Commanders Coach Jack Del Rio 'Expects Defense to Play Better' vs. Eagles

The Washington Commanders have struggled on the defensive side of the ball for the first two games. Can their fortunes change against the Philadelphia Eagles this weekend?

Jeremy Brener | Sep 23, 2022

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The Washington Commanders are hoping to return to their winning ways this weekend as they host the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. But in order for that to happen, the Commanders defense is going to have to step up.

It's hard to believe just two seasons ago that Washington was home to the league's second-best defense. Now, the unit ranks towards the bottom of the league. Through two weeks, the Commanders rank 26th in yards allowed (404.0) and 27th in points allowed (27.0). Despite the struggles, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is hopeful the team is on the right path.

“Yeah, I think we're growing, developing," Del Rio said. "The last couple of weeks haven't gone exactly like we'd like there are some really good moments in each of the ball games and I think there's some things that we'll certainly learn from and do a lot better going forward. So, I like the group."

The group is adjusting in all three position groups. The defensive line has seen second-round rookie Phidarian Mathis tear his meniscus, knocking himself out for the season. Meanwhile, defensive end Chase Young has yet to make his 2022 debut. Safety Kam Curl also hasn't made an appearance so far this season, but that should change this weekend. The linebackers are also figuring out new roles, which makes the transition period challenging, but the unit is working hard to iron out the kinks.

"The group is working really hard," Del Rio said. "I think we've had a good time kind of putting it all together. I expect us to play better football. From things that haven't gone well, you kind of teach, correct and move on. We are preparing for a very good team and we’re looking forward to having them come into our place. Looking forward to playing really good football.”

The Commanders hope to play really good football against the Eagles Sunday at 1 p.m. at FedEx Field.

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Published Sep 23, 2022

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.