JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

Great article from JLC in today's [I]Post.[/I] I didn't see it under the "Redskins News" section, so I'm posting the link. I really like the points he makes about how the improvement of the secondary/LBs will help the D-line. He talks about modeling parts of our D off of the Bears last year, and using less schemes and choreography, choosing instead to focus on speed, aggressiveness, and individual athleticism. Check out the part about using a healthy Griffin like Tommie Harris in the "three-technique." This piece definitely got me psyched out the '07 unit!

[url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/06/15/AR2007061501605.html]washingtonpost.com[/url]

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=GMScud;318712]Great article from JLC in today's [I]Post.[/I] I didn't see it under the "Redskins News" section, so I'm posting the link. I really like the points he makes about how the improvement of the secondary/LBs will help the D-line. He talks about modeling parts of our D off of the Bears last year, and using less schemes and choreography, choosing instead to focus on speed, aggressiveness, and individual athleticism. Check out the part about using a healthy Griffin like Tommie Harris in the "three-technique." This piece definitely got me psyched out the '07 unit!

[url=http://washingtonpost.com]washingtonpost.com - nation, world, technology and Washington area news and headlines[/url][/quote]



Most definetly. Even if our defense plays half as well as the Bears D did last season and can maintain it for a 16 game stretch then I see no reason why we can't be in the NFC championship game at least.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

I think our defense will be average at best this year. We can try to run the bears defense all we want, but we don't have the talent up front that they do. You build Defense from the inside out, not vice-versa.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=skins009;318718]I think our defense will be average at best this year. We can try to run the bears defense all we want, but we don't have the talent up front that they do. You build Defense from the inside out, not vice-versa.[/quote]

Let's not forget how injured our D was last year. Poor LB play from Marshall and Holdman to go along with a knicked up D-line and a secondary ravaged by injuries didn't help at all. We were ranked 31st overall last year. Even if we are just middle of the road this year as you say (15th or so overall), that's still a huge jump. And you've got to think with Portis back and stability at the QB position our offense can only improve, especially in year 2 of Saunders. Then take into consideration that we lost 4 games last year by 3 points or less (not including that OT loss to St. Louis), and we could be in decent shape for a playoff run.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

I like what Williams is doing. It sounds like hes giving the players a little more credit of their ability vs. his almighty scheme. Im not too sure how i feel about Washington coming down to play end on passing downs - makes me think that Williams doesnt have confidence in the d line pass rushing abilities. Also I dont want to say it but i really think that Lavar might of been really suited for the "freedom" this revamped d fence sounds like it has

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

Pretty much my feeling of why the defense went backwards last year, and why Landry was the right pick, he will allow Williams to open up the defense, it put's Taylor in position to make play's again, while allowing Williams to bring more players to the line of scrimmage to stop the run, the single biggest key to this defense right now IMO was highlighted by Rogers comment, both CB's have to be able to cover man to man, if they can't all is for not.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

Awesome article. Gregg Williams sounds like he finally put his ego aside, and is starting to come up with schemes to match his players strengths. I'm very excited to see how our defense performs this season.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[QUOTE=GMScud;318721]Let's not forget how injured our D was last year. Poor LB play from Marshall and Holdman to go along with a knicked up D-line and a secondary ravaged by injuries didn't help at all. We were ranked 31st overall last year. Even if we are just middle of the road this year as you say (15th or so overall), that's still a huge jump. And you've got to think with Portis back and stability at the QB position our offense can only improve, especially in year 2 of Saunders. Then take into consideration that we lost 4 games last year by 3 points or less (not including that OT loss to St. Louis), and we could be in decent shape for a playoff run.[/QUOTE]
Don't forget the stat that we won 4 of 5 games last year by
less than 6 points. We will be better on offense, but we still have a quaterback who is entering is [B]1st[/B] year as a starter. He's gonna have his growing paines. We are no more than a 8 to 9 win team.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[QUOTE=skins009;318737]Don't forget the stat that we won 4 of 5 games last year by
less than 6 points. We will be better on offense, but we still have a quaterback who is entering is [B]1st[/B] year as a starter. He's gonna have his growing paines. We are no more than a 8 to 9 win team.[/QUOTE]

I would guarantee 10 wins if I didn't have such bad luck. As Randy Moss would say, straight cash homey.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

This is the biggest line I took from that article:

"There will be less of a burden on Williams and his staff to out-scheme the opposing offense every week."

