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The Washington Football Team expected to field one of the better defenses in the NFL in 2021. However, through the first six weeks of the season, Washington’s defense was historically bad.
Two of Washington’s big issues were a struggling secondary and a lack of production from defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Sweat would fracture his jaw in a Week 8 loss at Denver, while Young tore his ACL in a Week 10 win over the Buccaneers.
Sweat went on injured reserve but should return soon, while Young was lost for the season. The pair combined for 5.5 sacks thus far in 2021.
Over the last four games, Washington has held its opponents to under 300 total yards. Its historically bad third-down defense continues to improve, which is a significant reason for the turnaround.
Defensive tackle Jonathan Allen talked to the media on Thursday and discussed the team’s defensive improvements, along with the absences of Young and Sweat.
“We’re not going to say we’re better without them than with them; that would just be silly to say,” Allen said, per Peter Hailey of NBC Sports Washington.
Allen is correct. Washington’s defensive improvements aren’t a result of Young and Sweat’s absences.
Early in the season, the secondary was a mess. Since that time, Landon Collins has moved closer to the line of scrimmage, leaving Bobby McCain and Kam Curl as the starting safeties. Also, cornerback William Jackson III has recently started to look like the player Washington thought it signed last March.
Allen had a simple answer:
As the season goes on, you get more comfortable, you get used to playing with each other, guys’ roles are more defined. You just get better. I think that has more to do with it than losing Chase and Sweat.
Again, Allen is right. Sure, Washington fans would’ve preferred the defense play like this in September, but it’s better late than never. In addition to better quarterback play from Taylor Heinicke, a strong running game has also helped the defense. Washington’s offense has dominated time of possession over the last few weeks, keeping the defense fresh.
Collins has looked like a different player since the position switch, playing the best football of his Washington career.
So, no, Washington’s defense isn’t better without its young pass-rushers. Washington hopes to get Sweat back soon for another improbable run to the playoffs.