The Washington Commanders are setting their sights on a significant improvement in their run defense for the upcoming 2025 season. Following a lackluster 2024 campaign, the squad allowed the most rushing yards per game and second-most yards per carry in the 32-team league. This time, they are being aggressive to shore up their lackluster defensive line. The Commanders allowed a staggering 3.18 yards before contact on every single opposing rush. Just two other teams in the entire league performed worse.
Last year, the Commanders defense was terrible at defending outside zone and every other run game alignment, giving up an average of 5.4 yards per carry. During their final eight contests, this number shot through the roof. It climbed to an alarming 7.2 yards per carry, including three playoff games. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We didn’t play the run well enough, and I thought we would have.”
In short, as a response to these challenges the Commanders have been forced to make offensive strategy and personnel moves. They signed defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Eddie Goldman, both massive and powerful players. Kinlaw, a hulking 6-foot-5, 319-pounder, is a force up front. They added end Deatrich Wise Jr., who emphasized his role in stopping the run by saying, “What makes me a good edge setter is I’m able to use my hands, my strength, how long my arms are to keep guys off me.”
Coach Dan Quinn highlighted the importance of stopping the run this year, declaring, “That’s why our big focus this year is to be able to stop the run a lot better than we did last year.” They’re not just adding talent, as the Commanders are focused on improving locker room chemistry and team cohesion. That front seven having to get a little more tightknit has brought them together as a whole group to perform better.
One of the most important pieces to the Commanders’ defensive scheme will be the health of linebacker Jordan Magee. And according to Whitt Jr.’s estimates, Magee’s impact on their defensive front will be immediately felt. Last year, injuries pressed the team into using safety Jeremy Chinn as a quasi-linebacker. This change greatly hindered their impact on the playing field.
The Commanders’ struggles were notably highlighted when facing divisional opponents such as the Philadelphia Eagles, who dominated them in run defense. Especially not in an ever more competitive NFC East, where it’s absolutely crucial for the Commanders to get back to this being a strength of their game. Those good teams who are good at stopping the run—they do better in the postseason. Last year, nine of the 10 best teams in stopping the run made it to the playoffs.
Daron Payne expressed optimism about the Commanders’ new lineup, remarking, “Man, we got some big ol’ guys. They’re huge and strong and can get active. It’s going to be fun.” This sense of optimism is indicative of a newfound confidence in the locker room as the team looks to rebound in 2023.
As they plan toward 2025, the Commanders face a key hurdle. Their odds of making it back to the postseason lay on their improving run defense. In the last three years, that’s just four teams each season. Incredibly, those same teams ranked in the bottom 10 for run defense. Commanders’ ownership and management knows that having a formidable defensive front is the key to a season worth remembering.
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