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3 Questions to be answered as Washington Redskins take on Green Bay Packers

By Nathan Britton

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Jamison Crowder
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 20: Wide receiver Jamison Crowder /
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CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 24: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 24, 2016 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

1. Has the defense really improved?

Washington’s defense struggled to get off the field last season with a secondary that was one of the worst in football. On third down, the secondary allowed their highest completion percentage in comparison to the other three downs, and a ridiculous 108 quarterback rating, which is almost twenty points more than their next highest, per Pro Football Focus.

Washington’s secondary was dreadful aside from Josh Norman who was in on almost every play. However, Norman was the most penalized player in the NFL in addition to his numbers dropping from his All-Pro season a year prior. The departure of defensive coordinator Joe Barry, along with some solid additions to the defense are reasons to think the defense should be vastly improved from the unit fielded last season.

New coordinator Greg Manusky’s group wasn’t the shutdown defense we hoped for in Week 1, but expecting a better showing in Week 2 is reasonable. The new coordinator’s group now has game experience and another week of practice, as well as the starters getting more than a series or two should shed more light on what to expect in the regular season.

A spotlight will be placed on newly added safety D.J. Swearinger, who is already the most talented safety the team has had since the late Sean Taylor. He should have a chance to showcase his skills as well as his ability to be a vocal leader which he already displayed at camp.

Washington has a chance to be competitive in a division that has three other very competitive teams. Had a few plays gone the Redskins way last season, they would have found themselves in the post season in back to back years for the first time since the ’91 and ’92 seasons. The team has been heading in the right direction since GM Scot McCloughan was brought in and changed the culture of the organization and used his incredible scouting talent to bring solid football players to the roster.

Next: Bold predictions for Redskins vs. Packers

Although Saturday’s game is only preseason action, a lot can be learned on where this team stands and what can be expected for this upcoming season.

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