Tag: DC Joe Whitt Jr

Commanders understand challenge of Eagles’ dominant offensive line

The Commanders understand the challenge of facing the Eagles’ dominant offensive line.

Sunday is a huge challenge for the Commanders’ defense.

They needed to get to Baker Mayfield, who had led Tampa’s offense to the fourth-highest points in the NFL, averaging 29.5 a game while passing for 4500 yards and including 41 touchdown passes. But the Commanders got a couple of big stops, coming away with their 23-20 conquest.

The Lions led all NFL teams in scoring, averaging 33 points per game. However, the defense came away with four interceptions and forced a Goff fumble, winning the turnover margin 5-0 and resulting in a 45-31 victory.

This Sunday, it will be the Philadelphia Eagles, so Commanders’ defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. admitted Thursday that Washington’s defense has its hands full with the Eagles run game.

“It starts with defeating them up front because they can move people. They just do a really nice job of the gap scheme. When they want to come down here with the duos, they can get on doubles and move people out the way.”

The Eagles ran for 228 yards in their win in Philadelphia. When the teams met in Washington, the Eagles again ran for over 200 yards (211), but the Commanders won 36-33 in the game’s final seconds.

“You put a phenomenal runner behind a great offensive line; that adds to it. What else do they have? Two great receivers and a really good tight end and a quarterback that can do it. So, there’s issues all over there that we have to make sure we take care of.”

Whitt was then asked why Saquon Barkley looks rejuvenated this season. To which Whitt correctly and succinctly replied, “He’s always looked good to me, maybe it’s the offensive line that’s opened up some things, but I couldn’t answer that.”

Commanders preparing for Lions’ potent offense

The Commanders will face their most difficult challenge yet on Saturday.

Joe Whitt Jr. is quite aware the Lions’ offense is imposing.

Detroit’s offense commands Whitt’s focus for this week. They led all 32 teams in scoring this season (564 points) and averaged 33.2 points per game. Watching the Lions’ game film of their offense must leave Whitt with an ominous or overwhelming feeling.

When asked about it Wednesday at his weekly press conference, Whitt replied.

“They test your discipline,” he said. “I think [Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator] Ben [Johnson] does a really nice job of understanding coverages. He understands horizontal spacing as well as vertical spacing.”

Whitt is 100 percent accurate, as simply watching their highlights reveals how the Lions attack all areas of the field, forcing the defense to cover the entire field.

“He (Johnson) understands every player’s responsibility, and he’s going to test the discipline of those players and other coverage. And so, you have to be where you’re supposed to be and let your eyes be true. And if you don’t, he’s going to take advantage of it.”

The Lions are undoubtedly loaded. They are first in points scored and first downs made. They score on big plays and keep the chains moving. In ten games, they scored 30 or more points.

Amon-Ra St. Brown collected 115 receptions this season for 1,263 yards, 12 touchdowns, and 73 first downs. Add to this speedy WR Jameson Williams  (1,001 yards), TE Sam LaPorta (60 receptions), and WR Tim Patrick (33 receptions).

If that isn’t enough, running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery added 52 and 36 receptions out of the backfield! QB Jared Goff is now a seasoned age-30 veteran leading all of this passing production.

Perhaps even more daunting is the Lions’ offensive line. They are huge, they protect well, and they attack well in the running game. Whitt is certainly more than merely impressed.

“They have different types of runs that they can run inside and lean you. They’ll go 30-plus runs on multiple games where they’re just going to lean on you, lean on you. And then they make you soft because as soon as you start overplaying that, here comes the leak play, here comes this play, here comes the screen.”

Commanders’ DC focused on Lions, not other jobs

Joe Whitt Jr. doesn’t want to focus on other jobs.

News broke Tuesday that the New York Jets had requested to interview Commanders’ DC Joe Whitt Jr. for their head coach opening.

Less than 24 hours later, John Keim asked Whitt during his weekly press conference about the report and his potential interview for the Jets head coaching position.

Whitt began, “I’m going to be honest with you. I’m not going to try to dodge a question, but my whole focus is on Detroit.”

This was not surprising, actually. Coaches tend to respond with this type of reply to reassure everyone they are devoted to their current position, their current responsibilities, and the next opponent.

However, Whitt’s next sentence caught the attention of many. Whitt didn’t have to offer it, but he did, and he did so with typical Joe Whitt intensity and directness.

“If I put any effort or energy into anything else with this opportunity we have, I’ll be cheating these men. So, that’s the only thing I’m concerned with right now.”

