Commanders linchpin's production falling short of his veteran leadership

There is no shortage of blame to go around for the Washington Commanders after a rocking opening to a season with higher expectations than ever.

Injuries have decimated the offense, with wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Noah Brown all missing time in addition to running back Austin Ekeler's season-ending torn Achilles. Now, right as the top two wideouts are set to return, quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss his third contest in eight games against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.

The bigger issue, though, is a defense that has looked old and slow. No one is off the hook, not even the Commanders' most trusted veteran leader.

Bobby Wagner is a future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the most significant catalysts behind the Commanders' culture shift under head coach Dan Quinn. He's still having a productive season in 2025 on the surface, ranking second in the NFL in tackles with 73 while adding two sacks.

Commanders must alter Bobby Wagner's role to compensate for growing flaws

However, the tape has not been as kind to him.

Opposing offenses have found ways to expose both Wagner and fellow 2024 second-team All-Pro Frankie Luvu in coverage, and the limitations in their profiles have shown. They've been a step behind, especially in obvious passing situations on third down.

The truth is simple. Wagner, despite the positive value he brings both on and off the field, is not an every-down player at this stage of his career.

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has said that the Commanders plan to get backup Jordan Magee more involved in Week 8 and moving forward. It has to be assumed that this decision was made to give the 14-year veteran a lighter workload.

Any adjustments to the defense are welcome right now, but specifically shaking up the linebacking unit is a must. Luvu has been one of the most inexplicable underachievers on the entire team, while Wagner's role needs to be restructured. Magee is one of Washington's most underrated building blocks, and it also wouldn't hurt to see if sixth-round rookie Kain Medrano can provide a spark.

The Commanders' defense needs to do anything it can to get younger, faster, and more explosive. There may not be an easy fix given the personnel on the roster, but players like Wagner can't be relied upon to play starring roles anymore.

He's an all-time great beyond all doubt, but Father Time has finally caught up.