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

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 13: Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers is tackled after a reception by defensive end Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Football Team in the second quarter of the game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Stud No. 4 – The rest of the secondary

Kamren Curl deserves a slide of his own, but make no mistake: The Washington Football Team’s secondary as a whole was very good on Sunday. Nick Mullens, of course, doesn’t have the arm, field vision, or playmaking ability to put substantial pressure on a defense, but Washington’s secondary did what they needed to do.

Nearly every defensive back got in on the action. Kendall Fuller had a very good outing, deflecting a pass, and the cornerback opposite him — Ronald Darby — was just as good, breaking up two passes intended in his direction.

Beyond the boundary cornerbacks, Deshazor Everett also had a few tone-setting hard hits, and even backup safety Jeremy Reaves had his moments, logging six tackles and making a diving deflection up the middle of the field.

Washington’s cornerbacks are incredibly athletic, and it shows. When they stay fundamentally sound and trust their eyes, their positioning is rarely a concern, and they’re able to blanket receivers. And Washington’s safeties are playing faster and more confidently under Ron Rivera. Even Reaves, who’s a below-average athlete at the position, plays with intensity, and has provided an impact when given the opportunity.

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