Commanders Coach Jack Del Rio: Top 10 Defensive Coordinator?

While PFF doesn’t view Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio among the NFL’s top 10 in his peer group, there may be evidence he’s being undersold.

The Washington Commanders have had some serious ups and downs over the years with more lows than highs unfortunately.

One of the team’s bright spots has been the defense led by Commanders coordinator Jack Del Rio.

Even if Del Rio himself has had some not so fun moments in the spotlight over the years, his unit has played mostly well and has kept the team as competitive as they can while Washington searches for a franchise quarterback.

In Pro Football Focus’ recent rankings of top 10 defensive coordinators, however, Del Rio doesn’t make the cut and it got us wondering whether or not he should be considered among the NFL’s best in this category.

From a purely statistical standpoint you’d look at the Commanders’ seventh ranked scoring defense last season as evidence perhaps Del Rio should be in the top 10.

Washington’s defense was also No. 1 in the NFL last year in goal to go situations allowing touchdowns just 51.85 percent of the time in addition to having the league’s best third down stop rate, and being the only team to allow fewer than 17 first downs per game.

In fact, the only glaring defensive deficiencies Del Rio’s group had in 2022 were in interceptions rate where it ranked 27th in the NFL, and in rushing yards per play allowing 4.37 yards which came in 16th among all defenses.

You can see the acknowledgement of those shortcomings in this seasons NFL Draft strategy with the selection of ballhawking cornerback Emmanuel Forbes followed by the selection of versatile playmaker in coverage and against the run, defensive back Quan Martin.

So if the statistical data alone doesn’t qualify Del Rio’s unit - and he as the coordinator - then what would it take?

Well, when we average the league rankings of all critical defensive stats the Commanders come in just over ninth place, teetering on the line between No. 9 and 10 overall.

But, when you look at the list of Top 10 PFF defensive coordinators it’s clear that team success and how the defense contributes to it is also part of the equation.

Of the 10, only three came from non-playoff teams last year, and those are all coordinators in relatively new positions coming recently from units that have had recent postseason exposure.

While it may be a tad on the unfair side, the fact that Washington’s defense hasn’t been able to lift up the offense - or has had it’s efforts dashed by poor offensive line and quarterback play - seems to be hurting the unit’s respect around the league.

Because of this, Del Rio’s status among national analysts also seems to be hurting, putting the Commanders’ coordinator on the outside looking in, for now.

Find David Harrison on the Locked On Commanders podcast or text him directly at (202) 760-2188.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Washington Commanders? Click Here.

Follow Commander Country on Twitter.

Want even more Washington Commanders news? Check out the SI.com team page here