2017 defense - are you believing?

[riggofan]

Its still so earlier, but I'm really encouraged by this year's defense. I thought they looked much improved in the games v. Philly and LA. In the Raiders game though, it wasn't just that they played so well... I honestly can't remember the last time I saw a Redskins defense play with that kind of attitude and swagger. The shots of Manusky and Tomsula on the sidelines had me hyped!

It looks like we've got some legit talent on defense now: Norman, Swearinger, Breeland, Gallette, Kerrigan, Jonathan Allen, Zach Brown has been an absolute monster. And the young guys - Preston Smith, Ryan Anderson, Fuller, Ioanidis, Nicholson(!?!?!?) are contributing. I actually googled the other day to find out if D Hall is still even on the team. I still don't know the answer for sure.

So what do you think? Was the Raiders game a complete fluke or is this defense finally turning a corner?

[ferryrich]

The main thing that stood out to me against the raiders was how many solo tackles were made, when in previous seasons they'd have been missed. Heck, even gang tackles weren't stopping average rushers last season.
1 more game like that and I'll start believing its a trend instead of an outlier

[Bishop Hammer]

I'm pleased with the defenses last two showings but I am going to wait until the midpoint of the season, before I get my hopes up. But it looks good so far!

[Countertrey]

There's something special about a DC who, watching his crew absolutely kicking azz on the field, skulking around like he's still pissed at the world...

[riggofan]

There's something special about a DC who, watching his crew absolutely kicking azz on the field, skulking around like he's still pissed at the world...

Right!?!?!? I loved that, man. And it seemed like the players were bringing that from the sideline to the field. Out there playing ANGRY!!!

[riggofan]

I'm pleased with the defenses last two showings but I am going to wait until the midpoint of the season, before I get my hopes up. But it looks good so far!

I know its hard to be happy about the Eagles game because it was a loss. But they weren't bad in that game. Had an INT, kept Wentz to two TD passes, 2 sacks, 1 fumble rec and held Blount to 46 yards rushing. If I remember correctly, the Eagles offensive stats were inflated by one or two short toss/big gain type of plays. Our offense was way more at fault for that loss.

Definitely not as strong an outing as the next two weeks, but I thought at the time they looked a lot better than last year.

I'm really curious to see how they play against KC on Monday.

[mastdark81]

Wow our defense showed up on prime team! They owed us that.

[riggofan]

Wow our defense showed up on prime team! They owed us that.

Our defense has been completely AWOL since Williams left.

[El Mexican]

Waaayyyy early to assess this team. Let's wait until week 8.

Up to now it has been pretty much like we expected: sometimes rotten, sometimes average, and sometimes great.

[riggofan]

Waaayyyy early to assess this team. Let's wait until week 8.

I mean, you're 100% correct, but where is the fun in that? Come on, man!! Man up and take stand! You feeling the defense this year or not????

[cowboykillerzRGiii]

Have been since watching DJ speak in preseason.. His swag is infectious, like STs was.. And ST loved to have people pumped around him- like Norman!
The db group is closer knit and son is the dline, and they all are serious with their agenda.

Team meetings, and then player called meetings capped with hype night at Normans house has everyone playing FOR each other... Not stats or paychecks. A blown assignment means you let your brother down, not just the "team".


Vs eagles the D put up as many points as the O... A couple of fluke scrambles barely escaping sacks resulted in miracle plays to extend or score. The D was and has been lit all year.

Big test Monday, but so was last week... I feared AcDc and beast mode more then Alex damn Smith.. Sack him often, check kelce and have Norminator get in his head- and let DJ plow Hunt a few times! Should be good!

We need the O to sustain drives and keep them fresh tho... KCs D is what I fear more then ours doing their job. Good place to check where we stand vs the #1 ranked team.

Atl is unbeaten, but should've lost last week and nearly dropped one to the bears... Taking KC down would be HUGE

[OldSchool]

I am being cautious in my view of things so all I'll say right now is the defense is no longer a liability. The offense had to carry the team the last couple of seasons but so far the defense is holding up its end.

[El Mexican]

Waaayyyy early to assess this team. Let's wait until week 8.

I mean, you're 100% correct, but where is the fun in that? Come on, man!! Man up and take stand! You feeling the defense this year or not????

Well, at least they make for a better game!

[riggofan]

Vs eagles the D put up as many points as the O... A couple of fluke scrambles barely escaping sacks resulted in miracle plays to extend or score. The D was and has been lit all year.

Thanks for clarifying that. I thought that was the case too, but its hard to get at looking at stats and the final score.

Man, I hope they stay on track tonight. Tough test, and I personally think Andy Reid is one of the best coaches in the league. I'll be happy to see a good, competitive game given our history on MNF. But if they're able to pull of a win, would just be H U G E .

[langleyparkjoe]

*eh* I was really impressed last week vs the Raiders.

If they show up tonight vs that Chiefs offense playing in Arrowhead on MNF will definitely make me a full believer.
Until then I'm *eh*

.. and I'm going to stay my forever negative self (with the hopes of jinxing myself thus doing the opposite) and say we're going to get smashed.

I know, but what's a fan to do? ? ? ?

[SkinsJock]

It has only been 3 games but the D is playing very well ... the additions of Manusky and Tomsula have undoubtedly helped a lot

these 2 coaches were with McCloughan in San Francisco .... just a coincidence, I'm sure

I agree that going into the bye week at 3-1 would be really H U G E

[riggofan]

If they show up tonight vs that Chiefs offense playing in Arrowhead on MNF will definitely make me a full believer.
Until then I'm *eh*

Its okay, man. Definitely the safest position for any Redskins fan.

I'm not sure I'm a believer yet, but I sure want to be one.

Was on the road all day yesterday, but got to hear the Cowboys and Giants both losing on the NFL radio. Love it.

[Redskin in Canada]

Kansas City Chiefs is the best team in the NFL today. They are playing at home. Most productive rusher.

Vegas odds, for what they may be worth, are: Kansas 48u-10 -7 -10
Kirk would need to be consistent after the last win and the team would need to still play at its best. Definitely an upset if Skins win but I am hoping for one.

I will be happy with a competitive game. Just no embarrassment on national (and international) TV, please.

[SkinsJock]

Kansas City Chiefs is the best team in the NFL today. They are playing at home. Most productive rusher.

Vegas odds, for what they may be worth, are: Kansas 48u-10 -7 -10
Kirk would need to be consistent after the last win and the team would need to still play at its best. Definitely an upset if Skins win but I am hoping for one.

I will be happy with a competitive game. Just no embarrassment on national (and international) TV, please.

Hoping for the Redskins to play well - our defense is starting to gel and the tackling has improved a lot

[langleyparkjoe]

Sirs.. Madams...

I LangleyparkJoe, Aka LPJ, is extremely happy with our defense. Yes I am bummed we lost, however it was not a surprise considering how good the Chiefs are.
The real surprise for me was how our defense played, incredible.. I'm totally boosted for the future now.

LPJ out..

[oj]

The most impressive thing about the defense is how others stepped up to fill for the fallen, they matured right in fron tof our eyes and are ready for whatever the rest of the season throws at them.

[riggofan]

Agree with both of those comments. As well as the defense played and filled in for each other, I was really struck by the difference when Josh Norman went out. I know he's a top corner, but I have to admit I've probably undervalued his importance on that defense. Glad its a BYE week coming up, and I hope Josh is back on the field sooner than later.