The Washington Commanders were the NFL’s surprise team in 2024. Much of that success was due to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels led the Commanders to their best record in 33 years, and Washington’s offense was one of the NFL’s best units. The same couldn’t be said of the defense.
The final numbers weren’t as bad as you’d think. Washington finished 13th in total defense, 30th in run defense, No. 3 in pass defense and No. 18 in run defense. FTN’s total defensive team DVOA metric had the Commanders ranked 23rd defensively.
While the pass defense ranking is outstanding, looks can sometimes be deceiving. Washington was undoubtedly better against the pass, but its inability to stop the run had teams committing to it because it served two purposes: First, the Commanders were easy to run against, and second, it helped keep Daniels off the field.
So, general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn prioritized upgrading the defense this offseason. The Commanders didn’t necessarily pursue the top names but instead focused on acquiring consistent veterans who played their physical brand of football.
That led Washington to sign two longtime New England Patriots defenders: cornerback Jonathan Jones and defensive end Deatrich Wise. Quinn said outside recommendations led the Commanders to sign Wise and Jones.
“Yeah, and he had come with great recommendations, you know, from people that were in his past,” Quinn said during this week’s OTAs. “When sometimes you get a text after you hire somebody and say, man, this guy is remarkable. Not before, but after you’ve already signed them, it’s usually a good sign and that was the case with he and with Jonathan. It was easy to see how he would fit in here. He’s so strong playing blocks. He’s square. He’s had like excellent background in the run game, so for him to fit in, it was a very easy fit for us. This is what we know this player can do. This is what we’ve known about the work ethic and so he’s been off to a great start here.”
Wise and Jones had only ever played with the Patriots before signing with Washington. Jones began his career in 2016 and Wise his in 2017. Their head coach for all but one season was the legendary Bill Belichick. Could Belichick be the source who recommended Wise and Jones to Quinn and the Commanders? Remember, Peters began his scouting career with the Patriots over 20 years ago, and Quinn has known Belichick for years.
Wise and Jones are expected to have prominent roles on Washington’s defense in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders received great recommendations on two ex-Patriots defenders
