There was plenty of blame to go around during the Washington Commanders' disastrous 2025 season. However, head coach Dan Quinn's defense was one of the worst in the NFL.
With Jayden Daniels in Year 2, Washington was expected to build off its stunning run to the NFC Championship and compete for a Super Bowl. But games aren't won with one player, and when the franchise signal-caller struggled to stay on the field, it was exposed just how far away the Commanders still are from hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy.
Washington ranked dead last in yards allowed league-wide and sixth-worst in points conceded, while only forcing more turnovers than the New York Jets. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was demoted midway through the season, and when Quinn took over his role, the improvements were only marginal.
Dan Quinn pulled no punches over Commanders' defensive failures in 2025
For the defensive-minded boss, it's not okay. Quinn knows it, and fixing it will be a primary focus ahead of the 2026 season alongside new coordinator Daronte Jones.
During an appearance on The Team 980 with Kevin Sheehan, the host asked Quinn what the most frustrating thing about the Commanders' defense was in 2025. He wasted no time responding, saying Washington lacked the speed and violence needed to compete.
"There was a lot, but the play style and the speed and violence that I love when we play with... the most disappointing part was to not see that on a consistent basis. When you play with that type of energy and connection and joy, then it's takeaways and great tackling and all that can bring. So that's at the top of the pile, to recapture that."Dan Quinn via The Team 980
What was the most disappointing aspect of the Commanders' defense last year? Dan Quinn gives his answer pic.twitter.com/4VcU3crbbk
— The Team 980 (@team980) February 13, 2026
There's no doubt that Washington's lack of speed and explosiveness, along with the missed tackles, were an issue. Most of that can be attributed to the unit simply being too old, while also losing its best edge rusher, Dorance Armstrong Jr., to a significant knee injury after just seven contests.
Mike Sainristil was the only consistent turnover generator on Washington's defense, but he gave up just as many big plays as he made. Young linebacker Jordan Magee's dynamism was a bright spot, but he struggled to make much of an impact in the stat sheet. All in all, the defense was lethargic and stale.
That will need to change in a big way next year within Jones's more creative defensive scheme concepts. Quinn will be responsible for getting more energy out of his unit as well, and if he can't, his seat will warm up in a hurry.