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.
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.