The defense. Is it hurting?
 

We're 5th in the league right now which is extremely good as a ranking. However, all the other teams except BMore and Chicago ahead of us haven't had a bye yet. Since it's based on total yards this early one game can really skew the field.

Here's what I'm worried about, last year we created pressure on the QB with blitzes and LBs. This year our front 4 simply can't do it. They don't have enough push and we don't seem to be bringing the blitz much, if we keep up our current type of games like that then great, Im just worried about it in close games.

Also, we give up so many underneath passes. Seattle picked us apart in the 2nd half. Some receivers seemed virtually uncovered till a safety hit them late. This was a bit worrysome.

But the worst thing thus far is in 3 games we haven't forced a single turnover. That's not good, we should have gotten a fumble, INT, something by now. (someone refresh my memory if I'm wrong) Rogers got a FF last week but it didn't count becaue it rolled out of bounds.

Right now they're fine, but what's so different on our team now that we're afraid to bring that pressure?

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=Daseal]We're 5th in the league right now which is extremely good as a ranking. However, all the other teams except BMore and Chicago ahead of us haven't had a bye yet. Since it's based on total yards this early one game can really skew the field.

Here's what I'm worried about, last year we created pressure on the QB with blitzes and LBs. This year our front 4 simply can't do it. They don't have enough push and we don't seem to be bringing the blitz much, if we keep up our current type of games like that then great, Im just worried about it in close games.

Also, we give up so many underneath passes. Seattle picked us apart in the 2nd half. Some receivers seemed virtually uncovered till a safety hit them late. This was a bit worrysome.

But the worst thing thus far is in 3 games we haven't forced a single turnover. That's not good, we should have gotten a fumble, INT, something by now. (someone refresh my memory if I'm wrong) Rogers got a FF last week but it didn't count becaue it rolled out of bounds.

Right now they're fine, but what's so different on our team now that we're afraid to bring that pressure?[/QUOTE]

First of all, don't forget Marshall's int against Chicago when they were driving and also C.Griff forced a fumble on Orton late in the game.

But the defense is getting a little soft underneath, which is a little worrisome. Just like the offense, however, I think they are just working through some things and will get better as we go along.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

We had that INT on Orton in the first game. I too, am worried about the dink and dunk type of passes that we will surely see from Plummer next weekend.

Harris being out is hurting us. That OR the fact that our LBs aren't that great in coverage. Regardless, I just don't think that Williams is blitzing as much these days.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

I think the main difference is we're not sneaking up on anybody this year. I think Williams said this too himself. There's not a huge difference in personnel or schemes over last year, I just think other teams are doing a better job at picking things up.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

What do you think the reason he isn't blitzing as much is?

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=TheMalcolmConnection]What do you think the reason he isn't blitzing as much is?[/QUOTE]

Probaboly teams recognizing stuff sooner and knowing where the open man will be, so he doesnt want to get beat deep.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

Williams said he's still bringing pressure, I think against the Cowboys he was blitzing 7 out of 10 plays at one point. I just think teams are doing a better job at picking things up.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

we are ranked fifth, its based on averages, not totals. So the bye week does not make the standings misleading. It shows they have held those numbers for one week longer, but we are still ranked fifth.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

One of the things I've noticed is that it isn't so much that teams are picking up our blitzing, as much as the lanes seemed to be clogged or jammed up. Which may be by design on the offesnes part. I think we are still blitzing, we're just not having those same lanes up the middle like last year.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

Two of the O teams we have played are ranked in the top 10 in the NFL. Our D has allowed 7 on a turn over and a short field, 13 to Dallas, and 17 with 7 coming on another turnover and short field. The D is playing just fine but I would like to see some more turnovers given our O some short fields to work with.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

I don't think our front four is getting any less pressure than last year. If we remember they weren't all that pressure heavy last year either. The difference is multifold though. First we haven't blitzed nearly like we did last year. Our blitzing is mainly from LBs and not from the crazy angles like last year. This is probably due to the fact that Williams realized teams were going to prepare for that. Second the lack of QB pressure puts much more pressure on the secondary which is banged up to be honest. I don't think anyone in our secondary doesn't have some injury.

The lack of QB pressure HAS TO BE SOLVED or the defense risks becoming too predictable and susceptible to good scheming. Reid will have a field day if we can't pressure McNabb.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

quite honestly, the biggest thing we've yet to see is the impact that LaVar could be making as a LB/3rd down DE. I think if he eventually makes it into the rotation for longer than a play or 2, that it will make a huge difference in how other offenses prep to see the Skins D.

