NO PRESSURE, NO DIAMOND

Seeing defense is not believing

LACKLUSTER

The Washington defense is hard to figure out with a great defensive front, but a group of average Joes in the linebacker position like journeyman Jon Bostic.

We are to believe the Washington Football Team has a good defense.

Certainly, most of the numbers tell us that. Going into the game against the Detroit Lions, the Washington defense was fifth overall in yards surrendered per game, with 314.2. Heck, they were first in the NFL in passing defense, allowing just 185.6 yards in the air. Since the NFL today is a passing league, that should translate to success week in and week out.

But it hasn’t.

The defense wasn’t quite as impressive in the category that actually decides who wins or loses – points allowed. It’s ranked 11th in the NFL with teams scoring an average of 23.5 points per game. Still, winning teams are typically ranked in the upper half of the league.

Then you get to the heart of the matter – NFC East smash-mouth style football.

The Washington defense has been like a lace curtain when it comes to stopping the run –ranking 23rd overall while surrendering 128.6 yards per game on the ground.

How can that be with a defensive line filled with first-round draft picks – Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, Ryan Kerrigan, and the newest arrival, Chase Young?

The answer? Gaps, baby, gaps.