It’s a chess game on a 100-yard field.
The Washington Redskins expect former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams will blitz often when the New Orleans Saints visit FedEx Field on Sunday. He’ll try to force his former team into mistakes by knowing its weaknesses.
Conversely, the Redskins hope to outsmart the Saints’ boss. Reverse those trap plays into long gains. Make Williams second-guess himself.
“He’s going to let it rip. Gregg is going to come out here no-holds barred — show the whole kitchen, the sink, you name it. You gotta expect it. You’re going to get beat or they’re going to get beat,” receiver Santana Moss said. “I accept it. I accept the challenge.”
Williams was once expected to become the Redskins head coach after four seasons as Joe Gibbs’ defensive coordinator. Instead, owner Dan Snyder fired Williams following four interviews for the job. Williams was too independent for Snyder, who instead chose Jim Zorn.
Zorn is now likely gone come season’s end after an 8-8 season and 3-8 currently. It makes one wonder how Williams might have fared if he remained in Washington. Maybe the Redskins wouldn’t soon enter their eighth coaching change in 11 seasons. Perhaps Williams would have only lasted one season with Snyder like similarly strong-willed predecessor Marty Schottenheimer.
Williams spent last season as Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator before moving to New Orleans this year. The Saints sport an NFL-best 32 takeaways; 10 more than last season. New Orleans has risen from 26th overall defensively last season to 15th.
“Clearly, Gregg has brought a level of leadership and confidence to that unit,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. “I like the passion that he coaches with. It would be hard not to notice or see it.”
Can Williams impose his defensive will over the Redskins, which have finally found some offensive rhythm over the last three games despite a 1-2 mark? Zorn knows the Redskins will be pressed to turn Williams from proactive to reactive.
“[Williams] runs what he wants to run,” Zorn said. “You’re not forcing him. He’s doing his thing. It makes a difference.”
Said Payton: “He does a great job of picking his spots.”
Will Williams pick his spots blitzing Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell? The passer laughed when pondering whether Williams would go easier on his former team.
“I don’t expect him to take it easy. He still has a house here. I know where he lives,” joked Campbell.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
