The Detroit Lions have been very concerned about their play at defensive end. With Ezekiel Ansah still on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and Kerry Hyder and Brandon Copeland out of the year, Detroit is looking for a hero to step up.
On the first defensive series against the New York Jets offense, the Lions may have found it. Cornelius Washington came sprinting downfield—untouched—and absolutely destroyed Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg:
RIP Christian Hackenberg pic.twitter.com/3x1YlFeYn6
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) August 19, 2017
Obviously, Washington won’t get handed a free sack like that most of the time, but this was still a huge play from the veteran defensive end.
Washington was in the starting lineup at defensive end opposite Anthony Zettel. Washington has sat out most of training camp, so not only is it good to see him out there, but already making big plays.
Through two series, the Lions have already forced the Jets to two three-and-outs, building on their seven three-and-outs against the Colts offense last week.