Who is the Washington Redskins’ Best Defensive Player?
Two years ago, Skins’ fans would’ve viewed this as a ridiculous question. Two days ago, I bet a lot of Skins’ fans thought they had the answer.
But is it that cut and dry for a Redskins’ defensive unit that has been among the best in the league for the past three seasons?
A new defensive coordinator and new personnel might have changed the perspective on which individual player will have the most impact on the 2008 season. Sure, Greg Blache is familiar with the system, but as the defensive line coach in 2007, his front looked like shopping carts at times, ranking 16th in the league in total sacks. Defensive end Andre Carter had 10.5 last season, making him the first Redskins player with double-digit sacks since 2002.
Linebacker would be a logical place to look to find the team’s best defender. Marcus Washington was second on the team in sacks with five. London Fletcher was third on the team in interceptions with three, and first in total tackles with 128.
Or could the Redskins’ best defender be in the defensive secondary, where LaRon Landry was third overall in tackles and number one overall in scaring the crap out of opposing receivers?
As you can see, the Redskins are balanced throughout their starting defensive unit. But the tilt will have to start up front on the defensive line, and while it may not work in the long term for the Skins’, this year, Jason Taylor will prove to be the Skins’ best defender.
His speed on the outside and ability to drop into coverage will allow other members of the line free movement in the interior. It will position linebackers for more blitz schemes, and create bad throws for the secondary to capitalize on.
A lot of stuff for a guy that may not want to play more than a year or two.
Comments
By Truth About It Dot Net on July 24th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
The answer is…..the ability of the offense to keep the defense off the field.
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