There are a lot of things about the Washington Redskins that are peaking at just the right time. The special teams are playing well, the passing game and quarterback Kirk Cousins are surging and the defense is becoming an opportunistic and flexible group.
And one of the major reasons why over the past two games has been the play of rookie outside linebacker Preston Smith. Smith has registered four sacks over weeks 15 and 16 and has also given pro bowl left tackles like the Eagles’ Jason Peters nightmares.
When Smith was taken by GM Scot McCloughan with the 38 pick in the second round of the draft there were a few eyebrows raised as troubled but talented OLB Randy Gregory was still on the board.