Washington Redskins: Barry Cofield Starting To Look Like an Elite Nose Tackle

Last season, Albert haynesworth's unwillingness to participate robbed the Redskins 3-4 defense of a true playmaker at the scheme's most important position.

One year on, Barry Cofield is quietly developing into the kind of elite nose tackle who can become the focal point of Washington's defense.

The free agent acquisition of Cofield from the New York Giants was greeted with little fanfare.  It's not that Cofield was deemed a poor signing.  It's just that he didn't posses the reputation of some of the more high profile defensive linemen available.

When many clamoured for the arrival of Aubrayo Franklin or Cullen Jenkins, Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen quietly moved in for Cofield.

"A solid pro" was usually the kind of phrase associated with Cofield and many doubted if the career 4-3 practitioner could successfully transition to anchoring a 3-4.

The former Giant is beginning to erase any such doubts.  Cofield started the season slowly, rotating with seventh-round rookie Chris Neild.

But in the Redskins' last two games Cofield has been a disruptive presence over the center.  Taller than most traditional 3-4 nose tackles at 6'4" Cofield is using his strength and intelligence to become an effective 2-gap plugger.

He was particularly impressive against the Philadelphia Eagles.  Cofield routinely pushed the pocket and attracted double teams.

He will need to do more of the same against the Carolina Panthers.  Cofield's power and first step quickness can allow the Redskins to hold the middle of the line and keep rookie Cam Newton in the pocket.

Cofield's experience in 1-gap 4-3 schemes has allowed him to provide a decent rush threat from his nose tackle position.

This pressure can serve to split the focus of blocking schemes and create more one on one matchups for edge rushers Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan.

One of the best run defenders in the league, Cofield is the ideal player for the Redskins to construct their run defense around.

As he continues to pressure the pocket and penetrate double teams, Washington's rush defense will begin to show real improvement.

Cofield is slowly mastering the transition to 2-gap, 3-4 nose tackle and is on his way to becoming a legitimate playmaker for the Redskins' improving defense.