5 Commanders who need to improve to survive the offseason overhaul on defense – and predicting their futures in Washington

The Commanders’ defense will go through many changes this offseason. Five players need to improve to survive it.

Josh Taylor — Washington Commanders News Writer
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The Washington Commanders have been officially eliminated from a chance at the playoffs after getting blown out against the Minnesota Vikings, but the season isn’t over.

It’s time for the team to start evaluating the roster and thinking about the big picture with a critical offseason ahead. The defense is the one side of the ball that needs a makeover in the coaching staff and on the roster. Five players need to put their best foot forward over these last four games so the new defensive coordinator can feel confident in their roles in Washington, or decide to move on.

5 Commanders who must improve to survive overhaul on defense

1: S Quan Martin

This was supposed to be a big season for Quan Martin, but just like many others, it’s been a huge disappointment, and his future is in doubt. Martin has allowed 437 passing yards in coverage and missed 14 tackles this season. He has a 39.5 coverage grade on PFF and is one of the biggest liabilities in coverage this season.

Prediction: Martin won’t be a starter next season, but will probably stick around as a depth guy that can play in different roles.

2: CB Mike Sainristil

Mike Sainristil might be the most disappointing player on defense this season after seeing him shine as a rookie last year. His regression has been concerning on the outside and in the slot. He’s given up the most receiving yards and touchdowns in coverage on the team, which says a lot (580 yards and six touchdowns). Sainristil has also been really bad in the run game with bad angles and weak tackling attempts. He also leads the team with three interceptions, which also shows their struggles with turnovers.

Prediction: The right defensive coordinator can help Sainristil get back on track because the talent is there. It’s too early to give up on him. They need to decide where to play him and let him grow.

3: DT Johnny Newton

We haven’t heard a lot about Johnny Newton this season, which isn’t the best news. He’s had his opportunities this season to develop, but it hasn’t happened. Newton actually has the lowest PFF run defending grade on the entire defense at 38.7.

The one positive part of his season is that he has only one missed tackle and generated 17 pressures with two sacks, which is average.

Prediction: Newton stays as a rotational player, with plenty of room still to grow in a new defense.

4: DT Daron Payne

Daron Payne is the one player on defense who has been here the longest, and his future could be in doubt. He started the season strong by getting back to rushing the quarterback, but the last few weeks have been a different story.

Ever since he got suspended for throwing a punch during the Detroit Lions game, Payne has been off. He only has two pressures and one sack over the last four games he’s played, and he’s been bad in the run game, too.

Prediction: The Commanders look for a trade partner with one more year on his contract, and one of the only trade pieces on the team. A free agent could fill in for him next season.

5: LB Frankie Luvu

Frankie Luvu has been having one of his worst seasons, and yet another surprise has been what we’ve seen from him after being voted the 70th player in the NFL top-100. He leads the team in missed tackles with 15, and it’s shown on film all season long.

Luvu has also given up four touchdowns in coverage, which is the second most. He only has three sacks this year, which is his lowest since 2021. Luvu has been moved around a lot, so he should get some benefit of the doubt, but his tackling has been really bad.

Prediction: Luvu is a candidate for an extension, but I don’t see that happening. He will get one year under a new defensive coordinator, who needs to figure out where to play him with his strengths.

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