Why I liked Redskins S D.J. Swearinger’s penalty against San Francisco
By Ian Cummings
It almost cost them big time. I’ll agree with you there.
Yes, it was brash, and it was bold, and it was risky. Late in the first half, up 17-0 and nearing another defensive stop in the red zone, the Redskins’ plans of domination were foiled by one emotionally driven decision. A decision by D.J. Swearinger to speak up, and stand up for his team mate. It may not have been the best thing to do. But I liked it.
On third down, C.J. Beathard fired a pass to Pierre Garcon behind the sticks, who turned upfield, striving for a new set of downs. The door would shut on him quick, however, as Montae Nicholson would slam into him, making for a devastating collision. Nicholson’s helmet came clean off, and as the promising rookie fell to the turf disoriented, Garcon himself was fired up by the hit. He jawed a little bit.
That was too much for D.J. Swearinger. The defensive captain confronted the former Redskin fan favorite and the two were locked in a battle of words for a short while, before Swearinger took a swing at Garcon’s helmet. In the process, he picked up a flag and a fifteen yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. The move would cost the Redskins a third down stop, and it would earn the 49ers four extra points in the closing seconds of the first half.
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That move nearly went on to lose the game for the Redskins. The 49ers would ride that momentum early in the second half, and they’d soon tie the game at 17-17. The Redskins would rely on their offense to separate themselves just enough before a Kendall Fuller interception sealed the deal in the closing moments, 26-24. It was too close for comfort. And yes, with Swearinger’s penalty negated, it might not have been that way.
Nevertheless, Swearinger’s actions shouldn’t be scolded. To me, it was a refreshing sight to see Swearinger stick up for his team mate. Why? Because it only reinforces the development that this team is truly a band of brothers. Teams need talent and depth to win, but championship teams need something more. They need the right attitude. The right culture. A certain chemistry that you seldom find among lesser teams.
Swearinger’s penalty showed that this team has that chemistry. It showed that each and every player is willing to run every yard for the rest of the 53. It showed that these players are actively, physically and mentally, working toward a common goal, and that goal is to win a Super Bowl. It may not happen this year. They may not even make the playoffs, if the injuries continue to mount. But one thing is certain. They have the mentality to get there.
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For now, we can feel relief that Swearinger’s penalty did not cost the Redskins a win. And we can feel confident that the head flight marshal will continue to steer this team in the right direction and stand up for his team mates when they need him to. That attitude will permeate throughout the locker room, and it will cultivate a winning culture in due time. If it hasn’t already. Did you like Swearinger’s penalty? Because I sure did.