Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio sat in front of the media for his weekly press conference on Thursday. Del Rio has come under heat with his unit allowing 30 points or more in four consecutive games.
Slow starts are a theme for Washington under head coach Ron Rivera and Del Rio. And considering the Commanders’ investments on the defensive side of the ball, it’s inexcusable.
One consistent problem for Washington is its ability to find consistent linebacker play. The Commanders spent a first-round pick on Jamin Davis in 2021. Davis continues to improve, but in retrospect, it’s clear Washington should have gone with an offensive lineman in that draft.
This past offseason, the Commanders allowed Cole Holcomb to walk, choosing to replace him with former Seattle Seahawk Cody Barton. It was clear in the offseason that Barton was still learning the defense, which was expected.
However, through five games this season, Barton continues to look lost on defense. He’s often slow to react, gets blocked completely out of the play and looks lost in coverage. To Washington fans, through the team’s defensive struggles, Barton has almost become a constant GIF.
On Thursday, Del Rio was asked about Barton, and he wasn’t happy with the question.
“What people, who am I answering to?” Del Rio said in reference to a question about Barton’s disappointing play. “Which people and what are they looking at?”
Let me answer that one for you, Coach.
This is what these “people,” you know, anyone with eyes, are seeing when watching Barton each week.
Roll the tape, as they’d say.
Cody Barton folks…
Cody Barton
pic.twitter.com/U5VaM58cp6
— Mark Tyler(Hogs Haven) (@Tiller56) October 6, 2023
Is that not enough for you, Coach? Here’s more.
Washington Commanders Linebacker Cody Barton has been a direct target for opposing offenses.
In the pass game, Barton is often lost in space & vs the run (where he’s supposed to be effective), he’s been an absolute pushover.
Khaleke Hudson needs to be given opportunities. #HTTC pic.twitter.com/B3koUD2ROk
— CALQ (@CALQUL8TED) October 12, 2023
The last version from X user, “CALQ,” is only from the Chicago game. We could go back through each of Washington’s five games and find these examples all over the place. But, we’ll spare you.
More from Del Rio:
“I like the way he prepares and competes,” Del Rio said of Barton. “So, I think he’ll continue to get better and impact us in a positive way.”
OK.
Never mind if he’s actually playing well. Of course, Del Rio, who was dismissive of the question, would tell you he knows more than you, me, or the average fan watching each time Barton is either late, slow, or ran over on a play. After all, that’s why Barton has played 100% of the defensive snaps because Del Rio has all the answers.
Remember all offseason how Del Rio praised reserve linebacker Khaleke Hudson? Where’s Hudson been? He’s only played on special teams.
Let’s look at a time when Del Rio used the media to criticize Davis. Perhaps it was motivation, but you chose the opposite approach with Barton. Why? Because you like the way he prepares and competes? OK, every NFL player, whether he’s a star or an undrafted rookie, competes every week. Some are better than others. Usually, the ones who struggle don’t play 100% of the snaps.
We aren’t picking on Barton. He hasn’t played well, and we’ll leave it at that. If Hudson was so outstanding in the offseason, why not give him a chance now?
If we’ve learned anything through the Rivera/Del Rio regime, it’s that the former NFL linebackers, with a combined 20 years of playing experience, can’t seem to pick linebackers to fit their defense.
Fans are tired of hearing how they’ve de-emphasized the position, and the “Buffalo nickel” spot is more important. Ask the San Francisco 49ers, with Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw, if they don’t think linebackers are important.
Del Rio is often dismissive of questions, but this time, he took it to another level. It isn’t as if he’s earned the right not to be questioned about a defense that’s on a pace to be historically inept.
Imagine how much better Washington’s defensive line would be with consistent linebacker player behind them?
Just a reminder, we understand that Pro Football Focus isn’t the only determining factor on whether a player is playing well or not. Are you curious about PFF’s grade for Barton? It’s 37.8 — for the season.
Rivera has mentioned Washington’s PFF offensive line rankings in the past; wonder what he thinks of PFF’s grade on Barton?