Commanders could target Elandon Roberts
The Washington Commanders' defense looked notably better in their first game under new coordinator Daronte Jones. This was especially evident in the front seven, which brought pressure from all angles and kept Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts uncomfortable throughout.
This was a real bright spot amid the doom and gloom. Unfortunately, when veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu went out due to injury, communication in key moments played a major role in their demise.
Luvu has reportedly suffered a minor groin strain, placing his status for Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys in doubt. The 2024 second-team All-Pro will want to return as soon as possible, but if he is forced to miss time, another option may be needed.
The Commanders have Sonny Styles and Leo Chenal. Kain Medrano is working on special teams, but there is another injury concern around Jordan Magee. And looking at the options available on the free-agent market, not named Bobby Wagner, Elandon Roberts may be the most intriguing.
Roberts is still looking for work after the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't bring him back this offseason. He has some coverage deficiencies, but he also showed flashes of outstanding run coverage that could help in a rotational role if Luvu and/or Magee cannot go.
This would be a band-aid fix, but Roberts could provide the short-term relief needed.
Commanders could target Kenny Moore II
Patience may be wearing thin with Mike Sainristil's ongoing coverage inconsistencies. Head coach Dan Quinn criticized the cornerback publicly during his Monday media availability. This was out of character and signaled his frustration with the 2024 second-round selection.
Sainristil's ability to create turnovers is no longer enough. He looked lost in coverage against the Eagles, giving up a touchdown and another explosive play that shifted momentum to Philadelphia. With Trey Amos on injured reserve, this can't go on much longer.
Aside from Rasul Douglas and Amik Robertson, the Commanders don't have much else to depend on. This is the direction Adam Peters chose this offseason, but it should remain fluid. Another poor performance from Sainristil versus the Dallas Cowboys' prolific wideout tandem of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens might be the final straw.
It's surprising to see Kenny Moore II still on the market after the Indianapolis Colts released him. He's a little undersized, but he's produced far more consistently than Sainristil throughout his career. He'd likely jump at the chance to join Washington's ambitious defensive project under Jones' guidance, and the transition should be seamless for someone with his experience.
Hopefully, Sainristil can respond to the challenge. But the Commanders cannot wait around forever.
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