of Michigan in the draft, the defense looked terrible.

Tampa Bay QB Baker Mayfield completed 24-of-30 passes for 289 yards and four touchdowns, matching his season high for TD passes from last season.

.@bakermayfield's was cookin' in Week 1:
24/30
289 yards
4 TDs@Buccaneers | @FedEx pic.twitter.com/7CaMLQyBhX
— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

Washington clearly needs help in the secondary. Last year's first-round pick, cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, was benched for the final two drives Sunday. In 2023, he was benched in Week 6 and started six games overall.

The Commanders can either stick with the young core in the secondary and hope it pans out or they can sign a veteran cornerback or two to lead the young group.

As of Monday, available veteran cornerbacks include Eli Apple, Xavien Howard, J.C. Jackson, Logan Ryan and Patrick Peterson, who might be the best option.

A former All-Pro, Peterson played for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, tallying two interceptions and 11 pass deflections, the fourth-highest total of his career. The 34-year-old's veteran presence would be a positive for the Commanders.

Any of these five would be a positive addition for a unit that needs help in advance of a Week 2 home game against the New York Giants.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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