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Three Redskins to be excited about watching in the second half of the season

By Jacob Camenker

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive tackle Matthew Ioannidis #98 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with linebacker Mason Foster #54 after a turnover during the final moments of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Redskins defeated the Cardinals 24-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 09: Defensive tackle Matthew Ioannidis #98 of the Washington Redskins celebrates with linebacker Mason Foster #54 after a turnover during the final moments of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Redskins defeated the Cardinals 24-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Redskins DL
Redskins DL /

3. DL Matt Ioannidis

I could’ve gone with a guy like Terry McLaurin or Montez Sweat here, but I feel like Matt Ioannidis deserves some love for his performance this year.

The Washington defense hasn’t lived up to expectations this season. But that certainly isn’t the fault of the team’s defensive line.

So far this season, their interior defensive linemen have played very well. And in particular, Ioannidis has been an understated performer for the Redskins. He doesn’t always get as much attention as Jonathan Allen or Daron Payne, but he’s just as important to the success of the team’s pass rush.

Ioannidis has logged 4.5 sacks this season and recently led the team in tackles in a game with nine. Simply put, he’s an impact player on the interior and has a well-rounded skill set. And, he should be with the Redskins for the foreseeable future.

The Redskins signed Ioannidis to a very reasonable contract extension last offseason, agreeing to pay him $21.75 million over three seasons, starting in 2020. There is an out in the contract after the 2020 season, but if he keeps playing like this, the ‘Skins will have no reason to move him.

Ioannidis, 25, is one of the team’s best defensive players. He’s underrated and should only continue to get better all while being on a reasonable contract. And if he continues to find success down the stretch, the level of excitement surrounding him will grow.

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