Commanders Coach Joe Whitt Jr. Reveals Defensive Shortcomings

The Washington Commanders are preparing to take on the New York Giants this week at home. This NFC East rivalry has been going for quite some time, and the Commanders are looking to be much better than last week.

Part of that is stiffening up the defense. Coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. spoke to the media and feels that he needs to do a better job as well.

“It’s my responsibility to make sure they don’t happen,” Whitt said. “It’s our job as coaches to make sure that the players are not thinking they are playing fast and that we are on the same page.”

Washington’s defense was torched by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and his offense in a 37-20 loss.

“We didn’t create any turnovers,” Whitt continued. “We had real opportunity at one. We have to make those splash plays when we have them.”

A lot of times, when a team doesn’t produce turnovers, they are going to lose the game, especially with a leaky defense. They also need to get stops on third down to give their offense opportunities.

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“The inability to get off the field on third downs,” Whitt said. “Losing leverage in certain situations. Times we did get to the quarterback, we didn’t get them down, and we had some communication issues.”

The Commanders' defense might have an easier time this week as they host the New York Giants on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.