"They have a defensive-minded head coach who once called plays for one of the most outstanding units in NFL history, but the Washington Commanders are still falling by the wayside. The franchise has invested top dollar in big names, both through free agency and trade. However, things have already reached breaking point midway through the 2025 season. This breaking point has been reached for one depressing truth."
"Quinn and Whitt have what they need to field at least a competent secondary, so what's the problem? Well, there is one personnel choice Peters might regret, involving a versatile heavy hitter who proved invaluable last season, but the scheme is more to blame for Washington's problems on the back end. Too often, corners have been asked to hold up in man coverage. The idea has been to give a pass-rush lacking star quality enough time to get home."
Defensive performance has deteriorated across every level under head coach Dan Quinn and coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., with personnel shortcomings compounding schematic problems. The team invested heavily in high-profile acquisitions but still hit a breaking point midway through the 2025 season. Front-seven deficiencies, particularly the lack of elite edge rushers, leave the pass rush unable to consistently pressure quarterbacks. General manager Adam Peters added corner talent, including Marshon Lattimore and recent second-round picks, but the defense relies too often on prolonged man coverage. That scheme exposes weaknesses because the team lacks top-tier cover men to sustain man-to-man play.
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