It’s not too complicated; who was the worst defense in the NFL last season?
For starters, the Commanders gave up the most in the entire league, surrendering 518 points.
If that is not enough, the Commanders surrendered 6,612 yards, and the closest to Washington was the Bengals, with 6,368. Imagine giving up 5.9 yards every play, and that’s just what the Commanders did, second only to the Bengals, who surrendered 6.0.
The passing defense was so bad that it gave up 4,447 passing yards (dead last) and 39 passing touchdowns, again, dead last.
Saturday against the Dolphins, some returning players are going to need to stand up and frankly show they want to make the 53-man roster. So, let’s start by looking up front at who needs to make a good impression.
Defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis was a second-round Ron Rivera selection (2022), and he needs some good tape soon. Returning ends KJ Henry and Andre Jones, chosen by Rivera in 2023, need to make some plays if they are to convince coaches not to replace them.
Great Rep from Phidarian Mathis
Gets chipped by the Center and sheds the block of the RG before wrapping up the RB for a minimal gain. #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/kbTzHBn3ib
— The Podfather (@TheBurgundyZone) August 11, 2024
Not to be overlooked is defensive end Clelin Ferrell. He was not drafted by Rivera but signed by Adam Peters as a free agent. Amazingly, the Raiders selected him 4th overall in 2019. Yet, he only received a one-year deal from the Commanders that no one else was looking to better. Ferrell needs to show Dan Quinn and Peters he can play effectively, producing a pass rush on the edge.
Then there is Jamin Davis. He is going to see time again at defensive end. Davis made some nice plays against the run while also giving up a big run of 20 yards. He has also been working with assistant coach Ryan Kerrigan, attempting to learn and develop some pass-rushing moves.
Peters said he had a lot of work to do when he took the job, rebuilding the roster. It’s up to these players to step up and keep their jobs and their place in the NFL.
