GRAHAM EFFECT: Why Patrick Graham Should LEAD the Washington Commanders’ Defensive Overhaul

Is Patrick Graham the missing piece to reignite the Washington Commanders defense? Discover why Graham sits atop the current defensive coordinator candidate rankings, thanks to his track record of transforming defenses—even with the struggling Las Vegas Raiders. The discussion spotlights how his adaptable scheme, favoring four-man fronts and creative simulated pressures, could unlock game-changing performances from stars like Daron Payne and Frankie Luvu while finally matching the aggressive culture Dan Quinn envisioned.

Explore the strengths and weaknesses of other top candidates, including Al Harris’s knack for turnovers and Joe Cullen’s expertise in the trenches. Uncover why internal promotions might struggle to fire up fans, given last season’s defensive woes. Plus, learn how the right coverage philosophy could unleash more aggressive play from the Commanders secondary, and whether a possible reunion with Maxx Crosby might be in the cards.

0:00 – Defensive Coordinator Candidates Overview

9:42 – Scheme Differences & Fronts Analysis

22:14 – Secondary Coverage & Player Impact

Join the Everydayer Club today and get Locked On Commanders with no interruptions, members-only Discord access, and more — all for just $5 a month or $50 a year.

Go to lockedoncommanders.supercast.com or check the link in the show notes to learn more.
If you’re a true diehard Washington Commanders fan… the Everydayer All-Access tier is built for you.
You’ll get one-on-one text access with me, All-Access episodes, an exclusive newsletter, and a 15% discount to the Locked On merch store.
Head to lockedoncommanders.supercast.com to join the Everydayer program and unlock All-Access.

Host David Harrison covers the Washington Commanders for WUSA9 and Sports Illustrated.

Follow David on X: https://twitter.com/DHarrison82

📌 Locked On Commanders is your daily podcast for all things Washington Commanders—free and available on all platforms.
🎧 Subscribe + hit the bell for daily updates
💬 Drop your questions and reactions in the comments!

📸 Photo Credits
Images courtesy of USA Today, Bowie TV (YouTube.com/@Bowie_TV), and Abdullah Konte of the Washington Informer (Instagram: @dullahvision)

🔗 Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms
https://link.chtbl.com/LOCommanders

🧠 More NFL content from Locked On
https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNFL

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON.
DripDrop
Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to http://dripdrop.com and use promo code lockedonnfl.
Ultimate QB
Ultimate QB is totally free to play, has no ads, and works 100% offline — perfect for when you want to sneak in a quick game or two on the go. Just head over to http://ULTIMATE-QB.COM.
FanDuel
Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
Zocdoc
Stop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need.
Go to http://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnfl to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

22 comments

  8. I still believe in Karl Scott passing game coordinator of Seattle or denard wilson for defensive coordinator. Also brandon Daly linebackers coach or Dave Merritt defense backs coach of chiefs for defensive coordinator

  11. At first blush, wasn't real happy abt this. After experiencing an inexperienced DC mess, why double-down with an inexperienced OC? There are issues with re-treads too though; especially wanting to HC after a year. But how many O asst coaches have we had on this team over the years, that went on to be successful HCs elsewhere; franchise-changing HCs, and we pout abt it? Would I rather it was Prichard, who was groomed to be the replacement, maybe, but he went with a college HC job, and you have to wonder if he is kicking himself right now; but you have to wonder if he knew Blough might jump ahead and take the OC job instead of him. And Prichard probably would have stuck with KK game, which I'm not fond of. I'm hoping Blough, with his background, is more receptive to "under C", and his own gameplan…imagine Blough taking taking from column A, B, C, and D; of Shanahan, O'Connell, Johnson, and Kingsbury. DQ must be confident; his HC future, is on the line.

  13. Seems like I've been seeing more use of 4-2-5 around the league, plus more frequent Big Nickel for adaptability (Mike Macdonald influence?). Obv requires good communication. A couple other candidates we may hear about in the coming days are the DCs like Zach Orr, Anthony Weaver with their respective HC losing their jobs. Would be more important than ever to have smart and instincutal safeties, and would push me towards wanting to take someone like Caleb Downs

  18. I wouldn’t base getting a defensive coordinator on anything to do with our current roster hopefully Payne’s not even on the team next year. We need about a 90% turnover on defense. They were horrible even before the injuries happened. I thought they got better after Lattimore got hurt.

Leave a Reply