"In Ron Rivera's final season as coach, the Washington Commanders had the worst defense in the NFL. It was not a close competition. It was so bad in 2023 that Rivera fired his defensive coordinator and secondary coach during the season. The team was dead last in points allowed (30.5) and yards allowed (388.9). Dan Quinn wishes his Commanders could match those miserable 2023 numbers right now. This would constitute an improvement over the last four games."
"But it now appears that the strategy of relying more heavily on veterans was short-sighted. The Commanders still had holes. Their biggest issue was a lack of consistent edge rushers, but there were also questions about depth at linebacker and across the secondary. Part of the recent struggles can be pinned on injuries. The Commanders' opening-day roster had only three legitimate NFL defensive ends. Jacob Martin and Von Miller often line up there, but they are both seriously undersized for the position."
In 2023 under Ron Rivera, Washington posted the NFL's worst defense, finishing last in points (30.5) and yards allowed (388.9), prompting midseason coaching changes. In 2024, Dan Quinn's defense has regressed, surrendering almost 34 points and 410 yards per game over the last four contests, contributing to a four-game losing streak. Adam Peters rapidly overhauled the 2023 roster, but heavy reliance on veterans left remaining roster holes, notably a lack of consistent edge rushers and thin depth at linebacker and in the secondary. Injuries cost key defensive ends and starting safety Will Harris, worsening the situation.
Read at Riggo's Rag
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