The Official 2010 Training Camp Thread

[Ruhskins]

This is John Clayton's observation on the Redskins defense. I hope this is right:

3. How will the switch to the 3-4 defense work? Normally, I'm skeptical predicting success for teams that switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 because too many of late have failed. In recent years, the Chargers, Packers and Cowboys have made the smoothest transition. The Redskins might head the next group. The reason is the bulk along the three-man line. Haynesworth might have the biggest salary, but Kemoeatu is the key. At 350 pounds, he has to draw double-team blocks to free up the linebackers, and the more he plays, the less Haynesworth will be asked to serve at the nose. Don't underestimate Haynesworth's impact, either. Haynesworth was part of a Redskins defense that gave up only 2.9 yards a carry when he was on the field but 4.0 when he was off it. For ends, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett has 310-pound Phillip Daniels and 315-pound Adam Carriker. Backup nose tackle Kedric Golston is 310. Also around are Vonnie Holliday and Jeremy Jarmon. Haslett plans to use the Steelers' aggressive form of the 3-4 with plenty of blitzing and not locking linemen into being two-gap wrestling bears at the line. Brian Orakpo should be a Pro Bowl pass-rusher at linebacker. The surprise is Lorenzo Alexander being ahead of Andre Carter on the strong side. Carter can be the third-down rusher. There are certain lineups in which the Redskins can get more than six former first-rounders on the field.