Was Releasing Trotter a Mistake

[joecrisp]

Offiss is definitely right, and the reason the Redskins felt Trotter was a poor fit for Williams' defense is exactly what offiss stated. Trotter is a "downhill" linebacker, meaning he is used to attack a gap as a run-stuffer. He is not the kind of guy you want dropping into coverage-- as we witnessed on several occasions during his stint in Washington-- or playing within a highly disciplined scheme that relies on the middle linebacker to put everyone else in position to make the play. He's most effective when the defensive playcall assigns him to attack the line of scrimmage, and he tends to falter when he is asked to read-and-react, much less read-and-direct.

The reason Pierce is so effective in this scheme is that he is probably the best student on that defense. He studies film constantly, and probably knows the defensive playbook as well as Gregg Williams does. Williams has stated on many occasions that Pierce often knows what call is coming before Williams has a chance to get it out of his mouth. An intelligent, disciplined, and versatile middle linebacker who can move all over the field is far more valuable in this scheme than a one-dimensional run-stopper. Put Pierce at any linebacker spot and he'll excel in this scheme. Put Trotter in any position other than run-stopping middle linebacker, and you'll see the scheme start to crumble. That's why Trotter isn't here, regardless of the cap situation.