It both rained and poured (not literally) for this defense. Re-watching, early they were exposed by some timely play calls (a screen on a blitz) and some terrific throws by Kirk Cousins, who had too much time. As the game wore on, though, effort and filling gaps became a major problem and tackling went with them. The defense yielded 40 points to go with a pick six. That adds up to 47 after 49 against the Giants and 36 against the Titans. This defense has hit rock bottom. It can’t get any worse, can it?
Cam Jordan: C+ (2.67)
One of the few that consistently showed effort. He had 5 tackles and 2 hits on the quarterback. While his pass rush was getting enough attention that it was mediocre. He played the run well, which can’t be said for the rest of the squad. Unfortunately the biggest play was a defensive holding penalty which negated an interception. It was the right call and it really hurt.
Bobby Richardson: C+ (2.52)
Like Jordan the effort was there consistently but he doesn’t get off his blocks as well. He finished with 4 tackles including one stuff of Alfred Morris around the line of scrimmage. Run defense was good, pass rush was not.
John Jenkins: C (2.57)
Occasionally had flashes but was pushed off the ball way too often. In his pursuit at the second level, which was happening too often, there were missed tackles. He did finish with 6 tackles and he did get some pocket push, but much of the poor run defense started with him not plugging the point of attack.
Kevin Williams: C- (2.37)
Had 5 tackles. Like Jenkins it was a lot of gang tackling numbers but he didn’t have the flashy plays and he was pushed off the ball too often.
Tyeler Davison: C (2.17)
I thought his play was quite poor as he was dominated more times than not on the interior. He did get a half sack, though, which boosts his grade.
Tavaris Barnes: C+ (1.91)
Had a decent run stuff. Otherwise was a non factor. I really haven’t been impressed by him this season.
Kasim Edebali: D (2.10)
What happened to him? He can’t get a pass rush going at all. Stonewalled all game. He had 1 tackle.
Obum Gwacham: B (2.33)
His playing time got a boost when Kikaha left. He finished with 2 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Hau’oli Kikaha: C- (2.52)
Left the game re-injuring his ankle, but not before making sure he jumped offsides. Hopefully he can get back to being himself after the bye week.
Stephone Anthony: C- (2.57)
Too bad his interception got wiped away, that was a nice catch. Otherwise, he made some questionable reads, looks slower than usual, did not shed blocks well in run support and had trouble running with backs in pass defense. Not a good day for the rookie. He finished with 7 tackles. He seemed responsible for losing Reed on the first touchdown.
Michael Mauti: C- (2.56)
Had 6 tackles and played physical at times but he’s a pretty clear downgrade at this position from Ellerbe. I’m not sure I’d play Hawthorne over him or not, but there were issues in all phases of his game.
Jo-Lonn Dunbar: D+ (1.89)
He led the team with 8 tackles, including one for a loss. He also tipped the ball that Anthony intercepted, which wouldn’t count. That was the good. The bad was everything else. He was blown up on a number of the big runs and screens that came right to him. He had trouble in coverage. What he’s being asked to do after just re-joining the team is admittedly too much. Such is life with injuries.
Delvin Breaux: B- (2.60)
He had 3 tackles and a defended pass. His coverage was good. His run support at times was physical and timely, and poor at others. Left the game with an injury but would return.
Brandon Browner: C- (1.73)
His lack of hustle, lack of speed, and general pursuit on the big plays was at times really frustrating. The clip that’s going viral of him looking to take a shot at a blocker instead of going for the ball carrier was classic. His coverage was actually mostly ok except he got beat by Jordan Reed for a short touchdown. But hey, he was never penalized!
Kyle Wilson: C (2.04)
Had a killer holding call on an incomplete 3rd down pass to give the Redskins an automatic first down. Was also beat on a short out for a 1st. Had a big breakup on another 3rd down target to get the defense off the field. He had 4 tackles.
Keenan Lewis: C- (2.28)
Was beaten deep early by DeSean Jackson on a 3rd down play. Finished with 2 tackles before leaving the game with a knee injury. Tough year for him.
Brian Dixon: B- (2.67)
Had good coverage deep late coming in for Lewis. Also had his customary special teams tackle. Quietly having a pretty solid season.
Jairus Byrd: C+ (2.29)
Blitzed twice on the same drive, one resulting in a sack and the other resulting in a forced incompletion. He should blitz more often. Finished with 6 tackles. Tackled well for the most part limiting the damage but missed badly on a couple. Delivered a huge hit on Jamison Crowder in the end zone but the receiver did a good job hanging on.
Kenny Vaccaro: D+ (2.70)
Missed too many tackle. Was poor in coverage. This was the bad Vaccaro of last year. Finished with 5 tackles. He had been playing well up to this point.
Kai Forbath: B- (2.34)
Made both extra points and his kickoffs were ok.
Thomas Morstead: B+ (2.83)
Averaged 47.3 yards on 4 punts to go with a net of 40.7. Also had a tackle. Did a great job holding, dealing with a couple bad snaps.
Justin Drescher: C (1.93)
Thought the snaps on both extra points were high. Still struggling.
Marcus Murphy: B- (2.27)
Seems shy about letting Spiller return as the primary upback blocker and didn’t get to be the primary returner on a number of kicks. Clearly he’s been demoted due to fumbles. Returned one punt for 10 yards, so hopefully that’s a sign he’ll get more opportunities.
Jamarca Sanford: B (2.33)
Made a beautiful tackle on special teams in coverage.
My Defensive Player of the Game: Obum Gwacham
My Special Teams Player of the Game: Thomas Morstead
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