The Official Defense Has Major Issues/Fire Jim Haslett Thread

[#56fanatic]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

It's not as if they're lining up every single play in a 3-4. They've been mixing it up in different formations

yeah, that one down lineman crap I have seen way too much.

[skinsnut]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Talking about Gibbs, Williams, and even Zorn at this point is just a waste of time and I really don't understand why we need to keep rehashing the past, especially with a new front office and coaching staff in place. We made some positive changes, let's give it some time to work.

It's just totally absurd to me that we're 3 games in to this new regime and people are so up in arms over things. Did anyone really expect a smooth transition to a new offense, new QB, new defense, and 1/3 of the roster turned over? Where did the last few years get us anyway? 4-12 last year? A top 10 defense that created little sacks or turnovers and had people pulling their hair out all season?

We did make positive change...that is true...especially with the head coach and GM...no one is arguing that. The issue on this thread is about the defensive issues and what got us to this point...and if neccessary changes will be made. We will be able to tell very quickly how good our coaching staff is over the next few games.

BTW...I did not have major issues with Blache as others did...sure...he didn't pressure a lot...but our issues had more to do with inability to score than anything else under Zorn. The offseason coaching change was to change all that, without royally screwing up the rest of the team. There was a lot of "blind faith" going on when they hired Haslett...I for one was disappointed as his record was far worse than Blache. Hopefully I am wrong...
I am not sure about your comments at the time...but I believe you shared that concern as well.

[#56fanatic]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Talking about Gibbs, Williams, and even Zorn at this point is just a waste of time and I really don't understand why we need to keep rehashing the past, especially with a new front office and coaching staff in place. We made some positive changes, let's give it some time to work.

It's just totally absurd to me that we're 3 games in to this new regime and people are so up in arms over things. Did anyone really expect a smooth transition to a new offense, new QB, new defense, and 1/3 of the roster turned over? Where did the last few years get us anyway? 4-12 last year? A top 10 defense that created little sacks or turnovers and had people pulling their hair out all season?

the reason people are up in arms is this is the same stuff that happens every two years. New coaches, new schemes, new roster and it always has us getting no where and watching the playoffs from the coach. I think it is little to do with previous coaches than it is to do with the current play of these Redskins. Losing two games at the end, against one of the worst teams in recent memory and we could be 0-3 if not for a holding call (that luckily occurred at the end of the game with no time left) This defense is still not creating sacks or turnovers. Only 5 teams in the NFL have less than we do. All i see is us sending blitzes and no one getting to the QB and our DB's getting burned, our LB's getting burned giving up 3rd down conversions and being two tired to stop someone when we really need a stop. I hope things get better, and with Shanny i expect they will. But as fans we have been told year after year that this is a playoff team, a playoff roster, a coach that will get us there and that has happened what 3 times in 12 years. two of which came in the last six. It would stand to reason our stong suit was the defense, and we should have / or should be leaning on that while the offense works out the issues. But the overhall to a defense that doesn't have the personel just doesn't seem to be a great move.

[MTK]

I thought it was a good thing to move on from Blache. His defense was boring, predictable, and claimed to be "bend but don't break" even though they broke far too often.

As far as Haslett goes, I'm going to need to see a full season to judge him.

[SirClintonPortis]

and with Shanny i expect they will

Shanahan is not a miracle maker. His defenses in Denver near the end of his tenure there were Swiss cheese.

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

Its only been 3 weeks guys lets give it time. Winning heals all, if we go out and beat Philly everything will be fine.

[over the mountain]

out of all the negativity and absolute pessimist opinions formed after 3 games, skinsnut said something that is interesting.

that over the next few weeks we can see for the first time (certainly wont be the last thoo) at how our coaching staff responds, gameplans and adjusts to issues and problems.

it should be interesting to see what changes, if any, that we make.

if haslett makes some adjustments and the D plays well for 3 games or so against top tier teams, that is an early indication that our coaching staff knows how to coach, prepare adjust and gameplan.

problems = learning opportunities.

take d hall for a second. 1st 2 games he specifically threw another D player under the bus in his post game comments. game 3 it was d hall who was screwing up and deserving of being thrown under the bus but guess what, after that game d hall then spoke in terms of "we", we need to get better, we are still learning this defense, we will get better instead of his "I" "me" and "he" talk.

alright that last part is just a shot at d hall.

[MTK]

I agree the next few weeks will be telling. Clearly adjustments need to be made, and the players need to get their butts in gear as well.

[saden1]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

I thought it was a good thing to move on from Blache. His defense was boring, predictable, and claimed to be "bend but don't break" even though they broke far too often.

As far as Haslett goes, I'm going to need to see a full season to judge him.

How will you judge him? How is he doing so far?

[MTK]

The results speak for themselves right now, but it's been 3 games. Not exactly a quality body of work.

[saden1]

I'm just checking to see if your GTrippVision is on. Yes, his body of work with the Redskins is quite thin...so far it doesn't exude confidence.

