JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify

Great article from JLC in today's Post. I didn't see it under the "Redskins News" section, so I'm posting the link. I really like the points he makes about how the improvement of the secondary/LBs will help the D-line. He talks about modeling parts of our D off of the Bears last year, and using less schemes and choreography, choosing instead to focus on speed, aggressiveness, and individual athleticism. Check out the part about using a healthy Griffin like Tommie Harris in the "three-technique." This piece definitely got me psyched out the '07 unit!

washingtonpost.com (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/15/AR2007061501605.html)

Great article from JLC in today's Post. I didn't see it under the "Redskins News" section, so I'm posting the link. I really like the points he makes about how the improvement of the secondary/LBs will help the D-line. He talks about modeling parts of our D off of the Bears last year, and using less schemes and choreography, choosing instead to focus on speed, aggressiveness, and individual athleticism. Check out the part about using a healthy Griffin like Tommie Harris in the "three-technique." This piece definitely got me psyched out the '07 unit!

washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines (http://washingtonpost.com)



Most definetly. Even if our defense plays half as well as the Bears D did last season and can maintain it for a 16 game stretch then I see no reason why we can't be in the NFC championship game at least.

I think our defense will be average at best this year. We can try to run the bears defense all we want, but we don't have the talent up front that they do. You build Defense from the inside out, not vice-versa.

I think our defense will be average at best this year. We can try to run the bears defense all we want, but we don't have the talent up front that they do. You build Defense from the inside out, not vice-versa.

Let's not forget how injured our D was last year. Poor LB play from Marshall and Holdman to go along with a knicked up D-line and a secondary ravaged by injuries didn't help at all. We were ranked 31st overall last year. Even if we are just middle of the road this year as you say (15th or so overall), that's still a huge jump. And you've got to think with Portis back and stability at the QB position our offense can only improve, especially in year 2 of Saunders. Then take into consideration that we lost 4 games last year by 3 points or less (not including that OT loss to St. Louis), and we could be in decent shape for a playoff run.

I like what Williams is doing. It sounds like hes giving the players a little more credit of their ability vs. his almighty scheme. Im not too sure how i feel about Washington coming down to play end on passing downs - makes me think that Williams doesnt have confidence in the d line pass rushing abilities. Also I dont want to say it but i really think that Lavar might of been really suited for the "freedom" this revamped d fence sounds like it has

Pretty much my feeling of why the defense went backwards last year, and why Landry was the right pick, he will allow Williams to open up the defense, it put's Taylor in position to make play's again, while allowing Williams to bring more players to the line of scrimmage to stop the run, the single biggest key to this defense right now IMO was highlighted by Rogers comment, both CB's have to be able to cover man to man, if they can't all is for not.

Awesome article. Gregg Williams sounds like he finally put his ego aside, and is starting to come up with schemes to match his players strengths. I'm very excited to see how our defense performs this season.

Let's not forget how injured our D was last year. Poor LB play from Marshall and Holdman to go along with a knicked up D-line and a secondary ravaged by injuries didn't help at all. We were ranked 31st overall last year. Even if we are just middle of the road this year as you say (15th or so overall), that's still a huge jump. And you've got to think with Portis back and stability at the QB position our offense can only improve, especially in year 2 of Saunders. Then take into consideration that we lost 4 games last year by 3 points or less (not including that OT loss to St. Louis), and we could be in decent shape for a playoff run.
Don't forget the stat that we won 4 of 5 games last year by
less than 6 points. We will be better on offense, but we still have a quaterback who is entering is 1st year as a starter. He's gonna have his growing paines. We are no more than a 8 to 9 win team.

Don't forget the stat that we won 4 of 5 games last year by
less than 6 points. We will be better on offense, but we still have a quaterback who is entering is 1st year as a starter. He's gonna have his growing paines. We are no more than a 8 to 9 win team.

I would guarantee 10 wins if I didn't have such bad luck. As Randy Moss would say, straight cash homey.

This is the biggest line I took from that article:

"There will be less of a burden on Williams and his staff to out-scheme the opposing offense every week."

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I think that's actually saying a lot about our offense. I think our defense's simplification is a strong testament to the growth of our offense and now there's (hopefully) not such a strong need for our defense to carry the day.