"Dan Quinn taking over defensive play-calling from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is not a unique situation. Though coordinators are usually tasked with play calling on both offense and defense, a head coach might take that role. In the Washington Commanders' case, it's a sign of cracks firmly showing. Though Whitt did not lose his job or his title, this is clearly a demotion."
"Consider Dorance Armstrong Jr., Washington's best defensive end. He played in the first six games. A minor injury reduced his snap count a little bit, but for the most part, he was healthy and effective. The Commanders surrendered an average of 21 points per game in those contests. Armstrong went out after just four plays in the Week 7 game against Dallas. With him out of the lineup, Washington has given up 38.5 points per game."
Dan Quinn took over defensive play-calling from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., a clear demotion despite no title change and a strong working relationship dating to Dallas. The defensive collapse appears driven largely by injuries and poor individual play rather than schematic play-calling. Dorance Armstrong Jr. was effective in the first six games as Washington allowed 21 points per game; after his exit Washington has surrendered 38.5 points per game. The loss of Armstrong plus Deatrich Wise Jr. and Javontae Jean-Baptiste decimated a thin defensive-end group, forcing reliance on undersized, backup, and aging personnel. Questionable roster construction and bad luck explain much of the decline.
Read at Riggo's Rag
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