Photo Credit: Lake Lewis Jr
The Washington Commanders built their 2024 success on balance, but heading into 2025, the defense may be the unit that sets the tone. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr answered a question from NFL Insider Lake Lewis Jr this week about whether he has the right pieces to run the fast and free style of defense he envisions. His response was filled with confidence.
“Yeah, I think the speed’s right there with the length and the size of the men,” Whitt said. “Especially on the back end, you have an older guy in Jonathan Jones, but he still can run like a deer, and Amos can run, and Marshon’s healthy. So, you’ll be able to see his ability to hit the top-end speed. I’m, to answer your question, yes, I think we have what we need to go out here and play really good defense.”
Whitt emphasized not only the physical traits of his roster but also the importance of veteran leadership combined with youth. Jonathan Jones brings a steady presence but still has the wheels to keep up with top receivers. Rookie Trey Amos provides size and athleticism in the secondary, while a healthy Marshon Lattimore adds shutdown ability and elite speed. Mikey Sainristil brings a physical approach to the game along with Jones’s experience. Those elements give Washington a chance to cover ground quickly and disrupt offenses in a way fans have not seen in years.
Building a Fast and Free Identity
Whitt has long preached the philosophy of playing fast and free, a style that thrives on instinct, confidence, and speed across all levels of the defense. With his current personnel, he sees the Commanders embracing that vision fully.
The speed of the secondary, combined with rangy linebackers and an aggressive front, should allow Washington to pressure opposing quarterbacks while limiting explosive plays. The mix of size and athleticism creates a defense capable of both matching up in coverage and swarming to the ball. For Whitt, those traits are essential to keeping pace in a league that demands defenses adjust to high-powered passing games and mobile quarterbacks.
The Commanders’ defensive coordinator also values the chemistry developing in the locker room. Veterans like Jones and Lattimore not only bring speed but also a wealth of knowledge that helps younger players thrive. Lattimore’s return to full health is a key boost, as his ability to run with the NFL’s best receivers adds a new dimension to the defense.
By blending veteran savvy with youthful explosiveness, Whitt believes his defense is positioned to leap in 2025. Fans have already seen glimpses of this identity, but the expectation now is to sustain it across the entire season.
A Defense Ready to Lead in 2025
The Commanders’ offense may draw headlines with quarterback Jayden Daniels and his dynamic playmaking ability, but Whitt’s defense could be the unit that dictates how far Washington goes this year. The combination of speed, depth, and veteran presence positions the team to compete with the best in the league.
Whitt’s belief in his roster reflects the broader confidence inside the organization. This is no longer a defense trying to find an identity. Instead, it is a group that knows who it is and what it wants to become. Playing fast and free is not just a slogan; it is the blueprint for a unit that expects to dominate.
As the 2025 regular season opener approaches Sunday against the New York Giants, Washington fans have every reason to be excited. With Whitt pulling the strings and a roster loaded with athleticism and toughness, the Commanders’ defense looks ready to deliver highlight plays, key stops, and the kind of energy that can carry a team deep into January.