If you thought last season’s defense was bad, well, so far this season the Washington Redskins have out done themselves. Through two weeks of football, the defense has allowed 1,023 total yards. That would be the second most yards surrendered in NFL history through two games. Partly due to the 30 missed tackles (per Pro Football Focus) and 208 yards after contact (per ESPN Stats) which currently ranks last in the league.
Washington faced two straight teams with explosive offensive players: Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers. This Sunday, they’ll have the privilege of hosting the league’s best receiver in Detroit Lions’ Calvin Johnson. The Lions also have an explosive playmaker in Reggie Bush who could pose a major threat, if healthy. However, it really doesn’t matter who faces the Washington Redskins. If they don’t clean up their fundamentals, anyone will walk all over this defense.
“There’s been a lot of yards after the catch and guys breaking tackles,” Calvin Johnson said of the Washington Redskins’ defense during a Wednesday conference call. “Obviously, we go back and watch the film too, but we see the same things that they see. Obviously it’s a copycat league and teams try to go back and exploit the same things that other teams have had success with. The fact that they play a lot of single-high defense, it seems like there are a lot of opportunities.”
The Washington Redskins have the oldest defense in the NFL based on average age. Of course, that’s partially skewed by a 38 year old London Fletcher. By the way, where has that guy been? His age has shown the past few years now — but early this season, it’s unbearable to watch on film.
Anyway, when lined up in nickel — the Washington Redskins have two rookie DBs on the field: starting Free Safety Bacarri Rambo and Cornerback David Amerson. When asked how to attack those players, Calvin Johnson said - “You try to go at those guys. You try to put them in difficult situations where they have to make a difficult decision and a lot of times that inexperience leads to the offense being able to make a big play. We’ll see how well-coached those guys are and how much they rely on their technique and coaching when it comes to game time.”
The Washington Redskins haven’t faced Detroit since the 2010 season. Calvin Johnson had 9 catches for 101 yards and three touchdowns. “That’s the last time we played those guys so that’s the closest film that we have,” Johnson said. “I think they have some of the same coaches, so that film can be utilized a little bit, and then they have some of the same players, but at the same time you’ve got to get out there and play the game.”
Calvin Johnson is correct. Jim Haslett is still coaching the Washington Redskins’ defense — to some fan’s dismay. Not to mention, the guy who shadowed Johnson around the field that game is still the team’s top corner — DeAngelo Hall.
Although Calvin Johnson posted some nice stats — numbers don’t always tell the entire story. But film does.
DeAngelo Hall actually had a very solid outing against Calvin Johnson in 2010. When lined up vs DeAngelo Hall — Calvin Johnson was targeted 16 times (caught 8) for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Hall also managed to snag an interception in the corner of the endzone from Johnson. It was an under thrown ball, but Hall was positioned perfectly. Johnson’s wingspan makes it difficult to say that was out of his reach.
All three of Calvin Johnson’s touchdowns were in the redzone. His first came on a simple in route — DeAngelo Hall tried to guess Johnson’s route and played for a streak, but Johnson sat and caught the ball at the five yard line. A horrible angle by Laron Landry and the big body of Calvin Johnson helped him carry three players from the five yard line into the endzone. It shouldn’t have been a touchdown.
“When you prepare for somebody like that you want to be on your details,” Calvin Johnson said. “You don’t want to tip routes or do anything like that to give him a head start so he can jump your route because he will definitely jump your route and try to get to the ball, so that is one thing you want to try to stay away from.”
Johnson’s second touchdown came on a quick back shoulder throw. You simply can’t defend that. Especially when Hall is playing a off-man in the redzone. His final touchdown came on a play where he lined up in slot and out-maned former Redskins DB Carlos Rogers for the ball.
In all, DeAngelo Hall had a solid game. He consistently stayed in proper position, using excellent technique — without a lot of help. Safety Laron Landry had a hand in few plays. But mostly, DeAngelo Hall was trusted to keep his eyes on Johnson at all times.
Even when Calvin Johnson lined up in slot, DeAngelo Hall played the closest outside receiver to him and kept his eyes on QB Matt Stafford. The safety on top (most times Laron Landry) would have his eyes on the receiver Hall was covering. If Hall saw Stafford keying in on Calvin Johnson (which he does a lot — stares him down), Hall would break on the route. This happened a few times, and one of those times Hall nearly intercepted the football. Here’s a screenshot displaying the look:
One thing about Matt Stafford — he’s going to trust Calvin Johnson regardless of the coverage. Calvin ended up scoring on this play. But, it’s a good example of how Jim Haslett planned to defend Calvin when lined up in the slot — which is very difficult. But keeping your eyes on Matt Stafford is key, because he does tend to tip his hand when throwing the ball to Johnson. The Redskins also have to account for Stafford’s escapeability. He is very capable of extending a play, and if you allow a play to break down — Calvin Johnson will get open 9/10 times.
Calvin Johnson says he wouldn’t be surprised if DeAngelo Hall shadows him again this week. Although the Washington Redskins have a more lengthy CB now in David Amerson — the rookie isn’t quite ready to be trusted in this match-up. But DeAngelo Hall is ready and Calvin Johnson knows it: “he’s a savvy vet,” Johnson said of Hall. “He knows what he’s doing. He has great ball skills.”
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