Tag: Joe Whitt Jr.

Kliff Kingsbury not the only successful Commanders coordinator

Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. also deserves praise.

Kliff Kingsbury has been the talk of the NFL through 10 weeks due to the play of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels isn’t playing like a rookie and is firmly in the MVP mix because of his play in leading the Washington Commanders to a 7-3 start.

Kingsbury’s offensive design and play-calling are praised across the NFL. The praise for Kingsbury and Daniels is deserved. Did anyone watch Washington’s offense last year?

But defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is barely mentioned in the talk about Kingsbury and Daniels.

It’s time to change that. After Sunday’s 28-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Whitt’s defense is ranked 14th in total defense, 6th in pass defense, and 12th in scoring defense. The Commanders’ run defense must improve, but they did an excellent job Sunday against the Steelers, holding them to an average of 3.3 yards per attempt.

When you consider Washington’s personnel challenges, specifically at cornerback, Whitt is doing an outstanding job.

Another area where the Commanders have done well is pressuring opposing passers. Most believed Washington would struggle to rush the quarterback with no high-level pass rushers on the roster, yet veteran Dante Fowler Jr. has 8.5 sacks and is on pace for a career year. Others, such as Dorance Armstrong, Clelin Ferrell, Jalyn Holmes, and rookie Javontae Jean-Baptiste, have had success rushing the quarterback at times, too.

When you’re a coach, you’re judged by results. Is your team or unit improving throughout the season? In Whitt’s case, yes, it is. Check out this graphic courtesy of Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

The Commanders hope the acquisition of Marshon Lattimore pays dividends. The four-time Pro Bowler was acquired last week and has yet to debut. But general manager Adam Peters felt good enough about the team’s progress to make a splashy move for a high-level player at the NFL trade deadline.

Earlier, we asked if you’d seen Washington’s offense last year. Did you happen to see the defense? It was even worse. And Whitt’s defense is improving without one of its best players, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

So, the next time someone praises Kingsbury, don’t forget about Whitt. Heck, special teams coach Larry Izzo has been outstanding, too. Regardless of how things end up, the Commanders truly had a home-run offseason from hiring Peters to Quinn and his staff to the selection of Daniels and other newcomers.

Commanders’ DC Joe Whitt says game should not have come down to Hail Mary

Joe Whitt Jr. explains what was going on in his mind during the Hail Mary.

Did you hear what Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt’s reaction was to the “Hail Mary” on Sunday?

Jayden Daniels connected with Noah Brown via a tipped pass and a blown assignment by the Bears defense, and the result was a 52-yard game-winning touchdown for an 18-15 Commanders win over the Bears.

How did defensive coordinator Joe Whitt feel about it?


“To be honest with you, I didn’t see much of it because I was pissed,” Whitt told the media at his weekly Thursday press conference.

“We had just gave up the touchdown, so I got up and was walking out of the press box, and then I turned around, and I was a little surprised about the play before the play. I thought they gave us a sideline, so we are going to have a chance at this, the Hail Mary”

Whitt said he then looked at the time and realized they were going to have a chance at a Hail Mary. He turned and watched a TV, not the field, and saw the ball was caught. He said he at first stood there because he “was still pissed.”

Whitt said he “went ballistic” and ran down the hall to the elevator. “So I really didn’t get to see the fans’ reactions until later seeing the pictures (replay) of it.”

“I am glad we have J5 (Jayden Daniels). He does an excellent job. But, we shouldn’t put him in that situation as a defense. We should close the game and finish the game in those winning moments.”

More than the defense not making the plays to keep the Bears out of the end zone, Whitt clarified, “I blame myself because we were in a solid (pause) but a better call I should have gotten to, and I didn’t. That is not acceptable.”

Whitt said he knew his defense didn’t come through, putting Daniels in the position of needing to pull off a Hail Mary.

There is a guy who knows not to bask too much in the miraculous.

 

Commanders DC: 4 plays cost them the game vs. Ravens

Joe Whitt says four plays cost the Commanders the win.

Did you realize four plays cost the Commanders last Sunday’s game?

On Thursday, Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said that in his opinion, four plays cost the Commanders a win against the Ravens last week.

“I hate to keep coming up here and talking about communication because we’ve been good the last couple weeks, but four plays cost us the game,” Whitt said.

