Commanders DC Jack Del Rio Identifies 'Key Communication' as Defensive Growth

Even without their main play-caller, the Washington Commanders defense continues to improve on a weekly basis.

The Washington Commanders defeated a Philadelphia Eagles team in Week 10 that all but took them to the woodshed just seven weeks prior.

In this matchup, the Commanders defense allowed fewer points all game than they had in just the second quarter of Week 3. 

Why? Well, it all boils down to communication according to Washington defensive coordinator, Jack Del Rio.

"I think as a whole, we're just continuing to work at understanding where we belong, the communication, the execution," Del Rio said about the improvements on his defense, especially in the secondary. "Understanding the assignment and how it all plays together and the ability to communicate and adjust as things happen...all we can do to help our team win."

He mentioned his team's ability to communicate twice in one answer about his improved defense. That's how important it is. 

And communicating the most these past few weeks has been safety Kamren Curl, who stepped in to set the defense after linebacker Cole Holcomb (foot) left the lineup. 

"He's always been real heady, real intelligent, and he's a good player for us," Del Rio said of Curl. "We use him in a lot of different positions, a lot of different roles, and he's able to handle that. Part of that is because he is bright and so he's been an important piece for us."

As important as Curl has been, it was veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller who many had their eyes on in this past weekend's contest. 

Washington was victimized in Week 3 by Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, and nine of his completions went against Fuller. 

On those, Hurts threw for over 150 yards and one touchdown. 

A bad game for Fuller, but one he bounced back from in Week 10. 

"He made some great plays," Del Rio said of Fuller's performance against Philadelphia. "Kendall's a good football player...What I'm most proud of is the way we, regardless of how things are going, we are sticking together. We are working hard and we're getting better."

That improved defense has been perhaps the main catalyst for getting the Commanders back to .500 with seven games left to play. 

And if they continue their current pace, then Washington should come out of their next contest against the Houston Texans with another win, above .500 for the first time since Week 1.

Find David Harrison on Twitter @DHarrison82 and on the Locked On Commanders podcast.

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