RealFootball365: Expect Redskins' defense to hail, not fail, in 2006

[ArmchairRedskin]

By Connor J. Byrne on September 1, 2006 12:33 AM

http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/a...nse010906.html

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Key additions: S Adam Archuleta (free agency); DE Andre Carter (free agency); LB Rocky McIntosh (draft, second round).

Key losses: LB LaVar Arrington (signed with Giants); S Matt Bowen (signed with Bills); S Ryan Clark (signed with Steelers).

Biggest strength: Gregg Williams. When looking at the Washington Redskins ' defense, it's easy to see the players making it up are above average, but aren't exactly the most talented bunch in the National Football League. However, because defensive chief Gregg Williams knows exactly how to utilize his players, the unit has the potential to be dominant. He's among the few defensive heads in football that possesses the ability to turn castoffs like Pierson Prioleau into relatively legitimate performers.

Now that Washington added the likes of Archuleta, Carter and McIntosh, it opens up even more possibilities for Williams during the regular season. The blitz-happy assistant will need to be on top of his play-calling game this year in order for his defense to stifle opposing NFC East offenses, led by quarterbacks Eli Manning, Donovan McNabb and Drew Bledsoe. It won't be easy, but don't bet against the highly respected Williams.



Final outlook: The Redskins' defense was superb at times last season, but was often inconsistent. Though it spent much of the preseason getting beaten up by opposing offenses, don't look for the group to be in the same shambles come regular-season time. In fact, look for the same old swarming ferocity from the Washington defense in its Sept. 11 opener against the Minnesota Vikings .

[redskins55]

Good article..... I think Williams will need to come up with new schemes on defense because at times our blitzes seem predictable last year, leaving our corners and backers on islands for over 4 seconds. Any defnsive guy knows this is to long for a QB to hold the ball.
( example: Edel Shephard over Walt Harris ) Tampa week 10

Our pass rush will be paramount!
It will decide if we are a legit defense this year

[SWFLSkins]

Our pass rush will be paramount!
It will decide if we are a legit defense this year



I really agree with your post. The DL needs to be dominate and the corners will then take care of themselves. Nothing helps the secondary like a good push upfront. I think with the additon of Carter, a good rotating line they will achieve it.

[Rdskn4Lyf21]

Finally!

A half-intelligent sports reporter!

I don't understand how people think our defense will get fall from last year with the personnel changes we have made (that goes for our offense too).

Both will become great and will be forces to be reckoned with.

[ArmchairRedskin]

An obvious statement, but a nice one to see in print

The unit's best player: Sean Taylor. The former fifth overall pick in the 2004 draft, Taylor - the Redskins' starting free safety - has had plenty of off-field issues in his young career, but he's an in-game menace. The 23-year-old is clearly one of the best safeties in the league, and he's only getting better. At 6-foot-2, 232 pounds, Taylor possesses a rare combo for defensive backs - size and speed. Those traits allow the third-year man to keep up with quick receivers and absolutely crush opposing offensive players coming over the middle. Look for the hard hitter from the University of Miami to continue his progression this season.

[edgun88]

Average?? How is Sean Taylor and Marcus Washington Average??

[G-Prime]

I would hardly call our D a shambles last year but other then that, nice article

[TheREALJBird]

Good read, I was baffled reading articles and posters views on how the defense wouldn't get the job done this year

[misterfan]

If I have any complaints on the Skins defense it is that year after year the Redskins NEVER draft a pass rusher. They always try to get some sort of pass rush by cheating or in this years case, going after a possible boom or bust in Carter.

But the last legitimate defensive lineman who could rush the passer was when Gibbs was here before, and that was Manley. Mann was okay but he was not someone you had to game plan for. Manely was our answer to Laurence Taylor. He was a wildman who scared QB's and he was always capable of double digit sacks and still holds the Skins record if I am correct.

I have no idea if Carter will have 5 sacks this season or if Daniels will get another 7 or 8 sacks but with half of them coming in 2 games like last year. There needs to be some consistency with the pass rush and that only comes through having consistent talent: guys who are talented enough to be feared. The Redskins don't have that and must always resort to tricks and blitzes and therefore they are always giving up the big play each game as evidenced by last season as well as this pre season. I am afraid we will see more big plays against the Skins until Greg Williams and the Redskins make a concerted effort to add TALENT in place of scheme.