Commanders’ top defensive player grades for Week 16, per PFF

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.

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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.

10. DE Montez Sweat

Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90). Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 59.3

9. DT John Ridgeway

Washington Commanders defensive tackle John Ridgeway (91) celebrates. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Grade: 59.7

8. DE Efe Obada

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

7. LB Khaleke Hudson

Washington Commanders linebacker Khaleke Hudson. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Grade: 61.4 [2 snaps]

6. CB Kendall Fuller

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

5. CB Rachad Wildgoose

Washington Commanders cornerback Rachad Wildgoose (ERFA) Syndication: Detroit Free Press

Grade: 63.8 [1 snap]

4. LB Jamin Davis

Jamin Davis #52 of the Washington Commanders participates in warmups. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)

Grade: 67.2

3. DE James Smith-Williams

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

2. S Jeremy Reaves

Jeremy Reaves #39 of the Washington Commanders. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Grade: 77.0

1. DE Chase Young

Chase Young #99 of the Washington Commanders pose with Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ersa. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Grade: 87.4