Maybe I'm reading too much into it, but I think that's actually saying a lot about our offense. I think our defense's simplification is a strong testament to the growth of our offense and now there's (hopefully) not such a strong need for our defense to carry the day.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=skins009;318718]I think our defense will be average at best this year. We can try to run the bears defense all we want, but we don't have the talent up front that they do. You build Defense from the inside out, not vice-versa.[/quote]

The coaches have said many times that they believe in the guys that are already here. Why is it such a lock that the Skins' D Line is doomed until they get rid of the guys that are here and bring in some other guys that look really good somewhere else ? I ask this not to jump on you because a lot of other guys have said the same thing but why do we ask for the team to show patience with their own guys until [I]we [/I]think that they shouldn't ? I have no problem with waiting to see how they work out because the coaches said they see something that we cannot see right now so I'll give them a chance. Let it not work first and then rip them up. A couple of years ago the D Line was full of rejects, no one anybody really was afraid of. Griffin was just sent packing by the Giants, Salave'a was nothing to be thinking about the week before the game, Wynn and Daniels we the ends and I don't remember their names instilling fear in anyones voices when they spoke about them. However, they looked damn good for two years. Last year the D looked completely inept and now we blame the D line that had players drop into zones at times. Towards the end of the year when GW used more 4 man rushes they started to look better. All I'm saying is show some patience because we ask that of the FO.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[QUOTE=MonkFan4Life;318751]The coaches have said many times that they believe in the guys that are already here. Why is it such a lock that the Skins' D Line is doomed until they get rid of the guys that are here and bring in some other guys that look really good somewhere else ? I ask this not to jump on you because a lot of other guys have said the same thing but why do we ask for the team to show patience with their own guys until [I]we [/I]think that they shouldn't ? I have no problem with waiting to see how they work out because the coaches said they see something that we cannot see right now so I'll give them a chance. Let it not work first and then rip them up. A couple of years ago the D Line was full of rejects, no one anybody really was afraid of. Griffin was just sent packing by the Giants, Salave'a was nothing to be thinking about the week before the game, Wynn and Daniels we the ends and I don't remember their names instilling fear in anyones voices when they spoke about them. However, they looked damn good for two years. Last year the D looked completely inept and now we blame the D line that had players drop into zones at times. Towards the end of the year when GW used more 4 man rushes they started to look better. All I'm saying is show some patience because we ask that of the FO.[/QUOTE]

I agree with you 100%. It seems that a lot of our defense rests on the success/failure of Golston and Montgomery, both who have shown-in their brief time in the NFL so far-strong potential. They potential may lead to results, it may not. But I don't understand why so many are quick to reject them right away. Give them a chance.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

Well, this isn't a positive sign (from Redskins Insider)

"Carlos Rogers, who is reminding me more of Roberto Duran by the day, had a case of the drops during catching drills for the DB. Gregg Williams happened to be standing right there for one slip, chiding, "Catch it, catch it, catch it!" By the team's estimates, there were 9 potential INTs Carlos got his hands on last season that he dropped."

Catch the ball, can't be more simple than that

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=SmootSmack;318814]Well, this isn't a positive sign (from Redskins Insider)

"Carlos Rogers, who is reminding me more of Roberto Duran by the day, had a case of the drops during catching drills for the DB. Gregg Williams happened to be standing right there for one slip, chiding, "Catch it, catch it, catch it!" By the team's estimates, there were 9 potential INTs Carlos got his hands on last season that he dropped."

