Washington Will Be Someone to Watch Out For New Strogside Linebacker Impresses at Training Camp By Mark Schlabach Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, August 3, 2004; 12:16 PM
Every time an NFL quarterback lines up against the Washington Redskins, he instinctively looks for No. 56 on defense. Locating outside linebacker LaVar Arrington is always an opposing quarterback's number one priority.
But if the first three days of Redskins' training camp are any indication, quarterbacks also will have to look at the other side of the field. New strongside linebacker Marcus Washington, acquired in March as an unrestricted free agent from the Indianapolis Colts, has been wreaking havoc in scrimmage drills, defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said Monday.
"People better keep their eyes on No. 53 [Washington's jersey number] around here," Williams said. "He's a big-time player. He was a very important signee for us this year. He has been dominant in practices."
Arrington is just as happy about the acquisition of Washington. Arrington, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was able to move from the strong side to weak side after Washington joined the team. The Redskins also are using Arrington as a stand-up defensive end, allowing him to rush the quarterback often. Arrington had 11 sacks in 2002, the most by an NFL linebacker that season.
Jeremiah Trotter played weakside linebacker the past two season, leaving Arrington on the strong side, where he often had to battle tight ends and was double-teamed.
"We finally got us a strongside linebacker," Arrington said. "I like the way they're using me now."
Williams said he likes the way Arrington is adapting to the weak side.
"This may be his best year," Williams said. "We hope this year is the best year of his career because of the way we're going to use him."
Washington, 6 feet 3 and 247 pounds, had 97 tackles and six sacks for the Colts last season. The four-year pro's best season was in 2001, when he had 119 tackles and eight sacks.
"[Coach Williams] is going to turn me loose a little bit, take the chain off of me a little bit, let me go after the quarterback," Washington said. "It's going to be a lot of fun."
I would have to concur with that statement. He has been the best linebacker on the field. He has made several interceptions and seems to be taking to the defense like it is his own. Look for big things outta this guy. I liked him coming in, but after seeing him hustle, I like him even more now.
RIP 21
"Nah, I trust the laws of nature to stay constant. I don't pray that the sun will rise tomorrow, and I don't need to pray that someone will beat the Cowboys in the playoffs." - Irn-Bru
"Nah, I trust the laws of nature to stay constant. I don't pray that the sun will rise tomorrow, and I don't need to pray that someone will beat the Cowboys in the playoffs." - Irn-Bru
Nice to hear this about Washington...He clearly has the potential to dominate opposite Lavar.....They say hes still raw and not very instinctive yet.....Imagine what experience and coach Williams will do for this kid....Never mind having a old warrior like Barrow in the middle to make sure Washington remembers his assigments
Don't you have any sick days left for this year? 
