Facing the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football in Week 6 presents challenges for an improving Washington Commanders defense, but coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. has a plan. One involving a “fast” player coming off a season-high snap count in Week 5.
Whitt identified second-year linebacker Jordan Magee after his active efforts during the 27-10 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. What the play-caller “saw was a kid that went out there and played fast, played physical,” per ESPN’s John Keim.
The latter also noted Whitt “said Magee made ‘no mistakes’ with his assignments. Could see good time Monday b/c the Bears use a lot of 12 personnel.”
Whitt’s reference to 12 personnel, one running back and two tight ends is significant. The Chargers “using 12 and 13 personnel allowed Whitt to deploy Magee more,” according to The Team 980’s Ben Standig.
What’s key here is that “Since the Bears are a 12-personnel team, Whitt says you can expect to see Magee on the field a bunch in 4-3 sets on MNF,” per Standig.
So is the line about the Commanders using more “4-3 sets” when the Bears visit Northwest Stadium on Monday, October 13. It’s a shift of alignment with the potential to fix a fundamental flaw in Whitt’s defense.
The problem showed up even during the otherwise impressive performance to swarm on the Chargers.
Jordan Magee Ready for Expanded Role
Magee showcased enough sideline-to-sideline speed and range against the Chargers to prove he merits a larger role this week. The biggest upside for Washington’s defense will be having another seek-and-destroyer tackler against the run.
Getting downhill helped Magee stuff or disrupt more than one running play against the Bolts, per highlights from “Commanding The Huddle” host Ryan Fowler.
Putting Magee into the lineup with fellow linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu will also give the Commanders obvious matchups against Chicago’s multi-tight end sets. The Bears have been using Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland to great effect, but Durham Smythe has also been a factor as a blocker.
Bodying tight ends at the line of scrimmage will take away some of Bears’ quarterback Caleb Williams’ safety valves. Yet, the main focus for Whitt deploying a trio of linebackers should be to get tougher against the run.
Commanders Defense Making Necessary Changes
Whitt and head coach Dan Quinn haven’t been afraid to change things defensively. They altered their coverage plan to improve struggling four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Another adjustment is needed ahead of Monday if the Commanders are going to yield less on the ground. Whitt’s unit is surrendering four yards per carry and was gashed for 155 yards by the Chargers.
The Bears aren’t exactly bossing defenses in the running game, but D’Andre Swift is a proven veteran who could thrive behind two-tight end looks. Swift ran for 129 yards as part of the Bears amassing 202 on the ground when the two teams met last season in the now famous “Hail Maryland” victory for the Commanders.
That defeat still stings for the Bears, so the Commanders can’t afford to let things be as close this time. They won’t be if a beefed up defensive front shuts down the visitors’ favorite personnel package.
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