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Washington Redskins 2017 first quarter positional grades: Defense

By Jacob Camenker

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Gerald Everett #81 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Mason Foster #54 and Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 17: Gerald Everett #81 of the Los Angeles Rams is tackled by Mason Foster #54 and Zach Brown #53 of the Washington Redskins during the first quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

Cornerbacks

The cornerback position was yet another position that Washington had questions at during the 2017 offseason. While Josh Norman was still considered to be one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, the team had issues across from them in 2016. Bashaud Breeland was expected to continue his solid performance, but instead, he was frequently torched. Coming into 2017, there was not much hope that he would be able to get back to his pre-2016 level.

However, Breeland has in fact been able to improve, and he has looked like a top No. 2 cornerback for most of the season. Breeland has provided excellent coverage on opposing receivers and really has been a weapon for the team. It started Week 1 against the Eagles when he broke up a potential touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery. Since that moment, Breeland has looked confident and strong and that has really been the difference for him.

Additionally, in the slot, the Redskins have gotten strong play from Kendall Fuller. The second year cornerback has continued to develop after an up-and-down rookie season. Fuller started out very strong, but he hit a rookie wall. Thus far in 2017, Fuller has looked very strong in the slot and has really rounded out the starting cornerback trio.

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In terms of the backups, Quinton Dunbar has been the primary backup and he has done well replacing the starters when they come out of the game. Dunbar should continue to hold onto that role. Meanwhile, Fabian Moreau has done well on special teams and Joshua Holsey has been inactive for the first four contests. The rookies will continue to improve and could earn bigger roles in the future.

The Redskins corners have been strong so far, but the injury issues they had in Week 4 will knock this grade down a bit. Norman is dealing with a rib injury, and while he may not miss time, it could be something that affects him down the road. The group is still strong, but we’ll need to see more from the players around Norman to be fully confident in them.

Cornerbacks Grade: B

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