The Washington Commanders believed they would have an elite defense in 2021. After coming off a surprising playoff appearance in 2020, Washington expected a repeat performance from its defense last season. Unfortunately, a defense that finished No. 3 in Football Outsiders‘ team DVOA rankings in 2020 crashed back down to earth last season.
A primary reason for Washington’s defensive struggles in 2021 was a secondary that was susceptible to the big play. Early last season, communication breakdowns led to big play after big play until defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio moved safety Landon Collins closer to the line of scrimmage.
That’s not to say all of Washington’s issues in the secondary were Collins’ fault. They weren’t. But it led to multiple players playing where they were less comfortable, and the results were proof.
The Commanders’ secondary was better in the second half of last season. Will that carry over into 2022? We continue our training camp preview with a look at Washington’s secondary.
The names
Kendall Fuller (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
CB Kendall Fuller
CB William Jackson III
CB Benjamin St-Juste
CB Danny Johnson
CB Christian Holmes
CB Corn Elder
CB Channing Stribling
CB DeJuan Neal
CB Josh Drayden
S/CB Bobby McCain
S/CB Troy Apke
S Kam Curl
S Jeremy Reaves
S Darrick Forrest
S Percy Butler
Roster locks
Washington Football Team cornerback William Jackson (23) celebrates his interception of a pass by Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Fuller
Jackson
St-Juste
McCain
Curl
Forrest
Butler
The Commanders could have about three roster spots open in the secondary, depending on how many players Washington chooses to keep elsewhere. Only three cornerbacks are locks in Fuller, Jackson and St-Juste. However, rookie Holmes has impressed this offseason.
At safety, it’s safe to assume the top four are Curl, McCain, Forrest and Butler. Washington could also choose to keep one more, such as Reaves, who proves his value each year.
Lots of competition at cornerback
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera (L) laughs with players as Washington Commanders cornerback Christian Holmes (34). Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders know who their top three corners are in Fuller, Jackson and…
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