Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB
Bobby Wagner is a formidable presence in between the tackles. Anywhere outside of that is quickly becoming a glaring problem for the future first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker.
Age is finally catching up to Wagner. He's 35 years old and looking it, arguably, for the first time in his glittering career. Although the Commanders still rely heavily on the second-level presence, his limitations are a weak link that opposing teams are targeting.
That won't go unnoticed by Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as he prepares for the clash. He'll be doing everything he can to isolate Wagner in space. And if that happens against dynamic running back De'Von Achane, explosive plays won't be too far behind.
Dan Quinn is taking over the defensive play-calling responsibilities from Joe Whitt Jr. One of his biggest conundrums will be maximizing Wagner's impact while also limiting his exposure. Washington's hopes in Week 11 depend on it.
Quan Martin - Commanders S
Quan Martin's breakout campaign has been an unmitigated disaster. The veteran safety was being counted upon to lead the charge after Jeremy Chinn left for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. He's found it too much to handle thus far.
The defensive back looks hesitant. He's struggling from a technical standpoint, and Martin's explosiveness has also deserted him in critical moments. Washington's secondary is suffering greatly, and without cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos to call upon, it's even more imperative that the backend provide adequate coverage support.
Getting Will Harris back into the mix should help. The free-agent signing had his 21-day return window opened, although he's unlikely to feature this weekend. That places the onus squarely on Martin to step up and remind the world why he was so highly touted coming into the campaign.
If he can't raise the stakes, Miami's explosive offense could put up points in a hurry.
Javon Kinlaw - Commanders DT
Adam Petters caused a stir in free agency when he signed defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw to a three-year, $45 million deal with $30 million guaranteed. Almost nobody believed he would get that kind of financial commitment after an underwhelming campaign with the New York Jets in 2024. The Commanders thought differently, but it hasn't gone according to plan overall.
Kinlaw started on the front foot. He was purposeful and ferocious, using his outstanding physical gifts well. As the Commanders' defense faltered, so has he, and there are now serious questions about whether Peters made the correct call by bringing him into the fold.
With Pro Bowl lineman Daron Payne suspended for Washington's international game against the Dolphins, Kinlaw will be tasked with leading the charge in the defensive trenches. Plugging up holes in the run game is the first objective. After that, it's about pushing the pile and making quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's life as uncomfortable as possible.