As bad as things have been, the Washington Commanders know there is a framework for fixing their leaky defense. A formula for a much-needed revival, based on densely populated zone shells and a steady stream of pressure without blitzing.
It's a formula as old as the game itself, but one thing's missing for the Commanders — the lack of a blue-chip edge-rusher or two to make it work.
There are some capable bodies in the rotation, but they are either journeyman players with interesting versatility who are proving doubters wrong. Or an aging big name from the past, like Von Miller.