Redskins studs and duds from Week 15 loss to Philadelphia
By Ian Cummings
Stud No. 2 – Redskins OLB Ryan Anderson
It takes a greater sample size to determine whether or not Redskins outside linebacker Ryan Anderson was worth a second-round pick back in 2017, and a very compelling case could be made that he wasn’t. But he outplayed his reputation on Sunday, standing out on a defensive unit that was largely underwhelming for the entire game.
Anderson, with Ryan Kerrigan out for the year, has received more opportunities in recent weeks, and he’s quickly converted on those opportunities. All four of his sacks on the year have come in the last four games, and against the Eagles, Anderson had two sacks and two forced fumbles, one of which was recovered by Washington, and led to a crucial field goal.
Anderson doesn’t have the stellar athleticism that Montez Sweat does, and he’s not nearly as established in the trenches as Ryan Kerrigan. But there’s a certain Kerrigan-like resilience and drive to his game, and he has enough strength to put up a fight. Anderson’s long-term future with the team is still murky, as 2020 will be a contract year for him. But for now, he’s a very solid rotational contributor, for a team that needs all the help it can get.