Washington Redskins 2017 first quarter positional grades: Defense
Defensive Line
Last season the defensive line was a massive weakness for the Redskins. So far in 2017, that has not been the case at all. Despite losing their best lineman in the offseason in Chris Baker, the unit has been able to retool itself with offseason acquisitions. However, none have been more important than Jim Tomsula.
The former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers was one of the biggest names to join Greg Manusky’s staff, and he has not disappointed. Tomsula has done yeoman’s work with the young talent on the defensive line and has completely transformed them into a solid unit. Despite losing starting nose tackle Phil Taylor in the preseason, Tomsula’s unit has looked strong in all facets, largely thanks to the performance of their young talent on the unit.
Notably, rookie Jonathan Allen and second year man Matt Ioannidis have been fantastic for the team. Allen was the team’s first round pick at No. 17, but many saw him as a potential top five pick. Thus far in his career, Allen has demonstrated an ability to rush the passer but has also been a difference maker in the run game. His solid frame will allow him to continue to succeed and it appears that he is already the team’s best defensive lineman.
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Meanwhile, Ioannidis’ resurgence has come out of nowhere. After having minimal impact on the team in his rookie season, Ioannidis has been one of the team’s best rotational players. Through four games, he has already notched two sacks and has been able to use his strength to push offensive linemen back into the quarterback. As Ioannidis continues to grow, he will play a key role on the line in the platoon role that he is operating in.
Elsewhere across the line, Ziggy Hood has been solid despite his poor performance at nose tackle in 2016. His play has improved thanks to the situational run stuffers that the team brought in around him in Stacy McGee and Terrell McClain. It seems like Tomsula has this unit figured out and their balance of playing time will allow them all to play well as they move forward.
Right now, it’s fair to say that the defensive line is one of the stronger units on the team. There is still room for improvement, but for what was one of the team’s worst positional groups last year, they are in great shape. They deserve a high grade right now and they could continue to improve as the season goes along.