CBS says Smoot and Bailey Midseason All Pros

Fred Smoot: 3 INTs 34 solo tackles
Shawn Springs: 3INTs 26 solo tackles
Champ Bailey: 2 INTs 27 solo tackles

Champ Who?

Fred Smoot led in INT's for the Redskins for the last three seasons:
5 rookie year, 5 second year and 4 third year. That's why Bailey was traded.

Don't forget Springs' 3 sacks as well

I'm not going to rag on Bailey, because I like him and I think he's a great player, but he was prone to being beaten when opposing offenses decided to test him.

But you just can't say enough about the amazing job Fred Smoot has done this year. He has brought his 'A' game all year, has stepped up as a leader on and off the field, has proven his desire to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and his desire to set a standard for what a "Redskins-type guy" should be. That last thing is something Smoot has that Bailey did not-- the desire to be a great Redskin, not just a great player. That kind of loyalty and desire to be linked to one team because of a steadfast belief in where that team is going is an extremely uncommon thing these days, and that, in addition to his on-field exploits, is what makes Fred Smoot such a rare and precious gem.

Hey, the thing I noticed about being a true Redskin under Gibbs is the attitudes of some of the players he covets. Look at Smoot, Lavar, and Portis. Those 3 especially are not only physically gifted, but have a fun time and like to ham it up. When Champ did speak(he seemed quiet most of the times), he was/is usually giving himself props and sounding arrogant. I can't see that from any of "Gibbs" guys. He wants guys that work hard, but have fun too.

I'm not going to rag on Bailey, because I like him and I think he's a great player, but he was prone to being beaten when opposing offenses decided to test him.

But you just can't say enough about the amazing job Fred Smoot has done this year. He has brought his 'A' game all year, has stepped up as a leader on and off the field, has proven his desire to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league, and his desire to set a standard for what a "Redskins-type guy" should be. That last thing is something Smoot has that Bailey did not-- the desire to be a great Redskin, not just a great player. That kind of loyalty and desire to be linked to one team because of a steadfast belief in where that team is going is an extremely uncommon thing these days, and that, in addition to his on-field exploits, is what makes Fred Smoot such a rare and precious gem.

Hey Crisp, clear some cap space in your inbox so I can PM you

lets be fair few people throw baileys way which has kept his picks down his whole career.

Gregg Williams said in an interview, that the reason he can afford to blitz as much as he does is because he has complete confidence in Smoot and Springs on one on one coverage. That to me is the difference between a good secondary and a great one. Chad Johnson man-handled Bailey in their victory over the Broncos. Champ's weakness is he falls down a lot after the receiver catches the ball which results in big yardage or a TD. Amani Toomer had exposed him many times against the Giants. Fred Smoot shut Toomer down in this year's match-up. Smoot said this was his year and he's playing like it.

Hey Crisp, clear some cap space in your inbox so I can PM you
It's clear. Sorry about that.

stats dont mean a lot for a corner back. If you dont throw at them they dont get tackles and picks. Smoot lead the skins in picks over Bailey because he got picked on a lot and tried to go for a pick instead of the smart play and gave up a lot of big plays too. Its hard to judge this position by stats.

This year though Smoot and Springs have done an outstanding job, our whole defense has. I dont think Bailey would have made our team much better that Springs does. Our system is working now and Springs has always been one of the most gifted players physically in the nfl, he just had injury problems.