Commanders’ Defense Needs to Be More Consistent

The Commanders have allowed a league-high 11 pass plays of at least 15 yards while using motion, according to ESPN’s John Keim. Coach Dan Quinn attributes this to communication issues in the secondary and says there’s a pertinent need to eliminate “gray areas.”

Miscommunication, Busted Coverage, and Explosive Plays

Miscommunication has hurt the Commanders beyond opponents using motion, however. 

Washington’s opponents have gained chunk yardage at among the highest rates in the league. The Commanders’ defense entered Week 4 with 20 pass plays of at least 15 yards allowed, tied for third-most in the NFL. That number rose to 28, the most in the league, after the Falcons game.

Perhaps no play better encapsulates this struggle than London’s long gain in the second quarter. The USC product picked up 43 yards on a double move and Lattimore was called for his league-high third holding call of the year.

The most backbreaking breakaway play of the day was likely running back Bijan Robinson’s 69-yard gain in the third quarter.

Robinson ran a wheel route out of the backfield and linebacker Bobby Wagner recognized it, but Wagner was caught in traffic in the middle of the field. By the time Penix got the ball to Robinson, Wagner was a step behind, allowing the star back to set Atlanta up in the red zone.

Covering Running Backs and Tight Ends

As evidenced by Robinson’s career-high 106 receiving yards in Week 4, effective receiving backs have thrived against the Commanders. Athletic tight ends have also benefited from the matchup.

Green Bay’s Tucker Kraft amassed 124 receiving yards in Week 2 against Washington – nearly 40 yards more than his previous career high. Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts had 70 yards and a touchdown in Week 4.

The linebacker tandem of 35-year-old Wagner and Frankie Luvu has been exploited in pass coverage. Despite this, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and company have seemed hesitant to let their young linebackers see the field.

Jordan Magee, Kain Medrano, and Ale Kaho are all 25 years old or younger and certainly have better mobility than Wagner and Luvu. The trio may see some playing time in the near future if the starters continue to falter in coverage.