Fixing the Secondary

[KI Skins Fan]

Let me try to expalin why I'm so high on trying to sign Jairus Byrd. It's because I think that the thing we need most for our secondary is an inspirational veteran leader. The best spot for that leader to play is safety so he can see the entire field and "quarterback" the secondary.

OK, so now I need to explain what constitutes leadership on a football team, IMO. First of all, a team leader must be a very productive player. He must be able to make big plays at key moments in games. He must be a proven and respected player.

Secondly, he must be experienced so that he can recognize what's going to happen before it happens and help to position his teammates to make plays. He needs to be able to help his teammates become better players and so that they gain confidence in themselves and their teammates. Vocal encouragement is good too, but it is less important than production and experience as a leadership trait.

Jairus Byrd is far and away the best man for that job, IMO.

That said, even if the Redskins brain trust were to think the same way I do, Byrd may be Franchised or he may sign elsewhere. If that were to happen, my Plan B would be to move DHall to FS to fill the "quarterback" role. Hall has the traits I'm looking for in a leader but I would prefer him at CB. Nevertheless, if I couldn't get my first choice I'd move DHall to safety and then I would sign a solid veteran CB. I'm very comfortable that DHall could make that move and play well.

I would plan to go with Phillip Thomas at SS, David Amerson as a starting CB opposite the new veteran CB, and Richard Crawford as the third CB.

Any reserves in the secondary beyond those mentioned would need to be good on ST to make the roster.