Battle against Saints’ running backs likely will start on outside
It wasn’t just one guy. Or, rather, two guys. The Redskins repeated that line over and over again, absolving their defensive ends of all the blame for a first-week meltdown against the run.
But the Redskins also know what to expect Sunday: more of the same.
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New Orleans lacks New York’s power game, but the Saints will try to run the ball enough to hurt Washington. And they’ll likely start outside.
“I’m sure they will,” said Redskins end Andre Carter.
“It only makes sense,” said Redskins defensive tackle Anthony Montgomery. “If you turn on the film and see where the Giants had success, it would only make sense to try the same thing. … Our ends, they’re not the biggest ends you’ll find, but it’s not like they were getting blown off the ball.”
The Redskins allowed 154 yards rushing in the opener, but they were a good run defense in 2007 (fourth overall). All but injured end Phillip Daniels are starting again this season.
With Jason Taylor in his place, that gives Washington two ends who hover around 255 pounds. At most.
“We played one game,” said Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache. “It’s very simplistic to say it was the ends.”
And that’s true. The Redskins must do a better job with their “fits.” Too often against New York, there was a missing linebacker, corner or safety to support the run, either because they were blocked or because they took a wrong angle.
Washington can’t let that happen Sunday, not with Reggie Bush attacking the outside. New Orleans also can run a power game if Deuce McAllister plays. They also like second-year back Pierre Thomas, though he’s not as powerful as McAllister.
Taylor won’t play quite as much as he did in the opener, while playing with a sore knee. Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache said he would rotate more players at his spot, giving more time to Demetric Evans. At 280 pounds, Evans provides more of an anchor.
Also, Taylor will face Jeremy Shockey more often than not. He’s considered a much better blocker than New York’s Kevin Boss, who handled Taylor last week.
The Redskins hope Taylor’s knee, which he sprained on Aug. 23, is much better. That would also help his transition to left end.
“I’m getting there,” he said. “I’m not comfortable at all because I’m not feeling well, but I’ll get there.”
Will that be enough to help the run defense? Even if he is there and does well, others must do their job, too.
“If everyone is where they’re supposed to be on each play,” Montgomery said, “we’ll be fine.”
