4 big problems the Commanders must fix heading into Week 4 at Eagles
By Dean Jones
Commanders LB discipline
Again, this looked like a grave concern throughout the offseason. If the causal fan or analyst could see it, why couldn't the experienced tandem of head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio?
Little to no investment was made in the linebacker position in free agency or the draft. The Washington Commanders opted to replace Cody Barton with Cole Holcomb, which looks like a grave error in judgment right now based on the free-agent signing's current production.
If one looked at Barton's tackle stats and nothing else, one would be hard-pressed to see what the problem was. However, the former third-round selection's discipline against the run leaves a lot to be desired - exactly what the Commanders didn't need going up against a mobile, physical quarterback in Josh Allen.
Jamin Davis is doing a little better, but it's still not in keeping with the production of a third-year pro and former first-round selection. The Commanders need him to communicate and enforce in equal measure, especially given Barton's failings over the first three weeks.
Whether this results in Khaleke Hudson or Jabril Cox coming into the mix remains to be seen. But the Philadelphia Eagles have a potent running back trio and quarterback Jalen Hurts, who can also accumulate significant rushing yardage if not accounted for.
This has to be addressed in the coming days. Otherwise, the same complications will arise at Lincoln Financial Field.