Fansided

5 targets for Commanders in 2022 NFL free agency

By Russell S. Baxter

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Ron Rivera, head coach of the Washington Commanders speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 17: Robert Alford #23 of the Arizona Cardinals signals to the crowd after a fourth down stop during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 17: Robert Alford #23 of the Arizona Cardinals signals to the crowd after a fourth down stop during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /

3. CB Robert Alford (Arizona Cardinals)

In 2020, Washington won the NFC East title with a 7-9 record. This past season, the team again won seven games. But they finished a distant third in the division behind the playoff-bound Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. Ron Rivera’s club was swept by both of these clubs, completely opposite of what happened the previous year when they won their first NFC East crown since 2015.

It was coordinator Jack Del Rio’s unit that was the catalyst to the playoff appearance. The offense endured multiple quarterback changes and struggled to find continuity. Led by NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young and his fellow former first-round draft choices, Ron Rivera’s club made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

But this was not the same defense in 2021. Young missed most of the season and struggled before he was injured. Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen had a big year. But the bottom line was that Washington finished 29th in the NFL in passing yards allowed and gave up a league-high 34 scores through the air.

After signing with the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 and not playing for two seasons, cornerback Robert Alford returned to the field this past season. He played in 13 games – making five starts – and finished with 37 tackles, one pick and four passes defensed.

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