Teams makes adjustments. They now have 19 games of which to see how Gregg Williams makes decisions, and where pressure comes from. It's now up to G-Will to make adjustments, come from other angles, and put pressure on the QB.

If a guy like Warrick Holdman or Lemar Marshall can play shadow on Plummer, the Skins D can and will have a field day against the Shanahan West Coast. It helps that we played Seattle this past week, as their offenses are of similar molds. I think the dump passes and swing passes will be easily defended, and with Rod Smith being the only threat thus far, the Skins D will matchup extremely well against Denver.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

We also have to remember that Lelie is a burner. We can't let him get behind us.

Good thing is, Plummer is HIGHLY susceptible to turnovers. We also need to be on the low side of penalties like this past week. It was great to see them play some good, turnover-free, and low penalty football.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

You're right skins -- for some reason I thought it was based on total yards. My apologies. I also forgot about C. Griff and Orton INT. Two very important plays.

To be honest, besides the one play where rogers really bit hard and had to have safety cover his guy I thought he played great! I think he'll be starting before the year is out.

I just don't feel like Im watching the same team, and really the dink and dunk stuff they were throwing and getting like 6 yards after every catch is what worried me.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=Daseal]You're right skins -- for some reason I thought it was based on total yards. My apologies. I also forgot about C. Griff and Orton INT. Two very important plays.

To be honest, besides the one play where rogers really bit hard and had to have safety cover his guy I thought he played great! I think he'll be starting before the year is out.

I just don't feel like Im watching the same team, and really the dink and dunk stuff they were throwing and getting like 6 yards after every catch is what worried me.[/QUOTE]

Me too. I feel as though we leave the middle of the field too open. Hopefully everyone can be healthy for Denver...

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

Maybe, but Seattle is a good offensive team. To hold them to 17 is not a bad deal. The defense performed well enough against an accurate QB and a top flight RB - also, what happened to those Seattle WR's with supposedly rock hard hands?

Poor offensive teams will not score much on us. Good offensive teams will have to play mistake free football to score on us and even then they will probably not score a lot (over 28'ish).

If the offense keeps improving staying on the field - the defense will do its part.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=JoeRedskin]Maybe, but Seattle is a good offensive team. To hold them to 17 is not a bad deal. The defense performed well enough against an accurate QB and a top flight RB - also, what happened to those Seattle WR's with supposedly rock hard hands?

Poor offensive teams will not score much on us. Good offensive teams will have to play mistake free football to score on us and even then they will probably not score a lot (over 28'ish).

If the offense keeps improving staying on the field - the defense will do its part.[/QUOTE]

Seattle is a good offensive team. Their offense was ranked 2nd coming into this game, and for most of the game we pretty much blanked them. One of their scores we handed them a 50 yd field position.

I fully anticipate the defense will make adjustments along the way.... but for the life of me, I can't figure out the LaVar thing. I'm sure we have good reasons though. But gosh we have to play this guy next week.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

Hey guys, I hope the Defense stays at home next week. Plummer is one of the best at Play Action, probably second behind Peyton Manning. Plummer can kill you on the rollout. We need to make sure to contain him when he looks to be handing off to Bell or Anderson and the play goes one way and he goes another.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

Holding Seattle to 17 is not surprising when you consider they were barely on the field in the first half. What worries me is the two long drives (85 & 91 yds) that the D couldn't stop in the 4th Q.

While I'm pleased with the 3-0, I've gotten greedier and want us to go 7-0 - which won't happen unless the D plays lights out football. As I said in another thread - we must use Lavar as a pass rusher - even if he doesn't get sacks, he will almost certainly attract double teams, which will free up the other D-linemen or LBs for sacks. I for one miss Ron Warner - the guy wasn't a great DE, but he always seemed to be in their backfield last year. Philip Daniels and Wynn are useless at rushing the pass.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

And just think how much better this defense could be if we only had one DE who could rush the passer.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

I want to see Sean Tayolor blitz from different angles, and I really hope Lavar comes in for 3rd downs to blitz Plummer.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

The D gave up two long drives yesterday, and that's worrisome. But I agree that Seattle is a very good offensive team, and that they are going to get some points. When they get that west coast rhythm going, and then start running Alexander, they are a tough group to contain.

I felt like our zone coverage was less good yesterday--I wonder if that can be attributed to Harris and Prileau (sp?) being out, Clark being back for the first time, and Carlos making his first start. Also, Taylor was out at the end (still unlcear why...) and Springs apparently had a shoulder problem late (or so I read in the Post). That hurts a D's ability to cover, no doubt.

