Commanders rocked as a young defender’s emergence violently collapses

The Washington Commanders are mercifully at their bye week. This time last year, fans were dreaming of potentially making a postseason run. This time around, it's an entirely different story.

There's plenty of blame to be tossed around. That being said, Washington's defense was much-improved from previous weeks against the Miami Dolphins after head coach Dan Quinn took over coordinator duties from Joe Whitt Jr.

The Commanders are particularly banking on growth from their long-term building blocks after the change. Some such players, including defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw and cornerback Mike Sainristil (fourth-quarter muffed punt return aside), had positive showings. Others, not so much.

Commanders put Quan Martin on notice after underwhelming campaign so far

Entering the 2025 season, safety Quan Martin was considered one of the Commanders' top breakout candidates. He came on strong at the end of 2024, solidifying his starting spot and making some big plays during Washington's run to the NFC title game. Notably, he recorded a pick-six in the divisional round win over the Detroit Lions.

Martin was expected to be one of Washington's top emerging young pieces. Instead, he has taken a step backwards. The free-agent loss of Jeremy Chinn and the injury to Will Harris have placed a greater burden on the Illinois product, and he's struggled in coverage and tackling.

The 2023 second-round pick's issues continued in the NFL's inaugural trip to Madrid, and Martin saw his snap count take a significant hit. The third-year pro was on the field for only 66 percent of the Commanders' defensive plays, way down from his season mark of 92%.

Darnell Savage Jr. saw 26 snaps compared to Martin's 37, a troubling sign for the player. Harris could also be set to return after the Commanders' Week 12 bye, so it will be interesting to see how that plays into his role moving forward.

Jeremy Reaves has been holding down the fort at strong safety in Harris's absence, and Quinn may want to explore moving one of them to free safety if Martin remains a liability. Either way, it's not looking good for the long-term future of a player the Commanders had high hopes for before the campaign.

Martin still has the rest of the season and possibly next year to turn the narrative around, but his playing time can no longer be taken for granted. The message has been sent loud and clear to all underperforming contributors, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

Play better, or you won't play.