Washington Redskins: 3 Big takeaways from win vs. Cowboys in Week 7
1. Defense becoming a special unit
The Redskins knew they needed to improve the defensive line after years of throwing money at unmotivated, out-of-shape veterans in free agency. So, they decided to go to the University of Alabama and picked Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne in back-to-back years. That decision is paying off in a major way. Combined with the third-year lineman Matt Ioannidis, this is quietly becoming one of the better defensive lines in the NFL.
The Redskins have struggled with Dallas’ offensive line for years. On Sunday, Washington’ front seven dominated against the Cowboys offensive line. All three young linemen, combined with outside linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith, were too much for the Cowboys. Kerrigan’s strip sack that led to Smith picking up the ball for an easy touchdown should have ended this game.
Inside linebacker Zach Brown and Mason Foster were terrific, while safety D.J. Swearinger is playing at an All-Pro level thus far in 2018. Swearinger had a beautiful catch on a Dak Prescott ball in the first quarter but was out of bounds. He also forced a Prescott fumble on fourth down and recovered it himself. Swearinger’s energy and leadership is making a difference on the defensive side of the ball.
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The secondary struggled at times, particularly rookie Greg Stroman biting on a double move that led to an easy Dallas score. But Stroman did bounce back after being rushed into starting duty after Quinton Dunbar was ruled out before the game.
The secondary could struggle against elite WRs moving forward, however, a strong front seven gives this defense an opportunity to compete on a weekly basis.