Montez Sweat is flying under the radar and that may be the best thing for him.
On the defensive line, Chase Young has stolen most of the headlines and media attention this year. And when it comes to Washington Football Team’s 2019 first-round picks, it is Dwayne Haskins who gets most thought about.
Sweat, who Washington selected with the 26th overall pick last year, is having a breakout season and has a knack for making big plays when Washington needs it most.
After Haskins and the offense scored their first touchdown to cut Seattle’s lead to 20-9 Sunday, the Seahawks were driving again inside Washington territory.
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That is when the six-foot-six Sweat made another signature play: Dropped in the flat in a short zone, he read Russell Wilson’s eyes and leaped to deflect the pass for a Daron Payne interception.
For Sweat and his 7-foot wingspan, it was his sixth pass deflection on the season and second that led to a crucial interception. On Sunday the pick led to a Washington touchdown drive. Against the Pittsburgh Steelers, his leaping deflection led to a Jon Bostic pick and a Washington six-point win.
However, this time, Sweat's big play did not lead to a Washington victory.
Of course, Sweat’s most memorable play of his ‘under-the-radar’ campaign came on Thanksgiving Day against the Dallas Cowboys.
Aside from the big plays, Sweat has added 10 tackles for loss, 16 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles, and seven sacks.
And speaking of people flying under the radar, Payne, who grabbed the first interception of his NFL career Sunday, is having a great year himself.
The third-year defensive lineman out of Alabama has four pass deflections, three forced fumbles, five tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, and two sacks.
Against the San Francisco 49ers, he noticed a fumble recovery and forced a fumble that led to a memorable play for the guy everybody is talking about.
For Washington, the base is there. The rest of the roster needs a lot of work, especially the offense.
But consistently getting big-time plays in big situations from defensive linemen who are able to fly under the radar is key if Washington wants to take the next step in the seasons to come.
Follow @BenKrimmel for the latest.
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