Redskins' Defense Looking To Make More Of An Impact

In 2008, the Washington Redskins finished fourth in total defense in the NFL. They gave up just 288.8 yards a game and kept opposing offenses in check throughout the season.

Expect more of the same this upcoming season as the Redskins will welcome back the majority of their impact players on defense. In fact, they went a step further and brought in several new faces.

Despite the defense's ability to keep the team in games, they were unable to generate sacks and create turnovers. The defense only had 18 takeaways and 24 sacks—near the bottom of the league in both categories. So the front office in DC set out to fix what has become a recurring issue every offseason.

They re-signed their best playmaking corner in DeAngelo Hall, landed the prize of free agency in defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, and drafted freak pass rusher Brian Orakpo out of Texas in the first round.

Hall certainly showed a nose for the ball, intercepting a pair of passes in his final seven games after joining the Redskins midseason. He showed good coverage skills against the deep pass and should team up well with Carlos Rogers to form a solid CB tandem.

Hall gives the secondary a pair of good hands and a shot at capitalizing on turnover opportunities. Meanwhile, Haynesworth will be expected to wreak havoc up front.

The defensive line has long been a collection of space eaters, but with the arrival of Haynesworth, that's expected to change. Haynesworth can get to QB consistently, and usually commands double teams, meaning the going could get easier for Andre Carter, Orakpo, and the rest of the defensive line.

Orakpo was arguably the best pure pass rusher in the draft, and defensive coordinator Greg Blache initially appears to be using him in a sort of tweener role. On first and second downs, Orakpo lined up at strongside linebacker during this past weekend's minicamp. Then on third down, he played DE.

This is a questionable move by the staff, as Orakpo would be more effective just learning one position in his rookie season. However, it would allow the 'Skins to put in defensive ends like Phillip Daniels who excel at run stopping on first and second down.

Blache will most likely stick to his scheme of using the front four to control the line of scrimmage, but on passing downs he will see more of rush due to the upgrades.

With Haynesworth commanding space and applying pressure up the middle, Carter and Orakpo will get their opportunities to make the most of their speed rush. Carter, in particular, favors rushing around the edge, and this year, Haynesworth should help him find the QB at the edge.

In addition, the beef up front will help free up London Fletcher to be an even more efficient run plugger. The linebackers will be able to play a more swarming style if the front four actually demand the respect of opponents' offensive lines.

The added pressure should give the Redskins more sacks and takeaway opportunities. Last year, opposing QBs had plenty of time to wait for the secondary to break down. Now, Washington is hoping their secondary will get more takeaway opportunities.

Free safety Laron Landry, who played deep last year to prevent big plays, should be moved up so he can fully utilize his ballhawking skills. The secondary played very conservatively as the defensive line struggled last year, but now they have to be aggressive.

The defense has been a constant for the Redskins this past half-decade. However, it has to be more than that this year. It must get the Redskins on the plus side of the turnover ratio; it must give their offense an edge in field position. They now have the playmakers to create pressure and turnovers.

So the question remains; will they make an impact?

With all the money poured into the defense, Dan Snyder certainly hopes so.