[Slingin Sammy 33]

Lots of 2-4-5 and 1-5-5, with Base 3-4.

We all know right now we're better suited for a base 4-3. But let's make the assumption that the coaching staff is building long term and committed to a 3-4 base. I don't think there will be any pressure from ownership to change the coaching staff until the end of the 2011 season if our performance hasn't improved. That being said, if our D shows no improvement by the end of this year MS may can Haslett, doubtful, but possible.

Anywho IMO, here's where our defensive problems currently are:

1) Our NT situation is a disaster. Kemo is getting pushed around every play and has little lateral mobility. AH doesn't want to play there, so won't give any effort in the Base 3-4 at NT. Bryant may get better but he's a young player and nothing special.

2) Carriker is showing some improvement game to game, but isn't going to light the world on fire and the best we can hope is he turns out to be an average 3-4 LDE. Golston's getting shoved around, he's in over his head. Daniels has great effort and intelligence, but he lacks mobility, the explosiveness is not there, and he's not getting off blocks. Holliday same.

3) Our entire front three is being blocked 1-1 on most plays allowing the opposing OL to get second level on our ILBs. No way Fletch or Rocky are going to win a battle with a 300lb + OL.

4) On most running plays the LoS is being reestablished at least 1 yd downfield, many times more.

5) Orakpo is still making mistakes in the run game but appears to be improving. In passing situations we're often in the 2-4-5 or 1-5-5 and Rak is getting after the QB anyway. In 3-4 base we play a lot of zone so he's rarely matched up 1-1 in coverage or Haslett is sending 4 and Rak's the fourth rusher.

6) Carter needs to be benched for Alexander. Carter is making mistakes in space, still getting sucked inside, not getting off blocks and generally is a liability. I'm not saying Alexander is doing great, but he has the potential for improvement. AC doesn't. The PA TD the Rams got was a lot on AC because off the PA he was frozen and allowed Bradford to get the angle to the End Zone where Hall was forced into a no-win decision (which Hall made too early). As I review the game I am constantly seeing AC making mistakes.

7) Our CBs need to play much more press coverage when we blitz. If we're constantly letting the WRs off the line untouched the QB/WR timing stays intact and makes for easier completions. If we're going to blitz, we should be pressing more often, not always, switch it up, but much more often.

8) Our blitzes aren't getting to the QB near enough because we don't have personnel winning 1-1 matchups. We don't have any DL or LB who has any size/speed combination other than Rak. AH is only playing in the 2-4-5 package so far. The OL is providing simple gap protection and not worrying about who's bouncing around pre-snap. The OL knows they don't have to worry about any type of power or bull rush. When the OL can dial into a finesse game, pass-pro is easier than having to worry about guys who can finesse and power rush.

9) Because of our liabilities up front, we're being forced to bring 8 into the box and allowing the smokes/slants to the WRs to be more effective and our pass coverage in general is suffering. This is another argument for not giving up 4+ Yds per Carry. I know we didn't this game, but the final results were much worse than against the Texans.

10) I hate to pile on the guy and know I'm late here, but D. Hall.....STFU and play, you aren't a superstar and you give up a bunch of plays (Smoke that saw you sitting on your @ss, among others). You call out Doughty for getting Mossed by A. Johnson, but earlier in the same half he Mossed you too, it just got called back because of a penalty. People that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Our scheme hasn't been great, but it hasn't been terrible either. I think Haslett is trying to mix things up a little, but due to our liabilities up front, he can only do so much. So what can we do; right now not much, unless we go back to a 4-3, and I'll bet a dollar to a dime that ain't happening.

1) Go with youth. Get Barnes, Bryant, Alexander, Riley into the rotation much more. Alexander should start.

2) Play AH in the 2-4-5 and 1-5-5, we paid him a butt-load of money, at least try to get something out of him in the 3-4, maybe in short yardage situations.

3) Go with more of an "attack a gap" instead of a "read-react" front 3. I know this isn't ideal and will become a guessing game, but it will allow our front 3 to play more downhill and should help keep the LoS from being pushed back down our throats every play.

4) Keep the QB guesing, Haslett's working with serious personnel limitations and he's going to need to be very creative with coverages and blitz schemes. I don't know if this is a strength of his. We'll find out over the next 3 weeks or so.

One thing that isn't D related that really concerns me; McNabb hasn't been resigned, and probably won't be until the off-season. If we keep struggling and he decides to sign elsewhere (Vikings), we have another major hole to fill.

[SirClintonPortis]

Excellent post, Slingin' Sammy. I'll also add that this isn't the first time D Hall bungled a tackle. Remember when Manningham got a big gain? Yep, D Hall missed a tackle.

Also, I think that the corners are playing off because they play is designed to get pressure on the QB. Only problem is, the blitzes are getting picked up and hence no pressure. That means easily completions for someone like Bradford

3) Go with more of an "attack a gap" instead of a "read-react" front 3. I know this isn't ideal and will become a guessing game, but it will allow our front 3 to play more downhill and should help keep the LoS from being pushed back down our throats every play.

