Commanders New Addition Could Lead to Major Defensive Shift

The Washington Commanders struggled on defense in 2025, coming away as the worst team in the NFL in total defense according to FOX Sports. Horrible across all three levels of their defense, Washington made a concerted effort this offseason to make sure history doesn't repeat itself.

In the NFL, everything starts in the trenches when it comes to success, and General Manager Adam Peters understood this when he and his staff were attacking free agency.

The Commanders got faster and more versatile on the edge with Odafe Oweh, K'Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu, but they also added to the interior with the likes of Tim Settle and recently signed D.J. Davidson to join Daron Payne, Javon Kinlaw, and Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton.

Washington will be moving to a 3-4 base with new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, and the moves show just how multiple he plans on being on that side of the ball. However, per sources, there seems to be a new wrinkle with the addition of a true nose tackle like Davidson, where the team will plan on running more defensive sets with three bigs across the defensive line.

Heavy Sets More Prevelant in the DMV

On paper, the signing of Davidson just looked like a depth move. However, it's actually part of the blueprint for a new-look Commanders defense. By incorporating more three big sets, the Commanders are done being pushed around at the line of scrimmage, building a physical wall that allows their newfound speed and athleticism at the edges and linebacker core to fly around and make plays while Davidson and company do the heavy lifting in the dirt by eating up double teams.

Being able to shift the front in the trenches without changing personnel will make it more difficult for offenses to identify the strength of the defense, meaning that the defense won't give as many tells to the opposing team for them to attack and take advantage of.

Washington Commanders DT Jer'Zhan Newto — Washington Commanders defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (95) Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn Images

The heavy set has its advantages when it comes to opening up lanes for backers and edges to get into the backfield to create pressure on the quarterback, but where you will really see its potential is when it comes to stopping the run, as well as in goal-line/short-yardage situations.

The Commanders' defense struggled in this area last season, ranking 30th in rushing yards allowed per game (141.8), 31st in red zone defense, 23rd in third down defense, and a gaudy 4.8 yards per carry. Needless to say, Washington was soft against the run in 2025 and thus must turn things around.

Using heavy sets has its disadvantages as well, but with how the Commanders have structured their roster along the trenches, they should be able to cause havoc on opposing offenses no matter what scheme Jones decides to throw out there every week.