From Unsung Hero to Defensive Superstar: Ar’Darius Washington Elevates Ravens’ D
First-team All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton has received a lot of praise for the incredible turnaround of the Ravens’ pass defense since transitioning to a traditional deep safety role. However, he isn’t the only defensive back excelling in a new spot over the last month.
Since replacing safety Marcus Williams in the starting lineup in Week 11, fourth-year pro Ar’Darius Washington has played a major role in stabilizing a pass defense that ranked dead-last in the league through the first 10 weeks of the season. The undersized 2021 UDFA has made the most of his first chance at extended playing time after struggling with injuries in his first three seasons.
When he first became a starter, Washington’s coverage ability primarily helped the secondary limit explosive passing plays. In the Ravens’ last three games since returning from their Week 14 bye, Washington has also emerged as a playmaker in coverage, run support and open-field tackling.
“It just shows my determination and my hard work paying off and everything,” Washington said. “A lot of the success goes to the whole defense and the coaches, so we came in here, and we had made a commitment to each other that we were going to go out there and turn things around, and then the coaches made the changes that needed to be changed, and I got in there, and I just helped out.”
He recorded his second interception – of the season and his career – against the Giants in Week 15. Six days later, he forced his first career forced fumble by blowing up a scrambling Russell Wilson short of the goal line. The turnover prevented the Steelers from taking the lead and gave the Ravens the momentum to march down the field on a scoring drive of their own.
