4 Commanders coaches on the hot seat entering the 2022 season

2. Steve Russ, Linebackers

You know the Washington Commanders have a weak linebacking corps. Your dad knows the Washington Commanders have a weak linebacking corps. Your dad’s second cousin, who lives in Bulgaria and has never seen American football, knows the Washington Commanders have a weak linebacking corps. I don’t really blame Steve Russ for this.

Russ came over with Ron Rivera from Carolina, where he coached LBs in 2018-19. Prior to that, he had not coached in the pros, but had a six-year career as a player in the NFL and an extensive run coaching in college. Thus, as a professional position coach, the jury is still largely out.

And, fair or not, Russ’ rep will be tied almost entirely to what he can get out of Jamin Davis. Davis looked lost last year. The plan to immediately insert him as a middle linebacker seems ludicrous in hindsight. (It seemed ludicrous to many of us at the time as well.) But early indications this year are that Davis could rebound. He still overruns plays, but the physical ability is showing a little bit more. This man can cover the entire field. He reminds me so much of KJ Wright. Once Pete Carrol decided Wright was a weakside linebacker, Wright became among the best in the league.

Steve Russ needs to do something similar with Jamin Davis. It would be great if he can also develop some of the younger guys, and make sure Cole Holcomb is not overloaded. But if he can just get Jamin Davis up to speed, he gets off the hot seat.