FanPost

Redskins defense could be elite next season




I really think the Redskins defense could be the best in the NFL next season, the players are going to be more accustomed to playing in the 3-4 defensive scheme and should be ready to roll. The Skins play an aggressive style and really like to get after the opposing teams QB and now have the right players to make that scheme work.

Here's how I see the starting line up and who that player compares to as far as style of play and potential.

Left Defensive End: Adam Carriker, I belive Adam has made huge strides in the 3-4 defensive scheme and is only getting better, he is probably the strongest player on the team and getting stronger, I look forward to him manhandling opposing teams offensive lineman for many seasons to come. He reminds me of the 49er's Justin Smith.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/24/AR2010092405417.html

"He's unbelievable," Haslett said. "He's probably the strongest guy on our team."

"I didn't know he was that strong," Shanahan said. "I knew he was big, but I did not know he was that powerful. You see him in the weight room and take 165-pound dumbbells in each hand and he's doing workouts with them. I'm trying to squat one of them."

He'd use bigger dumbbells, Carriker says, but that's the heaviest the Redskins have in their weight room. Carriker can bench 500 pounds - about 40 more than Daniels - and through two games already has shown how that brute strength translates to the playing field.

"This is the strongest that I've ever been," Carriker said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PORFE7j1IAs

Nose Tackle: Barry Cofield, Barry really started coming on strong at the end of last season in his first year as a 3-4 nose tackle, I only look forward to him getting better next season. He reminds me of Albert Haynesworth, ( the Tennessee Titans version).

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins-barry-cofield-becoming-a-hit-at-the-nose/2011/12/21/gIQArmFIAP_story.html

"The guy is going to be, I think, one of the best noses in the league when he comes back" next season, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9qeicvIoJg&feature=related

Right Defensive End: Jarvis Jenkins, he was looking like a top 5 draft pick last season before his injury, he's been cleared to resume playing football and looks to be a future NFL star. He reminds me of the Ravens Haloti Ngata.

http://www.redskins101.com/2012/01/26/mike-shanahan-on-jarvis-jenkins-could-be-our-top-defensive-linemen/

"I look at him as a top ten pick. When he did play in preseason, he came in and dominated; could be our top defensive linemen."

That is a bold statement Mr. Shanahan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHOHSJnVnNg

Left Outside Linebacker: Ryan Kerrigan, this kid is a straight up stud, he played every defensive snap last season and hardly had any time to prepare as a 3-4 OLB because of the lockout. He should improve by leaps and bounds this off season and dominate for years to come! He reminds me of the Steelers LaMarr Woodley.

http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Kerrigan-Sees-Room-For-Improvement/d986e87f-46f0-4f71-b0af-b6ee252e3faa

"I’m still getting comfortable rushing out of a 2-point stance, and I feel like I’ll make more strides," he said. "The only way I do that is through more reps, so I have to work on that through the offseason and make that a point of emphasis."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXwCY4VHTVA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rie6LX7F1FE

Left Inside Linebacker: London Fletcher, the Captain is back! Fletcher may have some miles under his belt, but I believe he has plenty left in the tank, he lead the NFL in tackle last season and looked as good as ever. He is a team leader and brings toughness and attitude to the Redskins defense. He reminds me of the Ravens Ray Lewis.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/redskins-close-to-re-signing-london-fletcher/2012/04/13/gIQArMqcFT_blog.html?tid=pm_sports_pop

"I’ve said this from day one: London is a team leader, a great player, and we want him back," Shanahan said at the league meeting.

http://vimeo.com/1380562

Right Inside Linebacker: Perry Riley, Riley looks like an up and coming linebacker in the NFL, he flies all over the place and looks to be learning how to play the linebacker from one of the best in London Fletcher. He reminds me of the Chiefs Derrick Johnson.

http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Riley-Steps-In-As-Starter-At-Inside-Linebacker/f0f175bd-106d-48ae-9701-29c7b75fd871

Linebacker Perry Riley waited a year and a half to run out with the Redskins' first-team defense as a starter.

Last Sunday in Miami, he finally had that opportunity, replacing Rocky McIntosh in the lineup.

