In the four games before Dan Quinn took over defensive play-calling duties for the Washington Commanders, his team surrendered an average of 38.5 points per game. They were playing against the quarterbacks who currently rank second, third, sixth, and seventh in total passing yards.
Things seemed a little better in the last two weeks.
The points-allowed average is down 17 from that dreadful four-game stretch. They got one injured starter back, and several other defenders have seemed more comfortable in their roles. Washington lost both games in overtime.
Against the Minnesota Vikings, the positive defensive trend should continue. After facing so many of the league’s best quarterbacks in recent weeks, the Commanders get one of the league’s worst in J.J. McCarthy, who is out of concussion protocol and ready to return.
Commanders’ defense should feast on a battered and inexperienced Vikings offense
McCarthy was selected No. 10 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, eight spots after the Commanders took Jayden Daniels. He missed his rookie season with a torn meniscus. In his absence, veteran Sam Darnold had a Pro Bowl year. But the Vikings remained committed to the young signal-caller who led Michigan to the national championship in 2023.
His second season has been a disaster. McCarthy has missed half of the Vikings' games with injuries. When he has played, he has not looked ready to lead an NFL offense.
Despite having an outstanding collection of skill position players around him, McCarthy is completing just 54 percent of his throws and has an interception rate of 6.3 percent. Both those numbers would be the worst in the league amongst all starting quarterbacks if he had enough attempts to qualify.
His touchdown-to-interception ratio is underwater. His sack percentage is the second-worst in the league. His passer rating and QBR are absurdly low, and his adjusted yards per attempt statistic is even worse.
In short, McCarthy has not indicated that he can play quarterback in the NFL.
Veteran defensive coaches lick their chops when they get an overmatched opponent under center. Longtime Washington fans all remember the way Richie Petitbon used to feast on rookie quarterbacks. Quinn should do the same with McCarthy.
Starting safety Will Harris is back, which should help with shorter checkdowns. The other defensive backs are beginning to show some cohesiveness after a raft of injuries. Mike Sainristil seems more comfortable on the perimeter. Jonathan Jones is rounding back into form. And Noah Igbinoghene can make some plays in the slot.
On the front end of Washington's defense, Quinn has settled on his most effective pass-rushing package. It is undersized, essentially using 245-pound Jacob Martin on the interior and linebackers Von Miller and Frankie Luvu on the edges. Still, it has been the Commanders' most productive combination since Dorance Armstrong Jr. was hurt.
The emergence of Jordan Magee has allowed Luvu to rush the passer in those situations. The former Temple star may be an every-down player in short order.
Minnesota’s offensive line has been a shambles this season. Last week, against an elite Seattle Seahawks' defense, they were dominated. The status of several key players remains unknown this weekend, but it only raises hope that Washington can seize the moment.
For the year, the Vikings offense is sixth-worst in yards per play, fifth-worst in total points, and fourth-worst in total yards. They look like the perfect remedy for a struggling defense.
Quinn should have his troops ready to take full advantage.