The Washington Commanders defense has quietly been outstanding over the last several weeks. After struggling the first two weeks, Washington’s defense has gradually improved each week, and now the entire unit is playing how head coach Ron Rivera envisioned.
In Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings, the defense did all it could to will the Commanders to a win. Unfortunately, the offense wasn’t up to the task and the Vikings kicked a last-second field goal to escape Washington with a win.
It was a great day for the Commanders defensive line. Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne and others kit Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins over and over, while linebacker Jamin Davis played his best game yet. That’s becoming a weekly occurrence for the second-year linebacker.
Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste went toe-to-toe with Justin Jefferson and won his share of battles against the star wideout.
How did Pro Football Focus grade Washington’s defense on Sunday?
10. S Kam Curl
PFF grade: 60.4
9. DE Efe Obada
PFF grade: 61.7
8. DE Casey Toohill
PFF grade: 62.9
7. DE James Smith-Williams
PFF grade: 66.2
6. DT Daron Payne
PFF grade: 67.1
5. CB Kendall Fuller
PFF grade: 68.7
4. LB Jon Bostic
PFF grade: 69.8
3. LB Jamin Davis
PFF grade: 74.9
2. DT Jonathan Allen
PFF grade: 82.4
1. DE Montez Sweat
PFF grade: 83.0