Commanders’ DC Demands Defensive Discipline Ahead of Raiders Showdown

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. spoke candidly during his Thursday press conference, addressing his unit’s uneven start to the season. Whitt praised the team’s strong opener against the New York Giants but admitted their defensive breakdowns against Green Bay cost them a chance to compete in the game. With Las Vegas looming, Whitt called for sharper eye discipline and renewed physicality to get Washington back on track.

“New York, I thought we came out and played the way that we should,” Whitt said. “The defensive line played really well, highlighting Javon Kinlaw. He was violent, all over the place. The secondary did a nice job of not allowing the ball to get over the top.”

That same discipline faltered against Green Bay. Whitt acknowledged misdirection plays and poor reads led to explosive gains. “We did not do a good job in the eye discipline category and that allowed some big plays,” he admitted. “When points are going to be at a premium and the score is 17-10 in the fourth quarter, we have to make sure that we find a way to get that thing done.”

Adjustments, Leadership, and Stepping Up Without Wise

The loss of defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. to injury leaves Washington without a reliable run-stopper and pocket-pusher. Whitt praised Wise’s professionalism but expressed confidence in the next men up. “Deatrich on and off the field, he’s one of those professional guys always studying, first guy in the building,” Whitt said. “But injuries in football are part of it. Javontae Jean-Baptiste and other guys are going to have opportunities to step up. Jacob Martin will get more reps and we will play well.”

Washington bolstered its defensive front by signing veteran Preston Smith, a familiar face to Commanders fans. Whitt said the team expects Smith to learn the system quickly under coaches Darryl Tapp and Ryan Kerrigan. “Preston is a veteran player,” Whitt explained. “He’s with Tapp and Kerrigan, so I have high anticipation that he will learn the system very quickly and then when we get him involved is whenever he’s ready.”

Whitt also pointed to linebacker Frankie Luvu’s increased attention from opposing offenses as a sign of respect. “People are treating him more like a big,” Whitt noted. “He’s getting more protections turned to him, getting more blocks by tackles and linemen other than the back. When you produce and have the type of season he had last year, you’re going to be treated as such.”

Preparing for Brock Bowers and Geno Smith

Looking ahead, Whitt knows the Raiders present a serious challenge. Quarterback Geno Smith’s arm talent and Las Vegas’ dynamic weapons demand discipline and versatility. Tight end Brock Bowers, in particular, caught Whitt’s attention. “A dynamic, young tight end that you have to almost treat like a receiver,” he said. “The way they use him, sometimes he could be in line as a 12. If you put nickel out there, you’re going to be a little small. If they put him as a receiver, you don’t want him matched up on certain linebackers. We just have to make sure that we’re in calls and positions that are beneficial to his location.”

Whitt stressed that explosive plays cannot happen if Washington wants to win. “We can’t allow explosive plays because if we give them up, points are going to come,” he said. “We keep points low, it gives us the best chance to win.”

Though the 10-day gap between games has been frustrating after a loss, Whitt believes the extra preparation will help the Commanders respond. “You can’t let one game beat you twice,” he said. “The only thing that gets this taste out of your mouth is a win. What we put out Thursday, we’re more like what we put out last week against New York, but we have to show it.”

The Commanders defense will need to prove it on the field Sunday, and Whitt made it clear: discipline and execution will decide whether Washington reclaims its early-season form or repeats its Green Bay missteps.

Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.

This article was originally published on Heavy Sports

The post Commanders’ DC Demands Defensive Discipline Ahead of Raiders Showdown appeared first on Heavy Sports.