The Washington Commanders' defense has been nothing short of embarrassing throughout the 2025 campaign. And any fans that were holding out hope for a prime-time surge against the Seattle Seahawks got a brutal reality check early.
Sam Darnold carved up the Commanders throughout a borderline historic first half that few have managed this century. He immediately got into a groove, getting whatever he wanted. The signal-caller had a 100 percent completion rate, threw for more than 250 passing yards, and also helped himself to four passing touchdowns along the way.
The Seahawks put up 31 points, prompting some Commanders fans to leave Northwest Stadium early in the second quarter. This might also be the final nail in defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s proverbial Washington coffin.
Sam Darnold melted Joe Whitt Jr.'s hot seat as Commanders' capitulated again
Whitt is drawing fierce criticism from fans and experts alike. Whether it's the scheme, the aging talent, the regressing young stars, or a combination of them all, it's moot: this team is not performing to the required standards, and they weren't exactly great last time around either.
Jayden Daniels masked those problems last season. But with his diminished supporting cast and a complete lack of confidence in the options available, this glaring flaw is being exposed almost constantly.
The rate at which Darnold moved the football downfield was alarming. Whitt's scheme is predicated on the Commanders thriving in man coverage. Their personnel can't accomplish this effectively, and the distinct lack of pass-rush isn't helping either.
If Whitt isn't on the hot seat, he should be. Reports suggest that head coach Dan Quinn will not make any in-season staffing alterations. At the same time, things cannot continue like this for much longer.
Quinn is not in self-preservation mode. He's also closely connected to Whitt from their time together on the Dallas Cowboys, so there is a loyalty factor that undoubtedly carries weight with Washington's head man. But the pressure is building, and fans have already seen enough.
Whatever they're trying to gain some positive momentum isn't working. Whether it's during the season or when the 2026 offseason arrives, perhaps a fresh set of ideas is precisely what's needed.