Defense: Still Work In Progress

The improvement has been modest, but necessary for a Washington Redskins defense that could neither stop the run nor get off the field on third down a year ago.

- Brian McNally

It is far from a finished product. The Redskins reached the season’s halfway point exactly middle of the pack in rushing yards and passing yards allowed per game, but have hardly put fear into opposing offenses, either.

Still, new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky’s crew has been far more competitive. They have had to be with the offense struggling with injuries across the board, especially on the offensive line, and new contributors at receiver.

“We’re all right. I think we can get better,” Manusky said. “I think each and every day that we step on the field, we have got to get better…. But the sky is the limit for these guys. I think we are talented up front. I think we are talented in the back end and the linebackers. It’s where they want to take it, not so much me.”

It’s been a long time since any coach could say that. Free agency was kind to Washington, however. Inside linebacker Zach Brown led the NFL in tackles through eight games and his speed has been a game changer at a position that didn’t have much last season. Brown, a Pro Bowl selection in Buffalo in 2016, helped limit Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in a 17-14 Redskins win on Nov. 5.

At safety, D.J. Swearinger isn’t perfect in coverage, but he has provided the Redskins with something they haven’t had since Sean Taylor’s tragic death in 2007: Stability and youth. Swearinger was signed away from the Arizona Cardinals in free agency and at age 26 gives Washington hope for the future at the position. Swearinger has quickly become a team leader, beginning every Wednesday practice with a speech in front of the entire team.

“Swearinger can definitely ball,” Redskins safety DeAngelo Hall said. “From the first day he got in here he’s been a guy that’s been a leader and he’s showing it on the field for us, too.”