Redskins Challenge: D.J. Swearinger, it’s time to “Put up your Dukes”
Through three games the Redskins defense has been drastically improved. It’s a small sample size, but with D.J. Swearinger emerging at safety the Redskins now have stability on the back-end.
Before the Redskins took the field last Sunday night, D.J. Swearinger had enough of the Oakland Raiders. His pregame speech, per NFL.com, set the tone not only for the Redskins defense but the entire team. In the days leading up to the game, Swearinger told teammates “he couldn’t wait to meet number 24.” His hit on Marshawn Lynch was not only punishing, but it symbolized the Redskins dominance over the Raiders.
Swearinger has not only emerged as a leader and impact player at free safety. Teammates gravitate towards his energy and enthusiasm for the game. So much in fact that he was voted as the team’s only defensive captain, despite 2017 being his first season with the team.
In a piece by Master Tesfatsion of the Washington Post, Swearinger spoke about his passion for the game.
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"I think my attitude comes from a part of my struggle, a part of my past, a part of my passion, a part of my love for the game. Just put that all into one, and you get me."
As the Redskins prepare to take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football, they’ll need the defense to sustain their dominance from a week ago.
Andy Reid has constructed quite the offense in Kansas City. Engineered by quarterback Alex Smith, the offense features playmakers in tight end Travis Kelce, receiver Tyreek Hill, and rookie sensation Kareem Hunt.
Swearinger is questionable with a hamstring injury, but I’d be surprised if he doesn’t play. The defense can ill afford for him to miss the game. Arrowhead Stadium is one of the toughest venues for visitors in the NFL. In order to win on the road in a hostile environment you need players with the mindset of Swearinger’s.
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So D.J., I challenge you to “Put up your Dukes”. Fight through your injury, lead your team, but more importantly, do not tolerate the lack of respect your defense is getting heading into Monday night.