Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-Imagn Images

Joe Whitt Jr. says the ugly truth out loud about Commanders defense

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Oct 16, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The Washington Commanders' defense is rapidly becoming a weak link. And defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is getting tired.

Things are just not clicking. One can point to the injury problems facing the Commanders right now, but that excuse will only wash for so long. Most of this group reached heights not seen in Washington for decades during the 2024 campaign. This also raised expectations that they have yet to meet.

There are some positives, but they don't count for much while the entire unit is struggling. Something seems off, and the offense hasn't been clicking effectively enough to compensate for these deficiencies. The Commanders are 3-3 as a result, and there is a long road ahead before this club can be considered among the Super Bowl challengers again.

Joe Whitt Jr. wants to see actions, not words, from Commanders defense

This is not sitting well with Whitt. He's a no-nonsense figure who gained head coaching interest during the last cycle. That won't be happening again unless his player meet their end of the bargain, and he let them know in no uncertain terms that talk is cheap moving forward.

Joe Whitt: "All this talking and lip service that we're doing, it doesn't matter unless we win."
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) October 16, 2025

It was a blunt way to call out his players, but Whitt is right. Fans have heard the same thing repeatedly from the defense with minimal improvement. The health problems have been sorely felt, but there is more than enough talent to perform better than they have in the first six weeks.

Things don't get any easier for Whitt's defense this weekend. The Commanders are traveling to take on their bitter rival, the Dallas Cowboys. They have some monumental problems defensively, but their offense is among the league's most prolific. They are also set to welcome back All-Pro wideout CeeDee Lamb, which only increases Washington's headache.

The time for half-measures is over. Whitt said the ugly truth out loud in his typically blunt manner. Talking about confidence and cohesion is not enough; what matters most is taking the necessary steps to win.

That will likely depend on Jayden Daniels and the offense's performance this week. There is a chance Washington's defense makes strides, but the Cowboys are picking apart even the league's elite units this season. They are also at home, so the complications are there for all to see.

Whitt's laid down the gauntlet to his players. He wants to see action, not words. While his scheme is coming under question, the players need to rise, show some mettle, and execute more effectively.

Nothing else will be tolerated, especially against the Cowboys.

This article first appeared on Riggo's Rag and was syndicated with permission.

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