Coming off their fourth straight victory Sunday, the Washington Football Team's defense is on track to be the best in the NFL, says film analyst Brian Baldinger, who showered Washington's defense with effusive praise in his latest breakdown.
"This is a different brand of football being played by this Washington Football Team," Baldinger said to open his video breakdown of Washington's 23-15 win over San Francisco. "I think they're the best defense in football. They just physically whip you. I mean it's not just one guy, it's not two guys; it's the whole damn team."
Baldinger could barely contain his glee when reviewing footage of some of Washington's biggest hits defensively in the game.
"You watch Kam Curl here on this tight end just toss the tight end," he said. "I mean, just trying to get in on the action. Because this team right now, when you watch 'em play... I mean watch the House of (Daron) Payne right here, and (Montez) Sweat just makes you sweat. Like you just see bodies on the ground. They're just mangling teams right now.
"This predator," he said of Chase Young, who recorded a sack, a forced fumble, two deflected passes and a fumble recovery for a touchdown in Washington's dominant defensive effort. "Like, this guy, man, when he hits you, he just pops the ball loose. They're now expecting to get the ball. These aren't even the big plays in the game."
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"This is a different brand of football. Right now, there's nothing that they can't do," Baldinger went on to say. "Watch (Jonathan) Bostic come in here and then just smash the back. Like, look at this! It's just about an old-fashioned butt whipping, man to man, over and over again."
"It's just new football! It's awesome!" Baldinger rejoiced after watching Deshazor Everett smash 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk out of bounds. "And it's all legal! And they're just throwing bodies around the yard!"
Brandon Scherff
Baldinger went on to hail Washington guard Brandon Scherff as a throwback to The Hogs, spotlighting one play in particular in which Scherff absolutely pancaked 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw: "There's only one sheriff in Washington. Brandon Scherff... Oh, The Hogs would welcome him into the club. They'd take him into the shed."
Montez Sweat
Baldinger also singled out Montez Sweat, who finished with five tackles and a sack. Sweat drew a pivotal holding penalty from 49ers offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey on San Francisco's final offensive drive, which resulted in a long pass play being called back.
"It's like trying to block an octopus right there. His arm comes all the way around. But when you see this, he's now got him hooked. Now, McGlinchey's only choice is to hold and grab, and they flag him for it. And this is a great play by (49ers receiver) Kendrick Bourne. It takes away this 22-yard gain for Bourne and the Niners were knocking on the door. Except the play gets called back and they lose 10 yards."
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Chase Young
Of Young, Baldinger went on to say the 2019 second overall pick is "quickly changing this ugly losing culture in Washington," adding, "His movement is ridiculously smooth and effortless but violent and effective. Few players in the NFL can operate like Chase."
"When scouts study players, they study their movement," Baldinger said. "And when you watch Chase Young, it really doesn't matter if he's in a three-point stance, four-point stance or two-point stance — the movement is consistent. It's like watching running water. Like his ability just to slide, get in between the cracks right here.
"This is the outside zone. It's the number one play for the 49ers. They have to make this play work, but he just disrupts the play, like running water. Like, he'll always find the source. The movement is consistent, smooth like water. And then when he gets there, he gets there in a violent frame of mind."
Kamren Curl
"If you fans of the Washington Football Team are still looking for the perfect gift for that loved one," Baldinger said, "run out now. Take the day off and find a Kamren Curl jersey."
Jack Del Rio
Baldinger even saved some love for Washington defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, who he credits with devising a savvy game plan to take away San Francisco's rushing attack. Washington ultimately held 49ers running back Raheem Mostert to 65 yards on the ground with no scores.
"Part of the domination and the success of this Washington Football Team on Sunday was Jack Del Rio going to a five-mean defensive line," said Baldinger. "So you've got Sweat, and (Tim) Settle, and Payne, and (Jonathan) Allen and Young all up there. Five defensive linemen. They know the 49ers want to run the football, so one of the ways to control it was to control the offensive line of the 49ers."
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