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Former Texan Swearinger stands out on average Washington team

Former Texan Swearinger stands out on average Washington team
D.J. Swearinger is a much different player than the one fans saw in Houston. Todd Olszewski/Getty Images

Pro Football Focus grades each individual player's performance and assigns them a grade. All 32 teams use Pro Football Focus. 

Usually each week we will take a look at some of the good and bad from the Texans and a look at the upcoming opponent as well. With the bye week last week we will we look at Washington players. They also do great fantasy analysis and draft coverage as well. Stats are for the previous game unless otherwise noted. You can join Pro Football Focus here. 

Tony Bergstrom - 31.8 pass blocking grade

The former Texans offensive lineman was the only offensive lineman to allow a pressure or a sack against the Buccaneers for the Redskins. He has played center and left guard for Washington this season and not graded out particularly well in any of the games at any of the positions. A career journeyman lineman he blocked well in the rushing game pretty well against Tampa Bay. Considering how well the Texans interior has played and how often Jadeveon Clowney rushes inside this could be a spot the Texans could exploit. 

D.J. Swearinger - 87.7 season defense grade

Another former Texans player but he has had a long track record of success with Washington. Swearinger is the fifth best defensive back in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus when accounting for playing more than 50 percent of his team's snaps. He is playing very well and has now for a couple of years. He is playing the best coverage of his career as well. He is a far cry from the one-trick pony he was when the Texans first had him on the team. He's a leader on the defense and a player Deshaun Watson and company will have to watch out for on Sunday. 

Ryan Kerrigan - 72.2 season pass rush grade

Washington is about average when it comes to getting after the passers, just a couple of sacks ahead of the Texans. Kerrigan is the consistent force for the team in the pass rush though. J.J. Watt's fellow draft class member has a sack in four straight games and is the most consistent player Washington has in their front seven in getting after the quarterback. Though he hasn't graded out great, the Texans need to be aware where the former Purdue product lines up. 

Alex Smith - 70.3 season passing grade

Smith is about the 23rd best quarterback as far as passing goes according to the grades. He is a high-level game manager for Washington that on any given day can still be a dangerous threat. He is about average below in almost everything he does with the exception of interceptions. He doesn't throw a lot of interceptions. He throws the deep ball poorly and is one of the league's worst under pressure. There's just not a ton here besides a savvy veteran who gets his team in the right play and doesn't make mistakes.

As always, you can join Pro Football Focus here. 

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Astros turn it on late in gutsy win over Tigers

Has Christian Walker finally turned the corner? Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

The Houston Astros return to Daikin Park on Tuesday night looking to keep their momentum going as they host the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. ET, with Ryan Gusto (3-1, 2.78 ERA) on the mound for Houston against Detroit’s Reese Olson (3-1, 3.29 ERA).

Winners of seven of their last ten, the Astros (15-13) have found their rhythm after a rocky start to the season. Their recent surge has been fueled by dominant pitching — a 2.35 ERA over the last 10 games — and improved production at the plate, including a .264 team batting average over that span. Houston has also outscored opponents by 18 runs during that stretch and boasts a solid 10-6 record at home.

While the offense has yet to fully catch fire, signs of life are emerging. Jeremy Peña continues to be a steady presence with five doubles and three homers, while Christian Walker has driven in six runs over his last 10 games, including three long balls. The Astros’ bats will be tested against a Tigers staff that leads the American League with a 2.86 ERA.

Houston’s Tuesday starter, Ryan Gusto, has been sharp through his first five outings, posting a 1.10 WHIP and 23 strikeouts. He’ll look to keep Detroit’s bats quiet, especially red-hot Zach McKinstry, who’s hitting .406 over his last 10 games, and slugger Spencer Torkelson, who already has eight homers this season.

The Tigers (18-11) may sit atop their division, but they’ve struggled away from home, going just 5-8 on the road. The Astros will look to capitalize and even the season series in their second matchup with Detroit.

With the offense trending upward and the pitching staff in a groove, Houston has a prime opportunity to keep building momentum in front of the home crowd.

Here's a sneak peek at the Astros lineup. Altuve is once again batting second after asking manager Joe Espada to move him down in the batting order. Zach Dezenzo is playing right field with Cam Smith getting the night off. Jake Meyers is back in center field and Mauricio Dubon is starting at second base.

Image via: MLB.com/Screenshot

A big test awaits

It appears the Astros may have tipped their hand regarding tomorrow's starting pitcher. Chandler Rome is reporting AJ Blubaugh is at Daikin Park today.

Following Tuesday night's game, Blubaugh has been officially announced as the starter.

Espada said Hayden Wesneski is not injured but needs more time to recover from his last start.

*ChatGPT assisted.

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