The Washington Commanders’ defense is terrible in 2025. Not good in 2024 either, but rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels masks many of the team’s flaws. Unfortunately, Daniels missed 10 games in 2025 and only completed four, while the Commanders faced injury issues throughout the roster.
But injuries aren’t necessarily the reason why Washington’s defense is so bad. Of course, it doesn’t help, but several players who were great in 2024 regressed in 2025. Safety Quan Martin, cornerback Mike Sainristil and linebacker Frankie Luvu all took a step back.
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Washington had some success stopping the offense early in the season. That faded away as the season went on. The pass defense has struggled all season. As far as the pass rush goes, it’s never been the same since Dorrance Armstrong’s loss in Week 7.
Here are some defensive rankings for the 2025 Commander class:
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Total defense (yds): 32nd Regiment (384.3 YPG)
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Pass Defense (Yards): 28th (242.5)
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Run Defense (Yards):30th (141.8)
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Points allowed: 22nd (26.3 points)
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sack: 14th (2.4 times per game)
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Key points: No. 31 (total 10)
It appears Commander is the right game for every quarterback. Struggled young quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. and JJ McCarthy have shown their best performance against Washington’s defense.
In an article for ESPN, John Keim provides insight into what other teams think of Washington’s defense.
One opposing coach who faced Washington in the second half of the season called it the “easiest” defense they faced all season. He said they’re not worried about anything outside of the ranks — especially Darren Payne and Javon Kinlaw.
According to Keim, another opposing coach said the following.
Another opposing coach said earlier this week that Washington needs to add more talent on that side of the ball regardless of who gets the coordinator job.
That coach was right. While Washington fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. after the season, he didn’t have much to work with. That’s not to say Whitt did a great job, he seemed unstoppable at times and often had no answers, but, you still need talent.
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The Commanders hired Daronte Jones to replace him and appear committed to giving him the resources he needs to improve Washington’s defense.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell showed his respect for the Washington defense. He waited until Week 10 against the Commanders to take over the offensive reins. It seemed like a genius move, but Detroit was never able to repeat the magic the rest of the season. These playmakers are exactly what the Lions and Campbell need at the right time.
Being called “Easy” or “Easiest” should both motivate and upset general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. Especially Quinn, given his background as one of the top defensive coordinators in the NFL. The good news for commanders is: they have no choice but to upgrade in 2026.
This article originally appeared in Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Opposing coach says defense is ‘easiest’ in NFL
