Washington ranking a pedestrian 16th overall
ASHBURN – They bulked up a defense that already rated among the best, prompting a rise in expectations. Instead, only the frustration level has risen.
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Through three games, the Redskins rank 16th overall and, worse, 22nd against the run. With an offense struggling to score, more is needed from a defense that added an expensive tackle (Albert Haynesworth) and drafted a pass rusher (Brian Orakpo).
“We have a lot of talent,” linebacker London Fletcher said. “We just haven’t put it all together. That’s one of the most frustrating things.”
Yes, it’s early. But consider that they’ve faced offenses ranked 27th (Detroit) and 28th (St. Louis). And consider that seven of their final 10 games are against offenses currently rank in the top 10.
So there should be more than mild concern with the early struggles:
The pass rush » The Redskins hoped they’d pressure with four-man rushes, allowing them to keep seven in coverage.
But too often when they rushed four, as they did on the converted third-and-13 in the first quarter vs. Detroit, they apply little pressure, with four sacks (compared to seven at this point last season).
When a team keeps in extra blockers to handle four rushers, the secondary should win. Late in the fourth quarter, the Redskins rushed four; the Lions kept in two extra blockers and Chris Horton misplayed a pass to Calvin Johnson and was flagged for pass interference.
And when they blitz, one-on-one battles are being lost. For example, the Redskins blitzed three players on a third-and-eight in the second quarter vs. Detroit. The Lions countered with seven blockers. Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford, with lots of time to throw, easily completed an 18-yard pass for a first down.
One thing the Redskins have not done, that they used to do under former coordinator Gregg Williams, is blitz the corners. Shawn Springs excelled in that role and it can be risky. But the other blitzes haven’t worked; all of the four sacks have been by linemen.
Third down defense » This goes hand in hand with the pass rush and coverage issues. The Redskins led the NFL in three-and-outs last season, but through three games they have produced only three such series in 25 possessions (three others either ended games or halves).
Washington ranks 32nd in third-down defense, allowing 51.2 percent to be converted (and 12-of-26 on third and five or longer).
Lack of turnovers » The Redskins have caused three turnovers — after causing just 18 last year. A lack of playmakers is one problem. DeAngelo Hall owns the Redskins’ lone interception. Linebacker Rocky McIntosh has forced two of the opposition’s four fumbles (another fumble he caused was wiped out by penalty). But players such as safety LaRon Landry need to help this area.
More is needed. And it starts with attitude, the players say.
“You can’t just roll your helmets on the field and be the No. 4 or No. 1 defense,” Redskins end Phillip Daniels said. “Right now it seems like we’re rolling our helmets on the field.”
