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The Commanders’ Grand Plan: A Full Circle of Failure

Posted on by phuong
Washington Commanders
01
Nov

In a stunning turn of events, the Washington Commanders find themselves back where they started, but with a bitter taste of failure. The irony is not lost in the circular nature of their latest misstep.

Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders

It all began during the 2020 NFL draft when the Commanders, desperate for a franchise quarterback, made a bold decision to select Chase Young at No. 2 instead. Their aspiration was to replicate the success of the San Francisco 49ers, who had built a Super Bowl-contending team by bolstering their already talented defense with Nick Bosa. Fast forward to the present, and the Commanders have dealt Young, of all people, to the very same 49ers in exchange for a mere third-round pick.

Ron Rivera, the head coach and decision-maker, kicked off his tenure by making Young his first draft pick, passing over quarterback prospects like Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert. However, as the dust settles from the recent trade deadline, it becomes evident that Washington’s future plans do not include Rivera. Miscalculations and a failure to develop players have backfired spectacularly, leaving the Commanders reeling.

During what was supposed to be an era of defensive dominance, with a formidable defensive line at their disposal, the Commanders managed a lackluster 25-32-1 record, a solitary playoff appearance, and no winning seasons. Their defense, once great, has regressed to mediocrity and now ranks among the league’s worst, allowing an alarming number of points and yards. Furthermore, injuries have sidelined two of their starting defensive ends, who had combined for an impressive 11.5 sacks in the 2023 season.

With the pass rush weakened, the Commanders’ coverage issues are set to worsen. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio failed to harness the potential of the first-round quartet of Sweat, Young, Allen, and Payne. The defense lacked consistency and failed to complement the talent upfront with solid play at linebacker and in the secondary. Year after year, the Commanders invested heavily in defense through the draft and free agency, only to assemble a disjointed and underperforming unit.

A closer look at the current defense reveals only three players who would be considered keepers by any NFL team: Allen, Payne, and safety Kam Curl. Under Rivera’s leadership, Washington has drafted 16 defensive players, but the success rate has been disappointingly low. This would be understandable if the struggles were limited to offensive prospects, as Rivera’s defensive background might excuse such missteps. However, Rivera arrived in Washington after a successful tenure with the Carolina Panthers, inheriting a talented trio of Allen, Payne, and Sweat. Furthermore, he hired Del Rio, a respected coordinator known for deploying talent effectively.

Yet, Rivera and his coaching staff have failed to establish a cohesive defensive identity. On some days, they appear out of touch with modern strategies, while on others, they struggle to connect with the players. The Commanders are united only in their underperformance.

It is worth noting that before the 2020 draft, there was optimism surrounding Young’s potential. Many believed that Rivera and Del Rio would unlock his athletic brilliance, turning him into the face of the franchise and a game-changing force on the field. However, those expectations were shattered. While Young has not lived up to the lofty comparisons to Bosa, he has shown glimpses of his disruptive abilities, accumulating 14 sacks in 34 games. Similarly, Sweat, whom the Commanders traded to the Chicago Bears, possesses considerable talent. Allen has emerged as a star, and Payne’s style of play is highly regarded. Yet, despite their individual potential, these players never coalesced into an effective unit, lacking imagination and synergy in their pass rush.

Interestingly, the separation of Young and Sweat might prove beneficial to both players. In a 49ers organization known for its star power and leadership, Young can thrive and contribute to revitalizing a defense in need of a spark. However, he will find himself among a roster filled with established names such as Bosa, Williams, Kittle, McCaffrey, Samuel, and Warner, where he will need to prove himself and work diligently. If he succeeds, he may have the opportunity to compete for a championship and boost his value ahead of free agency.

As for the Commanders, they face a familiar word: rebuilding. Under the new ownership group led by Josh Harris, the team will embark on its first major project, which may or may not involve a complete teardown, depending on their performance in the remaining games. The trades of Young and Sweat signal a shift towards prioritizing the future over immediate struggles.

Harris is committed to establishing a new standard for the Commanders, and he is uninterested in quick fixes or hiding the truth. The path to a new era begins with accumulating draft picks. Rivera, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle as he tries to save his job. In hindsight, Rivera’s mishandling ofthe defensive talent and his failure to address the quarterback position have led the Commanders into this predicament. The Grand Plan of building a dominant defense has crumbled, leaving the team searching for answers and a new direction.

Only time will tell if the Commanders can break free from this cycle of failure and find success. The upcoming draft and offseason will be crucial for them to rebuild and reevaluate their strategy. With new ownership at the helm and the need for a fresh start, the Commanders must learn from their mistakes and make the necessary changes to avoid repeating history.

phuong

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