Changes HAD to be made for the Washington Commanders. The 2023 season has brought forth some positive revelations. However, a big area of concern for them is their defense. Even with Chase Young and Montez Sweat in the fold, the team still struggled heavily. Most of their issues were attributed to DC Jack Del Rio. After a brutal loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Del Rio has been fired, per Ian Rapoport.

“A shakeup in Washington: #Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has been fired following another crushing loss, sources say, this time to the #Cowboys. Ron Rivera presumably will call the D now.”

Additionally, the Commanders also fired defensive backs coach Brett Vieselmeyer was also fired, per Rapoport's report.

Ron Rivera released a statement shortly after regarding the Commanders' decision to fire Del Rio and Vieselmeyer.

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The Commanders' defense has been under fire for the entire season, basically. With the offense playing decently with Sam Howell, all they really need is a solid defense to support the young QB. However, the team has basically hemorrhaged points all season long. The Thanksgiving game against the Cowboys was the final straw. Firing Vieselmeyer likely has something to do with the stagnation of first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes.

With Del Rio out of the picture, defensive playcalling will fall on Ron Rivera's shoulders for the rest of the season. It will be interesting to see how the defense looks without their old defensive coordinator.