Whitt’s response resonates with Quinn’s emphasis all season of building, cultivating and preserving a brotherhood, not a neighborhood at the Ashburn facility.

Referring to “cheating these men,” meaning Commanders’ players and coaches, speaks of Whitt feeling the need to not even talk with the Jets right now or anyone else but to remain focused and driven in pursuit of helping the 2024 Commanders.

For his final sentence, Whitt did add, “So, that’s the only thing I’m concerned with right now.” A fair interpretation could be that if we get past Detroit on Saturday, perhaps Whitt would talk with the Jets on Sunday before jumping back in on Monday to begin preparation for the Rams / Eagles winner.

Then again, perhaps Whitt is actually feeling similarly to how offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury replied last week, implying he is happy, for now, to come back to the Commanders for a second season.

Whatever Whitt intended, he is right about one thing: the Detroit offensive line and their skill position players make their offense appear to be virtually unstoppable in 2024.

The Commanders’ defense needs your full effort and energy this week, Joe.

Stopping Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving is critical for Commanders

Stopping Bucky Irving is critical for the Commanders.

A rookie running back has certainly caught Joe Whitt’s watchful eye.

The Bucs have a strong passing game with targets like future Hall of Fame WR Mike Evans, WR Jalen McMillan, WR Sterling Shepherd, and TE Cade Otton.

The Bucs must also be pleased with how rookie RB Bucky Irving exploded. Irving, taken 125 overall (4th round) out of Oregon, has been nothing short of sensational.

“He can make you miss in space,” said Whitt. “He’s fast, he’s quick, he’s a slasher. So, I just think they use not just him, but all the eligibles in a very unique way of, when I say fast-paced, they want to get the ball in their hands right now. They have close to a thousand yards with the ball behind the line of scrimmage. So, they want to get those guys in space and then let them have run-after-catch opportunities.”

Irving has 47 receptions for 392 yards (8.3) and converted 16 first downs. The Bucs’ screen game has been very effective with Irving.

“They have a number of different type of screens. You have the play-action screen, the slip screen, the cross screen, all those to the backs. And then you have the ones that the tunnel screen, tear screen from the outside. So, they have just a variety of different screens and different ways to get into it.”

Irving has tremendously helped Baker Mayfield achieve career highs in passing (4,500 yards) and passing touchdowns (41). Irving’s running is so quick and effective that the defense must give him much attention. He has rushed for 1,122 yards, averaging an impressive 5.4 yards per carry.

How can the Commanders’ defense limit Irving enough to have a chance in this playoff game on Sunday?

Whitt succinctly replied, “In the run game, making sure that we take care of the C gap.”

Commanders’ DC Joe Whitt on challenge of facing Baker Mayfield

The Commanders understand the challenge of facing Baker Mayfield.

Joe Whitt is fully aware of the danger Baker Mayfield presents for the Commanders.

This Sunday night in Tampa, the Commanders are going to be challenged by the Bucs offense led by Mayfield. This season, Mayfield passed for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, both career highs. In fact, Mayfield had not even passed for 30 touchdowns prior to this season.

Not only does Mayfield pass well, but he also throws well on the run, finding receivers downfield. In addition, Mayfield had never rushed for 200 yards in an NFL season, yet in 2024, he gained 378 on the ground.

Is it any wonder Whitt began his press conference on Thursday, saying, “I’ve been really impressed with Baker Mayfield.”

“I think he is just doing a good job of making people miss,” expressed Whitt. “He’s been hard to tackle in the pocket across every team that goes in there. So, you have to hit him as if you’re going to hit a running back. If you go in there like you’re going to hit a quarterback, normal quarterbacks, you’re going to probably come off.”

“When he is outside the pocket, he doesn’t get the protection, but when he is in the pocket, we got to stay shoulders to thighs. But we have to go in there and hit him like he’s a running back.”

Whitt is preaching to his defense they have to get to Mayfield. In the first game this season, the Commanders only hit Mayfield four times and only sacked him once as he passed for four touchdowns with no interceptions.

“He does a good job of sliding up and out, and he’s keeping his eyes downfield. I know he does scramble, but he’s scrambling to throw. He’s just playing high-level ball. And so, we just got to get him on the ground.”

Commanders’ DC Joe Whitt Jr: ‘We need to win this football game’

Joe Whitt Jr. makes it clear why this game is important heading into the playoffs.

Joe Whitt had heard enough Thursday with the media.

