Well, Hail!
I know this is a defensive column, but that Hail Mary from Daniels to Noah Brown had to be mentioned. They executed it perfectly and clinched the game in the end…
Even with two touchdowns given up in the fourth, the defense played its best game yet, this season, against the Bears last week. Holding Chicago to a frustrating fifteen points is definitely something to talk about!
The Good
Joe Witt’s Frustration… It was refreshing to see that even after a classic win and a solid defensive performance, Witt wants more. For those focused on the postseason (count me in), this drive for improvement could be crucial as the defense gears up for a potential playoff run.
The Bad
Even though the defense played well, they still allowed two late touchdowns. That’s concerning and a reminder that we can’t fully trust the defense yet. The offense won’t be on fire every week.
Two Up 👍👍
Johnny Newton (PFF Grade - 89.2)
He was a force! Not even counting the fumble recovery on their own one-yard line (more of a Chicago blunder), Newton was constantly in the backfield. His disruptive presence set up success for others on defense—a performance we expect from a dominant defensive tackle.
Benjamin St-Juste (PFF Grade - 59.3)
Almost a perfect game, but here’s the catch: he’ll struggle to become a true CB1 due to issues with tracking the ball. He’s solid in positioning, but his difficulty locating the ball often leads to penalties.
No downplay for this week. Here’s…
Two MORE Up 👍👍
Mike Sainristil (PFF Grade - 53.8)
CB1. It’s obvious at this point. He may not be an ideal outside corner, but he’s proven he can hold his own out there.
Quan Martin (PFF Grade - 41.7)
A hat tip to the second-year safety. Martin’s season has been strong, and his low profile on the blame radar shows just how solid he’s been. A dependable performance that deserves more appreciation.
Season Progressive Grade
• Week 8 Grade: B+
• Season Grade: C+
Defensive Rankings
• Total YPG: 326.4 (13th, Last Week: 14th)
• Pass YPG: 186.6 (6th, Last Week: 12th)
• Run YPG: 139.6 (25th, Last Week: 25th)
• 3rd Down Conversion Rate: 40.23% (23rd, Last Week: 23rd)
Sunday will be interesting as a notorious Washington killer hosts a defense that’s played well against subpar quarterbacks. The game will hinge on whether the Commanders defense can keep up its cohesion and performance. If they do, another solid outing is in sight.
Photo credits: Commanders YouTube
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