This began as an attempt to explain a confounding problem. Why have the Washington Commanders been unable to produce quality cornerback play over the past five seasons?
The last time Washington had dependable cornerback play was 2020, in Ron Rivera’s first season as head coach. The club had two steady veterans on the perimeter and a tough, undersized, second-year player in the slot. Ronald Darby and Kendall Fuller were second and third-round draft picks, respectively. The slot, Jimmy Moreland, arrived in the final round of the 2019 draft.
Darby left via free agency after the 2020 season, and Moreland was released in the final cuts of 2021.