On Thursday, Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. came ready to talk to the press.
Whitt sat down for his weekly Thursday appearance and began giving a few introductory comments as usual. He then added a few comments, a few more and kept going, 652 words in all, before he even took his first question.
Even Craig Hoffman (The Team 980) informed his listeners Thursday afternoon that Whitt was very long with his introductory comments, almost three minutes worth, conveyed Hoffman.
Understandably, Whitt began saying, “You never apologize for a win. It wasn’t the way that we wanted it to be, but like DQ (Dan Quinn) talked about, you need to be put in some hard moments. The last play was a good play, a good winning play.”
Of course, Whitt was referring to the Saints game that the Commanders led 17-0 in the third quarter when suddenly the defense couldn’t get off of the field, permitting the Saints four consecutive scoring drives in their four final offensive possessions.
Whitt then understandably voiced some of his frustration with how his defense performed in the second half.
“We had some opportunities within the game,” he said. “I think we dropped two interceptions. We had a couple penalties that kept the drives going and points were at a premium in that situation. But it was learning moments. It’s easier to come off of a victory and be more demanding after you get a victory.”
Whitt, of course, is correct; there are teachable moments during a season, and Sunday’s narrow, final-play escape should have been a wake-up call for the players. But Whitt then turned positive, seeing the big picture of the season.
“We’re 9-5, that’s a good place for us to be, and we’re trending in the right direction.”
Whitt enjoyed talking about what CB Marshon Lattimore could mean for the defense. Whitt was certain CB Mike Sainristil would get a lot more attention from opposing quarterbacks.
“But a product of having him on one side, that means Mikey on the other side [is] going to get a lot more throws at him,” Whitt said. “And he had an interception, he had an opportunity at another interception. He’s a ball guy. So, he should relish that opportunity from that standpoint.”
Choosing to name those he thought played well, Sunday, Whitt referenced DE Dorance Armstrong, S Jeremy Chinn, DT Johnny Newton and CB Noah Igbinoghene.
Seeming encouraged about Jonathan Allen’s soon return, Whitt offered, “He’s moving and looking really well, man. I’ve been pleased with what he did yesterday and he’s worked really hard to get back to where he is. And so, hopefully, the training staff will get him where he can help us in the near future.”
Adding two players the caliber of Lattimore and a healthy Jonathan Allen is good reason to encourage Whitt that some real improvement could be coming for the defense.