Commanders' most hyped player is fading when the lights get bright

"He should be a do-all playmaker able to wreck offenses from multiple positions and disguise the look of his defense, the way the best hybrid safeties in the NFL do every week. Unfortunately, Quan Martin isn't coming close to living up to the hype for the Washington Commanders, and his struggles are proving costly in more than one key area. Martin's a former second-round pick who can play deep safety, in the slot, or even line up on the boundary as a cornerback. Add in some potential to be a force in the box, and the defensive back ought to be the unicorn-type the Commanders need to disguise coverage and pressure."

"Put another way, Martin isn't tackling cleanly. Like when he failed to wrap up D'Andre Swift, allowing the Chicago Bears' running back to break away for a 55-yard touchdown during the dismal 25-24 defeat on Monday Night Football in Week 6. Martin was still haunted by his hesitation, lack of physicality, and poor technique when he spoke to reporters, including JP Finlay of NBC Sports. The jaded defensive back admitted, "It's tough just to have a play like that happen. That's a play I've made 100 times in my career. I take pride in my tackling.""

"Pride is missing from Martin's efforts to step up and make plays this season. It's a sad reality personified by four missed tackles. The number is part of a worrying trend, which is why the Illinois product has already allowed 136 yards after the catch. That gaudy figure is only 22 yards shy of his tally for all of last season."

Quan Martin entered the season as a versatile hybrid defensive back expected to play deep safety, in the slot, on the boundary, or in the box. The Commanders' decision to let veteran Jeremy Chinn leave increased Martin's responsibilities. Martin has struggled with tackling, showing hesitation, poor technique, and lack of physicality, exemplified by a failed tackle that allowed D'Andre Swift a 55-yard touchdown in Week 6. Martin has recorded four missed tackles and allowed 136 yards after catch, nearly matching his previous season total. Those weaknesses undermine coverage disguise, run support, and the team's defensive schemes.

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