On the season, the Redskins are averaging only 14 points per game with their highest output being an 18-point bonanza in a Monday night loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Had they achieved their goal of three touchdowns in each game, their record could easily be reversed. While one of the leagues worst offenses has been stumbling and fumbling its way through the first half of the season, the NFL's top-ranked defense has dexterously kept every game close.
When Gregg Williams was hired to coach the defense, everyone expected there to be an improvement. Few could have envisioned a turn-around as dramatic as the one he has guided, however. Just one year ago, the Redskins held the leagues 26th-ranked rushing defense. With only a few changes to the players on the defensive line, Williams and his assistants now coach the 2nd best rushing defense in the NFL. After losing Champ Bailey and doing little to help the pass rush in the off-season, their ranking has risen from 19th to 4th against the pass. All of these improvements have come while key contributors such as LaVar Arrington, Philip Daniels, Matt Bowen, and Mike Barrow have missed prolonged time due to injuries.
There are some recognizable names amongst the players making significant contributions. Fred Smoot, Shawn Springs, Marcus Washington and Cornelius Griffin are all having pro-bowl caliber seasons. But, by-in-large, it has been a group of unheralded players who are stepping up for their injured counterparts who have made the biggest impact.
Antonio Pierce has been the most prominent, jumping from special teams standout and backup outside linebacker, to the starter at middle linebacker in place of Barrow. Once Barrow gets healthy, he is going to have a tough task to regain the starting spot he was signed for. Lemar Marshall has held his own in place of Arrington, and while Daniels has battled a groin injury, Ron Warner and Demetric Evans have provided solid play at defensive end. And, do you remember Ryan Clark? He was the young safety who was erroneously listed amongst the first wave of cuts during the pre-season. He's now the starter at strong safety due to injuries to Matt Bowen and Andre Lott.
It hasn't seemed to matter which players have been plugged into the defense. From the top of the roster to the bottom, everyone is making a contribution. It's not so much a testament to the talent that has been on the field as it is to the coaching behind it. If there had been any question regarding Williams' stature among the best coordinators in the league, those continue to be answered every week. Short of actually scoring the touchdowns each week, there is not much more you can ask of a defense to give their team a chance at winning. With the offense only providing two of Gibbs' goal of three touchdowns each week, perhaps that is the next step on the road to respectability.
