It hasn't been the start Daronte Jones had in mind for his defense overall. And the Washington Commanders' defensive coordinator is looking to simplify things moving forward to ease one of their biggest concerns.
When pinpointing what's gone wrong so far, Jones highlighted communication. Things have taken a hit in this regard since veteran linebacker Frankie Luvu was forced off the field in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles with a groin injury, and things weren't better last time out in Dallas, either.
There is no Bobby Wagner to get everyone in the right spots anymore. Luvu was doing a nice job, but there seems to be nobody else capable of doing the same. And with the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks up next, that could be a major issue.
Daronte Jones is looking to make things simple for Commanders' defense after rough start
But for every problem, there is a potential solution.
Jones plans to simplify the calls coming onto the field from the sidelines in Washington's home opener. That should speed things up, allowing players to get into their correct positions pre-snap and hopefully avoiding any unnecessary complications.
Sounds good, in theory.
However, these are not new problems.
Joe Whitt Jr. also bemoaned these issues during his time as defensive coordinator. It's a movie Commanders fans have seen before. And even with a new play-caller and a revamped unit, the same problems have emerged.
The big question is why, and nobody knows the answer right now. But if it doesn't change soon, teams will keep picking the Commanders apart.
Obviously, it's taking longer than expected for this group to become a cohesive unit. Nobody was expecting an elite operation right out of the gate, but communicating effectively is the minimum requirement.
Commanders defense has shown bright spots under Daronte Jones, but communication is an issue
And the Commanders are failing.
They cannot have any blown assignments against the Seahawks. Sam Darnold is expected to be back under center, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be eyeing another prolific afternoon against a suspect Commanders' secondary that will be missing veteran safety Nick Cross and Trey Amos, who has two games left before he can be activated from injured reserve.
If communication between the coaches and players isn't on point, the Commanders will have big problems.
Jones knows it. He's making the adjustments to make things a little easier. And everyone associated with Washington will be hoping it improves the group's chemistry.
Because if it doesn't, the Commanders will suffer a third consecutive loss to begin the campaign.
There are some bright spots. The Commanders are generating pressure, and their run defense is much improved from a year ago. But for Jones to make the improvements that will stand the test of time, everything needs to be much more fluid before the snap.
Unlike some other concerns, this should be correctable. But the players also have to execute effectively.
Luvu might not feature again this weekend. Cross has already been ruled out, and defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw is dealing with a shoulder problem. Not ideal, but their chances of being competitive improve with enhanced communication.
Whether Jones' grand plan will have the desired effect against one of the league's powerhouses is another matter.
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