ESPN's training camp preview: Washington Redskins

[JoeRedskin]

Yeah. The whole Smoot/Pierce thing has been so overplayed. Not only had no one heard of Pierce going into last year, the media was also questioning Smoot's ability to step it up b/c Champ was gone.

Both Smoot and Pierce were talented and it was a shame to lose them, but neither were gamebreakers last year.

The media could easily take the position that this year's defense could be even better than last year's despite the loss of Smoot and Peirce because:

- Although the defense has some question marks (just like last year - including CB and MLB), Williams demonstrated his ability to plug players into his system and get star quality team defense from less than star quality players.

- The defense has injured stars returning.

- No matter who starts, last year's injuries gave great experience to players who will be back ups this year - giving this year's defense incredible depth.

- The entire defense will be playing the same system for the second consecutive year for the first time in ages.

- Solid competition exists for the spots vacated by Pierce and Smoot.

But Noooooooooo.

Despite Williams' demonstrated ability to find players, the return of quality players from injuries, the increased depth, and the experience within the system - the loss of Smoot and Pierce cause the talking heads "to wonder if the team can still be a top-10 defense". At best, Williams' creativity "should be able to conjure up something to keep his unit competitive".

Apparently, it is impossible for the experts to consider the possibility that this defense could actually improve and be even MORE dominant.

Hog - f'ing - wash.