Redskins: Five players to watch in Week 4 bout with Giants
By Ian Cummings
No. 3 – Redskins LB Cole Holcomb
It’s been a quick start for fifth-round rookie Cole Holcomb, who, in the first three games of his career, has two starts, 23 total tackles, and three tackles for loss. Holcomb has flashed promise at linebacker, possessing the range and instincts to be a force in run defense.
That said, Holcomb can improve in coverage, and that’s where he’ll have to improve in Week 4 against the Giants. He hasn’t had any help from the scheme, or from fellow linebacker Jon Bostic, but against the Giants rejuvenated passing attack, which features the current No. 1 tight end in football in Evan Engram, there’s no room for excuses.
The Giants will likely try to match up the hyper-athletic Engram with the Redskins linebackers as often as they can, and that means Holcomb will need to bring his A-game. The rookie has been impressive thus far, but if Washington’s defense wants to establish some success against a relatively equal opponent, this mismatch must be solidified.