5 unsung heroes from stunning win over Buccaneers
By Jerry Trotta
Desperate to end their four-game skid, the Washington Football Team delivered a near perfect performance at FedEx Field on Sunday.
We wouldn’t dare use the “p” word to describe Washington, but outside of Ricky Seals-Jones’ third down drop on the first offensive weapon, Dax Milne’s fumble and William Jackson III’s penalty on the final play of the first half, can you recall another moment where Ron Rivera’s side wasn’t exemplary?
From Jonathan Allen delivering another superstar-level performance, Taylor Heinicke shutting up his haters, and the offensive line giving Heinicke over three seconds to throw per drop back, there was no shortage of game-ball candidates.
However, let’s move beyond those players and highlight some other contributors who didn’t quite get the recognition they deserved on Sunday.
Washington Football Team: 5 unsung heroes from Week 10
5. Kamren Curl
The defense performed exceptionally as a unit, and Jonathan Allen continued to lead by example by posting a quarterback hit, four hurries, as well as a stop and tackle for loss in the run game.
Mostly everyone performed well, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t throw some praise in Kamren Curl’s direction. The 2020 seventh-round pick was Washington’s best DB in the first half of the season and that momentum carried over after the bye, as he registered a hit on Jaeson Darden that jarred the ball loose and resulted in a William Jackson III interception. He also led the team with eight tackles.
Curl has been solid across the board for Washington this season, logging a 72.3 run defense grade and a 68.1 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.
Since Week 5, he’s logged a 95% snap share, which is easily the most of any player in the secondary. It’s about time he’s recognized as a vital member of the defense.