The stark, cold reality of our defense

[PulpExposure]

Is that it's awful. Historically awful. We're on pace to have the worst defense the Redskins have ever had.

Reading this article may make you want to seek out a nearby bridge.

Here's just a tidbit:

12 takeaways, 15 is the all-time lowest record in NFL history for a 16 game schedule. That's in NFL history, not just Redskins.

18 sacks. 25 is the next lowest in Redskins' history.

5,333 yards given up this season. Most given up in Redskins history is 5,723. We might avoid this one. Might.

Nice summary:

Overall, the defense ranks 30th in yards allowed per game, 32nd in yards allowed per pass, 22nd in rushing defense, 29th in passing defense, 32nd in interceptions per pass play and 32nd in sacks per pass play. It is tied for 24th in points allowed and has a scoring differential of minus-63, also 24th in the league. Opposing quarterbacks have thrown 29 touchdown passes against Washington and just six interceptions -- the worst ratio in the NFL -- and have a 99.4 passer rating, a mark that also puts the Redskins last in the league.

Our defense is horrible at everything. If that's not sobering, I don't know what is.

Gaines Adams won't fix the run defense, might bring that pass rush back to average which might help coverage. Might. The DT from Michigan won't fix the pass rush or coverage issues, and might not even fix the run defense (and plus, rookie DT's rarely perform well). We're far beyond one player putting us over the hump.

I can't even begin to imagine how our defense fell so far, and so fast. It's not Ryan Clark. I also doubt Gregg Williams forgot how to coach all of a sudden. What a mess.

[brad7686]

Well it isn't all Ryan Clark but it is the pass defense. Last year the pass defense is what saved the team. In a year they went from one of the best vs. the pass to one of the worst. So Springs goin down and Archuleta fizzling and Sean Taylor having no idea what to do has been the biggest issue. They haven't had much of a pass rush the last 3 seasons, so that isn't anything new. I think corner and safety need to be seriously evaluated in the offseason and at least 2 players should be added there. Marshall needs to be replaced, and one good D-line addition would help. That's 4 players, and i think it is realistic and would make a difference. Not to say they'll be great, but better would do with the offense developing.

[VASkin27]

Is it just me, or should we move Sean Taylor to Strong Safety, where he can worry about smashing skulls first and covering the pass second. Then we can get a true FS (there will be plenty in the draft I think) to do what FS are supposed to do, and PREVENT THE DEEP PASS.

Also, I agree, Marshall simply is not a MLB. This season he was nonexistent in the middle, and would be better at outside.

We also need to DRAFT (not sign) secondary depth at all positions. If any of our draft picks are used on offensive players, I will be disappointed.

[PulpExposure]

Is it just me, or should we move Sean Taylor to Strong Safety, where he can worry about smashing skulls first and covering the pass second. Then we can get a true FS (there will be plenty in the draft I think) to do what FS are supposed to do, and PREVENT THE DEEP PASS.

Also, I agree, Marshall simply is not a MLB. This season he was nonexistent in the middle, and would be better at outside.

We also need to DRAFT (not sign) secondary depth at all positions. If any of our draft picks are used on offensive players, I will be disappointed.

I agree in theory with what you say; but we only have a 1st, a 5th, a 6th and a 7th round draft choice.

If you can get a contributing player with any one of those last 3 picks, that's a success.

We're honestly looking at getting one player...one...out of this year's draft. There might be a ton of FS in the draft, but I'd imagine most of the starting-caliber ones will be gone by the 3rd and 4th rounds.

And I agree, Marshall had an awful year at MLB. It's a position of need. As is corner. Springs goes down, the defense folds. It's really that crucial we get another good corner. Defensive tackle is an area of need, and it looks like we might need another defensive end. And yes, another safety is needed. We're in need of about at least 5 new players on defense. Contributing or starting players. No more Mike Rumphs.

We also need to start looking at offensive line depth. I don't think Wade will stick around as a backup this year (which stinks, because he was very good when he replaced Jansen).

At least we're set at QB, WR and RB...

[Irn-Bru]

I wonder what Canfora is going to do once the Redskins are on top again. . .his purpose in life will be squelched.