"I’ve been waiting for this for a long time," the 2010 fourth-round draft pick said. "I’m just trying to take advantage of my opportunity."

And that’s exactly what he did on the field, spending all day around the ball. He finished with a share of the team lead in tackles with nine, including four tackles for a loss and a quarterback pressure.

His four tackles for a loss were the most in a single game by a Redskin since defensive end Kenard Lang accomplished the feat in October 2001.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8pEqv2iVp8

Right Outside Linebacker: Brian Orakpo, " The Beast " as I like to call him is just entering his prime and should be an improved player by next season, I look for him to be mentioned with the likes of Demarcus Ware and James Harrison after next year. He reminds me of the Steelers James Harrison.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/post/overcoming-double-teams-tops-brian-orakpos-offseason-to-do-list/2011/12/31/gIQAtYSUSP_blog.html

"I think he’s had a really good season. I really do. I think he’s had an excellent season," Haslett said. "I think he’s gotten better in the run and his coverage has been excellent. He’s just got to take that next step and learn that there is going to be a guy there for him, there’s going to be a chip guy, there’s going to be a running back, there’s going to be an extra tight end."

The linebacker’s plan for the offseason is to review all of his games to see what he did wrong, and what he could change. He also plans on seeking out some retired pass-rushing greats to learn different techniques from them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGUc3UL64f0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AkBVORdzY78

Left Cornerback: DeAngelo Hall, DeAngelo had a down year last season but I look for him to bounce back strong, I believe he is a play maker and with a good pass rush from the front 7 should only improve his chances to make plays in the secondary. He reminds me of the Eagles Asante Samuel.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/redskins-deangelo-hall-expects-more-of-himself-and-delivers/2011/12/18/gIQAhwVF3O_story.html

"D-Hall was elected a captain for a reason," said inside linebacker London Fletcher, who shares leadership duties with Hall. "He has great leadership qualities, and the thing you always want him to do is lead in the right way.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3rOJZPbOqs

Strong Safety: Brandon Meriweather, he has had an up and down career thus far, but I look for him to rejuvenate his career here in Washington, hopefully he can regain his form that made him a 2 time pro bowler. He reminds me of the Chiefs Eric Berry.

http://www.redskins.com/news-and-events/article-1/Meriweather-Looks-to-Re-establish-His-Game/1d7da527-adb5-4c10-aa20-9891d21ad418

"I just like to consider myself a playmaker," the Redskins’ newest safety said. "Whatever I have to do to make a play, that’s what I’m going to have to do."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfPEjI1cKkc

Free Safety: Tanard Jackson, I believe this guy could be a steal for the Redskins, the few times I've watched him play with the Buccaneers he looked like a play maker, despite being suspended for a year for violating the leagues substance abuse policy, and having a down year last season because of a shoulder injury, if he can stay out of trouble and healthy, I think he can be one of the better safeties in the league. He reminds me of the Seahawks Earl Thomas.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/bucs/2007-12-23-rookie-focus_N.htm

Scouting report: Hard-hitting safety who also has speed and coverage ability to play cornerback when needed. Good tackler who is willing to do whatever is necessary to stop the run. Has a knack for being around the ball as evidenced by his two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries at Syracuse. Impressed Bucs veterans with willingness to learn.

Quotable quote: "Every week he's getting better and better and better…It's happening for him. I'm proud of the kid." – Bucs defensive backs coach Raheem Morris

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkVppxGdXeQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsZZP6h6NMI

Right Cornerback: Josh Wilson, he is a tough, srappy corner and is young enough to still improve his game. He reminds me of the former Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall.

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/News/Articles/2010/12/Wilson_Back_Living_The_Dream.aspx

"[Wilson’s] got ability," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "He’s quick, he’s got good speed, he made some plays on some deep balls."

Wilson covered Texans All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson for much of Monday night, including on the final play of the game. Johnson went inside, but Wilson broke outside when the ball floated to receiver Jacoby Jones, who was being pursued by Lardarius Webb.

Wilson easily stepped in front for the easiest pick-six of his career – but by far the sweetest.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEKJZxalrEc

With a new QB under the helm next season, I see the Redskins D stepping up and picking up the slack. We very well could be playoff bound! HTTR!