The physicality of the Washington Commanders' defense got the attention of "Get Loud" podcast hosts Michael Jenkins and Fred Smoot during Monday's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I just feel like as a group the defense played well," Smoot said. "They played physical, which I wanted to see because I feel like we got pushed around by New England."

Smoot and Jenkins saw visible improvements from the defense during their second preseason game, despite veterans like linebackers Bobby Wagner and Von Miller sitting out.

"The defensive line maybe had some issues with the run game, which the whole defense did, but they really got after Joe Burrow and took him to the ground," Jenkins said.

Washington's defense has given up 12 scoring drives and has yet to force a turnover in the preseason. However, that's not to say there weren't obvious playmakers to Smoot.

"Guys like Quan Martin; I think Quan is in that window that's saying, 'I'm a Pro Bowler and y'all are about to give me my props.'"

Though Martin put up only two tackles against the Bengals, he made disruptive plays. In Cincinnati's first drive, he tackled Bengals running back Chase Brown at the goal line and shortly after nearly stopped Brown again when he ran the ball in for a touchdown.

"That play he made on the goal line -- ridiculous," Smoot said. "For him to make that open field tackle with inches to give, great. Then, when he met [Brown] at the goal line, he almost stopped him then too."

Martin will be looking to make an impact this year like he did in the 2024 season. Under defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., he put up 87 total tackles, three forced fumbles and an interception against the Falcons.

While there are clear starters on the roster, Week 3 of the preseason will be what solidifies roster spots on the defense for second and third string players.

"It's also what I call the battle of the 53. This is it. The last four or five roster spots, this game has a big hand in who those guys are," Smoot said.

Even if a player doesn't make it onto Washington's roster, Smoot emphasizes that it's important for players to be putting their best work on film. It's going to be a selective roster since Washington has depth on the defense.

"Good teams cut good players," said Smoot.