[UK Skins Fan]

I'll try looking for a bright side.

Next year, Prioleau should be back. He isn't an all star razzle-dazzle player who will fix all of our woes, but I think this season has served to show us that he is a lot more important to the Redskins than we thought before. Sure, Ryan Clark is a loss, but just how much would we have missed him, had Prioleau been available all year?

Next year, let's assume that Rocky will start at linebacker. It should be goodbye to Holdman.

So, without signing anybody new, we should have two new players for the defence, who will be able to make a real difference.

Next year, maybe (just maybe) Griffin and Salavea will be fully fit. These two make a big difference (Griffin in particular) when they are able to play full on - and they just haven't been able to do that all this year.

Next year, Andre Carter should be able to pick up where he is leaving off this year. Take his stats over the last 4-5 games, apply them to a 16 game season, and you are looking at a player not only worthy of that contract, but a possible pro bowl player.

Next year, Carlos Rogers cannot be as poor as this year. I expect him to bounce back, I really do.

So, without signing anybody else, we can have significant improvement.

Add to that some new blood on the defensive line through the draft (this is where I want to see that precious first round pick used). Defensive tackle is where I think a good rookie can really make an impact for this team. It might be the least complex position on the defence so a rookie should be able to play early and play often, and we really need to strengthen the whole spine of the unit.

We do need a new middle linebacker, and I don't have any suggestions, but there must be a solid veteran leader out there somewhere. Sign the right man here, and Marshall can go back to being quality depth at both middle and outside linebacker. Still need more depth, but don't underestimate Khary Campbell here.

At safety, we might have Taylor, Fox, Vincent and Prioleau, which doesn't seem too bad. I'd like to see somebody added to the mix, but I wouldn't want it to be a high priced free agent or 1st round pick. Don't know what to think about AA right now, but it does seem that he is a certainty to be cut.

Corner is a worry (but it would be less of a worry if the pass rush was upgraded), and we clearly need somebody to step in for Springs. If Springs is here next year, then it should be considered a bonus. We need to plan for life without him, and this is where big free agent money seems likely to be spent. Nate Clements just seems to be too obvious.

OK, not all of this can come to pass, but I really think that this defence is just as likely to be a top 10 defence again next year, as it is to be a bottom 10. Time will tell, but I am strangely optimistic.

[Irn-Bru]

UK Skins Fan, I agree with most of what you are saying. (I had actually forgotten about Prioleau! And to think that we had both Prioleau and Stoutmire on this team before the season, having to cut one of them because we had too much depth at the safety position. . .)

However, I have to question the wisdom in drafting a rookie DT. Golston is showing a lof potential, and Montgomery hasn't had many chances to play as of yet. By acquiring another DT we would have Salave'a, Griffin, Golston, Montgomery, and someone new all competing for starting spots. Not that this would be a bad situation as far as our defensive line is concerned, but should the Skins pursue that at the expense of (say) bolstering our LBs or our secondary?

[SkinsFreak]

UK Skins Fan - Nice post, I couldn't agree more.

[Mursilis]

I wonder what Canfora is going to do once the Redskins are on top again. . .his purpose in life will be squelched.

Don't shoot the messenger - this season has been a tremendous disappointment, and is near-impossible to spin otherwise.

[UK Skins Fan]

Irn-Bru: the reason I say draft a DT, is simply that I feel that is the position where a rookie could make most impact. I think a rookie end could also work, but my impression has always been that drafting DE's in the top 10 can be a real hit and miss exercise.

We've used two top 10 picks on the secondary is recent years, and I really don't see a rookie coming in and helping too much in his first year.

At linebacker, I'd love to see the next Junior Seau walk through the door at Redskins Park, but again, how much impact can a rookie LB make in Gregg Williams' defence?

No, I think you build a 4-3 defence from the front backwards. That means DT is where it starts for me. Hell, I'd get Dave Butz, Darryl Grant, Eric Williams and Jumpy Geathers out or retirement. That would be a group of tackles that Lemar Marshall could play behind.

You're right about Golston, and Montgomery. If we pick up a tackle in round one, I'd be inclined to allow Salavea to walk (assuming that the poor old fella can actually walk these days - he's on his last legs). That way, the two young guys would still get plenty of work in the rotation.

