Feb. 2, 2026, 5:32 a.m. ET

The Washington Commanders‘ defense was horrible in 2025. It wasn’t good in 2024, but rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels hid many of the team’s flaws. Unfortunately, in 2025, Daniels missed 10 games, finishing only four, and the Commanders dealt with injuries throughout the roster.

But injuries weren’t necessarily the reason Washington’s defense was so bad. Sure, it didn’t help, but several players who shined in 2024, regressed in 2025. Safety Quan Martin, cornerback Mike Sainristil and linebacker Frankie Luvu all took a step back.

Early in the season, Washington had some success in stopping the run. That faded as the season wore on. The pass defense struggled all season. As far as the pass rush goes, it was never the same after Dorance Armstrong was lost for the year in Week 7.

Here are some of the Commanders’ defensive rankings from 2025:

Total Defense (Yards): 32nd (384.3 YPG)Passing Defense (Yards): 28th (242.5)Run Defense (Yards): 30th (141.8)Points Allowed: 22nd (26.3 PPG)Sacks: 14th (2.4 per game)Takeaways: 31st (10 total)Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.

It appeared that the Commanders were the get-right game for every quarterback. Struggling young quarterbacks like Michael Penix Jr. and J.J. McCarthy had their best performances against Washington’s defense.

In a piece for ESPN, John Keim gave some insight into what other teams thought about Washington’s defense.

One opposing coach who faced Washington in the second half of the season called it the “easiest” defense they faced all season. He said they weren’t worried about any spots beyond the interior of the line — Daron Payne and Javon Kinlaw in particular.

Another opposing coach said the following, per Keim.

Another opposing coach said earlier this week that Washington needs to add a lot more talent on that side of the ball regardless of who got the coordinator job.

That coach is right. While Washington fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. after the season, he didn’t have a lot to work with. That’s not saying Whitt did a good job, he appeared overmatched at times and often had no answers, but, you still need talent.

The Commanders hired Daronte Jones to replace him and appear committed to giving him the resources he needs to improve Washington’s defense.

Lions coach Dan Campbell showed just how much he respected Washington’s defense. He waited until a Week 10 matchup against the Commanders to take over offensive play-calling. It looked like a genius move, but Detroit was never able to repeat that magic for the remainder of the season. The Commanders were exactly what the Lions and Campbell needed at the right time.

To be called “easy or “easiest” should motivate and upset GM Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn. Especially Quinn, considering his background as one of the NFL’s top defensive coordinators. The good news for the Commanders: they have nowhere to go but up in 2026.