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Redskins ILB Zach Brown to start again in week 3 vs. Bengals

By Ian Cummings

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 11: Zach Brown #53 of the Buffalo Bills makes an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers resulting in a touchback during the second half at New Era Field on December 11, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Michael Adamucci/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 11: Zach Brown #53 of the Buffalo Bills makes an interception against the Pittsburgh Steelers resulting in a touchback during the second half at New Era Field on December 11, 2016 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Michael Adamucci/Getty Images) /
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The Redskins will start Zach Brown for a second straight game on Sunday.

Brown played well enough against the Ravens to vault ahead of Will Compton on the depth chart. And now, after a week on the starting lineup, it appears he’s here to stay.

Originally signed to a one-year deal late in the offseason, Zach Brown was an experimental signing, despite his stellar 2016 campaign. He registered career highs in almost all statistical areas, earning a Pro Bowl bid in his lone season with the Buffalo Bills.

Brown’s talent was undeniable. He proved himself last year as an all-around solid linebacker. But with only one season of solid, consistent football under his belt, many teams turned the other way. The Redskins swiped him up cheap later on, and so far, that decision has paid early dividends.

Brown played well in OTAs and training camp, and by week two of preseason, he had leapfrogged Will Compton on the depth chart. Now, after one week with the first line, Brown appears to have locked down the starting spot.

Brown’s start this week is crucial. If he can impress in the team’s dress rehearsal, he will no doubt be on the starting lineup in week one. He has the talent to provide a stable presence on the second level of the defense. Drafted in the second round in 2011, his athletic gifts were visible as early as college.

Meanwhile, the elevation of Brown spells doom for Will Compton’s first-team chances. Compton burst onto the scene as a rising player in 2015, but in 2016, he took a massive dive in terms of play quality. For Compton, every tackle is a missed opportunity, and he’ll have his work cut out for him if he wants to earn his job back.

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For now, however, Brown looks to be the top dog. He’s played well in preseason thus far, and he deserves the starting nod, based on his play. The Redskins have long struggled to find the answer at inside linebacker. Zach Brown has the potential to be exactly what they need.

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