If the playoffs started today, the Redskins would be one of the teams in the postseason. But whether it’s in the power rankings or Pro Bowl voting, Washington hasn’t garnered the respect of fans and critics around the league.
Fans can now vote for the Pro Bowl at NFL.com. Voting is open until Dec. 13, and the teams will be announced five days later. If there are Pro Bowlers on this roster, here are six qualified candidates:
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, safety
Clinton-Dix has only played four games for the Redskins since they acquired him from the Green Bay Packers at the trade deadline. But through the first week of voting, he was the only Washington player to lead his position in vote-getting. Among NFC strong safeties, Clinton-Dix had 75,311 votes on Nov. 21. Clinton-Dix has recorded 59 tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery so far this year.
D.J. Swearinger, safety
Swearinger might have the best case for being a Pro Bowler out of every player on the Redskins. Pro Football Focus has him as the fourth-highest graded safety this season and the 27-year-old has the production to match: four interceptions, three forced fumbles, a sack and 40 tackles. He has arguably been Washington’s most consistent defender this season.
Adrian Peterson, running back
Peterson has slowed down as of late, but he’s still ninth in the league in rushing with 758 yards. The former MVP is also the team’s most high-profile name, so he could get votes on recognition alone. However, only three running backs per conference were named to the Pro Bowl last year, so Peterson could be left out, given the talent at the position around the league.
Ryan Kerrigan, outside linebacker
Looking for his third straight Pro Bowl nod, Kerrigan overcame a slow start and has racked up seven of his eight sacks in the last six games. The pass-rush specialist pulled off a strip-sack of Dak Prescott in Week 7 that Preston Smith recovered for a touchdown, and he teamed up with Smith to force Ryan Fitzpatrick to fumble in the red zone when they played in Tampa. Kerrigan and Khalil Mack are tied for the most sacks among NFC outside linebackers; Mack leads the position in Pro Bowl voting, but he’ll need a teammate like Kerrigan on the other side.
Trent Williams, tackle
If Williams is selected to the Pro Bowl, he’ll earn the honor for the seventh straight year. But could his streak be in jeopardy? Williams missed three games after undergoing thumb surgery earlier this month. Williams, though, was out for six games in 2017 and was still voted in. That’s a promising sign for his status this year, and the left tackle has continued to play at a high level.
Tress Way, punter
Punters are people too, and few can claim to be having the kind of year Tress Way has had for the Redskins. Through Week 12, Way leads the NFL with 31 punts downed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. He’s one of two punters who hasn’t had a touchback all year, and he’s seventh in the league in net punting yardage (2,141) in part because he doesn’t give opponents a chance to return his kicks. Sure, nobody tunes into the Pro Bowl to watch balls be punted, but Way deserves his first trip to Orlando.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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