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.
10. DE Montez Sweat
Grade: 59.3
9. DT John Ridgeway
Grade: 59.7
8. DE Efe Obada
Grade: 60.2
7. LB Khaleke Hudson
Grade: 61.4 [2 snaps]
6. CB Kendall Fuller
Grade: 61.7
5. CB Rachad Wildgoose
Grade: 63.8 [1 snap]
4. LB Jamin Davis
Grade: 67.2
3. DE James Smith-Williams
Grade: 68.0
2. S Jeremy Reaves
Grade: 77.0
1. DE Chase Young
Grade: 87.4
