Commanders' Defensive Struggles Highlighted in Eagles Loss

The Washington Commanders' defensive struggles were starkly highlighted during their Week 16 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. FOX Sports analyst Greg Olsen pointed out that the Commanders have allowed almost 1,000 yards after missed tackles in 2025, a critical issue evident in their performance against the Eagles.

Specifically, cornerback Jonathan Jones was significantly off coverage, allowing A.J. Brown to easily catch a pass and gain yards after the catch due to missed tackles by the defense. The tackling issues are pervasive, with seven of nine defensive backs logging double-digit missed tackle percentages, a stark contrast to the Eagles' more disciplined defense.

This performance has contributed to the Commanders giving up the most first downs in the league and surrendering the seventh-most points this season. Injuries have compounded these issues, with key players like rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane and offensive lineman Sam Cosmi suffering setbacks during the game.

Head coach Dan Quinn's defensive strategies have struggled due to personnel limitations, and without effective tackling, the Commanders' zone coverage has fallen short, leading to significant yardage and scoring against them.

As they prepare for their upcoming games, the Commanders face not only a need for tactical adjustments but also a potential overhaul in personnel moving forward into the offseason, as noted by general manager Adam Peters.