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Ranking the Commanders' defense and special teams against NFC rivals in 2023

Looking at how things stand for the Commanders on defense and special teams.

By Jonathan Eig

Montez Sweat
Montez Sweat / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Commanders position groups vs. NFC East - CB

1. Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles lost some key defenders like Javon Hargraves, D.J. Edwards, and a couple of safeties (don’t worry – it’s coming) but they were able to retain cornerback James Bradberry to pair with Darius Slay.

Both are very solid veterans who can play on an island or in zone concepts. They get the edge over the Dallas Cowboys because of slot corner Avonte Maddox. And they have good young developmental players in Kelee Ringo and Zech McPhearson to provide depth.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Stephon Gilmore turns 33 years old this season and there is always the chance that his play could fall off. But I expect he’ll be just fine and will pair with Trevon Diggs to form a strong tandem on the perimeter.

Diggs' high-risk style can bite him at times, but he remains a scary playmaker. Dallas doesn’t have Philadelphia’s depth, though I know some people are very high on DaRon Bland taking over the slot role this year.

3. Washington Commanders

The Commanders invested heavily in the defensive backfield, taking corners with their top two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. If Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin play up to expectations, this could be a special group.

They have good players in Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste already on hand to allow the rookies to grow into their roles.

4. New York Giants

Adoree’ Jackson may not be elite, but he is a good cornerback. Assuming the knee injury he suffered toward the end of 2022 doesn’t linger, he will be fine.

The New York Giants are counting on rookie Deonte Banks being a major upgrade over Fabian Moreau this year, and cornerback is one of the positions where a rookie can have an immediate impact. But unlike in Washington, where the first-year duo can ease into the season, the former Maryland star needs to be up to speed immediately.

I like Cordale Flott in the slot, and not just because it rhymes. But the Giants are thin beyond those three.

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