Watch: Redskins' Daron Payne Force Early Diggs Fumble

An early defensive lapse turns into a positive in Week 8.

The Washington Redskins defense was supposed to be the strong point of the team in 2019, but through the first third of the season that version of the club was nowhere to be found. Things started to change a couple of weeks ago in the team's first win against the Miami Dolphins. Then they didn't allow a touchdown in a loss to the 49ers on Sunday and on Thursday, they continued their strong play.

Sort of.

Washington got burned by Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was able to find WR Stefon Diggs wide open across the middle. Diggs was so wide open after putting a move on CB Fabian Moreau that as he started to jaunt downfield with the ball held loose as he tried to work through the Washington secondary.

Defensive tackle Daron Payne never gave up on the play, chased Diggs down and forced the ball loose with help from rookie linebacker Cole Holcomb.

Defensive end Ryan Anderson pounced on it to give Washington their first possession.

.@_ryananderson22 comes up with the fumble recovery for the @Redskins! #HTTR

📺: #WASvsMIN on @NFLNetwork | @NFLonFOX | @PrimeVideo
How to watch: https://t.co/I6INVckndX pic.twitter.com/bt7FmFPUm1

— NFL (@NFL) October 25, 2019

Unfortunately, Washington returned the favor a few plays later. QB Case Keenum took a sack and was stripped of the ball with Minnesota regaining possession. 

The score is still 0-0 early in the Week 8 matchup.