The Washington Commanders looked locked in on defense throughout the first half of their Week 16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Commanders held the 49ers to seven first-half points and stopped San Francisco’s potent rushing attack outside of one run.
Unfortunately for the Commanders, everything unraveled in the second half. Rookie quarterback Brock Purdy found a wide-open George Kittle for two third-quarter touchdown passes. Washington’s offense battled back, but the 49ers kept scoring and scored on six of their seven second-half possessions. The 49ers also benefitted from two Taylor Heinicke turnovers deep in Washington territory.
Defensive end Chase Young returned and was expected to play between 12-16 snaps. Young was outstanding and ended up playing 30 snaps against the Niners. According to Pro Football Focus, Young was Washington’s highest-graded defender in Saturday’s loss.
Who were the rest?
Here are Washington’s top 10 graded defensive players from Week 16.
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90). Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: 59.3
Washington Commanders defensive tackle John Ridgeway (91) celebrates. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: 59.7
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) and defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) celebrate defensive end Efe Obada (97). Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: 60.2
Washington Commanders linebacker Khaleke Hudson. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Grade: 61.4 [2 snaps]
Washington Commanders cornerback Kendall Fuller (29) intercepts the ball against Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks (13) (not pictured) for a touchdown reception in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: 61.7
Washington Commanders cornerback Rachad Wildgoose (ERFA) Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Grade: 63.8 [1 snap]
Jamin Davis #52 of the Washington Commanders participates in warmups. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Grade: 67.2
Washington Commanders defensive end James Smith-Williams (96) tackles San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13). Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Grade: 68.0
Jeremy Reaves #39 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Scott…
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