Riggo's Rag
FanSided

Washington Football Team: Five players to watch in Week 4

By Ian Cummings

CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Wide receiver Isaiah Wright #83 of the Washington Football Team runs for a gain during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Washington Football Team 34-20. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 27: Wide receiver Isaiah Wright #83 of the Washington Football Team runs for a gain during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 27, 2020 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Washington Football Team 34-20. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 13: Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Football Team warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 13: Troy Apke #30 of the Washington Football Team warms up before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on September 13, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

No. 2 – FS Troy Apke

Troy Apke had a better week against the Cleveland Browns, logging a pass deflection and showing better awareness in general, but there’s still room for improvement for the third-year safety.

Improvement will be crucial against the Baltimore Ravens, as Apke may be depended upon to be a safety blanket against versatile quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Apke failed his first test in that regard, against Kyler Murray in Week 2. Murray used his elite speed and elusiveness to generate imbalance between himself and Apke on numerous occasions. In Week 4, Apke should have more one-on-one opportunities with Jackson as well, and just like last time, he has to come prepared, or it could cost him.

Apke still has the confidence of Ron Rivera, and a strong performance against Jackson could go a long way toward securing Apke’s place as the long-term free safety. Apke has elite speed and athleticism, and when it comes down to a footrace, he may be the only Washington defender capable of stopping Jackson from hitting pay dirt.

Home/Commanders News