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Commanders Shift DC Joe Whitt Jr. to Sideline for Week 10 as He Takes Blame for Defensive Slide

Dan Quinn approved the change to tighten in-game communication after a 3-6 start with bottom-tier defensive rankings.

Overview

  • Whitt said he requested the move and noted some players wanted him on the field, with the switch beginning against the Lions in Week 10.
  • Quinn detailed that the sideline view should speed corrections even as the booth offers broader vision, with defensive backs coach Tom Donatell remaining upstairs.
  • Washington has dropped three straight by 21-plus points and ranks 22nd in points allowed and 28th in yards per Pro Football Reference.
  • Whitt publicly accepted responsibility for the unit’s performance, saying it is his job to elevate the defense.
  • Injuries continue to strain the roster, with reports of a torn ACL for corner Marshon Lattimore and a medical meeting indicating Jayden Daniels is unlikely to return soon, as analysts also fault roster construction and edge-rush depth.