Commanders’ defense showed cracks against Ravens
BALTIMORE — After six games, the Washington Commanders know they have something for the first time in ages that can help them win games: a quarterback. Now what they need is a consistent defense to provide that same belief.
The Commanders’ defense remains a work in progress, highlighted by Sunday’s 30-23 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Washington hung around because of its offense, but the defense allowed 484 total yards, and the Ravens controlled the clock for 36 minutes, eight seconds.
“There is stuff we need to clean up,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said.
That’s true of Sunday’s loss but also for the season. And now the Commanders’ defense must keep building minus two-time Pro Bowl tackle Jonathan Allen, who suffered a season-ending torn left pectoral muscle.
Thanks in large part to quarterback Jayden Daniels’ emergence, the Commanders have the NFL’s second-highest scoring offense at 29.7 points per game. The offense has fueled Washington during its 4-2 start, heading into Sunday’s game vs. Carolina (1-5).
Daniels ranks third among quarterbacks in QBR, trailing only Joe Burrow and Josh Allen. Daniels has passed for 1,404 yards and six touchdowns and rushed for 325 yards and four touchdowns. His development has fueled excitement among the team and fan base.
“There’s a lot of belief in him,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said.
But for Washington to reach a higher level it’ll need more consistent play from its defense. The Commanders rank 29th in multiple categories: against the run, yards per carry, yards per play and third down.
Washington also has played three offenses — Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Cincinnati — ranked among the top seven in scoring. The Buccaneers and Ravens also are in the top 10 in yards per game. Eight of their final 11 games are against teams currently ranked 18th or worse in scoring, including Carolina (27th).
Against good offenses, the Commanders have struggled: The Bucs, Ravens and Bengals combined for 140 points vs. them. In their other three games — against Arizona, the New York Giants and Cleveland — they allowed a combined 45 points.
“I love when I see our teams having this complementary side,” Washington coach Dan Quinn said. “When it’s too much of one or the other, that’s when we’re not at our best.”
The defense, knowing what the offense can do, still feels good where it’s headed.
“As long as the offense can put up some points, as long as they give us 21 points, after that the defense can go out there and do our thing,” Commanders corner Benjamin St-Juste said. “I’m very optimistic we can fix all that stuff.”