3 nightmare scenarios for Commanders during 2022 season
By Jerry Trotta
2. The Secondary Implodes (Again)
It’s not farfetched to say the Commanders’ ceiling on defense will be contingent on the performance of the secondary. The group made strides in the second half of the schedule last season, but was arguably the worst in the NFL over the first two months.
Just how woeful were they? Well, despite their late-season surge, the unit still ranked 29th in passing yards allowed and passer rating, 32nd in touchdowns, 28th in yards per attempt and 25th in completion rate. The secondary also allowed 10 catches of 40 or more yards and 51 catches of 20 or more yards.
If that happens again — or the group is similarly ineffective — you can kiss Washington’s playoff hopes goodbye.
Rather than make any upgrades, the front office is banking on William Jackson III, who was at the center of multiple communication breakdowns and pass interference penalties, and Benjamin St-Juste, who entered concussion protocol on three separate occasions, to rebound and provide a spark.
That’s a commendable strategy, as both players are immensely talented. With starters Kendall Fuller, Jackson III, St-Juste, Bobby McCain and Kamren Curl all back, there’s reason to believe the unit will be more cohesive in 2022. Let’s hope they look more like the group we saw in the second half of last season.