Redskins have the worst defensive line in the league

[wilsowilso]

I think it's a good thing for the D line to get a dead last ranking because you know that they will hear about it and it's pretty embarassing to be called the worst so I figure they will be very well motivated to prove that this ranking is not at all justified. If they were ranked 30th it might be easier to brush off, but last is last and these guys could probably use some fire.

[Oakland Red]

The secondary situation has greatly improved as has our linebacking, and that will reverberate in terms of what the defensive line will be able to do.

In passing situations, we have Marcus Washington (proven pass rusher) and Andre Carter (came on strong last year after switching from linebacker).

At tackle, Griffin has been excellent when healthy. He's healthy.

Anthony Montgomery has great talent and ability. Last year he was a rookie and it was a learning experience. I think he will show something big this year.

Kedric Golston has a lot of energy and ability and he is coming off a rookie season where he moved into a starting role. He will only be better this year.

Philip Daniels is healthy again and will only have to play in running situations.

Renaldo Wynn has always been a very competent and solid player, and is a good veteran to have as a backup in my view.

Joe Salavea has been hurt; we'll see how he does in a backup role now that he's healthy.

I have been hoping to hear some good news about Justin Hickman from UCLA, who we signed as a free agent. He is promising at least for the future.

[hesscl34]

Originally Posted by wilsowilso

I think it's a good thing for the D line to get a dead last ranking because you know that they will hear about it and it's pretty embarassing to be called the worst so I figure they will be very well motivated to prove that this ranking is not at all justified. If they were ranked 30th it might be easier to brush off, but last is last and these guys could probably use some fire.

Greg Williams has got to be pissed.

[Ade Jimoh Fan Club]

I still haven't heard anyone argue the fact that our secondary will significantly bolster our pass rush:



No one can argue that our pass rush sucked last year - but don't forget that our DB situation is much, much improved with serious depth: Springs, Smoot, Rogers, Maklin & Butler at CB and Taylor, Landry, Prioleau & Stoutmire at Safety. And don't forget the ever-versatile ADE at both!

Seriously, you can't tell me that the improved coverage won't lead to more time for our DE's to get to the Quarterback. IMO, if you want to improve pass rush, you can attack it from two persectives, better rushers or better coverage - the Skins went coverage.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by Ade Jimoh Fan Club

I still haven't heard anyone argue the fact that our secondary will significantly bolster our pass rush:



No one can argue that our pass rush sucked last year - but don't forget that our DB situation is much, much improved with serious depth: Springs, Smoot, Rogers, Maklin & Butler at CB and Taylor, Landry, Prioleau & Stoutmire at Safety. And don't forget the ever-versatile ADE at both!

Seriously, you can't tell me that the improved coverage won't lead to more time for our DE's to get to the Quarterback. IMO, if you want to improve pass rush, you can attack it from two persectives, better rushers or better coverage - the Skins went coverage.

The problem with this philosophy is that if your secondary gets banged up, then you've got NOTHING in terms of a pass rush. It's crucial to have D-linemen who can get pressure on the QB by themselves. We didn't have that in '06, Springs and Prioleau got nicked up and we set the NFL record for fewest sacks in a non-strike year.

I'd like to think the secondary is significantly better than last year. But Rogers still needs to progress, Smoot is a question mark thanks to his performance in Minnesota, and Springs is still on the fragile side of 30. Are Macklin and Butler far and away better than than the likes of Kenny Wright/Mike Rumph? I hope so, but do we know for sure?

These are the things that make me pessimistic about '07. The secondary is right behind the D-line as far as the biggest question marks of the upcoming season.