3 reasons to feel good about Washington’s season-closing win over Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 09: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 09: Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on January 09, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Jan 9, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) is tackled by Washington Football Team middle linebacker Jamin Davis (52) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Alex Bachman (81) is tackled by Washington Football Team middle linebacker Jamin Davis (52) during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Brighter days ahead for Jamin Davis?

No, Jamin Davis’ rookie season won’t go down as a success. Some, including us, might even call a major disappointment. However, it’s worth pondering if brighter days are ahead for the No. 19 overall pick after Rivera came out this week and noted he’s reconsidering Davis’ role in the defense.

After struggling in the mike linebacker role all year, Rivera believes Davis would be better suited as a weaker-side LB, similar to Cole Holcomb. While that puts more onus on what is already a demanding offseason for Rivera and the front offense, it could mean we see an entirely different version of Davis.

If Sunday was any indication, that version is going to be exciting.

Late in the first quarter, Davis, lined up on the edge (!), made a great read and thwarted a jet action on fourth down. We’re not sure if the No. 19 overall pick plays Madden, but he definitely spammed the hit stick button here.

Davis has contributed the occasional splash play all season, so this wasn’t exactly a revelation. However, it did offer some intrigue in terms of what the Kentucky product can offer as an off-ball linebacker. For the game, he finished second on the team with eight tackles, including that TFL on Alex Bachman.

Yes, Davis still has a ways to go before we can even dream of thinking he was worth a first-round pick. However, this highlight-reel stop, which was quietly a turning point in the game, should have fans feeling bullish on what kind of partnership he and Holcomb could form as the team’s off-ball LBs of the future.

Joe Judge's comments come full-circle after Week 18. dark. Next