Some penalties on the defense seemed to kill the Commanders’ hopes, but no, Whitt did not see those as the issue.

“I’m not even worried about the third-down penalties that extended drives. They didn’t need any help, but that’s football, okay? Sometimes you’re going to get football plays, and you’re going to get a penalty here and there.”

Whitt then turned the responsibility on himself.

“If we don’t give up those four individual plays, we win that game. And I’ll take responsibility for that because they shouldn’t make those mistakes. Defenses that we know and we didn’t get it executed. So, like I said, we’re working to make sure we minimize those mistakes moving forward, but we can’t keep coming up here. I can’t keep coming up here saying the same thing. Gotta get it corrected.”

Why were there communication breakdowns? Whitt expressed two times the communication sent was correct and one other time it was wrong. All three times it cost the defense.

“So, either case, I gotta do a better job of making sure that it’s sent properly, it’s received, and it’s acknowledged, and we play it the right way. It’s unacceptable.”

The Commanders will be without DT Jonathan Allen and DE Javontae Jean-Baptiste on Sunday. Both were placed on the injured reserve list. In response, the Commanders have already added DTs Sheldon Day and Jalyn Holmes to the 53-man roster.

Commanders DC insists he’s not down on safety Darrick Forrest

Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. says he is a fan of Darrick Forrest.

When the Washington Commanders hired Dan Quinn as head coach and Joe Whitt Jr. as defensive coordinator, everyone wondered which returning players would best fit their defensive scheme.

The most obvious players were defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. However, other players, such as defensive back Quan Martin and safety Darrick Forrest, stood out, too.

A fifth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, Forrest was injured for part of his rookie season before returning to make an impact on special teams.  In 2022, Forrest had a terrific training camp and won one of the starting safety positions. He proceeded to play in all 17 games in 2022, making 88 tackles and tying for the team lead with four interceptions.

Forrest was always around the ball. His play style was physical and resembled what Whitt had said he was looking for in his introductory press conference.

However, Forrest missed some time in training camp and appeared to fall down the depth chart. There was some chatter about him not even making the 53-man roster. Forrest did make the roster, but he hasn’t been active yet this season.

With Forrest a healthy scratch again last week, reporters asked Whitt about Forrest on Thursday. 

“Forrest has done everything that we’ve asked him to do,” Whitt said. “He missed some time early and, I’m not down on him I’m actually really high on Forrest. He’s somebody that when we can get more safety packages….first off, we have to get up and then get them on the field. But he’s done everything, he’s a great teammate, he’s a great human being, and now we just gotta find a way to get him on the field in certain spaces.”

Forrest has proven he can deliver on defense and special teams. However, his health has been an issue. If Washington’s defensive struggles continue, it will be interesting to see if the Commanders activate Forrest on gameday in the coming weeks.

Will Peters and Quinn bring former players to the Commanders?

Will Peters and Quinn look to their former teams to continue adding to Washington’s roster?

The initial 53-man roster for the Commanders is just that…initial.

There will be changes beginning tomorrow. NFL teams are permitted to grab players released from other teams before they can begin to sign players to their own practice squads.

Consequently, we can look for two things on Wednesday.

1. Adam Peters is undoubtedly examining the 49ers’ players released Tuesday. Peters, who learned the trade as a scout and then a director of scouting from 2003-16, served with the 49ers as vice president of player personnel (2017-20) and assistant general manager (2021-23).

Peters knows most of their roster and will know several of those released on Tuesday. However, he will most likely not go out and sign a 32-year-old to help him win this year. Yet, if Peters sees a younger player who he feels can help at a thin position, such as (offensive tackle, wide receiver, or cornerback), he might grab him.

2. Dan Quinn was the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator (2021-23), and Joe Whitt was his defensive backs coach. Those two will no doubt be looking for defensive help from one or two Cowboys who were released Tuesday.

How many players will Peters bring to the Commanders? There won’t be many because there is only so much time until the season opens. Yet, don’t be surprised if Peters does bring in a few as he attempts to rebuild the roster that former head coach Ron Rivera formed in his four seasons in Washington.

Which Commanders player will have a breakout season in 2024?

Who will have a breakout season in 2024?

