Redskins goals in Thursday Night matchup vs. the Minnesota Vikings

Goal No. 3 – Carry on defensive improvement from previous weeks

Over the Redskins first five games, the team’s defense was put through the wringer on a weekly basis. In four of the five first weeks of the season, the Redskins defense allowed over 30 points, and at one point, they were on pace to make history for having the worst third down conversion percentage allowed.

Things have since improved, due in part to luck. Two weeks ago, the Redskins received a break from the lowly Miami Dolphins, and last week, at home, monsoon-like conditions allowed them to keep their game against the 49ers closer than it would have been in better weather.

But despite these factors, the Redskins defense is playing a bit better, and there are individual players who are shining. Quinton Dunbar is the NFL’s highest-graded cornerback through seven games, via Pro Football Focus. Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen continue to provide an impact on the interior line, along with Matt Ioannidis. The edge rushers are starting to catch on, and in the secondary, Landon Collins is starting to live up to his contract.

Not long ago, the Redskins talented defense was the worst statistical unit in the NFL. Now, they’ve since recovered, and against the Vikings on Thursday night, they need to carry on that improvement, and continue to see it through. Perhaps, before the season is over, this unit can reach, or near, its full potential.