Washington Football Team: Studs and duds from Week 2 loss to Cardinals

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the football against free safety Troy Apke #30 and cornerback Fabian Moreau #25 of the Washington Football Team during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Washington Football Team 30-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Dud 2: S Troy Apke

Another week, another big play allowed by Troy Apke.

The third-year safety was supposed to be playing deep in coverage on Andy Isabella when he bit on an underneath route. As a result, Isabella was wide open down the field and Apke had to scramble back to make the tackle.

Luckily for Apke, the throw wasn’t perfect. Otherwise, the speedy Isabella would’ve been gone. Instead, Apke was able to get back and make the tackle as Isabella caught the ball for a 54-yard gain. That helped set up a Cardinals field goal that made a three-score game.

Throughout the rest of the game, Apke struggled to serve as a deep safety valve and he missed a few tackles. Simply put, despite his athleticism, it appears that he is a work in progress. He may improve and eventually turn into a decent starter but for the time being, he’s a weak link on the back end.

Ronald Darby earns an honorary dud for the big reception that he allowed to Christian Kirk, but Apke’s performance overall was worse. The secondary as a whole struggled against Kyler Murray and Co., especially in the first half.

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