The Commanders’ defense could have a youth movement with two players stepping up for the remainder of the season
We are finally seeing what the future of the defense could look like.
The Washington Commanders are looking to keep their season alive against the Seattle Seahawks, and they’ll need the defense to step up to have a chance.
The defense has been the biggest concern throughout the season, and one common factor has had an impact every week. The film has shown a lack of speed, and the defense needs youth that can run around and make plays.
Veterans getting a majority of playing time has been a big topic for discussions this season, but there could be a youth movement after changes by defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
The Commanders are getting younger on defense with increased roles
It might have taken half of the season to get real changes, but at least we are finally seeing more of two high-profile athletes in linebacker Jordan Magee and defensive back Tyler Owens. Whitt Jr. said he would play more of Magee and Owens, and we finally saw a flash of what they could do against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Magee played a season-high 58 snaps, and his range and tackling ability flashed. He finished with zero missed tackles, which has been an issue all season for other defenders. His coverage ability still needs to develop, but he has all of the traits to become a starting linebacker that the Commanders need.
Owens also had a season-high 25 snaps on defense, and Whitt Jr. wasn’t afraid to move him around and see where he was the most comfortable. According to PFF, Owens had four snaps at outside corner, nine in the box, and 10 snaps as a slot corner. He only allowed one catch for two yards and finished with three tackles. Whitt Jr. loved what he saw from both defenders and expects that trend to continue.
Increased roles should continue for Jordan Magee and Tyler Owens
At some point, the Commanders needed to see what they had in their youth so they could actually evaluate the roster after the season. If you play well, you earn more opportunities to show what you can do, and that’s the plan moving forward, according to Whitt Jr.
“Yeah, when you play well, you get more opportunities,” Whitt Jr. said. “And it’s going to be hard to get Jordan [Magee] off the field. So, we have to make sure that we can find roles for him. Same as TO [Owens], TO is a guy who has a lot of hit power to him and a lot of speed. I mean, there was a ball that got on the sideline, and you just saw those two kids just boom, going to it right now. And, man, that was good to see. So, we’ll find spaces for them to continue to get roles on them in the game.”
The growth and development of Magee and Owens could really help the Commanders as they’re expected to overhaul the defense this offseason. Filling in possible corner and linebacker spots could help the Commanders focus on other positions in defense, like safety and pass rushers.
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