Washington Football Team: Five players to watch in Week 15

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Jeremy Reaves #39 of the Washington Football Team prays before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FedExField on November 22, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 22: Jeremy Reaves #39 of the Washington Football Team prays before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at FedExField on November 22, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass pressured by defensive end Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Football Team during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Washington Football Team defeated the 49ers 23-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 13: Quarterback Nick Mullens #4 of the San Francisco 49ers throws a pass pressured by defensive end Montez Sweat #90 of the Washington Football Team during the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Washington Football Team defeated the 49ers 23-15. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

No. 3 – EDGE Montez Sweat

Rehashing the Russell Wilson bit, the guy is good. He has 37 total touchdowns through 13 games, and while his turnover numbers have been a bit higher this year, he’s still an incredibly dynamic quarterback who’s tough to stop when he’s on his game.

The Washington Football Team has had trouble with mobile quarterbacks in the past. Some of their worst losses this season came at the hands of Kyler Murray and Lamar Jackson, and even Daniel Jones caused problems for them, courtesy of his ability to move.

With the defense hitting its stride, the key on Sunday will be to contain Russell Wilson to the best of their ability. There will be some instances where Wilson simply makes plays; it’s impossible to negate him entirely. But edge penetration and collapsing the pocket is a must if the Washington Football Team plans on at least making him vulnerable.

The entire line will be crucial in compounding that process, but in my opinion, Montez Sweat will be one of the primary catalysts. Sweat’s length can help obstruct the passing lane for the shorter Wilson, and his closing speed may be essential in mitigating off-script production from the Pro Bowl-caliber signal caller.

While we’re on the topic of defense, linebackers Kevin Pierre-Louis and Cole Holcomb have both been ruled out, so Shaun Dion Hamilton will likely get substantial reps in their absence.