Commanders defense should receive criticism after Falcons loss
The Washington Commanders’ 27-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday was more than just another mark in the loss column—it was a glaring reminder that this defense, long touted as the backbone of the franchise, is falling short of expectations. While quarterback Jayden Daniels and the offense showed flashes of resilience, the defense continues to be the weak link in a team that once prided itself on physicality and discipline.
From the opening drive, the Commanders’ defensive unit looked a step slow and a play behind. Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins dissected Washington’s secondary with alarming ease, completing quick passes underneath and capitalizing on blown coverages to sustain drives. Atlanta finished with over 380 yards of total offense, including 145 rushing yards that exposed Washington’s inability to contain the edges or win at the line of scrimmage. For a defense that was expected to dominate in the trenches, the lack of push and gap control was nothing short of disappointing.
Missed tackles were another recurring theme. Time and again, Falcons running back Bijan Robinson broke free from first contact, turning modest gains into chain-moving plays. Poor tackling angles and soft pursuit turned what should have been minimal gains into back-breaking drives. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s scheme also deserves scrutiny. The unit looked confused on key third downs, with late substitutions and miscommunications leading to easy completions. When a defense struggles this much to execute fundamentals, the blame can’t rest solely on the players.
Perhaps most concerning was the lack of urgency in the fourth quarter. Trailing by a single score, the Commanders needed a stop to give their offense a chance to tie the game. Instead, the Falcons marched methodically down the field, draining the clock and sealing the victory. Big-time defenses step up in critical moments; Washington’s did not.
The Commanders invested heavily in this side of the ball over the past few years, using premium draft picks on their defensive line and secondary. Yet the results remain frustratingly inconsistent. Star pass rushers like Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat were neutralized, and the much-hyped secondary failed to create turnovers or game-changing plays. Injuries can’t be the excuse. Every team deals with them. What Washington showed on Sunday was a lack of execution and accountability.
If the Commanders hope to stay competitive in a crowded NFC, changes must happen—and fast. That starts with self-reflection from Barry and his staff. Whether it’s simplifying coverages, tightening run fits, or demanding better tackling technique, this defense needs a reset. The offense, led by a young quarterback, is still developing. They cannot be expected to win shootouts every week.
Sunday’s loss to the Falcons should serve as a wake-up call. The Commanders’ defense has the talent to dominate, but talent without discipline is wasted. Until this unit plays up to its billing, criticism isn’t just warranted—it’s necessary.
Miami Dolphins’ Coach Cuts NFL Record Breaker
New Miami Dolphins‘ special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman had a very tough decision to make at the punting position, but he finally made it.
It was believed heading into training camp that Ryan Stonehouse would have the advantage, having averaged 53.1 yards per punt two years in a row (2022-2023) with the Tennessee Titans. He also set the single-season NFL record for gross punting average in a season (and he’s actually first and second on that list).
However, the job was won by incumbent Jake Bailey, who doesn’t quite have the leg of Stonehouse and also counts more against the salary cap in 2025.
Aukerman said that both of them punted really well, but they ultimately decided that Bailey was the better fit.
“They did a really good job, competitive every single day,” Aukerman said. “Again, really proud of them. I know Ryan is gonna be punting somewhere in the National Football League. We just felt going forward that Jake would be our guy. Really happy with the consistency that he’s been throughout camp, whether it’s field punts plus 50, the preseason games, super proud to work with him and excited for him too because I know he’s to have a great year.”
Jake Bailey’s consistency and holding won out
It had to be tough to cut a punter with Stonehouse’s credentials, but Aukerman felt like Bailey had the consistency and versatility they were looking for.
“Yeah, you know what? It was hard,” Aukerman said. “Just because both of those guys, it was back and forth like constantly. Guys would hit a big ball. It would be Ryan, then it would be Jake.
“It was a little bit of everything. The consistency part, the holding along with Jason (Sanders), his ability to kick off, all these different types of factors that we look at. We just felt just going forward for the team that we need to move on and also help Ryan out trying to get on with another football team as quickly as he possibly could, too.”
Jay Bailey improved his directional kicking
This is Aukerman’s first year on the job, so he inherited Bailey. But, he did get a chance to watch some of his tape from last year and identify some weak spots and/or areas of improvement.
“Yeah, you know, when I first met with Jake, one of the biggest things was consistency with him,” Aukerman continued. “If we’re going to be a directional punting team, we need to get the ball close to the numbers. And I felt like he’s really honed in on that and focused in on being a directional (punt). And if sometimes we do hit the ball 60 yards, we’ve got to have great hang time with it.
“And there’s also a factor that I tell those interior players too, it’s not going to be perfect. It’s not going to be outside the numbers every time. It could be in the middle of the field, but we’re also paying you to go and cover. So those guys all understand that. And I think Jake is ready to go and have a great season.”
Last year, Bailey averaged 47.1 yards per punt and had one blocked. His average was good for 17th in the NFL.
Aukerman’s relationship with Stonehouse made the decision tough
Stonehouse was signed by the Dolphins in March and was a familiar face for Aukerman, who was his special teams coordinator with the Titans.
Stonehouse was elated to be reunited with his former coach.
“I think there are some things about natural fits and I truly believe the Dolphins are the best fit for me,” Stonehouse said. “I’ve kind of come to realize that being in the league for three years now that fit matters so much and understanding the player that I am matters a lot – how to use me as a weapon is truly something that I thank Craig Aukerman and (former Titans assistant and current Rams special teams coordinator) Chase Blackburn for when they brought me into Tennessee. It was very important for me to have a good fit, so I truly believe Miami is that place.”
Well, apparently it’s not. It seemed like a perfect fit for the fourth-year punter, who was third in the NFL in punting in 2024. But, Aukerman had to make the final call and it wasn’t easy to walk away from Stonehouse.
“Yeah, extremely difficult,” Aukerman said. “When I told him today, and he knew this going into it, I had the same situation when Ryan came in as a rookie with Brett Kern. Brett Kern is the best all-time punter in Tennessee Titans history. All-Pro, Pro Bowl player, and we had to make a move and decided to go with Ryan instead of Brett Kern. So it was very difficult because he’s a great person, a great teammate, and a great punter, and it’s always tough to go through those situations, but at the end of the day, that’s what we’re here to do as coaches, make those difficult decisions, and what we feel is best for the football team going forward.”
It’s really difficult to imagine that Stonehouse will be unemployed for long.
