Instant reactions to the Commanders’ gutting loss to the Titans

The Defense

The Good 

• Montez Sweat was spectacular today for Washington. He totaled two sacks, three tackles for losses, and four quarterback hits. After a relatively quiet start to the season, the 2019 first-round pick made his presence known today.
• Once again, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne deserve better. They each accounted for half a sack today, had a tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit. Both provided valuable push up front.
• Efe Obada and James Smith-Williams both stepped up today for the Commanders. Each had a sack on the day and multiple pressures. Until Chase Young returns, the Commanders will need that to continue.
• Darrick Forrest has taken advantage of his increased opportunity this year as the defense’s third safety. He has held his own in coverage to date for the Commanders. Benjamin St-Juste also most likely cemented himself as a starting outside corner today, as he was sticky in coverage all afternoon.
• Cole Holcomb was flying around this afternoon. He led the team in tackles, had a tackle for loss, and was good enough in coverage. After a rough start to the year, the fourth-year player seems to be finding his groove.

The Bad 

• Bobby McCain allowing that 60+ yard pass completion immediately after Washington took the lead cannot happen. It took the wind out of the sails of growing momentum for the team.
• Having to bench your highest-paid corner for poor play, isn’t great.
• Jon Bostic played sparingly but when he did, it served as a reminder of why he does play sparingly.

Overall the defense played solid. They gave the team a chance to win, the offense just did not oblige. However, at some point, it needs to come into question where this regime is headed. When the offense is good, the defense is undisciplined and poor. And it works in the other direction too. They routinely start poorly and haven’t gotten better in three years. The “culture” is better but the product sure isn’t.

Ultimately though, it seems the entire structure of the organization is never conducive to success. In the twenty-first century, the Commanders have had every type of coach: the disciplinarian, the franchise legend, the offensive guru, a former Super Bowl Champion with an innovative staff, another offensive guru, and now the “culture” guy. None have worked. So either the top will need to be cleaned thoroughly out, with one guy (you know who he is) being ousted or the franchise QB will need to be attained via the draft.

Until then, the Commanders are fighting a losing battle.