Too bad Haslett's more Lebeau/Fairbanks-Bullough inspired than Bum Phillips-inspired.

[Redskin Jim]

Originally Posted by Slingin Sammy 33

Lots of 2-4-5 and 1-5-5, with Base 3-4.

We all know right now we're better suited for a base 4-3. But let's make the assumption that the coaching staff is building long term and committed to a 3-4 base. I don't think there will be any pressure from ownership to change the coaching staff until the end of the 2011 season if our performance hasn't improved. That being said, if our D shows no improvement by the end of this year MS may can Haslett, doubtful, but possible.

Anywho IMO, here's where our defensive problems currently are:

1) Our NT situation is a disaster. Kemo is getting pushed around every play and has little lateral mobility. AH doesn't want to play there, so won't give any effort in the Base 3-4 at NT. Bryant may get better but he's a young player and nothing special.

2) Carriker is showing some improvement game to game, but isn't going to light the world on fire and the best we can hope is he turns out to be an average 3-4 LDE. Golston's getting shoved around, he's in over his head. Daniels has great effort and intelligence, but he lacks mobility, the explosiveness is not there, and he's not getting off blocks. Holliday same.

3) Our entire front three is being blocked 1-1 on most plays allowing the opposing OL to get second level on our ILBs. No way Fletch or Rocky are going to win a battle with a 300lb + OL.

4) On most running plays the LoS is being reestablished at least 1 yd downfield, many times more.

5) Orakpo is still making mistakes in the run game but appears to be improving. In passing situations we're often in the 2-4-5 or 1-5-5 and Rak is getting after the QB anyway. In 3-4 base we play a lot of zone so he's rarely matched up 1-1 in coverage or Haslett is sending 4 and Rak's the fourth rusher.

6) Carter needs to be benched for Alexander. Carter is making mistakes in space, still getting sucked inside, not getting off blocks and generally is a liability. I'm not saying Alexander is doing great, but he has the potential for improvement. AC doesn't. The PA TD the Rams got was a lot on AC because off the PA he was frozen and allowed Bradford to get the angle to the End Zone where Hall was forced into a no-win decision (which Hall made too early). As I review the game I am constantly seeing AC making mistakes.

7) Our CBs need to play much more press coverage when we blitz. If we're constantly letting the WRs off the line untouched the QB/WR timing stays intact and makes for easier completions. If we're going to blitz, we should be pressing more often, not always, switch it up, but much more often.

8) Our blitzes aren't getting to the QB near enough because we don't have personnel winning 1-1 matchups. We don't have any DL or LB who has any size/speed combination other than Rak. AH is only playing in the 2-4-5 package so far. The OL is providing simple gap protection and not worrying about who's bouncing around pre-snap. The OL knows they don't have to worry about any type of power or bull rush. When the OL can dial into a finesse game, pass-pro is easier than having to worry about guys who can finesse and power rush.

9) Because of our liabilities up front, we're being forced to bring 8 into the box and allowing the smokes/slants to the WRs to be more effective and our pass coverage in general is suffering. This is another argument for not giving up 4+ Yds per Carry. I know we didn't this game, but the final results were much worse than against the Texans.

10) I hate to pile on the guy and know I'm late here, but D. Hall.....STFU and play, you aren't a superstar and you give up a bunch of plays (Smoke that saw you sitting on your @ss, among others). You call out Doughty for getting Mossed by A. Johnson, but earlier in the same half he Mossed you too, it just got called back because of a penalty. People that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Our scheme hasn't been great, but it hasn't been terrible either. I think Haslett is trying to mix things up a little, but due to our liabilities up front, he can only do so much. So what can we do; right now not much, unless we go back to a 4-3, and I'll bet a dollar to a dime that ain't happening.

1) Go with youth. Get Barnes, Bryant, Alexander, Riley into the rotation much more. Alexander should start.

2) Play AH in the 2-4-5 and 1-5-5, we paid him a butt-load of money, at least try to get something out of him in the 3-4, maybe in short yardage situations.

3) Go with more of an "attack a gap" instead of a "read-react" front 3. I know this isn't ideal and will become a guessing game, but it will allow our front 3 to play more downhill and should help keep the LoS from being pushed back down our throats every play.

4) Keep the QB guesing, Haslett's working with serious personnel limitations and he's going to need to be very creative with coverages and blitz schemes. I don't know if this is a strength of his. We'll find out over the next 3 weeks or so.

One thing that isn't D related that really concerns me; McNabb hasn't been resigned, and probably won't be until the off-season. If we keep struggling and he decides to sign elsewhere (Vikings), we have another major hole to fill.

And the Heavens opened up, and the angels sing his praise!
Someone who gets it. Cheers to you on such a fine post!

[skinsfaninok]

CB's are left 1-1 alot in the 3-4, Hall is fast enough to keep up with guys like Smith/Austin/Maclin ETC.. Carlos isn't a 1-1 CB at this time in his career, He's so slow its hard to watch.