Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest (22) celebrates with safety Kamren Curl (31) after making an interception during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders' recent 5-1 stretch driven by improved defense

By Ryan McCafferty | Last updated 11/21/22

The Washington Commanders expected to have an elite defense last season, but it didn't live up to expectations. Although it's not in the league's top 10 in 2022, the unit clearly is trending upward.

Over the course of the Commanders' past six games, in which the team has gone 5-1, the defense has played lights-out. It has averaged two takeaways per game during that stretch and fewer than 300 yards allowed.

The trend continued Sunday in a 23-10 win over the Texans as the Commanders' defense established itself on the first drive of the game.

HELLOOOO @KeFu11er

#WASvsHOU FOX pic.twitter.com/bBbKz1wHCU
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 20, 2022

Kendall Fuller's pick-six in the first quarter set the tone for a dominant win that wasn't as close as the score indicated.

The Commanders, who led 20-0 at halftime, sacked Texans QB Davis Mills five times and made another interception later in the game on a batted pass that was caught by Darrick Forrest.

THE EFFORT ON THIS INT! @_Dfoe5

: #WASvsHOU on FOX
: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/xtSPJ1hMRU pic.twitter.com/lH3FpysmrW
— NFL (@NFL) November 20, 2022

A number of factors may explain the Commanders' recent surge. The improved play of QB Taylor Heinicke certainly is one. Head coach Ron Rivera's leadership and ability to get his players to buy in to his system is another. But arguably the biggest of reason is the Commanders' improved defense.

The defense could get even better when defensive lineman Chase Young returns. The 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is recovering from a right knee injury and hasn't played since last season.

If Washington's defense continues its game-wrecking ways, the Commanders (6-5) could make the playoffs and be dangerous in the postseason.

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