As for pressure, it has to improve. But our goal is to stop the run first with that D-line, so I don't think we'll get much there. Williams will find a way to do it.

But what has Lavar done to piss off Dale Lindsay? I feel like there's some tension there. I am sure that if Lindsay says to Williams, "Lavar is 100%. Put him into more packages" that would happen. Lindsay's a drill-sargeant type. Wonder if Lavar isn't grooving with him? Hope it gets worked out becuase Lavar can rush the passer from the WLB.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=JWsleep]But what has Lavar done to piss off Dale Lindsay? I feel like there's some tension there. I am sure that if Lindsay says to Williams, "Lavar is 100%. Put him into more packages" that would happen. Lindsay's a drill-sargeant type. Wonder if Lavar isn't grooving with him? Hope it gets worked out becuase Lavar can rush the passer from the WLB.[/QUOTE]

I'm wondering the same thing. They had a quote (Washington Times I think) from Dale Lindsey and said "I'm tired of answering the same question, Lavar's packages were not called today and thats why he didn't play".

I also heard Howie Long say that Lavar was asked to do punt coverage, and he said he would, but he wouldn't participate in any of the meetings. Something is going on behind the scenes, and its becoming more and more apparent that Lavars days as a Redskin are numbered. I hope I'm wrong.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

I don't believe that Lavar has outstayed his welcome. More media naughtiness and s**t stirring.

Lavar will get let off the leash in Denver.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

LAs days as a skin really are numbered and I believe if it wasnt for the huge cap hit the team would have to take he would be traded ASAP. This special teams thing will turn into a battle of will between LA and Gibbs and there is no way Gibbs will lose.

I think the skins will take the smaller (but still significant) cap hit in the offseason and move LA somewhere for draft picks.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

I slightly misquoted Dale Lindsey. Here's what he said..

[B]Arrington Used Sparingly[/B]


Linebacker LaVar Arrington, a three-time Pro Bowl pick who missed much of 2004 with knee injuries, was used on four plays yesterday, largely watching from the sidelines with his helmet off for the second straight game. He played twice on a drive early in the game, but Chris Clemons played more as a pass rushing linebacker on passing downs. "I've already said everything I'm going to say about that situation," linebackers coach Dale Lindsey said. "His packages were not called, so he didn't play." . . .


He'll be on the John Thompson show today, so I'm if I hear anything I'll let everyone know.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

Overall, I'm happy with the defense, but the main problem is(and has been for several years now) the front four. Outside of Cornelius Griffin, they are all below average at best. Brandon Noble in particular, is horrible. He played all 16 games last year and registered a grand total of 14 tackles and 1 sack. Phillip Daniels has never had more than 9 sacks in a season from the DE spot, and his average is somewhere around 4.5 for his 10 years career. And can someone please explain to me how getting 2.5 sacks a year has made Renaldo Wynn the best option at the other DE spot for the last 5 years?

As I said, I'm happy overall with the performance of the defense, but a decent pass rush from the front four would fix a lot of the small issues with the defense. It would strengthen the middle zone and flat coverage by allowing linebackers to cover more, and not have to commit to the blitz just to generate a pass rush.

And it bothers me that the coaching staff doesn't see the lack of productivity from the D line as a problem. I was sure they were going to draft an end this year, but apparently a CB(that isn't even needed) was more important.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw]And it bothers me that the coaching staff doesn't see the lack of productivity from the D line as a problem. I was sure they were going to draft an end this year, but apparently a CB(that isn't even needed) was more important.[/QUOTE]

What makes you think they don't think the lack of pressure from the D-line isn't a concern??

A pass rushing beast at DE would be nice, but the truth is they don't grow on trees. There's only a handful of exceptional pass rushing DEs around the league, and they aren't easy to develop coming out of college like other positions like RB for example.

Who should we have picked up this offseason either in the draft or through free agency that is superior to what we have now?

