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Last year, 135 two-point conversions were attempted, and contrary to what you might think, the quarterback rolling out for a run/pass option is not the most common strategy for these conversions. In fact, 73% of two-point attempts in 2024 were passing plays, and over the last 10 years, it’s about the same at 72.5%. Even on third or fourth and two, 61% of plays were passing plays.
Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.’s defense had more two-point stops than any other team last season, stopping eight of the nine attempts against them.
“Most people aren’t willing to run the ball in that situation,” Whitt said via Greg Auman of Fox Sports. “So, where are most people going to attack? They’re going to try to attack your flats. Are they a flat left or flat right team? Are they going to try to move the pocket? Are they a crosser team? Once you realize that, there’s only so many things they’re going to do down there, so you rep it. ... Now, if they run the ball, that’s what makes it a whole lot more difficult, but not a lot of people are going to do that.”
He said that part of the reason they are successful against two-point conversions is that they practice them every week. They install two two-point conversion plays each week. The first is their initial go-to formation, while the second simply offers a different look to their opponent should they attempt a second two-point conversion.
“Those are game-winning plays,” Whitt said. “DQ [Dan Quinn] does a great job of talking to the team about winning moments when it comes down to it. We rep it as part of our red zone defense when we get into the low red, and we talk about it once it’s closer to the game: ‘This is what we’re going to go with.’”
Commanders’ offseason additions | Washington’s 2025 draft class
It’s hard to improve from good to great in the NFL, but the Commanders might join the league’s elites with an improved roster that features more blue-chip players around 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels. The trades for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel place a pair of Pro Bowl-caliber players in marquee positions (left tackle and WR2) that should help the offense unlock another gear in 2025. If the team can resolve Terry McLaurin’s contract situation, the Commanders will have a chance to open the season with an electric offense that will put plenty of stress on defensive coordinators crafting plans to stop the juggernaut.
Defensively, the additions of...
