"The bigger issue, though, is a defense that has looked old and slow. No one is off the hook, not even the Commanders' most trusted veteran leader. Bobby Wagner is a future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer and one of the most significant catalysts behind the Commanders' culture shift under head coach Dan Quinn. He's still having a productive season in 2025 on the surface, ranking second in the NFL in tackles with 73 while adding two sacks."
"The truth is simple. Wagner, despite the positive value he brings both on and off the field, is not an every-down player at this stage of his career. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has said that the Commanders plan to get backup Jordan Magee more involved in Week 8 and moving forward. It has to be assumed that this decision was made to give the 14-year veteran a lighter workload."
"Injuries have decimated the offense, with wide receivers Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel Sr., and Noah Brown all missing time in addition to running back Austin Ekeler's season-ending torn Achilles. Now, right as the top two wideouts are set to return, quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss his third contest in eight games against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football."
The Commanders face severe offensive injuries that have sidelined key receivers and running back Austin Ekeler, while quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss another game. The defense appears old and slow, with opponents exposing coverage limitations from Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu, particularly on third downs. Wagner still produces tackles and sacks, but film shows he cannot handle every-down responsibilities at this stage. The coaching staff plans to increase Jordan Magee's role to reduce Wagner's workload. Immediate changes to the linebacking unit and a restructured role for Wagner are presented as necessary adjustments.
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