Washington Redskins: Defense a bright spot in loss to Eagles

Despite struggling on third down, the Washington Redskins defense was a bright spot in Sunday’s loss to Philadelphia.

Yes, the Washington Redskins lost on Sunday. Yes, it was disappointing and ugly. Yes, it was another season-opening loss. However, there were positives on an otherwise gloomy day. For starters, the defense is actually better in 2017.

Sure, it’s early, but this unit has playmakers at all three levels. Rookie Jonathan Allen had a strong debut on Sunday. He didn’t create a turnover or record a sack, but he was strong at the point of attack and helped clog running lanes allowing the linebackers to come in and make plays.

Second-year defensive lineman Matt Ioannidis also had a strong game. He even got in on a sack. The coaching staff moved him around on the line and he rewarded them. It’s encouraging when young players develop into solid contributors, or even more.  

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At linebacker, it’s clear the addition of Zach Brown is huge for this defense. On one series in the first half, Brown took made three consecutive plays, including two takedowns of the massive LeGarrette Blount at the line of scrimmage.

Brown continuously knifed through Philly’s offensive line and made plays. At some point, the Redskins should probably start trying to lock Brown up for the foreseeable future.

At outside linebacker, the reliable Ryan Kerrigan had himself a great day. Kerrigan picked off his third career pass and scored his third career touchdown. That play got Washington back in the game. Kerrigan was active all game long and also picked up half a sack.

Junior Galette finally made his debut for the Redskins. He played limited snaps, of course, but he actually took down Carson Wentz. Unfortunately for Galette and the Redskins, another outside linebacker, Ryan Anderson, was lined up in the neutral zone and the sack did not count. However, it was good to see Galette in game action. If used properly, he could have a big year in his role.

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Preston Smith, entering a critical third year, sacked Wentz on Philly’s first possession. He was close on two other occasions. Smith was active against the run, too. If he plays at this level on a weekly basis, he has Pro Bowl talent. Consistency hasn’t been his forte.

And finally, how about those cornerbacks?

Josh Norman was fantastic. But Josh Norman is usually always fantastic. He had a strong day in coverage and almost picked off two passes. For the Redskins to get better as a team, though, Norman needs to come up with some of those potential turnovers.

Bashaud Breeland is in a contract year and coming off the worst season in his young career. Breeland was outstanding on Sunday, breaking up a deep ball intended for Alshon Jeffery and shadowing him for much of the game. Jeffery caught three passes for 38 yards. If Breeland can perform at this level for an entire season, he’s in for a big payday next year.

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And how about second-year cornerback Kendall Fuller. Fuller, a third-round pick in 2016, struggled badly as a rookie. Now fully recovered from a knee injury he suffered at Virginia Tech, Fuller looks like a different player. He created a turnover in the first quarter, blowing up a play in the Eagles’ backfield. He, too, almost picked off a pass while having tremendous coverage. Fuller is a strong tackler, too.

D.J. Swearinger didn’t have the best debut at safety. He wasn’t horrible by any stretch but he did miss the tackle on Nelson Agholor’s touchdown catch. He got turned around in coverage on a couple of occasions. He does bring a physical presence to the secondary that was needed. And Swearinger does a good job of lining up his defensive backfield mates.

The Redskins, unfortunately, continue to struggle on third down. Philadelphia was 8-of-14 on third down, many of which were seven yards or more. More often than not if the Redskins had wrapped up Wentz they would have gotten off the field. That is a point of emphasis moving forward.

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The Redskins lost the game and there are no moral victories in the NFL. However, Washington showed it has a much-improved defense in 2017. If the Redskins can keep this group fairly healthy, they can win some games while the offense gets it together. That is something you couldn’t have said the past two years.