Catch the ball, can't be more simple than that[/quote]


It can't get any simpler than that. He could have had 10 interceptions. But he had only 1. This is make or break for him. I want at least 5 interceptions at least from this guy this year, or he will be a bust in my book.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=skins009;318718]I think our defense will be average at best this year. We can try to run the bears defense all we want, but we don't have the talent up front that they do. You build Defense from the inside out, not vice-versa.[/quote]


Average? HA HA HA HA

They have ballers all over the place. They will be top 5 unless Taylor, Griffin or Fletcher go out for the year. They have depth all over the field.

Don't believe this "simplicity act" either. There are so many interchangeable parts that G-dub is going to be a kid in a candy store!

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

This was a good article, and I agree with SmootSmack--it says more about Williams and his attitude than anything else. It seems that for the last few years it was "my way or the highway" for the D staff, but they got rid of Dale Lindsey, who was the biggest hardass on the staff, and now they're going with a simplified, play to your players' strengths type deal. That's a big shift. Wonder if Coach Gibbs sat down with GW and gave him a little advice? Or GW looked in the mirror and made some changes? It's good to hear--hope it translates into big things on the field.

As for the D-line and the Chicago D comparison, sure, we are not Chicago. But you look around the league for what works--good coaches don't borrow, they steal. Some I'm fine with that. But not to worry--I am sure that despite all this talk, we'll see lots of the GW stuff we're used to, just coming out of a more stable base package. I don't have Grim21's confidence in the D (yet!), but I don't share 009's pessimism. It's minicamp. Cautious optimism, and patience!

(3000!)

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[QUOTE=JWsleep;318841]This was a good article, and I agree with SmootSmack--it says more about Williams and his attitude than anything else. It seems that for the last few years it was "my way or the highway" for the D staff, but they got rid of Dale Lindsey, who was the biggest hardass on the staff, and now they're going with a simplified, play to your players' strengths type deal. That's a big shift. Wonder if Coach Gibbs sat down with GW and gave him a little advice? Or GW looked in the mirror and made some changes? It's good to hear--hope it translates into big things on the field.

As for the D-line and the Chicago D comparison, sure, we are not Chicago. But you look around the league for what works--good coaches don't borrow, they steal. Some I'm fine with that. But not to worry--I am sure that despite all this talk, we'll see lots of the GW stuff we're used to, just coming out of a more stable base package. I don't have Grim21's confidence in the D (yet!), but I don't share 009's pessimism. It's minicamp. Cautious optimism, and patience!

(3000!)[/QUOTE]

Congrats on 3,000!

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

i think I'm still old school, where everything starts in the trenches. unless our defensive line gets an attitude, and plays out of their minds, i don't care how many all stars are in the secondary. but its good to hear things will not be as complex on defense. any player is better at reacting without thinking

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

Loved this quote from Wynn:

"You've got to have the right balance between players and scheme, and you've got to have the right players to make the scheme work," lineman Renaldo Wynn said. "[B]We saw examples of that last year -- [I]without mentioning any names[/I] -- when we brought in different guys and they just didn't fit our scheme.[/B]"

Wow, I wonder what names he isn't mentioning.

Hmmmmmmmmmm, now that's a brain teaser!

How much more simple could it have been - "Hey you, Safety" (w/o mentioning [I]which[/I] safety) "cover someone".

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=JoeRedskin;318868]Loved this quote from Wynn:

"You've got to have the right balance between players and scheme, and you've got to have the right players to make the scheme work," lineman Renaldo Wynn said. "[B]We saw examples of that last year -- [I]without mentioning any names[/I] -- when we brought in different guys and they just didn't fit our scheme.[/B]"

Wow, I wonder what names he isn't mentioning.

Hmmmmmmmmmm, now that's a brain teaser!

