Swearinger's second interception was easier to corral – Manning's deep pass floated beyond his receiver and to the right – and thwarted another Giants drive aiming to get to midfield.

Swearinger attributed a lot of his awareness and confidence on the field to film study, elements of his game that the public overlooks because of his vocal demeanor. His ability to rally the defense, to speak on its behalf, has been the focal point of media coverage, but the 2018 season, seven games young, has proven Swearinger is more than just his vocal chords.

"I've been grinding for a long time, I'm a guru in the film, that's something that I take pride in," Swearinger said. "I feel like nobody watches the game and studies the game like I do, so when I get out here on Sundays it's extremely easy, I've just gotta keep it rolling keep staying in that film room, keep working hard like I'm doing, keep getting these guys ready to play on Sundays and we're gonna go on a long journey."

Swearinger also finished the game with five tackles and a pass defense, one which forced fourth down as the Giants made a late effort to add a touchdown trailing by 10 in the fourth quarter. Playing for his fifth head coach, Swearinger is now enjoying the fruits of staying in a defense for two consecutive seasons. "This is my God-given ability taking over right now," he said.

"I think the biggest things is the continuity with the calls, and the system and the people around him," head coach Jay Gruden said. "I think he is just getting more and more comfortable. Like I said, he didn't have a lot of time with Montae [Nicholson] last year. We rotated safeties, [Deshazor] Everett played, we had a bunch of guys playing safety with him. But his durability has been outstanding. But now he's starting to get some chemistry with Montae and everybody else. And anytime you're in the same system for more than a year or two, it's going to help you. You're going to have more confidence and obviously play a lot better."

Swearinger has exhibited a continual ability to motivate himself and those around him. He thrives on the "disrespect" the media has for him and the Redskins. His latest example came this week, when Pro Football Focus neglected to put his photo onto a graphic in which he was rated the No. 1 safety. He took it personal, played exceptionally well several days later, and the Redskins stole another key division win on the road.