The Washington Commanders' defense is crumbling, and their playoff chances are going down with it.
After a devastating loss to the Dallas Cowboys in which they gave up 44 points and over 400 yards of total offense, fans are realizing that this isn't the same electric Commanders team that shocked the NFL world by advancing to the NFC Championship game last season.
In the middle of the chaos, one rookie is quietly establishing himself as one of the Commanders' best young defenders. We're just seven weeks into the season, but second-round draft pick Trey Amos already looks like the best cornerback on the team.
Trey Amos is quietly becoming Commanders' top cornerback
Even in a game where Washington allowed over 400 yards of total offense and 257 yards through the air, Amos looked like a quality cornerback. Outside of a ridiculous catch on the sideline by George Pickens in the first quarter, the rookie was able to limit the explosive plays he allowed. He consistently had solid coverage on the Cowboys' receivers, sticking with them and forcing Dak Prescott to look elsewhere.
This was a daunting challenge for the young defensive back, as Dallas has one of the top wide receiver duos in football. Pickens and CeeDee Lamb would be dangerous for any cornerback to line up against, let alone a rookie. But Amos held his own throughout, validating his second-round selection.
The same can't be said for Marshon Lattimore. The veteran cornerback struggled all game long, allowing multiple big plays down the field and committing a couple of costly penalties. Prescott seemed to be targeting him whenever he got the chance.
Both leading receivers were beating him on their routes, but Pickens had a field day against him. The big wideout beat Lattimore on a couple of contested catches.
With Amos' strong performance and Lattimore's collapse, it's starting to look like the Commanders have a new top cornerback. The rookie has been more than solid in coverage throughout the season, allowing completions on just 59 percent of the passes thrown in his direction, according to Pro Football Focus
Amos did leave the field late in the game with an apparent injury. Hopefully, it's not a serious issue and he can return to the field soon. The Commanders will need their new cornerback in the game if they're going to revive their playoff hopes before it's too late.