The Washington Commanders are searching for answers after consecutive losses that highlighted their defensive shortcomings under first-year head coach Dan Quinn.
Following a 28-27 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers and a 26-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington's defense has come under scrutiny for its inability to stop the run.
The Commanders allowed 312 total yards against Pittsburgh, including 140 on the ground, while their offense managed just 242 total yards. The struggles continued against Philadelphia, where they gave up 434 total yards—228 of which came on the ground—while Washington’s offense was held to 264 total yards.
These performances have helped drop the Commanders to 30th in the league in rushing defense, allowing an average of 152.1 rushing yards per game.
“These last two [games] have been hard. You’d love for your team to go through it all and keep into this space where everything’s going (well). That’s not how it is. You know that the adversity is coming,” said Quinn.
“You also gain a lot from it. There’s some hardness that you gain. There’s some closing mentality that you can gain, but you do have to go through it.
"You don’t become a tough person unless you go through these tough spots.”
While their sixth-ranked pass defense has been a bright spot, the Commanders' overall struggles have been amplified by an offense that has slowed down. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has been hindered by a rib injury, leading to decreased production and greater pressure on the defense.
The Commanders now prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys, whose 31st-ranked rushing attack could provide a chance for Washington to reset. A victory could steady the ship, while a loss may further complicate an already challenging season.
The Cowboys have struggled to establish their run game, which offers hope to the Commanders' struggling run defense while also battling key injuries with extensive personnel popping up on their recent injury report.
