2025 Washington Commanders- All Things Defense

Preston Smith played on 30 snaps, or 47% of defensive plays.

He had 2 tackles.

He was out there. Impactful? Doesn't seem like it. On the field? Yes.
 
Primus Porcus said:
I may have missed the convo on the board here, so if it's been talked about forgive me... but why have we not seen Preston Smith? I'm not saying he's an All Pro, but has he been out there? Maybe I've missed him?
Click to expand...

He was not holding the edge in the run game at all on the snaps I saw him. I think he’s well and truly washed unfortunately, not even average anymore
 
Conn said:
He was not holding the edge in the run game at all on the snaps I saw him. I think he’s well and truly washed unfortunately, not even average anymore
Click to expand...
Well that stinks because that was always one of his best qualities.
 
Opening Jonathan Jones’ practice window is good news.

They could use another body as an option in the secondary. And Jones can play inside and out.
 
Voice_of_Reason said:
The Wise injury is low key devastating.
Click to expand...
Oh I have said all along that they planned to rely a lot on him and he was a big loss. He, Harris and Jones were all bigger losses than the fan base seems to recognize. I guess its because they all went down so early
 
Dah-Dee said:
Absolutely hurt us a lot, the run defense has been nothing close to the same since Wise went down.
Click to expand...
And the Preston Smith signing was supposed to help a little bit, but it hasn’t yet.

It’s a pity.

We’ve had to overcome more injuries this year already than we had almost all of last year.
 
Voice_of_Reason said:
And the Preston Smith signing was supposed to help a little bit, but it hasn’t yet.

It’s a pity.

We’ve had to overcome more injuries this year already than we had almost all of last year.
Click to expand...
Raiders released Ferrell from their PS yday
 
method man said:
Raiders released Ferrell from their PS yday
Click to expand...
Yeah, I’m not sure that’s the answer either. But they might bring him in for a look.
 
Voice_of_Reason said:
And the Preston Smith signing was supposed to help a little bit, but it hasn’t yet.

It’s a pity.

We’ve had to overcome more injuries this year already than we had almost all of last year.
Click to expand...
I’m just hoping that Smith will improve with more game time. Couple of plays on Monday he just looked lost
 
Sheehan goes at the end of his show it should be interesting today to see what Whitt says in his press conference and whether its a blame the players again episode from him, which he thinks would be out of line.

I do think Sheehan nailed it after Whitt's press conference after the Falcons game when he goes Whitt going into deep detail anout how his players screwed up this and that play because they were wearing "capes" is a way for him to be on the defensive to say its not me its "them".

What bugs me is some in the local media eat up this stuff from Whitt because of how "real" it comes off and that it shows he has no patience for bad performances. Yeah but his version of keeping it "real" and showing no patience for bad performances is just his way of scapegoating his misguided players for not following all of his sage advice.

Look even if I went with his rap that its all the players fault because he wanted them to do this and they did something else instead -- its still your responsibility to teach them to do it the right way.

But I noticed after a win with a good vibe about the unit, Whitt talks globally about how the unit was #1 in third down defense and how he thought Kinlaw would be a great player and Kinlaw's critics were wrong, etc. So it feels a bit like its him when they have success, but its them when they fail.

I was listening to Logan Paulsen on Sheehan who is probably Whitt's staunchest defender aside from Colbert who does the team's pregame stuff. Paulsen said this time its both the players AND the scheme in his view that's been plaguing that unit.

I've heard Whitt is a good dude and I believe it. But as for his job as a coordinator he's low key throwing his players under the bus -- and has a bit of a I am going to put the blame on the players as to selling what's going on.

 
Last edited:
I’m from the Gibbs School. If the players can’t execute your scheme change your scheme.

When Joe first got here he tried to install Air Coryell, but after losing a few games realized he had a great oline and a bruising running back. That switch got him to two Super Bowls. Later, we were one of the first teams to predominantly use three receivers.

If Whitt’s blueprint isn’t working I don’t want to hear the ghost of Norv “What we do works.” Find a way to win with the strengths you do have.
 
burgold said:
I’m from the Gibbs School. If the players can’t execute your scheme change your scheme.

When Joe first got here he tried to install Air Coryell, but after losing a few games realized he had a great oline and a bruising running back. That switch got him to two Super Bowls. Later, we were one of the first teams to predominantly use three receivers.

If Whitt’s blueprint isn’t working I don’t want to hear the ghost of Norv “What we do works.” Find a way to win with the strengths you do have.
Click to expand...
Good post and yes Whitt needs to change shit up, the scheme or personnel need to be shuffled.

This same point needs to be accepted by Kliff, embrace the run game more and get Jayden out of shotgun occasionally. It will allow you to expand your playbook and offer more confusion for defenses.

FOr both units, infuse more speed into the game plan which you already have on the roster
 
Solitary Man said:
I think Dan gave a quick nugget at the end of today’s presser. New people into new spots. Will talk about it tomorrow he said.
Click to expand...
It's interesting that DQ selects the Dallas game to institute some changes. He and Whitt both feel they have more on the line or to prove against than the other teams
 
Voice_of_Reason said:
Opening Jonathan Jones’ practice window is good news.

They could use another body as an option in the secondary. And Jones can play inside and out.
Click to expand...

He can’t play inside anymore. Lost the quickness. Maybe outside.

He did play some safety for the Pats last season and is a sure tackler. Maybe we see him a bit in that type of role
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Total: 1, Members: 0, Guests: 1)

Help Users

You haven't joined any rooms.

    You haven't joined any rooms.
    Top