Frankie Luvu has taken an interesting path to the Washington Commanders. In 2018, Luvu was an undrafted free agent who signed with the New York Jets. He spent three seasons with the Jets, appearing in 40 games and making three starts.

In 2021, Luvu signed with the Carolina Panthers. While a lot hasn’t gone right in Carolina under owner David Tepper, Luvu was an exception. He played in 16 games with four starts in 2021 before becoming a full-time starter in 2022.

Over the last two seasons, Luvu combined to record 236 tackles, including 29 for loss, 12.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. His success with the Panthers led Washington to give him a three-year deal.

Luvu is set for a big role in head coach Dan Quinn’s defense. Luvu’s versatility and ability to rush the passer could lead to a big season for him in 2024.

How big? Jared Dubin of CBS Sports predicted one breakout player for all 32 teams in 2024. Luvu was his pick for the Commanders.

Luvu got a decent-sized contract in free agency, but it didn’t come near getting him into the top tier of off-ball linebacker salaries. In Dan Quinn’s defense, he has a chance to really shine as a versatile second-level playmaker — especially if Quinn gets creative with his abilities as a blitzer.

In some ways, you could say the 27-year-old Luvu has already broken out. However, he has an opportunity for so much more playing for Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Luvu could be Washington’s top pass rusher in 2024 and will compete with middle linebacker Bobby Wagner to lead the team in tackles.

Everyone is high on Luvu. He could be even better than many initially believed when the Commanders signed him.

Michael Davis believes Commanders defensive staff can ‘elevate’ his game

MIchael Davis has been around, but believes his best is yet to come under this staff.

Despite entering his eighth season, cornerback Michael Davis believes he still has his best football ahead of him. When the 29-year-old was asked what enticed him to join the Commanders after seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, he mentioned how Washington’s defensive staff have developed cornerbacks in the past.

Specifically head coach Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt, and defensive passing game coordinator Jason Simmons.

“I know that I have an extra level to reach, and I thought that with them being teamed up with them, I could reach that level,” Davis said.

Under Quinn and Whitt’s tutelage in Dallas, cornerback Daron Bland broke the NFL single-season record for pick-sixes with five, and cornerback Trevon Diggs led the NFL in interceptions in 2021 after an up-and-down rookie season. Davis said he could see that extra level being brought out of him because of the coach’s persistence in putting him in “uncomfortable situations.”

“So, every day I practice, they are like Michael, like we want you to go press, like you got to consistently go out and perfect your craft, keep pressing,” Davis said. “No matter the situation… in my head, it might feel like I don’t wanna go press, but in the back of my mind, it’s like if I go up and press and challenge myself, it’ll make me better”

Davis was reliable for the Chargers starting nearly every game since signing a three-year $25.2 million extension in 2021. However, he fell out of the team’s plans after a shaky season and head coaching turnover with the hiring of Jim Harbaugh.

Davis’ presence has been out of the limelight since signing a one-year $3.2 million contract in March. But with 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. still adapting to physical receivers, Davis could be the starter opposite Benjamin St-Juste in week 1. It’s just a matter of which cornerback can find a foothold within Whitt’s and Quinn’s scheme first.

“All I can do is control what I can control,” Davis said. “I mean, all I can do is focus on myself and let everything else play out.”

Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes is having a good start to training camp

A good start to training camp for Emmanuel Forbes.

If one player on the Washington Commanders’ current roster could use a strong 2024 season, it’s second-year cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.

The No. 16 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, Forbes had a rough rookie season that saw him benched multiple times. Forbes, who didn’t receive any help from the previous coaching staff, lost his confidence after Eagles star A.J. Brown embarrassed him early in the season.

Forbes never recovered. So, when the Commanders made a coaching change this offseason, it was both a scary and exciting time for Forbes. While the new regime didn’t draft him, they wouldn’t give up on last year’s first-round pick so soon.

However, Washington’s new coach was Dan Quinn. Quinn helped lead the Cowboys in turnovers for the past three years, and Dallas was a consistent top-five unit. Coming with Quinn was his former secondary coach with the Cowboys, Joe Whitt Jr., as the new defensive coordinator. Quinn and Whitt have done outstanding work developing several of Dallas’ defensive backs.

Upon their hiring, they admitted to liking Forbes out of college. Could they help him turn around his fortunes in 2024?

