We’re now officially through Week 5, a few days after the Commanders kicked it off with a thud – and The Athletic’s Mike Jones jumped on with the Junkies to discuss Justin Jefferson’s injury, the Bears’ possible surge after Thursday’s win, the Niners’ demolition of the Cowboys, and more.
But within that middle thought, Cakes had to ask about the Commanders’ defense allowing 32 points per game and 37 over the last three, and whether or not that can be fixed – and, yeah, he’s just as flummoxed as most of us.
“They should be better than they are, because they have all the talent they need, especially in the front,” Jones said. “I know they have some young guys in the secondary and now some injuries, but they still should be able to find a way. Whether it’s Rivera, Del Rio, or both, somebody is not figuring out the right buttons to push there, and it’s perplexing as to why. You thought the defense would be the unit keeping them in the games, but it’s been the opposite.”
With another struggling team in Atlanta up next, this could be a chance to get right…but even Desmond Ridder came on this weekend in a win over Carolina, and if he continues, it could be a long day.
“If he is, that’s not good for the defense, and they definitely have to get this thing turned around,” Jones said. “If Magic Johnson and ownership is not afraid to make public comments criticizing the way the team is playing, what are they saying behind closed doors? That’s not a good spot to be in if you’re Ron.”
Take a listen above to Jones’ entire NFL segment!