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Diagnosing what’s wrong with the Washington Football Team’s run defense

By Jonathan Eig

Sep 13, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Ryan Kerrigan (91) celebrates in front of Washington Football Team defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) after a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2020; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team defensive end Ryan Kerrigan (91) celebrates in front of Washington Football Team defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) after a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 25: Cole Holcomb #55 of the Washington Football Team celebrates after a play 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 a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at FedExField on October 25, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

The Players: The numbers

Stopping the run is a team effort, but we can look to several groups of players who are primarily tasked with the job. In their new 4-3 defensive front, Washington has been rotating three interior linemen – starters Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, and backup Tim Settle. They have also been rotating three edge defenders, with starters Montez Sweat and Chase Young, and backup Ryan Kerrigan.

Ryan Anderson has filled in at times. Since Cole Holcomb’s return three games ago, Washington has used Holcomb and Kevin Pierre-Louis on the outside, and Jon Bostic in the middle of its linebacking corps. We will address the role of the secondary in stopping the run, but for now, let’s focus on these nine players.

If you are a fan of Pro Football Focus and their detailed player ratings, things look pretty good. Washington’s interior players all rate reasonably well, with Settle and Allen in the top quarter of the league, and Payne lingering a little behind. Against the run, both Settle and Payne score high marks. Allen does not fare as well – his overall ranking is boosted by his high pass rush score.

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On the edge, the youngsters Young and Sweat have solid numbers, both against the run and against the pass. Kerrigan’s run defense numbers are poor, but since he has become more of a situational pass rusher, that doesn’t matter very much. Indeed, Kerrigan has not been on the field in recent games in running situations.

Outside linebackers Cole Holcomb and Kevin Pierre-Louis both have very strong PFF numbers. Holcomb’s numbers are consistent across all facets of the game. KPL has much weaker numbers against the run, but boasts outstanding numbers in pass defense. Middle linebacker Jon Bostic appears to be the weak link. His mediocre overall rating is largely dependent on his ability to blitz – something he has done effectively this season. His numbers against the run and in pass coverage have been well below-average.

Just looking at the numbers, it would appear Washington mainly needs to upgrade its middle linebacker play. I’m not going to deny that. Bostic has often gotten trapped in the wrong hole or swallowed up by one-on-one blockers this season and that has allowed for some big plays. But let’s go a little deeper into the numbers.

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