Problems with the Defense, IMHO

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by TAFKAS

I wonder if part of the problem isn't due to Greg Blache's philosophy that sacks aren't as important as batted passes and taking away passing lanes.

Actual quotes from Greg Blache:

"The thing you have to understand is there is much more to playing defense than just getting sacks," Blache said Wednesday. "Here [in Washington], we talk about disruptions – batted balls, altered passes, try to get your hands in a quarterback's throwing lanes to make him adjust the ball."

"If a sack was really important, it would factor into the quarterback rating," Blache explained. "Incomplete passes affect his rating, interceptions affect his rating, but not sacks."

Oh, brother. The defensive line coach making excuses for the pass rush. That's just great. It would be different if the linemen were coming close to sacks, creating havoc, and disrupting the quarterback's pacing. But they're not even coming close! There is no pressure. Kerry Collins and Chris Simms the week before had ample time to choose their receivers, get set in perfect throwing motions and make pinpoint deliveries. The bottom line is, opposing passers have generally been able to pick the secondary apart, making key passes yesterday late in the game to tie and then later take the lead.

Sure, they talk about disruptions, but when was the last time you saw a defensive lineman bat down a pass? I can't find stats for QB ratings against the Redskins this year. But Collins was 19 for 36, equalling just over a 50% completion rate -- but remember, several of those were drops by Lamont Jordan and Zack Crockett, and that's what Greg Blache's little cop out doesn't tell you. Sure, the quarterback's rating might be down, but how much of that is attributed to receivers dropping the ball? He finished with 289 yards with one TD and one pick -- and let's be honest, that hasn't happened much either, this defense getting a turnover. Chris Simms was even better.

Mr. Blache, spare us. Pressuring the quarterback is a key facet of any defense. Nobody expects 5 sacks a game. But one sack from the starting defensive ends after 10 games ?!? Don't tell me that's just part of the system. Please, stop talking about disruptions, and coach your players to start making them.