Redskins game versus the Saints a proving ground for young defense

It may surprise you how well the Washington Redskins defense has performed thus far.

Correction: It will surprise you.

Through three weeks, the Washington Redskins defense, a unit that was very young heading into the season, is third in the NFL in total yards allowed per game, with just 278. Only the Jaguars’ and Ravens’ units have performed better over the same span.

That statistic is a culmination of Washington’s pass defense and run defense categories, in which the Redskins rank third and seventh in the NFL, respectively. They’re also second in the NFL in points allowed per game, with just 14.7. Jacksonville is in first with 14. The day has come, ladies and gentlemen. Washington’s defense, after years of mediocrity, is suddenly a force to be reckoned with.

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The breakout of Washington’s defense, which has caught many experts by surprise, is underlined by the strong play of several key players. Quinton Dunbar has been spectacular at cornerback. Zach Brown has been all over the field at middle linebacker. And the Redskins’ defensive line, featuring the likes of Matt Ioannidis, Jonathan Allen, and Daron Payne, has been a massive headache for opposing offenses. Ioannidis headlines the group, with three sacks in three games; he’s one of the most productive interior pass rushers in the NFL.

That said, Washington’s competition thus far has not been stellar. In Week 1, they faced off against the Cardinals’ offense, which is a shoe-in for last place thus far. In Week 2, they played Andrew Luck and a Colts’ offense with many moving, unproven pieces. And in Week 3, they played an Aaron Rodgers who was significantly hobbled with a knee injury.

It’s okay to be excited about the Redskins defense and what it can be if they keep up their current level of play, but their toughest tests are yet to come. One of those tests will take place on Monday night, when the Redskins travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints.

The Saints’ offense has been one of the best for years, and this season, that’s no different. Drew Brees is his usual excellent self, and in the receiving core, he has a vast allotment of weapons at his disposal. Alvin Kamara has been unstoppable so far this season, burning defenses both on the ground and through the air, and with Mark Ingram coming back this week, Washington’s run defense will have its hands full. All of this action is facilitated by a very solid offensive line.

In almost all facets, the Saints offense is the toughest offensive unit the Redskins defense has played so far this year, and that could wind up being true all the way to January.

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If Washington’s defense fails to hold their ground against the Saints, it shouldn’t be a cause for overreaction. This defense, while electric, is young, and there will be growing pains. At the same time, if the Redskins defense goes on the road and, more or less, shuts down the Saints’ offense, then we have reason to believe they are truly elite.

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