The Commanders should make one obvious change after player’s recent struggles, but it’s unlikely they will
The Commanders need to fix the root of their problems.
The Washington Commanders’ defense has been the main topic of the struggling start to the season, and improvements have yet to be seen as we hit the halfway mark.
Head coach Dan Quinn said they are taking away certain plays, but that’s not the kind of change fans want to see. The Commanders will be heavily tested over the next few weeks as they play top offenses in the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, and Detroit Lions.
We will likely see the same results every week unless the coaching staff replaces Marshon Lattimore with Jonathan Jones, who has returned from injury.
Commanders should replace Marshon Lattimore
The defense has been awful through the first seven games, and there are many fingers to point on defense, from the linebackers to the secondary. The one clear weakness, however, comes from a trade for a big-name veteran that has taken a turn for the worse. Lattimore was supposed to be an x-factor this season now that he’s finally healthy, but we’re seeing the same liability in coverage every week.
Teams are singling out Lattimore and coverage, and taking advantage of his playing status. Whether it’s deep passes in coverage or drawing penalties, offenses are creating explosive plays on Lattimore at a high rate, as he’s one of the worst corners in the league this season.
According to PFF, Lattimore has given up 17 catches for 258 yards, which is an average of 15.2 yards per catch. Yikes. He also has the second-most penalties by an outside corner with seven. Nothing will change if they keep Lattimore on the field, and the season will be over in three weeks with losses. It’s time to see what you really have on the team by putting Jones on the field.
Commanders should start Jonathan Jones
It makes too much sense to put Jones on the field at this rate, because things couldn’t possibly be any worse. Jones just came back from injury last week and can play both inside and outside corner. Mike Sainristil has also struggled big time this season after being moved into the slot, so maybe Jones can play inside, and Sainristil can go back outside. Jones has played primarily on the outside, even as a smaller corner, but still has plenty of experience in the slot.
The Commanders might not get rid of Lattimore yet, but they might as well try to trade him for a late-day three pick at this rate, and save the money as well. Even if they can’t trade him, releasing him will come with a 2025 cap saving of $16 million. The team could make a player swap trade for a corner as well, but the position needs an overhaul now and this offseason.
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