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The Washington Commanders still can’t stop anybody on defense, and coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. knows something’s got to give, so he’s announced a major change for his unit on gamedays. Whitt will be moving from the coaching booth down to the sideline, starting with Week 10’s game against the Detroit Lions. The 47-year-old is under pressure, but Whitt revealed head coach Dan Quinn has given his approval for the change. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, November 6, Whitt explained, “I went and asked him to do that for a number of reasons.” Although Whitt pointed out “most of the coordinators I’ve been around,” including Quinn, “have called it from the box, he also admitted “a couple of the guys have been asking for me to come down as well.” Ultimately, changing his vantage point is about Whitt and the Commanders doing “whatever we have to do to get a win.” Whitt believes “the energy that I have in practice, that can be probably positive within the game for the players.” Enhancing any positive vibes is useful when the Commanders rank 22nd in points allowed and 28th in yards surrendered, per Pro Football Reference. Yet, those numbers also reveal it’s likely going to take more than enthusiasm and closer proximity to the players for Whitt to turn things around. The harsh truth is the Commanders’ problems defensively may be beyond the control of both Whitt and Quinn. Joe Whitt Jr. Hurt By More Than Play-Calling It’s not just play-calling and scheme letting down Whitt and Washington’s defense. Although both have been suspect through nine games. Whitt has stayed tethered to an over-reliance on man coverage, despite the Commanders obviously lacking elite talent in the secondary. The problem has been compounded by the absence of bluechip edge-rushers, particularly after losing a star man to a season-ending injury. Not having enough legitimate game-wreckers up front has prevented Whitt from successfully switching to a more zone-based mode of travel behind a four-man rush, even though he’s tried to get faster players onto the field at the second level. Not having enough talent in key positions isn’t the fault of Quinn. That’s on general manager Adam Peters, who has consistently neglected to bolster the edges of the front seven. Ultimately though, Whitt and Quinn are paid to coach up the players they have, and the results are providing an unflattering assessment of their efforts. The bleakness is showing up in the fundamentals, particularly run defense, where the Commanders are being gashed for 4.4 yards per carry and have already given up 1,118 yards on the ground. Playing sturdy run defense is about doing the basics right. Occupying double teams, setting edges, splitting gaps and getting downhill in a hurry. Whitt’s players aren’t playing with sound technique, while overt aggression isn’t providing compensation. Commanders’ Defense Needs Back-to-Basics Approach Whitt can inspire intensity in his players, but the wrong kind of aggression has landed linebacker Frankie Luvu in trouble. Luvu was already struggling to deliver at the same levels as last season, when he logged eight sacks and 12 tackles for loss, but he’s not the only star name who’s failing to deliver. Veteran middle linebacker Bobby Wagner has also been playing like anything but a 10-time Pro Bowler. Another multi-time Pro Bowler, cornerback Marshon Lattimore, was also a disappointment before tearing his ACL against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 10. Injuries have stripped Whitt’s resources to the bare bones, but he still needs to alter his system to something more straightforward and player friendly. Taking the opportunity afforded by being on the sideline to implement any changes his senior players call for will be a necessary first step.
