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Matt Ioannidis a bright spot of Washington Redskins improved defensive depth

By Lawrence Jason Dukes

LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by defensive tackle Matthew Ioannidis #98 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - OCTOBER 15: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers is sacked by defensive tackle Matthew Ioannidis #98 of the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedExField on October 15, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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A fifth-round pick in 2016, defensive end Matt Ioannidis is emerging at the right time for the Washington Redskins. Now he appears headed towards an expanded role on defense.

In his rookie campaign with the Redskins, Matt Ioannidis made a relatively low impact on defense. Adjusting to life at nose tackle, Ioannidis registered only eight tackles and no sacks while playing in 10 games. In five games this year, the former Temple product has already registered 10 tackles and 3.5 sacks.

Now playing exclusively at defensive end and tackle in nickle packages, Ioannidis is providing the Redskins with interior pressure. An element the defense sorely lacked a year ago. According to Pro Football Focus, Ioannidis has been one of the more productive pass rushers in the entire NFL. Against the 49ers, Ioannidis has two sacks, one quarterback hit, and three hurries in 35 downs.

Ioannidis’ development has been just one of the many bright spots for the Redskins defense this season. However, the unit’s depth is without a doubt being tested. Injuries have piled up, but players have stepped up. Most notably, Quinton Dunbar and Kendall Fuller played well in big roles on Sunday. The secondary was  banged up prior to the 49ers game as both Josh Norman and Deshazor Everett were ruled inactive.

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Starters Bashaud Breeland and D.J. Swearinger both suffered injuries. Swearinger was able to return but Breeland injured his MCL and didn’t. Montae Nicholson also left the game after being evaluated for a concussion. However, he was cleared to return.

Fortunately for the Redskins, they’ve done a good job of improving their depth on defense. It’s been on display in the secondary. Now the depth is being tested along the defensive line. With news of Jonathan Allen being sidelined for at least a month with a foot injury, it’s imperative that the Redskins continue to get solid play from Ioannidis.

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Defensive line coach Jim Tomsula deserves a ton of credit for the development of Ioannidis. He’s surprisingly outplayed Allen so far in 2017. With strong outings over the next few weeks, its possible Ioannidis supplants the first round pick in the starting lineup.

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