"Talent has been an issue all season": Dan Orlovsky blasts Commanders’ defense after 44-22 loss to Lions

Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has issued a scathing observation of the Washington Commanders’ defense after their 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Commanders fell to 3-7 on Sunday after the disappointing loss in front of their home fans.

In a critical X post following the loss, Orlovsky was severely critical of the Commanders’ defense, writing:

“It’s shocking to see how bad the Washington defense tape is. A lack of discipline, poor spacing, physicality. Talent has been an issue all season—but this tape was odd to see from a DQ unit. Not much between the whistle fight.”

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Washington’s Sunday is its fifth in as many games. It’s also the fourth consecutive loss by the team by at least 21 points, underscoring its defensive struggles. Injury is a factor affecting the Commanders’ run, with players like Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin sidelined with injuries.

However, it does not adequately explain the consistent blowout losses suffered by the team. Head coach Dan Quinn has stated his worry is not about a fracture in the team, but rather his players’ emotions. He said following the loss to Detroit:

“I worry about the emotion of it, but not the fracture. They’re tight, they’re connected, the work’s there, frustration, visibly upset, just why isn’t it going like we wanted to, and that’s kind of what I was referring to earlier, a little bit about it’s not the worst thing to go away together right now.”

Veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota, who has been filling in for injured Daniels, provided more insight in his post-game interview, highlighting the team’s lack of identity. He said:

“I don’t think we are who we think we are.”

However, he sees a way out, saying:

“With that being said, it’s a quick turnaround. It’s a trip to Europe. It’s an opportunity for us to kind of dive in together. I believe in this brotherhood.”

Commanders’ defense hit with suspension

One of the pillars of the Commanders’ defense, Daron Payne, has been suspended for a game without pay by the NFL. Payne was suspended for the unsportsmanlike conduct he displayed against the Lions on Sunday.

The defensive lineman was penalized in the second quarter of Sunday’s loss after taking a shot at Lions’ wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. According to a statement released by the league, Payne’s act contradicts Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1 of the NFL rulebook.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi