Defenses tend to get the upper hand in the early stages of training camps around the league. But for a team that is crying out for improvements in this critical area, there is finally hype building for all the right reasons.
The Washington Commanders look faster, stronger, and much more in sync defensively, according to reports from those in attendance at camp. Obviously, this is just the bedding-in period, and we will find out a lot more about Daronte Jones' group when the pads go on. For now, things couldn't be going much better.
An early statement was made in no uncertain terms.
Commanders defense has set a completely new standard early at training camp
Even wide receiver Terry McLaurin was forced to acknowledge that the defense is having its way so far. There is a long way to go, but things are clicking well. And if the same trend continues throughout the summer, this ambitious group could be a big surprise when the real action begins.
The Commanders made significant defensive alterations this offseason. Head coach Dan Quinn fired Joe Whitt Jr. and replaced him with Jones, whose creative scheme promises to bring versatility, aggression, and violent tendencies. General manager Adam Peters also did his part, revamping the playing personnel at all three levels in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft.
In just two days of camp, we've seen different alignments and consistent pressure led by big-money signing Odafe Oweh, sticky coverage and opportunistic takeaways from the likes of Mike Sainristil and free-agent signing Rasul Douglas, and a defensive front that looks extremely formidable.
It's a good start. But after years of delusions of grandeur from Washington's defense, all that matters is getting it done when it matters most.
Washington's defense was arguably the league's worst last season. Quinn took over play-calling duties from Whitt, but it didn't matter. The group was old, slow, and easy to exploit. Now, the script has been flipped, and there is a good chance that the Commanders are none of those things in 2026.
The spine of the defense is strong. Washington's linebacking corps is dynamic, led by No. 7 pick Sonny Styles. Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson could be a devastating tandem on the edge, and Nick Cross brings a tone-setting presence to the back end.
There are some weak links that could hold them back, but Jones' system should bring the best out of everybody.
Washington's offense is still finding its groove, and we've primarily seen red-zone work and not much else so far. But if fans were looking for a spark of defensive inspiration right out of the gate at training camp, they've got it.
And maybe, just maybe, this could finally be the year where everything comes together.
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