Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall has been one of the most controversial players on the field for the Redskins. Often times he has shown elite playmaking ability, only to be burnt downfield the next game. However, Hall hopes that newly acquired Defensive Backs Coach Raheem Morris will help him change that this season, even going so far as saying that the strategy for him could be akin to what All Pro defensive back Charles Woodson does in Green Bay.
“You don’t ever see [Woodson] running down the field not looking for the ball,” Hall told the Washington Post. “He’s always underneath, blitzing, having some type of zone coverage underneath so he can see the ball, using instinctive football ability under there. And that’s kind of what we’re doing.”
After a disappointing season last year where Hall admitted after one game that he should be cut, the corner hopes that moving around to the slot and safety can help him evolve into a consistent threat on defense.
“[Woodson] got defensive player of the year [covering the slot receivers], so hopefully I can get some of that same kind of buzz and excitement out there, making plays. I’m definitely relishing the opportunity to get in there. It’s hard, it’s different. But I’m down. It’s a lot more space. You definitely have to hone in on your technique and what’s asked of you in that moment, as opposed to just being a free spirit and only checking your guy. It definitely is a little bit different, but it’s part of the evolution.”
Hall isn’t the only one going through changes in the new system. Morris has been experimenting with a combination of different players at different positions.
“A lot of the other guys, we’ve just been rotating everywhere,” Hall said. “Raheem’s been stressing guys learning to play everywhere. So, if push comes to shove, with motions, I could wind up playing safety one play, nickel the other. It just gives us more flexibility.”
Much has been made of the patchwork secondary the Redskins assembled after losing LaRon Landry and Oshiomogho Atogwe, but Hall contends that they’ll be just fine.
“We’ll definitely miss [Landry and Atogwe], but at the same time, we felt like it was time to move on,” Hall said. “I feel like the guys we got are just as capable. Meriweather has probably got his hand on more balls in the first couple OTAs than I’ve seen in a long time. He definitely prides himself on getting around that ball, but at the same time, he’s not soft. He still wants to go in there and hit you, knock your head off. He gets all those fines, so he’s definitely a head-hunter. I like the guys we brought in. I can’t wait to get Tanard Jackson back. I’ve been a big fan of his ever since he came into the league from Syracuse down to Tampa. I just love the ability we have in the secondary.”
The Redskins pass defense ranked 12th in the league last year, and did not allow a 300 yard passer until week 14 against Tom Brady and the Patriots. Hall thinks that Morris brings an attitude that can help the defense be even better.
“I ain’t the loudest one on the defense no more. Raheem probably is. I just love his energy, his coaching style,” Hall said.
By Brian Paxton
More stories you might like
