Commanders Del Rio: ‘We’re going to go in and compete’

Jack Del Rio understands the challenge ahead on Monday, but he embraces it and says Washington’s defense is ready.

In their first meeting this season, the Commanders lost to the Eagles 24-8. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio candidly offered to the press Friday, “Yeah, the scary part is we actually played pretty good. They’ve got a really good team. They’re rolling. They’re red hot.”

But Del Rio was quick to add, “We’re going to go in and compete. We got ourselves ready, got to meet a great challenge. We’ll show up and compete.”

“It’s a big task. They’ve got a great big offensive line. I think they’re very well-coached. They’ve got excellent backs, and then the quarterback’s a runner as well. So it’s a tough ground game to slow down.”

Eagles fans are loud and boisterous. In addition, it will be a MNF atmosphere.

“I love it. Love it. It’s a great atmosphere. I mean, It should be a very exciting game for us to be a part of on Monday night.”

“We’ve got to be able to slow down a very explosive offense. Their receivers are gifted, and the quarterback’s red hot. They’ve got the best offensive line going in the league. They’ve got capable backs, and the tight end is a really good player.”

Del Rio would love to get some turnovers on the Eagles. “It’s the most important stat in football, and there’s no secret that they’re on top of the league right now in that category and that directly leads to them being undefeated at this time.”

“I think all year I’ve been pleased with the effort, the energy, the commitment, the way we’re attacking things. You’re going to improve when you work at it like that. And we’re close to the halfway point, I guess and I like some things, there’s some things that we would need to do better, and we’re working at it, but I love, I absolutely love the commitment, the effort, the energy the guys put forth in terms of trying to understand the game plan which changes from time to time and for different opponents.”

Del Rio likes how his guys have really bought in this year.

“I’m glad to have the buy-in; it’s important. I think that’s the only way to get better and to attack things straightforward. Brutally honest but create an atmosphere that is fun to be around, and that’s what we look to do.”

Chase Young continues to work out and progress toward being reactivated.

“Well, his energy’s always great. He’s giving it everything he has, and when he is right, we’re going to play him, but until he is right, we’re not going to play him.”

Del Rio is quick to point out that his defensive line is leading the way.

(Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne) “they’re talented guys. They work hard, and have a great work ethic. I think they both love the game, love football. I think it helps to have players that love football and those two guys love it.”

“We talked about [Defensive Line Coach Jeff Zgonina] Z last week. I think he’s done a good job working with those guys (defensive line)”.

Commanders midseason grades: Defensive line

Washington’s defensive line deserves an “A” so far in 2022.

The Commanders defensive line has certainly been the leading group through the first nine weeks of the 2022 season.

Defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne are “taking care of business” leading the defense.

Allen is third in the NFL through nine weeks in tackles for a loss (11). Payne is right on Allen’s heels, only trailing by one with 10.  Defensive end Montez Sweat has contributed 6 tackles for loss in these first 9 games of the season.

Payne lead the team with 5.5 QB sacks, with Allen second, with 4.5 sacks. Sweat is second only in QB hits (19) to the 49ers Nick Bosa (20). Payne has provided plenty of QB hits (13) coming from the inside. Allen continues to bring heat as well with 11 QB hits.

What may really surprise readers is that reserve defensive end James Smith-Williams has contributed 12 QB hits, and this in only 8 games, having played on 55.2 percent of defensive snaps. Efe Obada another reserve lineman, has contributed 7 QB hits.

The run defense has been solid, now ranking No. 2 in the NFL per Football Outsiders DVOA metric. For instance, Dalvin Cook, one of the more elusive runners in the NFL was held Sunday by the Commanders to a mere 47 yards in 17 carries (2.8). The Vikings were No. 4 in rushing offense per Football Outsiders DVOA.

And Washington is expected to get defensive Chase Young back — as soon as this week.

Grade: A

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