Despite the much-desired change from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive front that many fans whined and cried over for 10 years, as if it were some magic potion to solve the defensive issues, the defense now looks in some ways like it has for the last decade.
It all starts up front where you have to generate pass rush pressure while maintaining run discipline and gap control. It doesn't appear as if Washington is doing that consistently.
In the season opener against Philadelphia, the defense was carved up like a Thanksgiving turkey for much of the first half despite generating pressure and three sacks, including rookie Chase Young's first and Ryan Kerrigan surpassing Dexter Manley's franchise mark.
The defensive group settled down on the back end and the line then wreaked havoc on an injury-riddled offensive line for Philadelphia. Washington walked away with a win and eight sacks. Seven were from the defensive line.
Then came Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals. Washington’s pass rush was mostly negated. The run lanes were gaping. The defensive line dove hard and seemingly recklessly at the mesh point of the quarterback keeper option with talent like Montez Sweat and Ryan Anderson sucked in early and often.
Denne historien er fra November 2020-utgaven av Warpath.
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Denne historien er fra November 2020-utgaven av Warpath.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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TIGHT ENDS
TIGHT ENDS
WIDE RECEIVERS
WIDE RECEIVERS
RUNNING BACKS
RUNNING BACKS
QUARTERBACKS
QUARTERBACKS
GUARDS/CENTERS TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
GUARDS/CENTERS TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Q&A with Ron Rivera, Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney
Coach Ron Rivera, General Manager Martin Mayhew and Executive Vice President of Football/Player Personnel Marty Hurney met with the media via Zoom on Feb. 3 to discuss the direction of the new front office. The interview is edited for space.
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
OFFENSIVE TACKLES
Never a quiet time for WFT
The dust never settles around the Washington Football Team.
Bargains can be valuable additions
Raise your hand if you muttered derisively last offseason when the Washington Football Team signed free-agent tight end Logan Thomas away from the Detroit Lions.
3 big thoughts
3 big thoughts