As for a CB not being necessary, did you notice that Walt Harris was out yesterday and Rogers started? If there was no Rogers we would have been looking at Jimoh starting... and that is something to be truly concerned about. Neither Harris or Springs are getting any younger, and Rogers was a great fit for our style of defense. Yesterday proved how important Rogers is.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

i disagree with you southpaw. first off, brandon noble is on injured reserve, so he's not the problem. second off, you would really give up a cornerback that we need for a pass rushing defensive end? cornerbacks are way more valuable in g.w.'s scheme than d-linemen are. we do need carlos rogers, with how banged up we are right now in the secondary. if we didn't take carlos rogers, you'd be seeing ade jimoh playing, and we all know what happens when he plays.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw]Overall, I'm happy with the defense, but the main problem is(and has been for several years now) the front four. Outside of Cornelius Griffin, they are all below average at best. Brandon Noble in particular, is horrible. He played all 16 games last year and registered a grand total of 14 tackles and 1 sack. Phillip Daniels has never had more than 9 sacks in a season from the DE spot, and his average is somewhere around 4.5 for his 10 years career. And can someone please explain to me how getting 2.5 sacks a year has made Renaldo Wynn the best option at the other DE spot for the last 5 years?

As I said, I'm happy overall with the performance of the defense, but a decent pass rush from the front four would fix a lot of the small issues with the defense. It would strengthen the middle zone and flat coverage by allowing linebackers to cover more, and not have to commit to the blitz just to generate a pass rush.

And it bothers me that the coaching staff doesn't see the lack of productivity from the D line as a problem. I was sure they were going to draft an end this year, but apparently a CB(that isn't even needed) was more important.[/QUOTE]

Well, I first of all agree that we need some help up front with the pass rushing. However, I think we can count Brandon Noble out of the equation since he's been on IR for a couple of weeks now and his return next year looks more and more unlikely.

I do disagree on the drafting of a CB. Look how thin our secondary was yesterday with all the injuries. We had two guys that didn't even suit up, two just getting back healthy again - Clark and Bowen. So C.Rogers is a good pick, IMO, at the corner spot and I expect him to continue to grow in the starting role as the season goes on, especially if Harris has health problems.

Maybe we'll address our need for a pass rush next year in the draft. We may have some cap room to work with and if Ramsey doesn't stick around he may position us to get a quality pick in the draft.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]Who should we have picked up this offseason either in the draft or through free agency that is superior to what we have now?[/QUOTE]

Demarcus Ware was taken two picks after Carlos Rogers. If anyone thinks that Carlos Rogers has had, or will ever have the effect on opposing offenses as Demarcus Ware, you're blind. Marcellus Wiley and Reggie Hayward were both free agents this offseason, and both are at least adequite and better than what we have now.

[QUOTE=Mattyk72]As for a CB not being necessary, did you notice that Walt Harris was out yesterday and Rogers started? If there was no Rogers we would have been looking at Jimoh starting... and that is something to be truly concerned about. Neither Harris or Springs are getting any younger, and Rogers was a great fit for our style of defense. Yesterday proved how important Rogers is[/QUOTE]

Let me rephrase my comment. A CB at the 9th overall pick was not needed. Of course we needed some depth at the CB position, but that could have been picked up later in the draft or from free agency(if you'd like me to list those, I can do that too). If Rogers was good enough to be picked 9th overall, why did it take an injury for him to crack the starting lineup?

All I'm saying is, the Redskins have had very good pass coverage for a long time, and absolutely no pass rush for about the same amount of time. I just thought it was strange to address an area that wasn't broken, instead of the area that has had very few positives for that past few years.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw] Marcellus Wiley and Reggie Hayward were both free agents this offseason, and both are at least adequite and better than what we have now.[/QUOTE]

Dude, Macellus Wiley isn't even playing and was cut by the Cowboys after 1 year into his 3 year deal.

I don't even think we have enough cap space to afford any more FA's.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw]If Rogers was good enough to be picked 9th overall, why did it take an injury for him to crack the starting lineup? [/QUOTE]

He injured his ankle during training camp and was forced to miss two weeks. Thats a lot work missed for a rookie.

Lets not forget that Walt Harris is a good #2 CB. And I think its smart that we bring Rogers in slowly.

Just be patient, and you'll see that Rogers will turn out to be a legit pick/

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw]Demarcus Ware was taken two picks after Carlos Rogers. If anyone thinks that Carlos Rogers has had, or will ever have the effect on opposing offenses as Demarcus Ware, you're blind. Marcellus Wiley and Reggie Hayward were both free agents this offseason, and both are at least adequite and better than what we have now.



Let me rephrase my comment. A CB at the 9th overall pick was not needed. Of course we needed some depth at the CB position, but that could have been picked up later in the draft or from free agency(if you'd like me to list those, I can do that too). If Rogers was good enough to be picked 9th overall, why did it take an injury for him to crack the starting lineup?

