Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones had a simple message for his unit ahead of Thursday’s training camp practice: “They don’t get in the fucking end zone.”
Two days into camp, it’s clear Jones’ players have taken heed. The defense has mostly smothered the offense so far, both starters and reserves. Facing a relentless pass rush and suffocating coverage, Washington’s offense has struggled to move the ball, let alone reach the end zone.
This defensive unit was slow and aged just a year ago, so the front office went out and signed eight players in free agency, hoping the group could become faster and more versatile. Based on first impressions in Ashburn, that effort appears to be paying off already.