How much more simple could it have been - "Hey you, Safety" (w/o mentioning [I]which[/I] safety) "cover someone".[/quote]


He had to have been talking about "Toast Archuleta"

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote]
Marcus Washington, the Redskins' best linebacker since joining the team in 2006, will have an expanded role. He's preparing to play as a rush end, with his hand down, on many passing downs and is expected to be used much less in pass coverage.
[/quote]

It sounds like MW will be used a little differently this year. That must be why we picked up so many LBs. Remember when LaVar played DE on passing downs? I think it was 2001 or something. I remember he had 10+ sacks that year. Hopefully, we can get similar production from MW in that role this year.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

The key is SIMPLIFY. A healthy D used to there strengths, and there you have it. Greg W is tweaking the system, it's that SIMPLE.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

As long as our corners can cover and our safties can keep recievers scared of going over the middle and the defensive line can muster some kind of pass rush we should be fine.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=GhettoDogAllStars;318960]It sounds like MW will be used a little differently this year. That must be why we picked up so many LBs. Remember when LaVar played DE on passing downs? I think it was 2001 or something. I remember he had 10+ sacks that year. Hopefully, we can get similar production from MW in that role this year.[/quote]

I think this is a great idea. Why not? We can line up Marcus at end opposite Carter on passing downs and stick Marshall, who is solid in pass coverage, in there as the 3rd LB. Then we'd have a great speed rush off both ends. Marcus has a great motor and enough speed to get around offensive tackles.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=GMScud;318989]I think this is a great idea. Why not? We can line up Marcus at end opposite Carter on passing downs and stick Marshall, who is solid in pass coverage, in there as the 3rd LB. Then we'd have a great speed rush off both ends. Marcus has a great motor and enough speed to get around offensive tackles.[/quote]


I have been wondering why we haven't done that in the past. Then it hit me, we didn't have the depth at linebacker but now that we have Fletcher who is an everydown linebacker, maybe Washington can put his hand down and rush the passer.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;318991]I have been wondering why we haven't done that in the past. Then it hit me, we didn't have the depth at linebacker but now that we have Fletcher who is an everydown linebacker, maybe Washington can put his hand down and rush the passer.[/quote]

I don't see why not. He's our defensive leader. He's always bouncing up and down in between plays... Imagine how much he'd be salivating knowing he gets to make a bee-line for the QB? Think of how the other guys would feed off of Marcus getting sacks. They'd be a pack of wild dogs Vick would be jealous of (sorry). He's got good speed and isn't too much lighter than Dwight Freeny, Andre Carter, etc. I think it's a great wrinkle we can throw in there a few times a game. We need sacks and we didn't improve the D-line personnel-wise in the offseason, so it can't hurt to try.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=GMScud;318997]I don't see why not. He's our defensive leader. He's always bouncing up and down in between plays... Imagine how much he'd be salivating knowing he gets to make a bee-line for the QB? Think of how the other guys would feed off of Marcus getting sacks. They'd be a pack of wild dogs Vick would be jealous of (sorry). He's got good speed and isn't too much lighter than Dwight Freeny, Andre Carter, etc. I think it's a great wrinkle we can throw in there a few times a game. We need sacks and we didn't improve the D-line personnel-wise in the offseason, so it can't hurt to try.[/quote]


It really cant and he got 7.5 sacks in 2004 from the linebacker spot. I can see him cracking 10 easily from the DE spot when he is rushing from that spot. Hey Lavar Arrington (man I miss what he USED to do) did it. Marcus can get 12 if he is allowed to put his hand down and rush the passer.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;318998]It really cant and he got 7.5 sacks in 2004 from the linebacker spot. I can see him cracking 10 easily from the DE spot when he is rushing from that spot. Hey Lavar Arrington (man I miss what he USED to do) did it. Marcus can get 12 if he is allowed to put his hand down and rush the passer.[/quote]

Yeah, but he's not going to play end full time. It's gonna be a situational thing, he's too valuable as an OLB. Plus he's coming off injury, so hopefully he'll stay healthy. If the over/under for his sack total was 8, I'd take the under. For now. And hey, if he did get 8, that would be more than any player on the entire team last year.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=GMScud;319003]Yeah, but he's not going to play end full time. It's gonna be a situational thing, he's too valuable as an OLB. Plus he's coming off injury, so hopefully he'll stay healthy. If the over/under for his sack total was 8, I'd take the under. For now. And hey, if he did get 8, that would be more than any player on the entire team last year.[/quote]


