Commanders DC Daronte Jones has a unique approach to each week - Commanders Wire

Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones sees his job as a puzzle.

Each week, Jones watches game film, trying to figure out the best way to stop this week’s opponent.

“We talk about this a lot in terms of the rush and coverage working together,” Jones said. “So we always say when a play is made in the back end, or gives a defensive back or linebacker opportunity to make a play in the pass game, usually what people don’t see is the front structure. What fans may not have seen is how they have sped up the quarterback or got the quarterback off his spot to aid in the quarterback getting rid of the ball quicker than normal.”

Jones then spoke to the other aspect of pass defense. “When guys look at sacks or applying pressure to the quarterback, that’s the coverage working together. Because the secondary has caused the quarterback to hold on to the ball longer than he wants. This allows the rush to get there and for them to have some success.”

It’s been said for many years that sometimes the best pass defense is a pass rush. And sometimes the best pass rush is good pass coverage. Jones told the media he is always looking for ways to help the pass rush and pass coverage work best together.

Right now, the Commanders are 30th in team defense, surrendering 6.4 yards per play through three weeks. The defense has caused only three takeaways in three games, but all three came in last Sunday’s win over Seattle, so the Commanders' defense may trend upward. The defense is currently 15th, having given up 58 first downs in three weeks.