Washington Football Team: What has happened to the stellar defense?

After looking like an up-and-coming unit, the Washington Football Team defense appears to have taken a step backward early in 2021.

What a difference a year can make. It’s quite the cliché but it rings very true. And after being the main catalyst in the team winning the NFC East a year ago, who have thought that the Washington Football Team (albeit with a 7-9 record) would have concerns about the defensive side of the ball?

Flashback to a season ago when only the Los Angeles Rams allowed fewer total yards per game and fewer yards through the air. Under the guidance of head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, Washington struck a lot of fear into opposing quarterbacks with a front-loaded with first-round draft choices.

The Washington Football Team used the second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to select Ohio State edge rusher Chase Young.

Washington Football Team: What has happened to the stellar defense?

The former Buckeye joined a group that includes fellow first-round choices in Jonathan Allen, DaRon Payne, and Montez Sweat. The latter led the club with nine sacks, while Young added 7.5 QB traps. Add in four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries and he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Rivera’s club finished the season with a formidable 47 sacks.

But five games into 2021 we haven’t seen the same heat generated from this group. The club has had a lot of problems stopping anyone from moving the football. Washington ranks 27th in both total defense and passing yards allowed.

The issue has really been stopping opposing quarterbacks from putting up big numbers. A year ago, the club allowed just 35 offensive TDs – 21 through the air. Five games into ’21, Washington has allowed 18 offensive touchdowns – including 14 aerial scores.

Del Rio’s unit has just nine sacks in the team’s 2-3 start. The club has allowed 30-plus points in each of their last three contests. Allen and Sweat are tied for the team lead with three sacks apiece. Meanwhile, Young finally got his first sack of the season in last week’s home loss to the Saints.

Of course, this doesn’t all fall on the shoulders of the former Ohio State standout. But it’s been pretty stunning to see how over the course of one season a unit with enormous potential looks less than fearsome. Next up are the Kansas City Chiefs, who are having their own defensive issues. Can Young, Allen, and that pass rush get in the face of Patrick Mahomes on a consistent basis?