When the Washington Commanders struck out on their bold bid to land Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores this offseason, they settled on his right-hand man.
But after some incredibly positive signs over the summer, Daronte Jones's future in Washington already looks unstable.
Jones earned a strong reputation as Flores' most trusted confidant. Minnesota's play-caller is notoriously demanding, so a promotion elsewhere was always likely. But after the Commanders hired Steve Wilkes as a consultant, it’s much harder to replicate the defense he left behind.
Daronte Jones is already fighting against the tide after Minnesota Vikings exit
With pressure mounting on Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, he chose upside over experience after missing his primary target. Jones was seen as the next best thing, and his vision intrigued Washington fans.
Things haven't started well.
The Commanders are 1-4-1, and Jones' defense is capitulating in the second half. There have been some nice moments, but putting it all together for four quarters is a major complication.
Now, the Commanders have brought in an experienced figure to help Jones.
Washington hired Wilks as a defensive consultant on Oct. 21. He'll help Jones with game-week planning over the next 11 games, though he will not be with the team on game days. Quinn said this was always in the pipeline, but the timing seemed off.
Pressure breaks pipes. The heat is on Quinn, and he's doing everything he can to turn the tide.
Commanders are finding out Vikings scheme cannot be replicated easily
Jones' early struggles are not uncommon for a first-year NFL play-caller. But they show that Flores' defense isn't easy to replicate.
You can have everything down from a scheme standpoint. You can have the same exotic pressure packages and blitz combinations, but you still have to manage games effectively.
Flores is a master strategist, both before and during games. He picks his spots perfectly, and everyone knows their assignments at all times.
And as Jones is finding out to his cost, personnel matters a lot.
Jones is reportedly happy to work with Wilks, and he is on board with the plan to move up. But if Quinn wanted it, he didn't really have much choice.
Daronte Jones and Brian Flores are heading down different paths this season
The Commanders believed enough in Jones to give him a shot. Flores was their bold target, but the Vikings were always confident they could keep their guy. They had to pay a premium, but based on the first six games, he's been worth every cent.
There is no doubt Jones could succeed if he gets time. Even so, the Commanders are learning that imitation isn't always the best form of flattery.
Especially if you don't have the real thing leading the charge.
Jones is a good coach. The Vikings would probably welcome him back with open arms if things fall flat in Washington. And if Flores lands a head-coaching gig during the 2027 cycle, Jones might be his first call.
That's for the future. For now, Flores is spearheading Minnesota's surge, leading the NFL's best defense on the league's only remaining undefeated team.
As for Jones? He's in danger of being undermined, even though Quinn promised him carte blanche to run the defense as he sees fit.
It's funny how things work out sometimes.
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