Whitt was asked if momentum going into the playoffs was important to him. He responded that he knows winning is important, and positive vibes come with it, so he thinks it is important for us to do that.

However, the very next question asked how he balances winning with keeping players healthy and ready for the playoffs. Whitt even declared, “That is not my job; that is Dan’s job. He’s the one who handles that.”

Whitt proclaimed, “I am going to call it (defensive plays) to win it.” To which, the right hand was then raised slightly and coming down gently but pointedly to the table, Whitt declared slowly but confidently, “We need to win this football game.”

Whitt continued, “Period. That’s what it is; it’s a divisional game, it’s the Dallas Cowboys. We keep the sixth seed. We need to win this football game. So, everything else doesn’t really matter. From my standpoint, we are going to do everything we can to win this football game.”

Whitt was tired of the insinuation or assumption that the Commanders (Whitt in particular) would lay down in this final game to rest up for the playoff game the following weekend.

Yes, the Eagles will rest some players. However, as the number two seed, they can afford to do so because they know they will play their first-round playoff game at home at Lincoln Financial Field.

It’s also true that the Rams will rest several players. But again, the Rams know they will be playing a home playoff game next week.

On the other hand, Whitt is looking at it from the perspective of the sixth seed. He wants to win, keep the seed, and thus play for the Rams or Buccaneers. He thinks, “Why would I want to have to go to Philly in that weather a couple of weeks after they just lost to us in Landover?”

One strategy for one team is not necessarily the best strategy for another. Joe Whitt is right: The Commanders need to win this game on Sunday in Dallas.

Joe Whitt is excited to possibly be getting back this Commander

Washington defensive coordinator can’t wait to get Jonathan Allen back.

With Jonathan Allen looking like he is getting closer to returning, one coaching staff member is very excited.

At Thursday’s weekly press conference, both coordinators met with the media. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. didn’t shy away from the prospect of Allen returning soon to the inside rotation of the Commanders defensive line.

“Oh, I’m excited. With the opportunity of getting him back, hopefully that happens.”

Some have insisted Allen was not having a good year before he was injured. In fact, they have said it was a bad year.

But how so? Allen was injured and lost during the sixth game, a loss to the Ravens. In those five full games and some of the Ravens game, Allen actually had produced 13 solo tackles, two sacks, two tackles for a loss, and six additional QB hits. Keep in mind that is from the inside. So, for five and one-half games, Allen was not having “a bad year.”

Whitt understands that if he does get back Allen at defensive tackle, he comprehends Allen will not be playing the majority of snaps. They need to see him in a more limited role his first time back in games.

“When he gets back in, I’m sure he’ll be on the pitch count, but I don’t know what that number will be. I’ll let the medical staff and AP [General Manager Adam Peters] and DQ [Head Coach Dan Quinn] lead that way.”

So, at this point, Whitt comprehends that a Jonathan Allen who only plays 25 (1/4) to 33 (1/3) percent of the defensive snaps is better than no Jonathan Allen at all. So, Whitt will be happy and thankful to get Allen back in the lineup for however much he can get him.

“He gives us just another veteran player, high pedigree player that can go in and give those quality snaps inside, that can get after the quarterback, push the pocket, be disruptive. So, we’re excited to get him back.”

If Allen does return soon, it will also mean him returning to the 53-man roster and someone else being released. Might that someone be Phidarian Mathis?

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr pleased with this defensive lineman

This defensive lineman has been a pleasant surprise for the Commanders.

Sometimes, there are players who provide you with more than you actually expected from them.

Such is the case for Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. when he thinks of defensive tackle Sheldon Day and what he has produced for Washington.

At his weekly presser on Thursday, Whitt was asked what Day brought to the Commanders’ defensive line.

“Man, consistency. Alright, he was a guy that when he did his workout, I was like, ‘Okay, he’s a little small.’ And I like big guys. I don’t like a bunch of little guys, but he plays thick and heavy, and he’s right where he needs to be.”

The Commanders are the sixth team Day has played for and has played in 83 regular-season games. Day has been counted out previously but keeps returning for more, attempting to stay in the NFL.

Day became a free agent last March and did not re-sign with the Vikings. In August, the Commanders picked him up and signed him to the practice squad. After elevating him to the active roster for the season opener, the Commanders signed Day to the active roster when Jonathan Allen went down with a partially torn pectoral muscle during the Ravens game.

Whitt likes how active Day is inside and how he plays within the scheme, which is always good for the entire defensive unit.

