Commanders 'Elite Defense' Could Hide Lackluster QB Play
The Washington Commanders have question marks at the quarterback position, but it may not be as big of an issue compared to what other teams may face.
Only a handful of teams have elite quarterbacks, which makes up the majority of the true playoff contenders in the NFL.
However, not all of those teams have as strong of a defense as the Commanders do.
"If Howell can hold off Jacoby Brissett and perform better than last year's tandem of Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz did, Washington might just be a playoff contender," Bleacher Report writes. "The reason for this—and the reason Washington should feel confident about its chances—is a defense that is among the NFL's best."
The Commanders defense was one of the best in the NFL last season and helped willed Washington to a 8-8-1 record despite having a revolving door at quarterback with Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke.
That defense is only expected to improve with a healthy Chase Young on the edge, last year's second-round rookie Phidarian Mathis coming back to add depth to the defensive line and additions in the secondary with rookies Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin.
For the past several years, Washington has been built on its high-end defensive talent and it remains the core of the team. That's why the Commanders can get away from playing Sam Howell and/or Jacoby Brissett in such a pivotal year for the coaching staff and front office.
If Brissett or Howell are serviceable and play smart football, Washington will be in the thick of things come December and January.
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