The second day of practice means Washington Commanders coordinators Daronte Jones and David Blough are up at the podium for their weekly media sessions. They both got their second career wins at this level when the Commanders beat the Eagles 27-10 last week. The Rams are coming to town for the Commanders second straight home game, and they bring a new set of challenges with starts like Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald, Matthew Stafford, and Puka Nacua demanding attention whenever they’re on the field.
Daronte Jones’ defense looked improved over the Tanner McKee-led Eagles, but the Rams aren’t tanking, and will need all hands on deck on Sunday if the team wants to stay alive in the NFC East’s sad division race. Puka Nacua and Matthew Stafford will have opportunities to make plays. Jones was asked about having DBs trail receivers, but said Nacua can put them in “a space they’re not used to” and quick passes to allow him to “become more of a running back” after catching the ball.
David Blough talked about coaching against his former teammate Matt Stafford, and former coaching mentor Kliff Kingsbury. He still talks with Kingsbury, who has called him in support after some low moments this season. Kingsbury and the Commanders “mutually agreed to part ways” earlier this year after he was the offensive coordinator for the last two seasons. Aaron Donald returned from retirement this year, and Blough was asked about double-teaming him. “They don’t just allow you to double team Aaron Donald,” and mentioned other defensive linemen like Byron Young and the returning Myles Garrett.
