During Wednesday’s final period of practice, the Washington Commanders’ defense put up an impressive performance against the offense. Defensive end Montez Sweat dominated the field, swatting a screen pass and a volleyball. Assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was not pleased and screamed at his starters to “Get off the field!” Nonetheless, the defense has quietly held its own despite the hype surrounding the offense this spring.
Although the unit has questions about its prospects – will end Chase Young recover from his injury and can a deeper backfield lead to better coverage? etc. – players and coaches remain optimistic. The defense has swagger and confidence after a successful 2020 season in which it ranked in the top 10 and dramatically improved on third down. Even with a step up in opposing passers this year, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is confident that his players can continue to perform well. The team utilized its first two draft picks on defensive backs Emmanuel Forbes Jr. and Quan Martin, and this year, there is a match zone scheme that maximizes the players’ athleticism by combining principles from zone and man-to-man coverage.
The team has a talented roster to maintain high-level play, with four first-round picks, solid depth at tackle and end, and young linebackers making an impact. The secondary is the biggest point of emphasis, and the team is set to start Forbes and Kendall Fuller outside, with Tariq Castro-Fields, Benjamin St-Juste, and Christian Holmes behind them. The team has a deep rotation of safeties, including Darrick Forrest, Percy Butler, and Kam Curl.
Coach Ron Rivera emphasized that the defense’s success would be interdependent. The coverage would be crucial in helping the front live up to its potential. The team’s young players have shown the ability to learn and catch up quickly, proving to be an exciting group. As the defense puts the finishing touches on its preparation for the upcoming season, it’s apparent that the defense is ready to make its mark.
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