Commanders News: Chase Young, 2020 draft, sale vote and defense ranked
By Dean Jones
Commanders defense gets high ranking
Some questions remain about the Washington Commanders' offense heading into the new season. But the coaching staff can relax safe in the knowledge they have a top-level defensive unit that should keep them in games more often than not.
Jack Del Rio's group put together another outstanding campaign in 2022. Had it not been for a suspect offensive line and erratic quarterback play, it could have spearheaded another postseason tilt.
Washington's defense has only gotten stronger this offseason with the additions of first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes, second-rounder Quan Martin, and promising edge rusher K.J. Henry via the draft. Cody Barton was signed in free agency and Cameron Dantzler Sr. was scooped up off the waiver wire.
When ranking every NFL defense, Arif Hasan from Pro Football Network put the Commanders at No. 4 and claimed they were going under the radar as an elite unit compared to others.
"The Commanders finished seventh in points last year and fifth in EPA per play allowed but aren’t considered a high-level defense. They should be. They added to the secondary with a first- and second-round pick at cornerback and have a capable safety in Kamren Curl. They have a fantastic interior and should have high-level EDGE play, even if Chase Young isn’t completely healthy the entire season."
- Arif Hasan, Pro Football Network
If Del Rio's unit emerges into a top-five defense next season and Eric Bieniemy's introduction sparks like into the Commanders' offense, then a profitable campaign in 2023 might be in the offing.