Exploring the issues causing the Commanders’ third-down struggles

The Washington Commanders had defensive third down woes during the 2021 season and the same issues continued into the 2022 preseason.  The problems need to be fixed.

The purposes of each slate of preseason games are to evaluate players and prepare for a new season.  Preparing for a new season is certainly a very broad answer and it encompasses many facets of the sport, but suffice it to say that each team is given the opportunity to make the adjustments that are needed for a successful season.

The Washington Commanders have the same goals as the other thirty-one teams in the league – to win a Super Bowl and that process starts during each offseason and preseason.  It is an opportunity to improve on what works best and what needs to be corrected.  You can see where we’re headed at this moment.  Let’s talk about the defense and third-down scenarios, because that is what brings us here today.

Exploring the issues causing the Commanders’ third-down woes

Third-down issues have been a thorn in the side of this defense for several years and the 2021 season seemed much worse.  In fact, the Washington Commanders fielded the second worst third-down defense in the NFL last season.  The problems surrounding the third-down woes come down mostly to the defensive line, coverage and a general lack of focus.  Let’s explore these three main issues in detail.

Defensive Line

The defensive line was widely heralded as one of the best in the league two years ago, but problems surfaced last year and it affected the team all season.  In 2020, the Commanders were able to produce forty-seven sacks (sixth best in the league) and while the overall record wasn’t stellar, they were able to capture the NFC East crown.

In 2021, the Burgundy and Gold registered thirty-eight (17th best overall) sacks and missed the playoffs.  Having nine fewer sacks one season later is another indication of the third down troubles for the Commanders.  With such a talented roster on paper, it is time for the defensive line to live up to their expectations.  They will need to drastically improve the sack totals and put significant pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season.

Coverage

One of the major problems on third down defense last year centered on the defensive backs.  Yes, the defensive linemen did them no favors, but Washington was able to produce sixteen interceptions in 2020 (tied for fifth best overall), but slipped to eleven interceptions last season (tied for twenty-second overall).  Just seven teams produced fewer interceptions.

Interceptions are just one part of an equation that includes solid zone/man coverage schemes, blitz packages, disguising various defensive sets, etc.  The defensive backs have displayed glaring mistakes on third and long situations and that must be remedied.

Lack of Focus

Situational awareness on third-down (or lack thereof) typically falls to the signal callers on defense and the defensive coaching staff.  Precise defensive packages and alignments should be fully understood by each player.  The coaches need to call the right plays in all given third-down situations, especially at key and critical moments during the game.  Both the players and coaches are to blame here and, quite honestly, if something isn’t working, then change it.  That falls to the decision makers on the sidelines.

As mentioned earlier, Washington had the second worst third-down defense in 2021 and the first two games of the preseason looked like a carbon copy of last year.  The opposing offenses in the first two preseason were 20-33 in successful third-down conversions – a stat that should alarm the Commanders.

Those stats are actually worse when the third and fourth string stats are taken out of the equation.  That is unacceptable.  Washington was widely expected to have one of the best defenses in the NFL last year, but it never happened.  Third-down shortcomings were a major culprit.

When the 2022 season opens in a few days, the Burgundy and Gold will need to have this problem in the rearview mirror and leave it behind.  If the problems continue, then another seven-win season (or worse) is not out of the question.

Special Note:  Shortly after this article was written, news of the Brian Robinson shooting was breaking.  For most fans, it immediately brought back the horrifying memories of the Sean Taylor tragedy.  At the time of submission, the news surrounding Robinson was encouraging and we certainly wish him the best.

There will be much more coming before the season opener.  See you as we go along.