Defense Needs A Final Push

The second half of Washington’s lost season is underway and in order for the Redskins to have any chance of winning a few games out of their final six contests their defense must answer the bell – consistently.

- Chris Russell

For a unit that many had hoped and some expected to be a top-10 defense, the first half-plus of the season was a bitter disappointment. Moving forward, defensive coordinator Greg Manusky's unit must win the turnover battle in nearly every game to give an offense that's challenged to score points a chance.

The Redskins were averaging slightly over one takeaway a game, but need more. Averaging two takeaways per game will provide a jolt to everyone and momentum, especially if they come in the defensive red zone.

Manusky's group has enough talent to rack up two takeaways per contest.

Turnovers on defense usually start two ways. Good, forceful tackling and in a passing league, a dynamic pass rush. The Redskins defense hasn't tackled poorly for the most part, but being in the right lanes and gaps, especially later in games against heavy run attacks, has been an issue. Linebackers must consistently fill open space to close doors opponents are running through.

It was a problem last year and remains one this season. Landon Collins has helped solve some of those issues, but younger players like Cole Holcomb, Montez Sweat, Montae Nicholson and Troy Apke need to be disciplined and assignment sound for the group to take another step forward.