Washington Redskins 2018 defensive stat predictions
DE Matt Ioannidis
Matt Ioannidis is someone I was very high on when drafted. I was disappointed when Ioannidis struggled to see the field his rookie season. Luckily, he took a big step his sophomore year and proved to be a pass rushing threat.
Before injuring his hand, Ioannidis had 3.5 sacks in the first 5 games, after the injury he was limited in his pass rush moves and only produced one more of the rest of the year. If Jonathan Allen and Ioannidis can both stay healthy this season, the Redskins could produce one of the best interior pass rushing duos in the entire NFL.
It’s extremely unlikely that Ioannidis eclipses double digit sacks; it’s a classic tale of too many mouths to feed. Interior pass rushers also rarely put up gaudy sack numbers. However, a lack of sacks doesn’t mean a lack of impact. He will demand attention with his ability to push the pocket, giving the edge rushers opportunities in one-on-one pass rush situations. As long as he can remain healthy, Ioannidis is primed for a big season.