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Washington Football Team reality checks, predictions for Week 9 vs. Giants

By Tim Payne

Oct 18, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Kyle Allen (8) is hurried by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a two point conversion during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2020; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Kyle Allen (8) is hurried by New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) during a two point conversion during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 25: Cole Holcomb #55 of the Washington Football Team celebrates after making an interception against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 25: Cole Holcomb #55 of the Washington Football Team celebrates after making an interception against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3. The Reality Is, Cole Holcomb is a weapon, and Kam Curl might be, too.

Cole Holcomb has played in three games for Washington this year. Those three games were the defense’s three best showings. That’s not a fluke. He is, far and away, their best linebacker. He’s also, simply, a playmaker.

Chase Young and Montez Sweat get all the credit for their playmaking. Ryan Kerrigan and Kendall Fuller and Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen get their share of attention, too. But Cole Holcomb could very easily be the biggest individual upgrade over the next guy on the depth chart at any position on the defense. His ability to read and react indicates the sheer amount of film study he must do.

Holcomb’s tackling is sound and his athleticism is well above average at the LB position, his toughness and football IQ are all impressive. Cole Holcomb is a difference-maker, and Washington may have found something in the late-round pick from UNC.

Meanwhile, safety has been a nightmare for Washington this season. Apke struggled mightily after being given the chance to start. Landon Collins, now lost for the season, was having his only good game so far this season before he went down with the Achilles injury.

Deshazor Everett has played quite well in his limited opportunities, but Kam Curl now steps in and really has the opportunity to be another pleasant surprise on this defense. Curl’s zone coverage and run support skills have been apparent and on display in his relatively limited action this season.

If Curl’s able to improve his man-to-man coverage skills and handle the responsibilities to communicate calls to the secondary, he might be an upgrade over how Collins was playing this season.

My Prediction: Holcomb will start to garner national attention in the coming weeks as he puts a few more solid performances on tape. Curl will get beat once or twice on Sunday, but otherwise will have a great starting debut. Side note, Kendall Fuller will see more time at safety in the coming weeks.

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