5 pleasant surprises for the Washington Redskins through Week 3
By Ian Cummings
No. 3 – The young secondary is playing at a high level
The Redskins young secondary was regarded, with some degree of unanimity, the team’s biggest question mark heading into the 2018 season. So far, it’s been one of the biggest successes.
Through three weeks, the Redskins’ secondary is allowing 187.3 yards per game, good for fifth best in the league. They’re also allowing a combined quarterback rating of 77.0, good for seventh.
Granted, the Redskins opponents haven’t been stellar. In Week 1, they faced the Arizona Cardinals’ offense, which is the worst offensive unit in the NFL, by a significant margin. In Week 2, they faced an understaffed Colts’ offense led by a good quarterback in Andrew Luck, and in Week 3, they lined up opposite an injured Aaron Rodgers.
The book is far from written on this young secondary, but they’ve put the clamps on so far. Josh Norman may slowly be losing his edge, but Quinton Dunbar is rising as an excellent option opposite him. Through three weeks, Dunbar is Pro Football Focus’ fifth best cornerback in the league. Fabian Moreau has flashed in the slot, and Montae Nicholson and D.J. Swearinger have combined to form an effective safety duo; Swearinger has two interceptions already.
Make no mistake; the Redskins secondary is playing at a very high level. In two weeks, they’ll get their biggest test yet, in the form of a Saints’ passing offense that features Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees and the league leader in receptions and receiving yards, Michael Thomas. If the Redskins pass defense can limit them, then they will have earned their status as one of the best secondaries in the league.