“He’s very smart, you could tell him; he understands the blocking schemes and what’s coming at him. The lean and the balance of the offense alignment. If it’s run, pass, he gets all that. And so, he’s been a very important part to our defense.”

It’s not how flashy you are on defense but how hard you play within the scheme that best helps your unit, and Day is helping with that process this season.

What did Commanders DC Joe Whitt think of last week’s performance?

Which defensive players stood out last week, according to Joe Whitt?

On Thursday, Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. came ready to talk to the press.

Whitt sat down for his weekly Thursday appearance and began giving a few introductory comments as usual. He then added a few comments, a few more and kept going, 652 words in all, before he even took his first question.

Even Craig Hoffman (The Team 980) informed his listeners Thursday afternoon that Whitt was very long with his introductory comments, almost three minutes worth, conveyed Hoffman.

Understandably, Whitt began saying, “You never apologize for a win. It wasn’t the way that we wanted it to be, but like DQ (Dan Quinn) talked about, you need to be put in some hard moments. The last play was a good play, a good winning play.”

Of course, Whitt was referring to the Saints game that the Commanders led 17-0 in the third quarter when suddenly the defense couldn’t get off of the field, permitting the Saints four consecutive scoring drives in their four final offensive possessions.

Whitt then understandably voiced some of his frustration with how his defense performed in the second half.

“We had some opportunities within the game,” he said. “I think we dropped two interceptions. We had a couple penalties that kept the drives going and points were at a premium in that situation. But it was learning moments. It’s easier to come off of a victory and be more demanding after you get a victory.”

Whitt, of course, is correct; there are teachable moments during a season, and Sunday’s narrow, final-play escape should have been a wake-up call for the players. But Whitt then turned positive, seeing the big picture of the season.

“We’re 9-5, that’s a good place for us to be, and we’re trending in the right direction.”

Whitt enjoyed talking about what CB Marshon Lattimore could mean for the defense. Whitt was certain CB Mike Sainristil would get a lot more attention from opposing quarterbacks.

“But a product of having him on one side, that means Mikey on the other side [is] going to get a lot more throws at him,” Whitt said. “And he had an interception, he had an opportunity at another interception. He’s a ball guy. So, he should relish that opportunity from that standpoint.”

Choosing to name those he thought played well, Sunday, Whitt referenced DE Dorance Armstrong, S Jeremy Chinn, DT Johnny Newton and CB Noah Igbinoghene.

Seeming encouraged about Jonathan Allen’s soon return, Whitt offered, “He’s moving and looking really well, man. I’ve been pleased with what he did yesterday and he’s worked really hard to get back to where he is. And so, hopefully, the training staff will get him where he can help us in the near future.”

Adding two players the caliber of Lattimore and a healthy Jonathan Allen is good reason to encourage Whitt that some real improvement could be coming for the defense.

What did Commanders’ DC think of Marshon Lattimore’s debut?

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. weighs in on Marshon Lattimore’s debut.

Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt noticed some things he really liked in Marshon Lattimore’s debut last Sunday.

The Commanders traded for Lattimore a month ago, but his injured hamstring kept him from playing against Dallas and Tennessee before the bye week. So he debuted last week in New Orleans against his old team, the Saints.

“There was a couple things,” Whitt said. “He played with a lot of confidence. He communicated well. There was two reductions where he was the one, and he wasn’t supposed to be the one that led the communication on those reductions, but he did. And that was really positive to see.”

One reason GM Adam Peters went after Lattimore was his experience. The former Ohio State Buckeye had seen action in 97 NFL games prior to last week.

Another reason is Lattimore’s ball skills, he employs, playing defense. He sees the ball well, and he catches the ball well, intercepting 15 passes thus far, including two he has returned for touchdowns.

Whitt liked how Lattimore was also prepped well and ready, referring to “just the command that he had of the defense. And like I said, I give a lot of that credit to [Assistant Defensive Back Coach] William Gay because he was with him from day one, teaching him and being that mentor that we asked William to do with a lot of these guys. So, but I was just really pleased with the command that the young man had of his game.”

Of course, everyone on the defense, including the coaches, is well aware that this Sunday will be a greater test for Lattimore. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is completing 69 percent of his passes this season.

Hurts’ top two receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, both have 56 receptions this season, and both have missed three games. Tight end Dallas Goedert and Saquon Barkley have also contributed 38 and 31 receptions, respectively.

Therefore, Whitt knows he will need a good game from Lattimore this Sunday.