Washington Redskins Fans Are Loving Ryan Torain and Ryan Kerrigan

Washington Redskins fans are loving Ryan Torain and Ryan Kerrigan right now. Both players had a huge impact in the 17-10 win over the St. Louis Rams Sunday. 

Ryan Torain came from literally out of nowhere and rushed for 135 yards on 19 carries, giving him an average of over seven yards per carry. 

Ryan Kerrigan was second on the team with five tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one hit on the quarterback.

The “Ryans” showed what the future could look like for the Washington Redskins. Both Torain and Kerrigan are still in their 20s and could have bright futures with the team. The only concern for both will be health.

Ryan Torain is known for being injured often.  As of yesterday’s game, he has played in only 13 games out of a possible 52. In Mike Shanahan’s post-game press conference Sunday, he stated that they (the coaching staff) have been watching Torain in practice and felt his role should grow. 

It’s safe to say the reason Torain hadn't been seen prior to the 7:07 mark in the second quarter was because he missed all but one preseason game and had to get back in football shape. If you look at it from that perspective, the final game of the preseason and Weeks 1, 2, and 3 of the regular season were Torain’s preseason, so when Week 4 came around, he was ready to roll.

Ryan Kerrigan has been playing great and has probably exceeded what most fans expected out of him after making the transition from defensive end at Purdue to outside linebacker in the NFL. However, let’s not forget the big scare Washington Redskins fans had on the first day of training camp, when Kerrigan hyper-extended his knee and had to miss a few days of practice.

Kerrigan quickly returned and has not looked back since racking up 18 tackles (12 solo), two and a half sacks, two forced fumbles, three batted passes, and one interception for a touchdown.

For his efforts, Kerrigan received Defensive Rookie of the Month honors for September.

It still remains to be seen how the backfield will play out with three talented backs. Each can help the team in different ways. Ryan Torain has to battle with himself more than any other person. I believe Torain looked as good as he did because he has had three full weeks off compared to Tim Hightower and Roy Helu, who have both played substantial amounts in the previous games.

Ryan Kerrigan seems to be getting better each week and has proven to be consistent thus far. Much of Kerrigan’s success can be attributed to the stout defensive line play that is ranked sixth in rushing yards and fifth in total yards allowed per game.

Washington Redskins fans have something to be happy about going into the Bye week.  The team is 3-1 and coming off of a big win. Week 6 is the next time the Redskins will be in action against the “Dream Team” Philadelphia Eagles whose passing offense is ranked ninth and rushing defense ranked 30^th.

The Eagles' offensive line has not protected Michael Vick well at all this season and should leave plenty of opportunities for Ryan Kerrigan, Bryan Orakpo and the rest of the Redskins' defense to get hits on Vick.

With such a poor rushing defense, the Redskins should have a field day with the ground attack, no matter who is running the ball.

If the "Ryans," along with the rest of the Washington Redskins can keep this up, they may be able to sneak their way into the playoffs in a division that is wide open.