One other name I just remembered: Demetric Evans. Can anybody tell me how he's done this year, because I can't remember hearing his name?

[Mursilis]

Regardless of who the team drafts this spring, it's doubtful that player will get enough game time in '07 to make much of an impact - the coaching staff clearly favors veterans. We're really drafting for '08.

[DaSkins24]

After reading that article, I honestly have no idea how Gregg Williams can keep his job.

[SkinsJock]

I wonder what Canfora is going to do once the Redskins are on top again. . .his purpose in life will be squelched.

i agree FFA, but he's not the only one that seems to look for all the bad things and "facts" they can find about our team to cast aspersions on this franchise.

[Mursilis]

I wonder what Canfora is going to do once the Redskins are on top again. . .his purpose in life will be squelched.

i agree FFA, but he's not the only one that seems to look for all the bad things and "facts" they can find about our team to cast aspersions on this franchise.

Yeah, let's all whine about the media trying to rain on our Super Bowl run!

[Irn-Bru]

I wonder what Canfora is going to do once the Redskins are on top again. . .his purpose in life will be squelched.

i agree FFA, but he's not the only one that seems to look for all the bad things and "facts" they can find about our team to cast aspersions on this franchise.

Yeah, let's all whine about the media trying to rain on our Super Bowl run!

I haven't got too much of a problem with people who run their mouths when the Skins are losing. It's the fact that some of the same critics are largely (a) silent or (b) still negative when the Skins do well. That, I will never understand.

Canfora is merely a case in point. I'm shooting no messengers here; I'm just ignoring them.

[Mursilis]

I haven't got too much of a problem with people who run their mouths when the Skins are losing. It's the fact that some of the same critics are largely (a) silent or (b) still negative when the Skins do well. That, I will never understand.

Canfora is merely a case in point. I'm shooting no messengers here; I'm just ignoring them.

OK, aside from that late run last year (which now appears to have been a fluke and not the start of greater things like we all hoped), when have the Skins done well in the past 5 years? These past many years, it's been nothing but disaster after disaster after disaster, with one little glimmer of hope, promptly killed this year. I remember earlier this year when Patriots Nation was all in a tizzy over 2(!!) losses in a row!! Oh, the horror!! It was the first time in 5 years they'd endured such a tragedy!! Meanwhile, I was struggling to remember the last 'skins season WITHOUT 2 losses in a row. Heck, we got that streak going right off the bat this year. And people wonder why the press is negative.

[Redskin in Canada]

Can anybody join me in -BEGGING- Joe to get a good pair of CBs as our number 1 in the list of priorities for defense during the offseason?

Carlos Rogers is a nickel back at best.

Shawn Springs will move to safety (and he would be great in pass coverage with Sean Taylor playing against the run).

Do I need to say anything about Rumph? Remember, he was traded for Taylor Jacobs and both the Skins and the 49ers did not lose or gain -anything-.

Oh! I forgot! How can I? Ade Jimoh! I did not know somebody could be turned around on the dance floor as he can.

Yes, I know we need a middle line-backer too and while very important, this is a lesser priority right now.

[USAFSkinFan]

I join in your pleas

[spenser]

Well at least it cant get any worse!

can it???

[Irn-Bru]

OK, aside from that late run last year (which now appears to have been a fluke and not the start of greater things like we all hoped)

I think there are 2 things going on, involving a 'past' negative bias and a 'future' negative bias.


The past negative bias is something that I haven't taken on (in this thread). However, it is related to the 'media' reasoning that I'm criticizing. I'll take, as an example, an assessment of Gibbs' 3 seasons:

(1) Have the Redskins been good or bad in general?
(2) It seems that they have had 2 bad seasons sandwiching 1 good season.
(3) The one good season was made good by a 5-game stretch.
(3a) 5-game stretches do not constitute a good season by themselves
(4) Therefore, the Skins have had 2 bad seasons and 1 season that was bad with a 5 game stretch
(5) Therefore, the one "good" season looks more like a fluke.
(6) The Redskins have not done well since Gibbs' return.

Seems rather unwarranted to me; perhaps you see it differently.



