The redskins should hire a Patriots-style defensive coach

[chillerdab]

What's that supposed to mean, you ask?

A coach who plays no specific style or scheme, and thus has the ability to play EVERY scheme.

What makes the patriots so good is that they don't necessarily get players to play one specific scheme, they get players to play any scheme. Or all schemes. Or be good at some skill that can be used in most schemes.

The redskins have the opportunity to do the same, considering their defense is awful.

Su'a is JUST the type of hybrid player that would work well in that type of scheme. Preston Smith could be another - a hybrid DE/OLB.
Trent Murphy could be the OTHER hybrid DE/OLB
Blackmon could be another (hybrid S/CB).
Kerrigan puts his hand in the dirt.
Dunbar could be another CB/S.

Of course, you need a super-bright coach to run the no-system / every-system defense. Hell, the Pats have an actual former rocket scientist coaching their defense. I don't remember his name, but he looks like the reincarnation of Grizzly Adams.

But it would work, especially regarding the specific threats facing the redskins next season:

Zeke Elliot, Dez Bryant, OBJ, and whomever the Sheagles have that threatens anybody.

Take away Elliott and make Bryant beat you (not going to happen).
Take away OBJ and make Shepard or Tye beat you (not going to happen)
Take away nobody on the eagles yet - maybe Ertz?! and let who? beat you.

 

[Skin'EmAll]

I think the Patriots run what is referred to as "multiple front" or multiple defense.
Maaan, Su'a Craven is going to be a tough call if we switch to a 4-3.
He was a playmaker despite a weak front, and out of position in a 3-4.
In the 4-3, he should be a beast...stopping the run and in coverage.
Much less block shedding to do with 4 in front as an OLB, weak, strong or even leo.