7 Commanders players (and coaches) that won't be back in 2024
By Dean Jones
Jack Del Rio - Commanders DC
The Washington Commanders' defense came into the season with high expectations. This was a group loaded with high-end draft picks and progressive young players on the up, which pointed to a highly profitable campaign if everyone stayed clear of injuries.
Sadly, it's been extremely disappointing. The Commanders look uninspired and unprepared more often than not, which is a damning indictment on defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and his coaching staff.
Del Rio's another coming in for significant criticism this season. His defensive strategies are often bland and predictable, which normally leads to the opposition quickly figuring things out en route to substantial yardage.
Trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat represented a tell-tale sign of how Josh Harris' ownership group has viewed the team's defensive struggles. Ron Rivera's been loyal to a fault with Del Rio, but it won't be much longer before this particular decision is taken out of his hands.
Washington is No. 30 league-wide in passing yards allowed per game at 258.5. To make matters worse, their lauded front seven is also conceding 114.3 yards per game on the ground.
This is simply unacceptable when one considers the talent at Del Rio's disposal. When he gets the news that his services are no longer required by the Commanders, there will be few complaints.