Washington Football Team rookie linebacker Jamin Davis was the best defensive player on the field in Thursday’s win over the New York Giants, according to Pro Football Focus.
Davis on the statsheet had four tackles, three solo. His best stop was on a key third down play. Davis picked up Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard on a jerk route and was able to stick with him for a step or two before making the tackle.
His tackle forced a fourth down and field goal for the Giants. The stop came after a Daniel Jones 58-yard touchdown run was nullified by a holding penalty.
As great of a game as Davis had, the first-round pick played in just 27 of Washington’s 69 defensive snaps. A low number for a top pick not to mention a linebacker who is showing strides.
Why Davis hasn’t received more snaps
Washington has a plan of splitting the linebacker snaps. Jon Bostic played 39 snaps while Cole Holcomb played all 69 snaps against the Giants. Davis played 45 of 81 snaps in Week 1 against the Chargers.
Davis’ lack of snaps goes into his development as a Mike linebacker. While his skillset, including his blazing speed, speaks volumes as an outside linebacker, the evolution of NFL defensive formations is forcing Davis into learning how to be a Mike.
Washington deploys majority of their snaps with no more than two linebackers on the field at a time. League offenses have more 31 or 41 personnel formations than ever before. Thus, the counter is to get more defensive backs on the field.
Washington uses 5-2 formations, putting all five of their top and talented defensive linemen on the field with two linebackers. They also use 5-1-5 and 4-2-5 formations. Holcomb has the Will linebacker spot locked in.
He has enough speed and knowledge of Jack Del Rio’s system to stay on the field against the run and pass. That leaves Bostic and Davis to split snaps as Mike. Bostic is a cagey veteran and knows the system well. But his skillset leaves him vulnerable to the speed of three and four receivers on the field.
Enter Jamin Davis. Getting an upgrade in speed and instincts is a large reason why Washington drafted Davis. But, he isn’t comfortable in the Mike role of Washington’s defense.
But Davis is making strides
He shows flashes getting to the ball. But, he has some ways to go to trust him on the field with all of the responsibilities required to be a Mike.
Following Washington’s 30-29 win over the Giants, head coach Ron Rivera said Davis made “vast improvement.”
It’s a matter of time before Davis will be unleashed. He took a great stride Thursday towards getting more snaps. The coaching staff threw a lot at him early all summer from minicamp through training camp. His development will take time. But, when it does, there will be no turning back.
