Hogs Haven
The 2024 Washington Commanders were not good at stopping the run. First year defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. had his work cut out for him with a makeshift group of aging veterans and unproven young players.
The Results:
To say things could not get much worse would be a fairly accurate statement.
Adam Peters set out to fix the run defense this offseason.
New Additions:
Deatrich Wise
Javon Kinlaw
Eddie Goldman
Jacob Martin
Ricky Barber (UDFA)
T.J. Maguranyanga (NFL Pathway program)
On paper, this may not look like a lot, but let’s take a look at the variations of defensive fronts that may be used.
1-tech - Goldman/Payne
3-tech - Payne/Newton
5/6-tech - Kinlaw
DE - Wise/Ferrell
OLB (overhang) - Luvu/Martin (this could depend on the team we are playing that week)
MIKE - Wagner
WILL - Magee
*There are a few things to look at here. First, the three defensive tackles will provide a sturdier inside. Having Kinlaw play as a 5/6 technique will make getting an edge a lot tougher. The overhang will be a key run defender and situational pass rusher. Wagner is not the athlete he once was, but he can still be effective from B-to-B. Magee will bring speed and that sideline-to-sideline ability. With all the chess pieces at hand, Whitt can mix and match based on the team and players on the opposing offense.
1-tech - Payne/Goldman
3-tech - Kinlaw/Newton
EDGE - Armstrong/Jean-Baptiste
EDGE - Wise/Ferrell
MIKE - Wagner
WILL - Luvu
VIPER - Hampton/Owens
*Like most of the NFL, the 4-2-5 has become “a form” of base defense. Washington is no different in that respect. Our base may aesthetically look the same as last season, but the personnel has changed - and that matters! We have the flexibility to go heavy up front, or turn to a quicker, penetrating front-four based upon what the offense is showing. Wise will be a big key here as he has the size and athleticism to set a good edge against the run but also get after the quarterback. When we go into this “Big Nickel” look, I expect Hampton or Owens to take over that role in an effort to provide more run support - but not sacrifice any athleticism in the passing game.
1-tech - Payne/Goldman
3-tech - Kinlaw/Newton
EDGE - Armstrong/John-Baptise
EDGE - Wise/Ferrell
MIKE - Wagner
WILL - Luvu
Slot - Sainristil/Noah I
**Much like the look above, this one will see more of the traditional slot corner from our base look. Sainristil will be HUGE in this role as he plays both the pass and run well. There will certainly be mix-and-match looks here too, especially if there is a premium...
