Washington Football Team studs and duds from Week 14 win vs. 49ers

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 13: Strong safety Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Football Team flips into the end zone scoring a touchdown on an interception against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 13: Defensive end Chase Young #99 of the Washington Football Team celebrates with defensive end Ryan Kerrigan #91 after a sack in the first quarter of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Stud No. 3 – DL Daron Payne

Just as the edge rushers Young and Montez Sweat reprised their roles as playmakers on Sunday, the Washington Football Team’s interior defensive line was also very disruptive, especially against the pass. And of those linemen, Daron Payne stood out.

On the day, Payne had five total tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and a pass deflection. He showed off his power and explosiveness against the 49ers interior, and always seemed to be around the ball near the backfield.

There were times when Raheem Mostert’s speed to the outside neutralized players like Payne, but he did everything he could to provide a consistent impact. He and Jonathan Allen remain an underrated duo on the inside of the line, and their assistance has been a big part of the breakouts of both Young and Sweat.

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