Commanders’ top defensive player grades for Week 17, per PFF

If you watched the Washington Commanders’ 24-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns Sunday, your biggest takeaway was likely quarterback Carson Wentz’s ineptitude.

However, lost among the Wentz talk was Washington’s defense. The Commanders held the Browns to just 81 total yards in the first half. Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson looked terrible, and running back Nick Chubb hadn’t quite gotten going.

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In the second half, the Browns flipped the script, as Watson tossed three touchdown passes — two to wide receiver Amari Cooper — and Chubb went over 100 yards rushing. Regardless of who Washington started at quarterback, the Commanders weren’t winning with this defensive performance.

It’s important to note the Commanders were without their top safety [Kam Curl] and their top cornerback [Benjamin St-Juste], and have been without their top linebacker [Cole Holcomb] since Week 7. Even worse, Washington lost Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen to a knee injury in the second quarter. The Commanders never recovered.

Defensive end Chase Young started in his second game back and continues to play well. How well?

Let’s review Pro Football Focus‘ highest-graded defensive players for the Commanders from Week 17.

10. DT Daron Payne

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) carries the ball as Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 61.8

9. DE Casey Toohill

Washington Commanders defensive end Casey Toohill (95) tackles Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 62.3

8. DE Efe Obada

Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) is tackled by Washington Commanders defensive end Efe Obada (97). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 62.7

7. CB Kendall Fuller

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) runs with the ball past Washington Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller (29). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 62.9

6. DE Montez Sweat

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) avoids the rush of Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 65.8

5. DT John Ridgeway

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) passes the ball as Washington Commanders defensive tackle John Ridgeway (91). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 66.9

4. LB Jamin Davis

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs with the ball as Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52) and Commanders defensive end Chase Young (99). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 67.0

3. DT Jonathan Allen

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) looks on from the bench against the Atlanta Falcons at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 72.3

2. DE Chase Young

Chase Young #99 of the Washington Commanders . (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Grade: 73.8

1. CB Danny Johnson

Jan 1, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Browns tight end David Njoku (85) attempts to catch a pass as Commanders cornerback Danny Johnson (36). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 90.0