The Washington Commanders need to pull out all the stops to avoid a major 0-2 deficit against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. But it'll be up to new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' unit to make the difference.
This all starts with pressure. And lots of it.
The offense struggled for three quarters against the Philadelphia Eagles. Third-year quarterback Jayden Daniels couldn't get going as he faced heavy pressure and the secondary blanketed Washington's wideouts. David Blough's group finally found some momentum down the stretch, but came up just short.
Commanders must keep bringing the pressure to make Dak Prescott uncomfortable
Aside from giving up a few chunk plays, the defense was phenomenal. Now they'll have a much tougher task against a potent Cowboys squad.
It'll be hard to know just how much the Commanders' defense has improved until they face an elite offense.
The Eagles have been extremely inconsistent from year to year in that regard lately because they lack continuity at offensive coordinator. Therefore, it's still too early to say what to make of Week 1.
But Dallas has two top wideouts in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, and quarterback Dak Prescott is an experienced upper-echelon passer who can get them the ball. And in their home opener after a loss to the New York Giants, they'll be extra motivated to bring their best.
The Commanders need to make life difficult for Prescott and his weapons, and it'll start with bringing the heat.
Jones loves to blitz, much like his mentor, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. Invading the opposing backfield will have to be a top priority for Washington at AT&T Stadium this weekend.
Daronte Jones can make a big statement by limiting Cowboys' offense in Week 2
Washington's secondary will also need to do its part to limit the explosive plays (that means you, Mike Sainristil), especially as they continue to operate without Trey Amos. But it starts with forcing Prescott into mistakes by consistently getting the signal-caller off his spot.
Unlike previous years against Dallas, the Commanders have the personnel to make this happen.
Edge rushers Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson made strong Week 1 impressions in Washington's new 3-4 scheme. Sonny Styles also had a highlight-reel sack in his debut, as did Frankie Luvu. Dorance Armstrong Jr. will suit up for the first time this year after a one-game suspension, looking to pick up where he left off in 2025 prior to tearing his ACL against the same Cowboys club.
Even if Luvu cannot go with a groin injury, Leo Chenal has similar traits. And it's a much more formidable group than Prescott has come up against in recent years.
Jones' scheme only enhances it.
All of them will need to fly around the field and wreak havoc if the Commanders want to give themselves a chance on Sunday. The offense should fare better against Dallas's pitiful back end, but Jones' group will have a much tougher challenge.
After giving up more yardage than any other team in the NFL a season ago, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn took serious measures to revamp their "D" by bringing in Jones and overhauling his personnel.
Week 1 was a promising start, but now it's time to make a statement.
A tough battle lies ahead. But for the 47-year-old longtime assistant who has weathered a storm or two along his journey to Washington, it's an opportunity.
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