2. Defensive performance for the ages
There’s no doubt this unit has more talent than in recent years. The biggest key, though, is the development of the players already in place. Third-year outside linebacker Preston Smith had another terrific performance. He sacked Carr early in the game, his third sack of the young season. He also made a terrific play on Lynch later in the game.
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Second-year corner Kendall Fuller also stood out again. Fuller picked off a pass and made a play in Oakland’s backfield. Swearinger has changed the secondary. There’s a reason he was named a captain in his first season with the team. Players rally around him. He also has a strong grasp of his responsibilities and of those around him. His hit on Lynch was a tone-setter.
The defensive line continues to be a pleasant surprise. We knew the addition of Jonathan Allen would be huge. That’s proven to be true. However, it’s the emergence of Matt Ioannidis that has opened everyone’s eyes. Both players dominated one of the better offensive lines in the league on Sunday. Other players like Stacy McGee, Terrell McClain and Ziggy Hood have made this unit a strength. And Ryan Kerrigan, well, he’s always terrific.
Out of all the pleasant surprises on Washington’s defense, it’s Nicholson who may be the biggest. The fourth-round rookie from Michigan State missed all of the offseason work and got a late start in training camp due to a shoulder injury. However, Swearinger took him under his wing and he took all of the mental reps. That’s why he’s been able to contribute so significantly thus far.