Coming into the 2023 season, the Washington Commanders expected to have one of the NFL’s better defenses. A consensus top-10 unit in 2022, the Commanders were getting a healthy Chase Young back and adding first-round cornerback Emmanuel Forbes to the mix.
In a Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals — a team many believe to be the NFL’s least talented team — Washington allowed only 210 yards and an average of just 3.6 yards per play.
However, the cracks began to form in a Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos when Washington allowed 399 yards and 33 points to the Broncos. From the game forward, the Commanders would allow 30 or more points in four consecutive games.
Washington has played its share of good quarterbacks this season but has also played some who’ve struggled. Yet, in seven of the 10 games so far, opposing quarterbacks have had at least two touchdown passes against the Commanders. Also, five quarterbacks have had their best games against Washington, while two others have had their second-most yardage against the Commanders.
There are a lot of reasons for Washington’s defensive struggles. Regardless, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio hasn’t provided answers.
This week, the Commanders host the Giants in a rematch from Week 7. The quarterback this week is undrafted rookie Tommy DeVito. Surely, the Commanders can slow down DeVito. Right?
Here’s a look at what opposing quarterbacks have done against Washington’s defense this season.