Commanders player grades through Week 2: Defense and Special Teams

How are the key Washington Commanders players on defense and special teams stacking up through two weeks of a memorable 2023 season so far?

Part two of our Washington Commanders player grades looks at the defense and special teams. Two areas of play that have contributed heavily to the team's impressive 2-0 start to begin the campaign.

The defense has been a bit of an up-and-down affair through the first two weeks. Disappointing lapses have been offset by dominant stretches.

In each of the first two games, the defensive line has taken control during crucial moments. That was what most envisaged when the Commanders assembled their roster of first-round linemen on this side of the football.

Moving forward, even with improved firepower on offense, this team will most likely go as far as that defensive line will carry it. And so, to the grades.

Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT

• Player Grade: A-

Do you remember the old Purple People Eaters? The Minnesota Vikings defensive line in the ‘70s? Jonathan Allen is only 28 years old, but somehow he has become the Jim Marshall of the Commanders defensive line.

The wise old veteran – the steady presence. Others have made splashier plays, but Allen is on the field more than any of them and is always on point.