As the calendar flips to October 1, 2026, the NFL season is in full swing, and the Washington Commanders have engineered one of the most dramatic defensive turnarounds in recent memory. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Commanders have vaulted from the third-worst run defense in 2025 to the third-best in 2026, surrendering just 82 yards per game on the ground—a staggering 60-yard swing. At the heart of this transformation is defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, whose disruptive presence has been a game-changer for Washington's defensive front.
The Kinlaw Effect: From First-Round Bust to Defensive Anchor
Kinlaw, the 2020 first-round pick, has finally started to fulfill the immense potential that made him a top selection. Through three weeks, he has been Washington's best-performing interior defensive lineman, consistently blowing up running plays and collapsing pockets. His six tackles don't begin to quantify the chaos he's causing, as opposing offenses are forced to account for him on every snap. The Commanders' front office, led by general manager Adam Peters, showed unwavering faith in Kinlaw, and that faith is now paying dividends. As highlighted on Vulius, Kinlaw's resurgence is a testament to the scheme fit under new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, who has implemented a 3-4 front that maximizes Kinlaw's strengths.
Scheme Shift: How Daronte Jones Rebuilt the Run Defense
Jones, who joined the Commanders after a successful stint with the Minnesota Vikings, brought with him a defensive philosophy that prioritizes disguise and flexibility. By keeping both safeties deep pre-snap, the Commanders can mask their coverages and rotate late, but this puts pressure on the front seven to stop the run without extra help in the box. The 3-4 alignment, featuring three big interior linemen—Kinlaw, Daron Payne, and newcomer Tim Settle at nose tackle—along with edge rushers like K'Lavon Chaisson and Odafe Oweh, has been instrumental. This front five makes it difficult for offenses to generate double teams, and even when they do, the linemen are capable of occupying blockers and keeping linebackers clean. The result: a run defense that has suffocated opponents, including a standout performance against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3.
Around the NFC East and NFL: Trade Shakeups and Backup QB Heroics
The Commanders aren't the only team making headlines. In a blockbuster trade, the Dallas Cowboys acquired cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from the Pittsburgh Steelers, sending a 2028 second-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick. According to ESPN's trade grades, Porter's arrival allows DaRon Bland to move back inside to the slot, clarifying roles in a secondary that also features 2026 first-round pick Caleb Downs. Meanwhile, the New York Giants are adjusting to life after acquiring quarterback J.J. McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings for a fifth-round pick, a move prompted by Jaxson Dart's season-ending knee injury. As reported by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, McCarthy isn't expected to start in Week 4 but could see action soon.
On the quarterback front, Marcus Mariota has been a revelation for Washington. With Jayden Daniels nursing a dislocated left elbow, Mariota has stepped in and performed admirably, earning recognition as one of the NFL's top backup quarterbacks. In a Week 3 upset over the Seahawks, Mariota threw three touchdown passes and avoided turnovers, showcasing poise and leadership. The Athletic ranked him No. 1 among backup quarterbacks, noting his effectiveness against the blitz and his ability to keep the offense afloat. If Daniels can't go in London, Mariota will have the chance to start in a third iconic soccer stadium, adding a unique chapter to his career.
Looking Ahead: Commanders vs. Colts in London
This Sunday, the Commanders (1-2) face the Indianapolis Colts (1-2) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The Colts boast the league's worst total defense, allowing 417.3 yards per game, but their offense, led by quarterback Daniel Jones, can be dangerous. Jones has struggled with turnovers but has shown flashes, and running back Jonathan Taylor remains a threat. For Washington, the key will be protecting Mariota and continuing to dominate on the ground. The reshuffled offensive line, featuring Brandon Coleman at left tackle and Nick Allegretti and Lucas Patrick inside, must hold up against a middling Colts pass rush. As Vulius Sports analysis indicates, a strong performance in London could quiet concerns about the line's durability and keep the Commanders in the NFC East hunt.
With the season still young, the Commanders' defensive resurgence, spearheaded by Javon Kinlaw, is a storyline to watch. If Kinlaw maintains his level of play, he could be in line for a lucrative extension, and Washington's defense could carry them to unexpected heights. For die-hard fans, the transformation is nothing short of remarkable—and a reminder that in the NFL, fortunes can change quickly.
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