Redskins Breakdown: Consistency is the difference in close loss

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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 2: Running back Kareem Hunt #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a jump cut to try and avoid the tackle attempt of inside linebacker Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins during the third quarter at Arrowhead Stadium on October 2, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. ( Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images ) /

At least we learned something about our new and improved defense: They are here to stay.

The Redskins’ battle against the Chiefs was a barometer of how far the defense has come since an ill-fated 2016 campaign. And based on the evidence that has accumulated over the past few weeks, it’s growing more and more apparent that the Redskins defense will remain one of the youngest and most exciting units in the league.

Injuries understandably sapped the Redskins of some of their energy late in the game, but in the early goings, they were buzzing around like bees, making life miserable for Alex Smith and the Chiefs. They forced punts on the Chiefs’ first three possessions. The interior line looked aggressive. The edge rushers were ferocious. And in coverage, the secondary let no one by.

The play of the defense grew less refined as the game went on, but they never lost the attitude they had to start. Greg Manusky’s influence has already made a noticeable change in the defense, and players like D.J. Swearinger, Josh Norman, and Mason Foster only add to the intensity.

Editorials: Greg Manusky is the catalyst for a much-improved defense

Even soft-spoken players like Jonathan Allen could be seen having a blast on Monday night, getting excited and playing with chips on their shoulders. The attitude attained by the new promotions and acquisitions doesn’t seem to be going away. And as long as the Redskins keep winning, their tenacious defense will be here to stay.

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