Why the 2007 defense will be in the top 10

[TheMalcolmConnection]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Yeah, this is pretty much the only reason I can see us improving defensively this year is that it just couldn't have been any worse.

More turnovers will come. You can't really do anything roster-wise to create more turnovers. Just teach the fundamentals, tackle and strip, and hope for the best. There is no chance we don't force at least two more turnovers than last year. Just catch the ball, Carlos.

Our secondary is still going to get toasted all year though. While our pass rush will be better than last year, it still isn't going to be very good. Taylor and Landry are going to spend all day backpedaling.

But the big difference will be that the linebackers will be much better in coverage this year. It's going to make a big difference in third down situations where we were awful on both sides of the ball.

What made me mad last year was that even freaking STATISTICIANS were saying: "They're going to come. The odds are HIGHLY STACKED in their favor." and it never happened.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by TheMalcolmConnection

What made me mad last year was that even freaking STATISTICIANS were saying: "They're going to come. The odds are HIGHLY STACKED in their favor." and it never happened.

At midseason, Football Outsiders predicted a huge defensive jump for the Redskins.

Contrary to popular belief, forcing turnovers isn't a repeatable skill. Admittedly a team who teaches their players to strip the ball is going to force more turnovers than a team who doesn't. But outside of that, I mean, what can you do outside of going to church on Sunday and praying for a pair of turnovers? Not a whole lot.

Let me be the first to assure you that they will come this year.

[holmester]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Let me be the first to assure you that they will come this year.

Phewwwwwwwwwwww. I feel so much better.

[Longtimefan]

The first line of defense still poses a concern for me. Some say the additions to the secondary will offset the lack of a consistent pass rush, since that concept goes against conventional wisdom we'll have to wait and see.

However, barring injury, the defense should perform at a higher level this year. I shy away from making predictions because too many things can go wrong, but if our offense can do a better job of sustaining drives, and finish them off with points allowing the defense an opportunity to collect itself we should be better overall. Changes, injuries and mindset had a profound affect on last years performers, they will play better this year...........Good post, good to see some optimism flowing.