All I'm saying is, the Redskins have had very good pass coverage for a long time, and absolutely no pass rush for about the same amount of time. I just thought it was strange to address an area that wasn't broken, instead of the area that has had very few positives for that past few years.[/QUOTE]

The only problem with the Free agent CB is that they were commanding a salary similiar to or more than Smooty. So money wise, it would have made sense to hold on to Smoot if we were willing to dole out that kind of money.

And after the first round or so, the quality of CBs that can make an immediate impact drops considerably in the NFL. I believe that PacMan, Rogers, and Washington all got their first crack on the lineup this week.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

By the way Pacman has been getting burnt like toast.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=Redskins_P]Just be patient, and you'll see that Rogers will turn out to be a legit pick[/QUOTE]

My opinion of Rogers is still undecided. I'm not saying he won't be good. All I'm saying is, we already had two starting CB's. We could've gotten depth later in the draft or via free agency.

[QUOTE=Redskins_P]Dude, Macellus Wiley isn't even playing and was cut by the Cowboys after 1 year into his 3 year deal. [/QUOTE]

Marcellus Wiley was picked up by the Jags this offseason. And the funny thing is, he was cut by Dallas, but his numbers last year were better than Renaldo Wynns.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=Southpaw]My opinion of Rogers is still undecided. I'm not saying he won't be good. All I'm saying is, we already had two starting CB's. We could've gotten depth later in the draft or via free agency.



Marcellus Wiley was picked up by the Jags this offseason. And the funny thing is, he was cut by Dallas, but his numbers last year were better than Renaldo Wynns.[/QUOTE]

My bad. I didn't know he was picked up. Renaldo Wynn might not put up huge numbers, but he's great against the run and he's alot cheaper than Wiley.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

Rogers is legit. The defense is 3-0 and nothing that I've seen so far is discomforting or cause for concern. While I haven't seen the defense wreak the havoc it did last year, I know that it is coming. It's just a matter of time before scheme+personnel= Redskin defeensive explosion. Last I checked you had to actually earn the defensive rankings, its not based on last year. I love how quickly expectations have already risen, suddenly our defense which is obviously the strength and identity of this team is underachieving? Wasn't S. Alexander coming off a 4 td game? Didn't we take him COMPLETELY out of the game in the 1st half? The turnovers, the pressures, the exotic blitzes, they will all come once our offense wakes up. Right now points are at a premium and GW has adjusted the defense to protect against the big play. This formula has us at 3-0 and they've all been close games, which would seem to be evidence that we are figuring out how to win ballgames. I'm no longer afraid of a close game, in fact I welcome more of them even while knowing we'll lose a few of them.

Skins-Colts in XL. believe it.


The only thing that worries me is LaVar. I want to see more of him, and not in threads in the Warpath. There is no way anyone can justify trading LaVar to me, unless it's for a Herschel Walker type combination of draft picks and players. As recently as last year LaVar was the face of the franchise, he's among the top five tenured Skins and has repeatedly stated his desire to play in DC.

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

[QUOTE=memphisskin]Rogers is legit. The defense is 3-0 and nothing that I've seen so far is discomforting or cause for concern. While I haven't seen the defense wreak the havoc it did last year, I know that it is coming. It's just a matter of time before scheme+personnel= Redskin defeensive explosion. Last I checked you had to actually earn the defensive rankings, its not based on last year. I love how quickly expectations have already risen, suddenly our defense which is obviously the strength and identity of this team is underachieving? Wasn't S. Alexander coming off a 4 td game? Didn't we take him COMPLETELY out of the game in the 1st half? The turnovers, the pressures, the exotic blitzes, they will all come once our offense wakes up. Right now points are at a premium and GW has adjusted the defense to protect against the big play. This formula has us at 3-0 and they've all been close games, which would seem to be evidence that we are figuring out how to win ballgames. I'm no longer afraid of a close game, in fact I welcome more of them even while knowing we'll lose a few of them.

Skins-Colts in XL. believe it.


The only thing that worries me is LaVar. I want to see more of him, and not in threads in the Warpath. There is no way anyone can justify trading LaVar to me, unless it's for a Herschel Walker type combination of draft picks and players. As recently as last year LaVar was the face of the franchise, he's among the top five tenured Skins and has repeatedly stated his desire to play in DC.[/QUOTE]

Go on with your bad self!!

Re: The defense. Is it hurting?
 

Perhaps Crazy Cannuck could correct me, but the way it's shaping up (as far as I know, haven't paid close close attention) we freed up a lot of room next year with the release of Coles. I also believe Dwight Freeney is a free agent. It may be hard for the Colts to keep Freeney and James. We'll see who they pick.