The Commanders’ biggest flaws on defense reappeared against the Eagles, and there’s only one way to fix them this offseason
The Commanders’ defense has many flaws that showed themselves against the Eagles, such as getting pressure and missing tackles. The only way to fix them is by adding better talent.
The Washington Commanders were hanging in there against the Philadelphia Eagles, but things took a turn for the worse in the second half, and all of their defensive flaws reappeared.
The Commanders have a lot of needs this offseason, with Adam Peters looking to add playmakers in free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. The defense needs to be a top priority, and of course, finding a new defensive coordinator is the first task.
But, after the Eagles game, we saw the flaws that need to be fixed, and the only way to fix the is by adding better talent.
The Commanders’ lack of a pass rush is alarming
The Commanders started the season by getting to the quarterback, but injuries threw a wrench in their gameplans. Deatrich Wise went down for the season in the second game, and Dorance Armstrong went down for the season just weeks later. Armstrong was top-5 in the league in pressures and sacks when he went down, and they haven’t been able to pick up the production since.
Against the Eagles, the Commanders had their worst pass-rushing game, and Jalen Hurts had his lowest pressure rate in a game in his career. Hurts was pressured on just four of his 37 dropbacks, which is inexcusable.
The Commanders need to add a pass rusher this offseason, especially with Wise as a free agent, and we don’t know how long Armstrong will be out with his injury. Peters can sign someone like Trey Hendrickson or Boye Mafe, or look to the draft for the next guy.
The Commanders lack fundamentals like tackling
It’s crazy to say that the team still can’t tackle in Week 17 of a season, but that’s the Commanders’ defense. Missed tackles have been an issue all season, but they were back to its worse once again against the Eagles. Players like Jeremy Reaves were going for fumbles instead of tackles against Saquon Barkley, and open-field tackling was a disaster. There’s no discipline or pride in their tackling.
The Commanders had 12 total missed tackles, and Reaves, Bobby Wagner, and Antonio Hamilton all had two each. Barkley forced six missed tackles and had 63 of his 132 rushing yards from missed tackles. The Commanders need better linebacker play and have to improve at the safety position. There’s a clear lack of talent in the secondary, and they can’t roll out these same safeties next season. There’s a reason why taking Caleb Downs in the top-10 of the draft is a real argument worth having this offseason.
Hopefully, it’ll take just one offseason to fix the Commanders’ defense, which has more issues than I listed. It all starts up front with getting pressure and basic fundamentals that shouldn’t be talked about still at the end of the season. There’s a glaring lack of talent and a skill gap in many positions on the defense that need an overhaul.
Washington Commanders News
Commanders 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Washington collects extra picks in the top-100 of the draft to rebuild roster needs
The Commanders trade back for more picks in the latest 3-round 2026 NFL mock draft to select WR Carnell Tate, and address the defensive needs as well.
