Commanders called out by NFL writer for one major concern

One of the major questions heading into training camp is can the Washington Commanders defense step up in 2025?

Dec 29, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn looks on from the sidelines against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images | Amber Searls-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders enter training camp with hopes of building on last season’s offensive progress.

The spotlight now turns to the Commanders defense that held the team back from legitimate contention in 2024.

NFL.com’s Jeremy Bregman captured the concern perfectly, referencing Washington and their performance in the NFC Championship game last season.

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Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs past Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (1) and safety Quan Martin (20) on way to a 23-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

“The last we saw the Commanders defense, it was being boat-raced off Lincoln Financial Field by Saquon Barkley and Co. to the tune of 459 yards and 55 points allowed,” said Bregman. “Joe Whitt Jr.'s middling outfit was the more disappointing unit in 2024 and saw some turnover this offseason that should change things — for better or worse, who knows?”

That turnover includes the departure of longtime team leader and defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who now suits up for the Minnesota Vikings. In response, Washington added multiple new faces to the defensive line: Javon Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman, and Sheldon Day. None individually match Allen’s resume, but the hope is that together they can fill the void.

Allen is “replaced in the aggregate by Peters favorite Javon Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman and Sheldon Day.”

Commanders in their secondary went out and added some pieces to help a secondary that struggled last season.

Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) catches a touchdown against Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) and safety Quan Martin (20) during the second quarter of a NFC wild card playoff at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

“The loss of former starter Benjamin St-Juste has been offset at CB by the additions of ex-Patriot Jonathan Jones and second-round pick Trey Amos,” Bregman said. “Those two will pair with Marshon Lattimore, last year's midseason addition who dealt with injuries in '24 and didn't live up to the hype in five total games played.”

Joe Whitt Jr., who joined the Commanders with Quinn from Dallas, now finds himself in a critical position.

“Dan Quinn came to D.C. to instill a defensive identity and ended up with one of the NFL’s best offenses. Training camp will be a proving ground for Quinn, Whitt and the aforementioned defensive additions to turn around a unit that held D.C. back from a title bout last season,” said Bregman.

Training camp will offer early answers. Is this defense ready to evolve? The pieces are new, the spotlight is on, and the time to find out has officially arrived.

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