Redskins safety D.J. Swearinger impressing in an important role

Contrary to popular belief, defenses have quarterbacks. In fact, they sometimes have more than one.

That realization is becoming more and more evident for the Redskins. Will Compton is the staple of communication at inside linebacker, but D.J. Swearinger is quickly becoming the leader of a revamped defensive backfield.

Swearinger was one of multiple free agency additions on the defensive side of the ball this offseason. He’s bounced around since the start of his career, but after singing a three-year deal with the Redskins, he’s hoping to prove he can stick around. He had a career year in Arizona last year, and according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post, Jay Gruden is most impressed with Swearinger, compared to the rest of the free agency class.

"Jay Gruden called new safety D.J. Swearinger the player who has impressed him the most during offseason practices and training camp, and it’s clear to see why. The fifth-year veteran brings a couple of much-needed elements that the defense has lacked on the back end: Instincts, athleticism, passion and leadership. All of this comes naturally for Swearinger, but you see him growing into his role as each day passes."

It appears the Redskins truck gold in free agency. Swearinger is a tenacious playmaker, and he also appears to have emerged as a leader on the defensive side of the ball. With Josh Norman beside him, he’ll likely be an inexhaustible resource in the secondary. Still very young, set to turn 26 in a little over a month, the fact that Swearinger is impressing this early is very promising.

All in all, the secondary has looked good in the opening days of training camp. Kendall Fuller snagged two interceptions on day one, and Joshua Holsey grabbed two more on day two. Swearinger is communicating very well, and Norman is the steady presence that he’s always been expected to be for the Redskins. Things are looking up. It appears that a unit known for perennial disappointment is on its way to relevance once again.

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Almost anything would be an improvement from last year, in terms of the Redskins’ secondary performance. But it appears as though the players themselves won’t simply settle for being better. Fueled by the energy of their leaders, D.J. Swearinger and Josh Norman, the Redskins defensive backs are setting out to be the cream of the crop.