This is one method of framing the debate surrounding the future of the Skins (i.e. the 'future' bias). Should we establish that there is nothing good about recent Skins history, then we can say something like:

IF it is the case that the Skins haven't looked good in recent history, and IF things don't visibly change soon, THEN we can only expect negative things in the future.

Above I rejected the first "IF" in that sentence, and I would argue strongly against the second "IF".

The "THEN" component, for me, clearly doesn't follow (since the conditionals don't obtain).


My original point was that Canfora seems to live off of the negative. Your response seemed to be that there wasn't much to be positive about.

I replied that, while I don't mind people pointing out the negative when there is negative to be pointed out, Canfora will probably do a pretty good disappearing act when the Skins have things put together -- or he might still find ways to criticize the Skins.

Your reply seemed to be that the Skins haven't had anything (aside from a 'fluke', which you seem compelled to at least mention despite it being a fluke, and usually discussed in parenthetical asides) that has been positive in recent history. Hence, my reply is twofold:

* I don't think that we should be so fast on interpreting history as so overwhelmingly negative, and we certainly shouldn't be too quick to make similarly negative predictions for the future.

* My point still stands that Canfora seems to thrive off of his negative viewpoint and in making things appear as bad as possible. Why is that admirable, regardless of whether this team is winning or losing?

[Mursilis]

My point still stands that Canfora seems to thrive off of his negative viewpoint and in making things appear as bad as possible. Why is that admirable, regardless of whether this team is winning or losing?

You've written more than I have time to address right now, but our difference seems to be one of interpretation. You (and others) suggest some members of the media accentuate or overemphasize the negative. I merely see (most of) them as reporting the news, which merely happens to be negative, through no fault of any reporter - they don't play. This team will finish no better than 6-10 this year; that's just the facts. 2 of the 3 years Gibbs has been back have been his worst seasons ever; again, that's just the facts. Regarding Canfora, I neither admire him nor dislike him for stating what's fairly obvious to most fans.

[Chris Luva Luva]

I think one winning season every quarter century(exaggeration but u get my point) isn't enough to get the monkeys off of our backs...

I hate the negativity too but what have we done to squelch it?
Oh wow we got some super smart players!!!! But WTF is our record?

Oh wow, we sell out every game but what is our record?

Sndyer pimps us for our money and we're the richest NFL team but what is our record?


This offseason is going to be different for me. I refuse to fall for the hype.


Somebody needs to get thru to Snyder, Gibbs, Gregg, Vinny or whomever really runs the show and hand them a pair. The team philosophy is broken and it doesn't work. Free agency is not the way to build the team.

This team has been trying to "win now" since 1999. Its frickin 2006 and we're still trying to "win now". How long will it take for us to do it the right way? Build through the draft and sprinkle on a free agent here or there for seasoning.

[roybus14]

Can anybody join me in -BEGGING- Joe to get a good pair of CBs as our number 1 in the list of priorities for defense during the offseason?

Carlos Rogers is a nickel back at best.

Shawn Springs will move to safety (and he would be great in pass coverage with Sean Taylor playing against the run).

Do I need to say anything about Rumph? Remember, he was traded for Taylor Jacobs and both the Skins and the 49ers did not lose or gain -anything-.

Oh! I forgot! How can I? Ade Jimoh! I did not know somebody could be turned around on the dance floor as he can.

Yes, I know we need a middle line-backer too and while very important, this is a lesser priority right now.

I think that you are correct in moving Springs to Safety. I think he could turn out like Rod Woodson and be a very good CB converted to Safety. He still has enough left in the tank to be the "cover" Safety and ST could be the "blow-a-"martha-focker-up" Safety. Springs can also keep ST straight back there like Clark was good at doing. But then what do we do with AA and the serious deficiency at the CB position? Do we go get Smoot back and pick up a CB off the scrap heap? Rogers is only a Nickel cover because he let his confidence get shot.

Any draft picks we have, we have to address at least one of the LB positions (probably MLB because Rocky is a stud and will take Holdman's spot) and the defensive line. Golston is the future so maybe draft another DT to go along side of him or draft a DE opposite Carter. Preferably one that is a bonafide run stopper but also a decent pass rusher..