Jim Haslett has found redemption. Is Kyle Shanahan far behind? The Washington Redskins’ coordinators have been pilloried since they arrived last season. Haslett’s 31st-ranked defense in 2010 prompted public calls for his firing. His blitz on a third-and-21 that resulted in a critical late first down in the 18-16 loss to Dallas on Sept. 26 really irked fans.
Meanwhile, Shanahan is being second-guessed regularly for his streaky offensive playcalling. A first-down pass from the Washington 20 that nearly resulted in a game-tying interception by St. Louis meant he suddenly was No. 1 in fan angst.
Whatever happened to the days when coordinators were shadowy background figures? Former Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer’s “one voice” policy made his staff more anonymous than people in witness protection.
The NFL now compels coordinators to speak with the media once a week, which is all Haslett and Shanahan do. Yet the pair could talk every hour and fans still would wonder what’s up with some of their calls.
Haslett was defiant when he defended the failed blitz against Dallas. The Redskins had just done it twice to back up the Cowboys. If ever there was a time for prevent defense, that was it. But no, Haslett, fueled by adrenaline, wanted to finish off the Cowboys with one more big play, and it cost Washington dearly.
OK, everybody makes mistakes. But Haslett’s overall work has been impressive this season. Last year the Redskins made a transition from the 4-3 to a 3-4 with an unwilling nose tackle. Disregard that season because it was doomed to fail.
But Haslett added the right pieces for this season, and Washington became the No. 5 defense in the league. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan’s opening month gives him a chance to win defensive rookie of the year. Linebacker Rocky McIntosh suddenly has embraced the system and is playing his best since he was selected in the second round in 2006. Throw in Pro Bowl players London Fletcher and Brian Orakpo, and this may be the NFL’s best four-man unit.
Haslett pieced together the secondary while LaRon Landry was hurt and Phillip Buchanon served a four-game suspension. Both are healthy now, and the unit only will improve.
Haslett’s best work has been revamping the defensive line. Unlike many previous prominent free agent linemen who were busts in Washington, Barry Cofield and Stephen Bowen have exceeded expectations. They’re leading a pass rush that could nearly double the previous year’s sack total.
Now it’s Shanahan’s turn. Some criticism is age biased. Fans wonder how a 31-year-old can call plays in the NFL. Having his father Mike Shanahan as coach doesn’t help charges of cronyism.
But Kyle Shanahan grew up around the game. He’s probably 10 years older in football maturity. The gray hairs are just not evident yet.
Washington has called 151 passing plays compared to 123 runs. The balance sheet doesn’t look bad. It’s just how they do it at times that’s perplexing. Letting Grossman nearly make a costly mistake was especially damning.
Kyle Shanahan’s not going anywhere, so fans simply must hope he catches Haslett’s upturn. Then everyone can go back to talking about Mike Shanahan.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
