Commander Country

Commanders Coach Pleased with Defensive Progress

The Washington Commanders are making moves on the defensive side of the ball.

Jeremy Brener

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Washington Commanders had nowhere to go but up after being the worst defense in the NFL last season.

Now, the Commanders are 4-1, and while rookie Jayden Daniels and their offense are a big part of the reason behind the team's success, the defense is also stepping up to the plate.

"Collectively as a defense we're making progress, and you go through this process to make progress," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said. "And that is part of what the whole group is doing. And so that linebacker, defensive end and this team they're going to challenge us. No secret that Baltimore's got a good team, and they challenge you in lots of different ways. So, I'm pleased with the progress that we're making. We're not getting the ball and turning it over at the rate that we need to yet, but we're making progress, we're tackling better, I felt our speed more. And those are things that may not show up on the stat sheet, but for sure I know what that looks like and I felt more of that.”

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is the Commanders defense. However, Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have made amazing progress in leading this group to where they want to be. The additions of linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu certainly help, but the coaching has been the main reason why the unit has experienced some early success.

The Baltimore Ravens are their next opponent, and reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the offense should provide a good litmus test as to where the Commanders truly are.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

More Washington Commanders News

• Commanders Head Coach Emphasizes Teamwork and Fan Support

• Commanders' Jayden Daniels Sliding Into MVP Conversation

• Commanders Face Tough Test in Ravens 'Threat' Lamar Jackson

• Commanders Coach Reveals One Ravens Trait That Impresses Him

Published
Jeremy Brener
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.

Home/News