Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera didn’t have an issue with his defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio for his recent comments critiquing the play of linebacker Jamin Davis.
Del Rio pointed out that Davis had a “so-so performance” in the Commanders’ Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Del Rio elaborated that he was surprised that Davis didn’t play well, considering how good he looked through training camp and preseason.
When questioned on Friday about Del Rio’s comments, Rivera explained Del Rio gave an honest answer.
“Well, I think we know that Jack’s honest, and it’s an honest assessment,” Rivera declared, per the Athletic’s Ben Standig. “You know, [Jamin Davis] did have a really good training camp. He played very well, and we would like to see him play better. I don’t disagree with it. Jamin played hard. He gave a great effort, but let’s play smarter. Let’s understand that we gotta use our techniques.
Davis played 65 snaps against the Jaguars. In pass coverage, Davis drew five targets from Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Davis allowed three catches for 39 yards. Yet, his most damaging play may have been an incompletion.
Davis allowed Travis Etienne to eat space when matched up against the Jaguars’ running back. Davis sat on his feet as Etienne continued to climb on his route, blowing past the linebacker. However, Lawrence missed a wide-open Etienne on a pass that should have resulted in a Jacksonville touchdown.
Davis also got caught in space in the slot against the Jaguars top wide receiver Christian Kirk. In each instance, Kirk got the best of Davis. Understandably that’s a schematic issue. Yet, Davis has top-speed for a linebacker, running a 4.47 40-time. It’s expected for him to hold his ground a bit, if not for a few ticks.
“We put him in a tough position, but we think he can do it,” Rivera continued on Davis. “Now, use the technique and make that guy go up and around. Don’t lose your leverage. Those are the things that I think Jack was a little frustrated with because he had a good camp, and he did play well.”
Washington drafted Davis in the first round in 2021. After a subpar rookie season, the onus has been on Davis to bounce back his sophomore year in the league. He’s off to a shaky start and must push forward to change his narrative, beginning this week at the Detroit Lions.
