65 points

[Sportster 72]

given up. Tied for third worst in the NFL. That is enemy No. 1.

 

[j_y19]

They have to somehow figure out a way to slow the opponents ability to score at will down. Of course one way is to have long sustained drives on offense eating up the clock and limiting touches by their offense. This requires a good ground game.......isnt it funny how its all intertwined? for those of you say that a good running game in today's nfl doesn't matter, this is why you are misguided.

 

[Sportster 72]

They have to somehow figure out a way to slow the opponents ability to score at will down. Of course one way is to have long sustained drives on offense eating up the clock and limiting touches by their offense. This requires a good ground game.......isnt it funny how its all intertwined? for those of you say that a good running game in today's nfl doesn't matter, this is why you are misguided.

Yep, time of possession is the best defense you can use. We just haven't shown the ability to get off the field early in the season. I would love to think that will change but I wouldn't put any money on it. Our offense was only on the field for 4 minutes in the 1st quarter.

 

[SoCalWizFan]

They have to somehow figure out a way to slow the opponents ability to score at will down. Of course one way is to have long sustained drives on offense eating up the clock and limiting touches by their offense. This requires a good ground game.......isnt it funny how its all intertwined? for those of you say that a good running game in today's nfl doesn't matter, this is why you are misguided.

2016 NFL Team Rushing Stats - National Football League - ESPN

It all depends. First of all - I am not maintaining that the rushing game is unimportant. Just that it is less important in this era than say 10-15 years ago. Also - there are ways to supplement the running game via the short passing game. The Redskins did that numerous times last season w/ Reed.

As per the link - defense is not always linked to the team's rushing games. The Raiders have the 2nd best rushing game in the NFL now & have given up more pts than the Redskins. The Vikings currently have the worst rushing stats in the NFL (no doubt that will change if AP stays healthy) & have given up almost the least amt of pts in the NFL.

Sure - more sustained drives by the Redskins will help & I still maintain that they can have a somewhat effective rushing game if they stay committed to the run (all falls on Gruden). However - most of this falls on the defense. This is especially true when you see the other team have these long, sustained drives that start almost at the beginning of the game - you can't put that on fatigue.

I realize that a lot of this is because of lack of talent on the defense. However - some proven performers like Smith, Kerrigan & Breeland need to step up. Enough already with all of the analysis and talk - just play freaking football already.

 

[SoCalWizFan]

Redskins’ defense snap counts vs. Cowboys: Josh Norman excelling already

At least one positive for the defense - Norman is doing his job, and I believe that this pickup will pay dividends. It may not come together for another year or so (while they acquire more talent), but he is doing his job (in spite of reports to the contrary from the media).

 

[Sportster 72]

I don't pay too much attention to the media. Most know little about the game.

 

[SoCalWizFan]

Well - AP is now gone for the season so this will put your theory to the test about defenses relying on a solid running game from their offense. Again - Vikings currently rank last in rushing yds & give up as few pts as just about anyone. I am guessing that both trends continue & prove that while having a solid rushing game is valuable it is not necessary at least in terms of having the D play very well.