For Redskins, the appropriate time to bank on a young secondary is now
By Ian Cummings
An upgraded front seven
It’s a widely-accepted notion that the effects of a strong front seven trickle down to the secondary. If the defensive line can generate consistent pressure on the quarterback, coinciding pressure is lifted off of the secondary’s shoulders.
In past years, relying on such an unproven secondary would have been especially dangerous. Up until 2017, the Redskins’ defensive line was a thin, broken unit that couldn’t find any consistency outside of Ryan Kerrigan, much less an interior pass rush.
In 2017, we saw glimpses of success in that regard, but in 2018, the Redskins defensive line should finally be a threat, as opposed to a liability. Jonathan Allen and Matt Ioannidis were two of the NFL’s most active interior rushers in 2017, and spot starter Anthony Lanier caught fire late in the season as well, using his athleticism and length to wreak havoc on opposing lines.
Joining the team’s returning defensive linemen are rookies Daron Payne and Tim Settle, the former of whom should immediately contribute at both nose tackle and defensive end with his brute strength and burst. Both rookies have athleticism that Jim Tomsula can mold, and in due time, they could become able pass rushers, just as Matt Ioannidis did in little over a year.
On the edge, Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith return as one of the NFL’s more disruptive duos, and at inside linebacker, Zach Brown and Mason Foster can boast the same reputation. The Redskins’ front seven is truly one of the most exciting amalgamations of talent in the league, and with that unit generating pressure on the quarterback, the Redskins’ young defensive backs certainly won’t be without help. If given the choice to start today’s Quinton Dunbar in 2018 or 2015, one would be inclined to pair him with the disruptive front of 2018. Dunbar can capitalize on their success, and in turn, find his own.