2. Washington’s Front-Seven

The defensive front for Washington looked unstoppable in Week 1. Philly fanatics and Washington critics are going to point out that the Eagles were missing starters along the offensive line. There is no sympathy. This is the NFL and teams are banged up all throughout the season. Washington received no sympathy when they lost their entire offensive line and two starting quarterbacks over the last two years.

The fact remains that the defensive line in Washington looked legitimate. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne made big plays all afternoon. Chase Young and Ryan Kerrigan led the way. Kerrigan finished with two sacks and became the franchise’s all-time sack leader.

Young finished with 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in his debut. They will be facing a different animal this week in Murray. He torched the San Francisco defense in the opener using his legs. Washington will have to keep him in the pocket.

If Murray is able to run all over the field for the Cardinals like he is capable of doing, it will be a long afternoon for Washington. The defensive front will have to have a spy in the middle of the field and attempt to keep him in the pocket.