Best and Worst Graded Commanders Defensive Players vs. Steelers

The best and worst-graded Washington Commanders defensive players in their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Mykal Walker (32) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders suffered a brutal loss as they fell to the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-27 this past week. The defense stood tall for a majority of the contest, but it was a late touchdown pass from Russell Wilson to newly acquired wide receiver Mike Williams that brought things home for the Steelers.

Washington's defense has been middle of the pack this year but have seen the majority of their struggles come on the backend in the secondary - something that was visible Sunday afternoon. The defensive front and linebackers for the Commanders are some of the best in the game and to sure up their secondary they went out and traded for Marshon Lattimore. Lattimore didn't play in this game as he continues to work his way back from a nagging hamstring injury.

Head coach Dan Quinn knows what his defense is capable of and will want to see more from them as we enter the back half of the 2024 season. Here is how the Washington Commanders' defensive players graded out in their loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Highest Graded:

1. DT Sheldon Day

Oct 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Carolina Panthers cornerback Shemar Bartholomew (27) talks with Washington Commanders defensive tackle Sheldon Day (64) after their game at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 89.9

2. WLB Mykal Walker

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Mykal Walker (32) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 79.2

3. DE Dorance Armstrong

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) celebrates a sack with Javontae Jean-Baptiste (90) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 77.2

4. FS Quan Martin

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders safety Quan Martin (20) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 72.9

5. DT Daron Payne

Oct 27, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Commanders Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images / Peter Casey-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 70.4

Lowest Graded:

1. CB Noah Igbinoghene

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders cornerback Noah Igbinoghene (1) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 30.0

2. DT Phidarian Mathis

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis (98) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 44.6

3. DE Clelin Ferrell

Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles from Washington Commanders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the first half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 51.9

4. SS Percy Butler

Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders safety Percy Butler (35) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 55.3

5. DE Dante Fowler Jr.

Oct 20, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (14). Is tackled by Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

PFF Grade: 56.1

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