"The Washington Commanders needed a forward thinker to turn their free-falling defense around. Head coach Dan Quinn was reportedly looking for someone with previous play-calling experience to replace Joe Whitt Jr., but he went against the grain again, hiring a first-time NFL defensive coordinator instead. Daronte Jones, who was Brian Flores' right-hand man with the Minnesota Vikings, is the man tasked with rejuvenating the Commanders' defensive fortunes. It's another risk from Quinn, but the payoff could be substantial if everything comes together."
"Frankie Luvu looked like a superstar during his first season with the Commanders in 2024. The free-agent signing from the Carolina Panthers formed a dynamic linebacker pairing with future Pro Football Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner. Both earned second-team All-Pro honors as Washington made the NFC Championship game. Luvu's inspirational presence in the locker room was just as important to the Commanders' renaissance. Everything was looking up for the undrafted free agent turned prolific starter. However, things did not go as well this time around."
"Jones' projected scheme has the scope to help Luvu regain his 2024 form. If he adopts similar concepts to Flores in Minnesota, he'll need explosive linebackers who can get into the backfield quickly on blitzes while also having the versatility to drop back in coverage when required. Having the freedom to be instinctive is also key, which is where the eight-year pro thrives."
Daronte Jones was hired as the Washington Commanders' defensive coordinator despite lacking previous NFL play-calling experience. Head coach Dan Quinn sought a forward thinker and again opted for a first-time coordinator. Jones, who worked alongside Brian Flores with the Minnesota Vikings, faces the task of rejuvenating a defense that had been free-falling. Jones' projected scheme emphasizes explosive, versatile linebackers who can blitz into the backfield and drop into coverage. The scheme could suit Frankie Luvu, who struggled after injuries and a temporary shift to edge rusher. The Commanders plan to bolster all three levels of the roster to support the defensive turnaround.
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