Commanders’ Defensive Collapse Exposes Urgent Need for Overhaul After Week 16 Loss to Eagles
Another week, another harsh reality check for the Washington Commanders - and this one hit especially hard. In a game that was begging for the defense to step up, Washington once again came up short, and not by a little. The Week 16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles wasn’t just a setback - it was a spotlight on just how far this defensive unit has to go.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this defense is struggling in every imaginable way. And it’s been a recurring theme all season.
Even last year, the cracks were there - only then, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was able to cover up some of the blemishes with big plays and moments of brilliance. This season, with Daniels battling inconsistency and injuries, the Commanders have been exposed.
And without a healthy Daniels or a reliable backup - especially after Marcus Mariota exited the game with an injury - the defense was asked to carry the load. It couldn’t.
Outside of veteran linebacker Bobby Wagner, who continues to bring leadership and effort every snap, there wasn’t much to hang your hat on. The Commanders needed someone, anyone, to rise to the moment. No one did.
The Eagles Were There for the Taking - But Washington Couldn’t Capitalize
This wasn’t a juggernaut Eagles offense firing on all cylinders. Philadelphia has been up and down offensively, and their game plan hasn’t exactly been unpredictable.
Yet, the Commanders had no answers. Even when they managed to get a couple of key fourth-down stops, those moments were erased by costly penalties - a frustrating trend that’s haunted this defense all year.
You can see Dan Quinn working to get the most out of what he has, but the reality is this: the issues go far beyond coaching. This is a personnel problem, plain and simple.
Joe Whitt Jr.’s Future and the Bigger Picture
Joe Whitt Jr. has already been demoted from play-calling duties, and it’s hard to imagine he’ll return in his current role. Whoever Quinn chooses to bring in next as defensive coordinator might end up being one of the most important hires of his head coaching tenure.
The right mind could help reshape this group. The wrong one could stall the rebuild before it even starts.
But the responsibility doesn’t stop at the coaching staff.
Adam Peters Has Work to Do - A Lot of It
General manager Adam Peters has a massive task ahead. This defense doesn’t need tweaks - it needs a rebuild.
That means parting ways with underperformers, investing in high-impact free agents, and hitting on draft picks. The Commanders can’t afford to rely on half measures anymore.
This is a full-scale renovation project.
Realistically, Washington needs five - maybe more - new starters on defense. The problems are everywhere.
The safeties haven’t lived up to expectations. The defensive tackles aren’t playing to the level their contracts suggest they should.
The linebackers are out of sync. The corners are missing tackles.
And the pass rush? It’s been nearly nonexistent.
Discipline Issues Add to the Mess
As if the on-field breakdowns weren’t enough, things unraveled further late in the game when tempers boiled over. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and safety Quan Martin were both ejected, capping off a performance that was as undisciplined as it was ineffective. That kind of emotional spiral isn’t just a bad look - it’s a sign of a team losing its grip.
What’s Next?
Right now, Dan Quinn is boxed in. He’s doing what he can with the pieces he’s got, but the reality is there’s only so much that can be done between now and the end of the season.
The final two games are about evaluation and survival. Then comes the real work.
The Commanders need to hit the reset button on defense this offseason. Not just to get better - but to build something sustainable.
Something that doesn’t require a rookie quarterback to play superhero every week. Something that can hold its own when the offense sputters.
It won’t be easy. It won’t be quick. But it’s absolutely necessary.
Because if this team wants to move forward, standing still on defense just isn’t an option anymore.