5 winners and losers from the Commanders embarrassing loss vs. Bears in Week 5
By Dean Jones
Loser No. 2
Jack Del Rio - Commanders DC
Before the season, many pundits and fans predicted the Washington Commanders' defense to be among the league's best. The talent at all three levels coupled with secondary additions and the return of defensive end Chase Young dictated improvements, but it's been a complete letdown through the first five weeks.
The defensive scheme implemented by Jack Del Rio is borderline archaic and not in keeping with the modern-day NFL. The Chicago Bears were missing some prominent offensive linemen and still had their way, gaining what they wanted against the run and thanks to D.J. Moore, accumulated substantial profitability through the air.
It seemed as if Del Rio had one intent once again. Rushing four, dropping seven back in Cover 2 zone, and hoping for the best. When the coordinator did go with man coverage on the outside, the wrong guy was on Moore, who took full advantage en route to a career night.
This is nothing short of coaching malpractice. Del Rio's complete reluctance to move with the times and adjust to counteract specific opposition threats is holding this team back - whether it's enough for Ron Rivera to pull the trigger for change is another matter.
If this was a one-off for Del Rio, he could be excused. But the man watched Emmanuel Forbes get burned constantly by A.J. Brown last weekend and thought it was beneficial to stack the confidence-ridden rookie cornerback against D.J. Moore in the hope of different results.
Rivera's seat is warming with every loss. If the head coach does decide to go bold with his alterations, Del Rio could be the sacrificial lamb.