The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp's 2025 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren's deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as defensive previews from Raymond Summerlin. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2025 Football Preview.
While offenses dominate NFL discussion, the other side of the ball plays a large role
With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, let's look at the defense of the Washington Commanders and preview how it might perform this season.
2025 Washington Commanders Defense
Washington struggled to stop the run in 2024, allowing 4.9 yards per carry to running backs (30th) and 2.02 yards before contact on those carries (31st).
They were 31st in explosive run rate allowed and 25th in negative run rate forced. So…not great.
Jonathan Allen is gone from the 2024 defensive line group, and the Commanders added Javon Kinlaw on a big deal in free agency.
Daron Payne is back after a lackluster 2024 in which he was not as productive against the run as he has been in the past.
The Commanders will also hope for more from 2024 second-round pick Jer'Zhan Newton, who had a 7.4% pressure rate as a rookie.
Washington got after the quarterback effectively in 2024, logging a 35.3% pressure rate (12th) and 43 sacks (11th).
The team leader in sacks was Dante Fowler Jr, but he left for the Cowboys in free agency.
Dorance Armstrong is back after 5 sacks in 2024, but his 13.3% pressure rate suggests he was a bit unlucky with that total.
As expected when he signed last offseason, the Commanders also got a big pass rush boost from linebacker Frankie Luvu, who was second on the team with 8 sacks.
Washington brought in both Deatrich Wise and Jacob Martin early in free agency, but they made a potentially impactful addition in July in the form of Von Miller.
Miller is not a full time player, but he could offer some situational help as the Commanders look to replace Fowler's production.
The only concerns at linebacker are long term after the Commanders brought back Bobby Wagner this offseason.
Despite being 34, Wagner was outstanding in his first season in Washington, rightfully earning a Pro Bowl nod.
In addition to his contributions as a pass rusher, Luvu was quality in coverage, allowing just 4.3 yards per target and a 78.3 quarterback rating.
Washington allowed 7.0 yards per pass attempt in 2024 (16th) and a 5.0% touchdown rate (22nd).
They struggled to limit big plays, giving up at least 20 passing yards on 8.7% of the attempts they faced (24th).
The Commanders tried to shore up their pass defense with a midseason trade for Marshon Lattimore, but he played just two games in the regular season after the trade.
A second-round pick last year, Mike Sainristil played the most snaps among the corner group as a rookie.
Jonathan Jones was added in free agency, and Washington selected Trey Amos in the second round.
At safety, Jeremy Chinn left in free agency after playing over 1,000 snaps last season, but Washington added Will Harris to fill the void.
Quan Martin became a full-time starter in his second season, finishing 24th among qualified safeties in yards allowed per coverage snap.
Percy Butler offers experienced depth after playing over 1,200 snaps on defense the last two years, but those have not been particularly quality reps.
This analysis continues in the 2025 Football Preview
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