The Washington Commanders are expected to make improvements under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. It won't take long to see how much they have improved this offseason.
Washington begins its regular-season quest with a trip to the Philadelphia Eagles. They have a number of problems to overcome, but none more so than their nemesis, running back Saquon Barkley.
Simply put, Commanders fans will quickly find out just how good their run defense is with Jones leading the charge.
Commanders' new defense under Daronte Jones will be put to the test by Saquon Barkley
To say Barkley has been a thorn in Washington's side over the last two years would be an understatement. If he had the chance to play against the Commanders every week in 2024, he'd have broken every rushing record imaginable. Even in the NFC Championship game, any hope head coach Dan Quinn's squad had was almost sucked away on the opening carry.
And it's not just in Philadelphia, either.
Barkley has absolutely torched the Commanders throughout his NFL career. In 12 games, featuring for the Eagles and New York Giants, the former Penn State phenom has rushed for 1,222 yards and scored nine touchdowns. If that wasn't bad enough, he's also acquired 422 yards and four scores through the air.
This is a problem.
And hopefully, Jones will have the right answers to counteract this supreme threat at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 1.
The Commanders are running a 3-4 base scheme under Jones. This unit will be fast and explosive. They will attack the football, and with three big interior forces clogging up space inside, the edges and linebackers can get after it behind them to potentially get to the ball carrier quickly.
Sounds nice, in theory.
Commanders defense cannot let Saquon Barkley run riot over them in Week 1
But until fans see it for themselves, they are right to have a sense of trepidation whenever the Commanders come up against Barkley.
This game will be won or lost in the trenches. And there will be no love lost in an intimidating atmosphere.
If the Commanders' defensive front can control the line of scrimmage against Philadelphia's formidable offensive line, that'll make things more difficult for Barkley. Taking the game out of his hands and putting it into quarterback Jalen Hurts' is the smartest course of action. If Washington's offense can also control the clock on the other side, this could be a recipe for success.
Again, it's a nice theory.
Actually putting it into motion is the difficult part.
This is the first chance for Jones to show off his defense. He will want to leave a positive impression.
The Commanders didn't show much in the preseason, which was by design. They have the element of surprise working in their favor, and even though a lot of Brian Flores' system will be implemented, Washington's coordinator will have a few tricks the Eagles might not be ready for.
Stopping Barkley is key. The rot has to stop at some point, and it must come with some personal pride.
The Commanders cannot let Barkley run riot. This is his first game in a new system, and it would be shocking if he didn't accumulate a wealth of touches.
But if the Commanders' defense led by Jones can keep him in check, their chances of pulling off an upset increase exponentially.
Easier said than done. But don't count the Commanders out just yet.
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