Redskins: Five pleasant surprises halfway through the 2019 season
By Ian Cummings
No. 1 – Quinton Dunbar ascending to the ranks of the elite at cornerback
Ask anyone about the Redskins situation at cornerback, and the first thing they’ll talk about is Josh Norman and his rather swift decline. But in Norman’s $75 million shadow, Quinton Dunbar has quietly and quickly developed into one of the league’s best coverage cornerbacks.
It sounds too good to be true, but it is, in fact, true. Through six games, Dunbar has three interceptions, five pass deflections, and has yet to allow a touchdown to the opposition. When healthy, he’s been a revelation in the Redskins secondary, and with other cornerbacks struggling, his success has only been more apparent.
Now at the halfway point of the 2019 NFL season, Dunbar is the only cornerback rated with a grade above 90.0 on Pro Football Focus, possessing a total defensive grade of 91.3. On Pro Football Focus’ grading scale, anything above 90.0 is considered “elite”.
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For the former undrafted wide receiver, it’s a little too hard to believe. But all the numbers back up the 27-year old Dunbar. He’s been, at the very least, one of the top ten cornerbacks in the NFL this year, and he could even crack the top five. He’s been sticky and disruptive in man coverage, and is a fast processor in zone. Dunbar’s story is truly one of perseverance; once, a long time ago, his NFL future was very far from certain. Now, he’s become a steady constant as Washington’s best defensive back.