When the then-Washington Football Team surprisingly won the NFC East in 2020, their defense was ranked No. 2 in total defense. Even though Washington finished 7-9 that season, expectations were high entering 2021 because of a defensive line featuring four former first-round picks.
Unfortunately for Washington, things didn’t go as planned last season. Washington finished No. 22 in total defense and No. 25 in scoring defense Perhaps the best metric in evaluating team performance is the DVOA metric from Football Outsiders. Washington was No. 27 in defensive DVOA in 2021.
There are two keys to success for the Commanders in 2021: Carson Wentz and defensive improvements.
CBS recently ranked NFL teams in defensive tiers for the 2022 season. Very unlikely (to be a top 10 defense), somewhat unlikely, possibly, somewhat likely and most likely.
Only three teams were in the “most likely” category: the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, and New Orleans Saints. The Commanders finished in the middle tier of “possibly.”
Washington’s defense was one of the most disappointing in the NFL last season, and with Chase Young coming off an ACL tear, it might be tough to reach the heights some envisioned for them a year ago. But if the pass rush is as good as was hoped before last season, this tiering might be too low.
The Philadelphia Eagles joined Washington in this tier, while the Dallas Cowboys were “somewhat likely.” The New York Giants were “very unlikely.”
There are reasons to be optimistic about the Commanders’ defense next season. One, their schedule isn’t loaded with elite quarterbacks. Also, the communication issues that plagued Washington’s defense early last season improved in the second half of the season.