Commanders Put On Blast For One Major Defensive Weakness

Arguably the biggest surprise of the 2024 season the Washington Commanders are now expected contenders in the NFC. Jayden Daniels led the team to the NFC Championship Game in his rookie season, and the goal shifts to make that next step. 

The Commanders have been aggressive, adding Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil through trades to expand the talents on the offensive side. However, there remain some nagging questions on the opposite side. 

Dan Quinn's defenses are known for generating pressure, but the Commanders lacked in that area last season. Having lost their best pass rusher from a year ago, there are some doubts in Washington's ability to progress in that area this season. 

"The Commanders' best pass rusher right now is Frankie Luvu, which is a little weird because he's an off-ball linebacker," ESPN's Ben Solak notes. "The actual defensive ends are Dorance Armstrong, Jacob Martin, Clelin Ferrell and Deatrich Wise Jr. I ... don't love that for a presumed Super Bowl hopeful."

Luvu totaled eight sacks last year which was second on the time behind Dante Fowler Jr. who had 10.5. Fowler not only left the Commanders, he rejoined the rival Dallas Cowboys. 

Washington's 43 sacks were still 11th in the league last season, but the questions are still reasonable given the group at hand. None of the group mentioned above had more than five sacks last season, so there is no guarantee of a consistent presence in the backfield. 

If Luvu can continue to generate those plays, that certainly favors the Commanders. However, for this group to reach its ceiling altogether, it's hard to imagine that happening without one of their primary pass rushers taking a step forward or the team seeking out more help on the trade market.