Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera told everyone how important third-year safety Kamren Curl was to the team’s defense. So when Curl missed the first two games of the season after undergoing thumb surgery, the Commanders missed him.
It’s no coincidence Washington’s defense has improved since Curl returned in Week 3. Sure, the Commanders have allowed multiple big plays, but don’t blame Curl. As a whole, the defense has gotten better despite uneven performances from starting cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and William Jackson III.
Pro Football Focus grades are out for Week 4, and Curl topped all NFL safeties with a 92.3 overall grade. In his two games, Curl ranks as PFF’s No. 1 overall safety with a 91.0 grade.
Curl isn’t just supporting the run well; he’s also been terrific in coverage.
The third-year from Arkansas isn’t Washington’s only talented young safety. Darrick Forrest is PFF’s No. 12-ranked safety. Forrest was outstanding in Washington’s first two games. At some point, when do the Commanders replace Bobby McCain in the starting lineup with Forrest? McCain plays exclusively at free safety, but Forrest and Curl have the versatility to play either safety spot, although Curl works best at strong safety.
Washington employs three safeties often due to the Buffalo nickel position. If rookie Percy Butler develops then Washington has three potentially promising young safeties.
When you look for bright spots in an ugly start to the season, Curl and Forrest first come to mind.
