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Washington Football Team: Five bold predictions vs. Buccaneers in Wild Card Round

By Jacob Camenker

Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) and inside linebacker Jon Bostic (53) and defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (93) and inside linebacker Jon Bostic (53) and defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 03: Strong safety Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Football Team is tackled by tight end Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles after an interception during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 03: Strong safety Kamren Curl #31 of the Washington Football Team is tackled by tight end Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles after an interception during the first quarter of the game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

5. Kam Curl leads team in tackles, nabs interception for fourth time in five games

Kam Curl has proven to be an absolute gem during his rookie season. Nobody expected much from the seventh-round pick, but he has emerged as a quality starter for the team at the strong safety spot.

In recent weeks, Curl has been somewhat of a ballhawk. He has three interceptions in his last four games, and that includes a pick-six against the San Francisco 49ers that proved to be the difference in the game.

If Washington wants to contain the Buccaneers offense, Curl needs to show up again. He’ll need to help out in run support and help guard against Rob Gronkowski. He also could see limited action in the slot to give a bigger, more physical look to the team in big nickel packages.

Related Story. Why Washington should pursue Deshaun Watson -- if available. light

This season, Washington has typically done well when Curl does well. He’s a sparkplug in the secondary and he could be asked to make some plays in this one once again. Tom Brady hasn’t always been accurate this year with his reads, and if Curl can jump a route at some point, he should have a shot at another pick.

Additionally, if Curl operates as an aggressive, downhill playmaker in the run game to slow Ronald Jones’ roll, he could have a chance to lead the team in tackles. He and Cole Holcomb are typically among the leaders in that category and while Holcomb will have plenty of chances to make stops, Curl will as well, whether it’s in the box or as one of the last lines of defense in the secondary.

Expect Curl to have one of the biggest games of his career. He could have 10+ tackles and notch a pick. That may not be the boldest prediction in the world, but against a Brady-led offense, that would be a massive achievement for this emerging rookie star.

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