I know that but I can still see him getting 12. About 7 from the linebacking spot, and 5 from situational pass rushing. Hopefully that Justin Hickman can be last years Mark Anderson. 12 sacks as a situational pass rusher for the Bears to lead the team.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

Yeah, I am looking forward to "07, but I am never going to allow myself to get totally psyched up again like in the past. Either it is Brunell, Matthews, Ramsey, etc stinking or some guys getting injured, and we are always less than 100% for most of our games. We should have an injury pool and take bets on which player gets injured first and what week, etc.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=GusFrerotte;319008]Yeah, I am looking forward to "07, but I am never going to allow myself to get totally psyched up again like in the past. Either it is Brunell, Matthews, Ramsey, etc stinking or some guys getting injured, and we are always less than 100% for most of our games. We should have an injury pool and take bets on which player gets injured first and what week, etc.[/quote]


No what is with the negative energy that you have on display Gus? Dont think like that. (Even though it never fails)

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=GusFrerotte;319008]Yeah, I am looking forward to "07, but I am never going to allow myself to get totally psyched up again like in the past. Either it is Brunell, Matthews, Ramsey, etc stinking or some guys getting injured, and we are always less than 100% for most of our games. We should have an injury pool and take bets on which player gets injured first and what week, etc.[/quote]

Injury pool = bad

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

This will be the Redskins year 12-4 regular season record and if we beat the Pats 13-3. Number 1 seed in the playoffs which equals to homefield throughout which means the road to Arizona is coming through DC and we will be on that plane to Arizona to play in the super bowl and we will win it 28-17 over my suprise AFC pick the Broncos.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;319012]This will be the Redskins year 12-4 regular season record and if we beat the Pats 13-3. Number 1 seed in the playoffs which equals to homefield throughout which means the road to Arizona is coming through DC and we will be on that plane to Arizona to play in the super bowl and we will win it 28-17 over my suprise AFC pick the Broncos.[/quote]

Who are the 4 losses coming against??

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=GMScud;319019]Who are the 4 losses coming against??[/quote]


Pats
Jets


and 2 games that we should win but we lose it because we are the Redskins but the other 2 for some reason we dont do too well against the AFC.

But I could see us beating the Jets easily and we could squeak out the Pats so I am in the range of 12 to 14 win season. And I am probably the only one who thinks that. :D

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=EARTHQUAKE2689;319020]Pats
Jets


and 2 games that we should win but we lose it because we are the Redskins but the other 2 for some reason we dont do too well against the AFC.

But I could see us beating the Jets easily and we could squeak out the Pats so I am in the range of 12 to 14 win season. And I am probably the only one who thinks that. :D[/quote]

I put our win total in the 9-11 range, maybe, MAYBE topping out at 11-12. But a whole heckuva lot would have to go right. Campbell pans out, RBs stay healthy, defense wakes up and starts stopping the run/forcing TOs/sacks, etc.

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

[quote=GMScud;319032]I put our win total in the 9-11 range, maybe, MAYBE topping out at 11-12. But a whole heckuva lot would have to go right. Campbell pans out, RBs stay healthy, defense wakes up and starts stopping the run/forcing TOs/sacks, etc.[/quote]


I say Campbell finishes with 3,172 yards 24 touchdowns versus only 11 interceptions

Prtis runs for 1,531 yards and 16 touchdowns goes to the pro bowl and wins comeback player of the year while Betts gets 712 yards and 5 touchdowns

Moss 1,083 yards 8 touchdowns
Lloyd 732 yards 5 touchdowns
Cooley 719 yards 6 touchdowns

Re: JLC: Defense Looks to Simplify
 

tired time for bed will talk to you all later