Washington Redskins defensive boss Gregg Williams is looking like a wise man again. After a one-year sabbatical where everyone no longer believed his teachings while the Redskins defense freefall hit 31st overall, two smart preseason efforts make Williams an NFL elder once more. Funny how a couple new players and a few less touchdowns do that.
If the Redskins are to rebound from last year’s 5-11 mark and keep Williams and staff employed for another season, the defense will probably be the reason.
Under the heading of stupid NFL stats, the Redskins are 11th in preseason defense, including ninth versus the run. Conversely, the offense is 30th overall.
Looks like 2005 all over again, which wouldn’t be a bad thing. The Redskins went 11-6 with a playoff win via a great defense and mediocre offense.
Middle linebacker London Fletcher might be the best free agent acquisition in owner Dan Snyder’s eight years. First-round safety LaRon Landry is the truth. Wow, Snyder made two smart moves in one offseason? One more and you can head outside for the coming apocalypse.
Linebacker Rocky McIntosh is flying to the ball after failing to escape former linebacker coach Dale Lindsay’s doghouse as a rookie. Lindsay’s dismissal over the offseason makes you wonder if LaVar Arrington wasn’t the bad guy in the Lindsay feud.
A healthy Shawn Springs after hardly playing last year is like gaining a new top cornerback. Throw in the return of free agent cornerback Fred Smoot (uh oh, that’s Snyder’s third move — watch for the flaming meteors) and there are five players who are upgrades over last year not to mention a healthy defensive line.
Tennessee only scored six points while Washington’s defense netted seven in the Redskins 14-6 victory on Aug. 11. Pittsburgh managed a 12-10 win, but the Steelers starting offense barely moved.
“Our guys see the possibilities,” Williams said. “They see that we have a chance to be solid if we stay healthy in some of the areas we slipped in last year. It is good so far and their confidence playing together has also been good.”
There’s the key — confidence. The defense has a swagger that will carry over to the regular season. They have to carry the team while the offense jells. You can’t just plug in running back Clinton Portis on Sept. 9 for 100 yards after watching geese fly over the Ashburn training facility for five weeks. Quarterback Jason Campbell will probably miss the next two games with a sore ankle. The left side of the offensive line is sidelined. Receivers are taking turns on the bench.
Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships. With only two playoff years since 1994, Redskins fans will settle for boring wins that could come this fall.
And Williams will become the latest person to find redemption in Washington.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
