Not impressed with our defense

[MTK]

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial...14/1040737.asp

Some Buffalo sports writer chimes in with this:

They're gushing about Gregg Williams after his Washington defense held Tampa Bay without an offensive touchdown in a 16-10 win Sunday. In some quarters, they're already talking about his inevitable return some day as a head coach. But let's not get too giddy. It was one game, against a Buccaneers offense that might be the most woeful in the league. Let's see how the Redskins defense fares against a real NFL offense.

Fair criticism or another low blow from the media?

[CRT3]

Low blow. Lets not forget he did not get a fair shake in Buffalo. They took a injured running back with the number 1 pick who they knew he was not going to contribute. They don't exactly spend money up there. And shall we cast our own low blow.

No Super Bowls Won!!!

[Redskins_P]

I am really sick and tired of all this negative crap about the Skins. Granted we've only played one game, but lets compare our defense on Sunday to last years. Anyone see a difference? Uhhh yeeeeaahhh!!!

Also, didn't Buffalo lose on Sunday?

[redwagonskins]

Brad Johnson picked us apart last year. This year, nothing!
Enough said.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by redwagonskins

Brad Johnson picked us apart last year. This year, nothing!
Enough said.

In all fairness there is some truth to this: It is only one game; the Skins D did not face ANY deep speed; 8 of their starting 11 offensive players were/are over 30 including their QB, their two starting WR's (well until Galloway got hurt) and to two RB's (both coming off injury); their O-Line had only one player from last year's line; their two tackles were both over 32 and one (Steussie) was playing a position he has never played before (RT). This was an old, slow offense. The Skins safeties were able to basically play w/in 15-20 yards of the line of scrimmage. T-Bay's offense is going to be VERY bad this year.

With that said, however, give credit where credit is due: This is the NFL - holding a team to 30 yards rushing, no first downs through 1 1/2 quarters and, essentially, no points (the FG was the direct result of the ST breakdown, not anything TBay's offense did) are things that don't happen every week in the NFL and, when they do, it is generally b/c a bad offense played a good defense.

I think this defense will be VERY VERY good b/c the players who weren't blitzing seemed to be holding their assignments, that, to me, is the key to this type of defense. But, yes. Let's see what do against a team that can actually get the ball deep and/or cause some separation. I expect we will do fine. BTW - that team had better have a defense as fast and stifling as T-Bays because - if we can put up 16 against that defense - we are going to be able to put up a lot more against lesser defenses.

[Redskins_P]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial...14/1040737.asp

Some Buffalo sports writer chimes in with this:


Fair criticism or another low blow from the media?

Also, who cares how bad Tampa's offense is "supposed" to be. Our D came out and did their job. We can't control who's injured, or holding out or who's too old. All the defense has to do is come out stop the offense no matter who's playing....plain and simple and we did that.

[MTK]

It's somewhat fair, yes it's only one game against a rather weak offense, BUT you've gotta give Williams some credit here. His resume speaks for itself as far as being a defensive coordinator goes. And who knows, far worse have had second shots as head coaches (Norv anyone?).

If anyone remembers Bill Belichick wasn't very successful his first go round as a HC (36-44 overall). Williams is a bright guy, I can't see how he won't get another shot at being a HC someday. Hopefully it's here after Gibbs is done with his second stint and added a few more SB trophies to the case.

[Defensewins]

Low blow:
I might be wrong, but I think our STARTING defense did not give up a TD this preseason until the Rams game, which was our fourth game.
These Buffalo a-holes are just soar grapes because they lost the Jags. We beat a team (Buc's) that won the superbowl a few years ago. They lost to a very average team.
Jerry Sullivan did say one thing right in his article....Tom Brady is the playing like the real MVP of this league. If Brady continues his high level of play this year, he better get the MVP award or something is seriously wrong.

[Gmanc711]

Originally Posted by Defensewins

Low blow:
I might be wrong, but I think our STARTING defense did not give up a TD this preseason until the Rams game, which was our fourth game.
These Buffalo a-holes are just soar grapes because they lost the Jags. We beat a team (Buc's) that won the superbowl a few years ago. They lost to a very average team.
Jerry Sullivan did say one thing right in his article....Tom Brady is the playing like the real MVP of this league. If Brady continues his high level of play this year, he better get the MVP award or something is seriously wrong.

Granted it was preseason, but I think so far in 2004 I think our starting D has only given up 1 TD. Tampa Bay scored 0 points on our defesne. That feild goal was a result of special teams, cause they didnt even get a first down. Look at what our starting D did to Atlanta. I hate to use preseason games in my argument, but I really have nothing else. I dont care who we play, the difference between our Defense last year and this year is night and day.

[Skins fan 44]

I would say it was almost fair. You have to reallize these writers have a job to do and they are not going to make Buffalo look bad after only one week. You cannot win a Super Bowl in one week. Just like you cant have a domminant defense or offense in one week. It even took the Ravens a season to get recognised and now it is almost a given that they always have a tough D. After midseason when our defense is still dominant, that is when you will see credit given where credit is due.

[Carnage]

What the f%#* would they know about a "real" offense in Buffalo?

[That Guy]

its fair, the bucs O was slow and planned against for a very long time. still its better to shut down bad O's than let them run you over, so i'll take the stats and run with them. if we can hold the eagles or the vikes down, that will make a huge statement. The D is looking like it'll be top five right now, and you can't even compare it to last year...

SO, D = great, but outsiders are looking for a statement against a big O threat, and i'm curious as to how well we hold up there too.

[bridaman51]

Is the Bucs offense that bad or is the Redskins aggresive style of defense made them look that bad? I remember two years ago when Gruden went to TB he was touted as a offense of genius!!!! well is everyone now saying he is a offense dud?

[cpayne5]

Originally Posted by bridaman51

Is the Bucs offense that bad or is the Redskins aggresive style of defense made them look that bad? I remember two years ago when Gruden went to TB he was touted as a offense of genius!!!! well is everyone now saying he is a offense dud?

Ya. I didn't know that Gruden's offense wasn't a *real* offense.

[memphisskin]

Low Blow.

I agree with bridaman and cpayne, Gruden wins a SB and is hailed as an offensive guru and now his team struggles and it's "Tampa's offense is horrid". Give the respect where it's due, to our defense. Our guys made plays, and more importantly our defensive coordinator put them in position to make plays.

It's only one game, but so far the defense looks to be legit. Tons of pressure, guys coming free, forced fumbles, picks, it was a great night for the defense. The first of many, we all hope.