Despite Win over Eagles, Redskins' Defensive Issues Still Major Problem

Though it has been a disappointing season for Washington football, the 4-11 Redskins managed to come away with a 27-24 home victory over the rival Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.

It was the second time this season that the Redskins and Eagles finished a game with a three-point differential (Philadelphia won 37-34 in Week 3). It was also the second time in two weeks that Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III played well enough (16-of-23 for 220 yards with an interception) to give his team an opportunity to win.

The defense, however, did not.

Griffin has struggled, been injured and been benched at times this season, which has created a quarterback controversy in the nation's capital. Yet the quarterback position isn't the team's biggest problem. Yes, Washington forced two turnovers and came away with the win Saturday. However, it was silly mistakes—and not a superb defensive performance by Washington—that doomed the Eagles.

The Redskins allowed 495 yards of total offense to Philadelphia, including 374 yards passing by journeyman Mark Sanchez. Two missed field goals and a poorly thrown late interception are what set Washington up with a chance to win.

The Redskins defense (ranked 27th, allowing an average of 26.3 points per game) has far too often made winning difficult. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), the Washington defense is ranked 23rd overall, 26th against the run and 32nd in pass coverage.

Three of Washington's four wins (there was a 41-10 performance against the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars) have come by three points or fewer. No team in the unpredictable NFC East has allowed more points.

Injuries have been an issue this season. Key players like defensive tackle Barry Cofield, cornerback DeAngelo Hall, linebacker Brian Orakpo and safety Brandon Meriweather have all landed on injured reserve in 2014. However, the Redskins will have to do a lot more than get healthy to improve this defense in the coming offseason.

Finding help for the struggling secondary is a good first start. According to Pro Football Focus, E.J. Biggers has been Washington's best cornerback among players taking at least 25 percent of defensive snaps. He is rated 96th overall among all such cornerbacks. Meriweather is Washington's top-rated safety this season, ranked 57th overall. 

Targeting a defensive back early in next year's draft should definitely be part of the Redskins' offseason game plan. The team should also take a long look at pending free agents like cornerback Antonio Cromartie, cornerback Darrelle Revis, safety Dawan Landry, cornerback Chris Culliver and safety Rahim Moore.

It also wouldn't hurt to add some beef to the defensive front to help improve the run defense. Potential free-agent targets here should include Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley, Ahtyba Rubin, Terrance Knighton and B.J. Raji. 

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The Redskins also might want to consider adding another pass-rusher in the draft or free agency. The team is set to lose Orakpo, who only had a half-sack in seven appearances before injury a year after posting 10. As a team, Washington has netted 36 sacks. 

There is more value to be found in the draft, but proven pass-rushers like Justin Houston, Jabaal Sheard and Dwight Freeney are set to hit the open market. 

Of course, there is a real possibility that head coach Jay Gruden and his staff won't be back next season, which could make for some drastic scheme changes on the defensive side of the football. Even if Gruden keeps his job, it might make sense to part ways with fifth-year defensive coordinator Jim Haslett.

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

"Why does Jim Haslett still have his job as a defensive coordinator after five years now of just ineptitude at the defensive coordinator position?" former Redskins linebacker London Fletcher asked earlier this season on CBS Sports Network, The Washington Post. "He's clueless as a defensive coordinator. He lacks attention to detail. He lacks feel on how to call a game."

If the defense changes from a 3-4, roster needs will certainly follow.

Regardless of what happens to the Washington front office, however, there has to be some sense of urgency to upgrade the defense. Otherwise the Redskins will continue to struggle, regardless of who is playing quarterback.