It was bound to happen. At some point, the Washington Commanders’ defense was going to get the best of the offense in training camp. That came on Friday, Day 3.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels didn’t have his best day, which is rare. Daniels was picked off multiple times. Even backup quarterback Marcus Mariota didn’t have his best day.  

Overall, this is a positive for the Commanders. Washington had one of the NFL’s top offenses last season, and it should be even better in 2025. In addition to adding talented players like Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, the Commanders made a massive investment in the offensive line. Most importantly, Daniels should be even better in his second season. 

The outlook for Washington’s defense wasn’t as sunny. The Commanders made several moves this offseason in an effort to improve the run defense and pass rush. While it’s way too soon to know if those moves will pay off, Friday’s practice gave glimpses of hope. 

First, let’s talk about the secondary. The addition of rookie corner Trey Amos, a healthy Marshon Lattimore, and the expected progression from second-year CB Mike Sainristil could become one of the NFL’s top groups. Add in Jonathan Jones and Noah Igbinoghene, and this unit looks even better. Early in camp, the cornerbacks are flying around and making plays, which is the hallmark of a Dan Quinn defense.

The safety group is led by Quan Martin, who defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said could be one of the best in the league. But a name to watch here is Tyler Owens. The second-year safety is an elite athlete who is getting some run with the starters. He’s a physical and aggressive player. While he will not start, Owens is earning himself some defensive snaps 

We know how good Washington’s linebackers are. Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu are two of the best. 

But the defensive line could be the key to another successful season. New additions Von Miller, Javon Kinlaw, Eddie Goldman, Deatrich Wise and others, paired with returning standouts Daron Payne, Johnny Newton and Dorance Armstrong, Washington’s defensive line could be a situation where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. 

Friday’s practice gave everyone a glimpse of what Washington’s defense could be if it played loose and aggressively. There is a long way to go in training camp. Truthfully, the offense will have more good days than the defense. That’s fine. This defense will improve with each practice. One trait Quinn looks for in his defensive players is football intelligence. This defense is loaded with players who have high football intelligence. They also communicate at every level of the defense. 

Instead of being concerned about the offense after one dud of a practice, be encouraged about the defense. There are reasons to be excited on that side of the ball, too.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders training camp: Encouraging defensive performance on Day 3