Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders Defense Analysis

Season Stats

Defense

The Washington Commanders defense utilizes a 4-3 Aggressive base scheme under defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.. Review their latest 2025 coverage stats, pass rush metrics, and coaching adjustments below.

Scheme & Analysis

How good is the Washington Commanders Defense?

The Washington Commanders haven't been playing great defense, sitting near the bottom at #27 in points allowed per game. To make matters worse, they are allowing 3.5 more points per game than the league average.

In the NFC East, they trail the Philadelphia Eagles (#5) and New York Giants (#26) in points allowed per game but place higher than the Dallas Cowboys (#32) to round out the division.

This unit lacks a consistent pass rush and struggles to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. They are essentially average in terms of taking the ball away from opponents.

42
Total Sacks
8
Interceptions

Statistically, their front seven production is below average compared to the league median, while their secondary is average (8 INTs).

* Grades calibrated to 2024 Regular Season (Weeks 1-16).

See Calculations

Key Playmakers

Leading the charge in 2025 is Bobby Wagner, tallying 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions on the season. Another bright spot in 2025 has been Jeremy Reaves, who has chipped in with 91 tackles, 1 sacks, and 1 interception.

What is the Washington Commanders defensive scheme?

Coordinator: Joe Whitt Jr.

The Washington Commanders defense runs a 4-3 Aggressive under coordinator Joe Whitt Jr..

Base Defensive Front
4-3 Aggressive
?
4-3 Front (One-Gap)
Four down linemen, each responsible for a single gap. The goal is speed and penetration to disrupt plays in the backfield.

Tactical Philosophy

Joe Whitt Jr. implements a fast, turnover-focused 4-3 scheme.

Key Principles

TurnoversMan CoverageSpeed

Scheme Strengths

  • ✓Consistent 4-man pass rush without blitzing
  • ✓Effective against outside runs (gap integrity)
  • ✓ Simpler coverage responsibilities for LBs

Potential Weaknesses

  • ⚠Can be vulnerable to power run schemes (Double teams)
  • ⚠Requires elite defensive line talent to succeed
  • ⚠Linebackers must be excellent in coverage

Want to understand defensive schemes?
View our Defensive Schemes Glossary

Fantasy & Betting

Defensive Vitals (Key Metrics)

The key metrics for the Washington Commanders Defense include their Havoc Score, Ball Production, and Front Aggression.

⚠️ This unit struggles to disrupt opposing offenses. They are reliable for points allowed but lack significant turnover upside.
Havoc Rate
POOR
8.8/g
Turnovers
AVG
1.1/g
Aggression
POOR
4.1/g
vs 2024 Regular Season Standards
Metric
Per Game
Grade
Why it Matters
Havoc Score
8.8
POOR
They disrupt the offense 8.8 times per game. Low disruption rate. Often indicates a conservative 'Bend-Don't-Break' scheme or lack of pass rush talent.
Ball Production
1.1
AVG
They force a turnover event (INT or Fumble) 1.1 times per game. They struggle to take the ball away, relying on punts.
Front Aggression
4.1
POOR
The Front 7 (Line + LBs) wrecks 4.1 plays at the line of scrimmage per game (Sacks + TFLs).
Metric Definitions• Havoc Score: TFLs + PDs + FFs per game.• Ball Prod: INTs + FFs per game.• Front Aggression: TFLs per game.
Havoc Grading Scale
ELITE > 11.5 GOOD > 10.5 AVG > 9.5 POOR < 9.5
Ball Production Grading Scale
ELITE > 1.6 GOOD > 1.3 AVG > 1.0 POOR < 1.0
Front Aggression Grading Scale
ELITE > 5.8 GOOD > 5.2 AVG > 4.7 POOR < 4.7

Performance Metrics

How is the Washington Commanders defense trending?

Last 3 Games vs. Season Average

Steady
26.5 PPG(Last 3)
Their performance has remained steady vs. season average.

Roster & Injuries

Who is on the Washington Commanders defense injury report?

Key absences impacting the gameplanAs of Jan 14, 2026
CB
Trey Amos
Cornerback
Injured ReserveDec 16
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DE
Dorance Armstrong
Defensive End
Injured ReserveOct 20
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DT
Eddie Goldman
Defensive Tackle
Injured ReserveDec 23
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
DE
Javontae Jean-Baptiste
Defensive End
Injured ReserveDec 16
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
CB
Marshon Lattimore
Cornerback
Injured ReserveNov 5
"Reduces secondary depth; creates mismatch potential for opposing WRs."
DE
Deatrich Wise Jr.
Defensive End
Injured ReserveSep 15
"Weakens pass rush rotation and interior run gaps."
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