New Defensive Philosophy Paying Off

[BleedBurgundy]

After 6 weeks of the season I think it's safe to say that Gregg Williams has shown that he can adapt his scheme and not stubbornly stick to something that isn't working.

We're not blitzing anywhere near as much as we have in years past. The d line that we were all ready to bury (myself included) is playing great and generating pressure of its own. Sean Taylor could have had 4 picks yesterday if he just catches the damn ball. The run defense has been big, with no one other than Westbrook really having any kind of success so far.

Our D is Super Bowl caliber. That's a huge statement and it's true. Now if our offense can just get going, we could make a big push for the playoffs.

[WillH]

I was gonna start a Whats the upside? thread, and the D was really the only thing I could think of (Special teams hasn't been bad either, Rock is having another great year returning kicks).

This D is good, if not for that fumble by moss we would have won the game. Maybe this D will be enough to get us to the playoffs, especially with how poor the NFC is playing. But, honestly, I dont think it will be enough. If NY wins tonight we are in BAD SHAPE. If we can't win in Lambuea (sp?) against a one dimensional team, how are we gonna win in NY and Dallas. This season can fade fast, we really need to beat AZ, if we dont....

[gibbsisgod]

I count about 5 defensive palyers that should be going to Hawaii at the end of the season. Taylor, Mcintosh, Fletcher, Carter, Griffin.

[jbcjr14]

I think its a little early to be talking about Hawaii at this point. We are only 5 games into the season!!!

[gibbsisgod]

Originally Posted by jbcjr14

I think its a little early to be talking about Hawaii at this point. We are only 5 games into the season!!!

I understand that, I'm just pointing out players that are having great seasons so far.

[MTK]

Our D is rock solid, now we just need to get some consistency going offensively.

[Gmanc711]

I mean we'll find out a little more about our D when we play the Pats/Cowboys....but right now this defense is scary good...maybe as good or better than it was in 2004. Like Matty said, we just need some consistancy on offense. If we just catch footballs, and do the basic stuff, we have an offense that can put us in a position to win with a defense that will win it. Its not rocket science offensivley, just do the basic things...although the oline injuries are going to be a cause for concern at this point...

[SouperMeister]

I love the way Williams is deploying Taylor in deep centerfield. Taylor covered amazing ground on both INTs yesterday, and could have had at least 2 others. This is the year that Taylor finally emerges as one of the best safeties in the NFL.

[The Zimmermans]

i STILL havent seen anyone catch a ball over Taylor this year. Even burress couldnt outjump him

[GridIron26]

Originally Posted by The Zimmermans

i STILL havent seen anyone catch a ball over Taylor this year. Even burress couldnt outjump him

Please don't jinx him!! *knocks on wood* (By the way, Randy Moss cldn't catch a ball over Taylor too - dating back to 2004)

[Southpaw]

The defense has been very impressive, but that fact just adds to the frustration.

Washington has made opposing quarterbacks look very bad, and has still found ways to lose. The two quarterbacks that beat them, Favre and Eli Manning had a combined four INT's and only one TD. They've been decent against the run and are a few missed tackles away from being the best overall defense in the league. However, the offense has been unable to capitolize on the success of the defense for several reasons(Patchwork offensive line, drops, running game, etc.).

A team cannot go very far when they physically dominate an opposing team, and still find ways to lose. Good teams find ways to win games that they should lose, like the Cowboys did last week against Buffalo. The Redskins on the other hand, are still having trouble winning games that they should WIN. Until they're able to rectify that, they're going to be having the same type of up and down seasons that they've have for the last several years.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

The defense has been very impressive, but that fact just adds to the frustration.

Washington has made opposing quarterbacks look very bad, and has still found ways to lose. The two quarterbacks that beat them, Favre and Eli Manning had a combined four INT's and only one TD. They've been decent against the run and are a few missed tackles away from being the best overall defense in the league. However, the offense has been unable to capitolize on the success of the defense for several reasons(Patchwork offensive line, drops, running game, etc.).

A team cannot go very far when they physically dominate an opposing team, and still find ways to lose. Good teams find ways to win games that they should lose, like the Cowboys did last week against Buffalo. The Redskins on the other hand, are still having trouble winning games that they should WIN. Until they're able to rectify that, they're going to be having the same type of up and down seasons that they've have for the last several years.

It may seem like we are finding ways to lose because in our two losses this year we've had second half leads that we haven't been able to hold, but in reality that's not what's happening.

To me, finding ways to lose would be defined by a team that consistently dominates its opponent week in and week out (something that with the exception of the Giants game, we have done), but always loses the game at the end. Not in a sample size of two, but a consistent and measurable performance over time in which it becomes a near certainty that said team can not win a close game.

Obviously this does not apply to us. We opened up 2-0 playing two close games.

So then, by my defination, we aren't at all finding ways to lose. We are playing teams very close, and all the big plays are going against us. There were only two big plays in that game yesterday, and that was the pass to Lee for 60 whatever yards, and Moss' fumble that was returned by Woodson. While it's unfortunate that Moss turned the ball over, 90% of all fumbles will not be returned in the way Woodson was able to.

Outside of those two plays, theres no question who played better. Granted, you can't expect to win giving up those plays, but you also can't expect everything to go smoothly though the game.

Drops, fumbles, and assinine 3rd and short play still considered, we would have won that game barring two somewhat-uncharasteristic plays.

[bertoskins2]

If held the pats below 20 points, then I can say that this defense is great

[Southpaw]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

To me, finding ways to lose would be defined by a team that consistently dominates its opponent week in and week out (something that with the exception of the Giants game, we have done), but always loses the game at the end. Not in a sample size of two, but a consistent and measurable performance over time in which it becomes a near certainty that said team can not win a close game.

I disagree that a team needs to lose all close games to be considered finding ways to lose. Washington is only .500 in close games this season, but I do agree that the sample is too small for a definitive answer. However the the two losses occured due to very similar circumstances, which could be leading to a trend.

And as far as the big plays going against Washington, that's basically my point. All Washington had to do yesterday was execute at a fair level on offense. By the end of the 3rd quarter, big plays weren't needed. I understand the need for moderate aggression, but attempting a misdirection sweep on 3rd and 1, and an end around on a sloppy field with a player that relies on speed and quick cuts was just asking for trouble.

[Cowell]

Originally Posted by Southpaw

I disagree that a team needs to lose all close games to be considered finding ways to lose. Washington is only .500 in close games this season, but I do agree that the sample is too small for a definitive answer. However the the two losses occured due to very similar circumstances, which could be leading to a trend.

And as far as the big plays going against Washington, that's basically my point. All Washington had to do yesterday was execute at a fair level on offense. By the end of the 3rd quarter, big plays weren't needed. I understand the need for moderate aggression, but attempting a misdirection sweep on 3rd and 1, and an end around on a sloppy field with a player that relies on speed and quick cuts was just asking for trouble.

It was 2nd and 4 or 5. Gibbs said the reason they ran it is because last time they did Santana broke it for a huge gain. That was all Santana's fault don't go after the coaches for that. The coaches were probably trying to just keep the defense on their toes and see if they can bust a big game without throwing the ball to receivers who couldn't catch it.