Troy Apke was a surprised starter at free safety for the Washington Football Team when the season started. He beat out Sean Davis in training camp, resulting in Washington releasing Davis. Through the first two games of the season, Apke is a work in progress.
After early struggles in Week 1, his struggles magnified against Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2.
Three plays highlighted the struggles of Apke. He got badly juked by Murray on each of the Cardinals QB’s two rushing touchdowns. Apke also gave up a 54-yard catch, as Andy Isabella blew right past him.
As bad as Apke looked on those plays, Washington head coach Ron Rivera said the free safety “didn’t play as bad as people think he did.”
Rivera did acknowledge Apke didn’t play to as well as he is capable of, but, added there were a couple of plays Apke’s made a play-saving tackle.
Apke has 4.34 speed and it’s on full display at times, which helps with his recovery. However, he has been inconsistent with fundamentally, leading to low-lights for him.
Through two games, Apke’s 42.9 overall grade by Pro Football Focus ranks 67th of 76 qualified safeties in the NFL.
Washington has long yearned for a capable free safety ever since the death of Sean Taylor in 2007. Apke is in just his third year as pro and his first as a full-time starter. Much like the rest of the team in Rivera’s first season, there will be growing pains for Apke. Still, he must have to cut down on the miscues as the season progresses.
