Commanders make changes to defensive staff after blowout loss to Cowboys

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The Washington Commanders are making changes on the defensive side of the football after being blown out by the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving. 

Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer were fired on Friday. 

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera talks with referee Bill Vinovich, #52, prior to an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 23, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

"Today I relieved Jack Del Rio and Brent Vieselmeyer of their duties," head coach Ron Rivera said in a statement shared by the team on X. "I appreciate all that they contributed to the organization over the past four seasons and I wish them all the best moving forward." 

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Rivera is expected to be in charge of Washington’s defense for the rest of the season, according to multiple reports. 

The Commanders were beaten soundly on Thursday by the Cowboys, with the Washington defense allowing 25 points in the fourth quarter of a 45-10 loss. 

Del Rio’s defense allowed 431 total yards to Dallas, including 331 passing and four touchdowns from Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott. 

Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio prior to the start of the NFL game between the Washington Commanders and the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 15, 2023 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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The loss on Thanksgiving was the eighth in the last 10 games for Washington after starting the year