In the aftermath of a disappointing Thanksgiving loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Washington Commanders have taken decisive action to address their struggling defense. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer were both relieved of their duties on Friday, as announced by head coach Ron Rivera.

"I appreciate all that they contributed to the organization over the past four seasons and I wish them all the best moving forward," Rivera stated in a team-shared statement.

Rivera himself is expected to assume control of the defense for the remainder of the season, according to multiple reports. The Commanders' defense faltered against the Cowboys, allowing a staggering 25 points in the fourth quarter alone during their crushing 45-10 defeat.

Defensive shortcomings were particularly evident as Washington yielded a total of 431 yards to Dallas, with 331 of those coming through the air as Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott tossed four touchdowns. The Commanders' defense also struggled to contain turnovers, with a pivotal interception return for a touchdown by the Dallas defense further contributing to their lopsided loss.

This Thanksgiving defeat marked Washington's eighth loss in the last 10 games, a significant downturn after starting the year with a promising 2-0 record. In the aftermath of the game, Rivera faced questions about his job security, with speculation rife about potential staff changes. However, he declined to comment on whether there would be any further adjustments to his coaching staff.

The Commanders' defensive struggles have been evident throughout the season, with the team ranking near the bottom of the NFL in both yards allowed per game (377.7) and points allowed per game (29.2). The Miami Dolphins will be the next opponent for Washington in Week 13, presenting an opportunity for the Commanders to regroup and bounce back from their recent setbacks.