Through the first two days of training camp, Forbes has worked with the first-team defense, often matching up with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. According to those in Ashburn, he has more than held his own.

This is excellent news for Washington. A Forbes’ bounce-back season would answer many questions about the secondary.

Forbes’s true test this summer will be the joint practices. How will he react if he makes a bad play?

Jokes were made at Forbes’ expense this offseason when someone shared a photo of him with a high school football player who looked much bigger than Forbes. However, he insisted he worked on adding weight in the offseason, and the early indications were that he had added some weight.

While it’s a small sample size, training camp could not have started any better for Forbes.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn talks the importance of a strong pass rush

Dan Quinn stresses the importance of a strong pass rush.

The Washington Commanders struggled to rush the quarterback last season after trading away Montez Sweat and Chase Young. While the trades gave Washington some excellent selections in the 2024 NFL draft, they left them extremely thin at a critical position.

This offseason, the Commanders started over. The changes began with the coaching staff. Dan Quinn took over as head coach. Quinn, one of the NFL’s best defensive coordinators, gets his second shot as a head coach. Coming with him from Dallas is new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

Quinn and general manager Adam Peters knew changes were needed on the roster, particularly at defensive end. Following Quinn and Whitt from Dallas were Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler. The Commanders also signed Clelin Ferrell, formerly of the 49ers.

Quinn’s teams have always been successful rushing the passer and he expects that to continue with Washington, regardless of who is coming off the edge.

Ahead of Wednesday’s first training camp practice, Quinn explained the importance of a strong pass rush.

“Affecting the quarterback is, has to be at the top of what you wanna do defensively, right behind taking the ball away and tackling well,” Quinn said.

“You don’t always want to be able to have to bring five or six to generate pressure and pass rush. So, when you can get there with four and affect the quarterback and get him out of the pocket, or, you know, change where he has to go, set his feet, that’s what we’re looking for.”

It didn’t matter how many pass rushers the Commanders sent last season; they couldn’t get near opposing quarterbacks. That will change under Quinn. A strong pass rush goes hand in hand with taking the ball away.

While Washington may not have an elite pass rusher, Quinn couldn’t be more excited to coach defensive tackles Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen and Johnny Newton. Those three will play a key role in the Commanders’ ability to rush the passer in 2024.

Frankie Luvu predicted to be Commanders’ non-QB MVP for 2024 season

Everyone believes Frankie Luvu will have a big season in 2024.

The Washington Commanders signed several players in free agency this offseason. General manager Adam Peters had a tall task in front of him: upgrading a 4-13 roster. He used free agency to raise Washington’s floor without sacrificing any future long-term flexibility.

Peters handed out mostly one-year contracts this offseason. A select few did receive multi-year deals, including linebacker Frankie Luvu.

Luvu, 27, is coming off back-to-back impressive seasons for the Carolina Panthers, where he recorded a combined 12.5 sacks. In addition to being an every-down linebacker, Luvu also served in a pass-rushing role for the Panthers, which is similar to how he’ll be used by Washington head coach Dan Quinn.

Expectations are high for Luvu, with some predicting he’ll make his first Pro Bowl in 2024.

Ben Standig of The Athletic believes Luvu will have a big season, too. The Athletic recently named one non-quarterback MVP for all 32 NFL teams, and Standig chose Luvu for Washington.

Micah Parsons wasn’t one of the several familiar faces head coach Dan Quinn brought over from his three-year stint with the Cowboys. Bummer. However, the three-time All-Pro is mentioned frequently in Washington because his linebacker/edge rusher role did travel with Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Luvu, one of the Commanders’ primary free-agent signings this offseason, arrived with the versatility required to play multiple spots. At 27, Luvu is an ascending talent coming off back-to-back 100-tackle seasons with 12 1/2 combined sacks. He will play every down, and the defensive personnel will shift depending on where the coaches deploy this aggressive playmaker.

While Parsons didn’t follow Quinn to Washington, the head coach and defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr., have an idea of how they want to use Luvu. With Bobby Wagner signed to play middle linebacker, that frees up Luvu to be in a more playmaking role for Washington’s defense in 2024.

If Luvu plays in every game, he could put up the best numbers of his career, which would make him a reasonable choice for non-QB MVP.