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Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Manusky faces crucial stretch

By Ian Cummings

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 9: A Washington Redskins helmet sits on the field prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 9: A Washington Redskins helmet sits on the field prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 9, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images) /
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Much has been made of Jay Gruden’s future with the Redskins, but Greg Manusky also faces a crucial late-season stretch.

The Washington Redskins have churned through defensive coordinators over the past two decades, mostly without sustained success. In recent years, Jim Haslett and Joe Barry have accurately represented the team’s struggles in that department.

Heading into the 2017 offseason, after the dismissal of Barry, there was a belief that the Redskins could delve into the market of more accomplished coordinators. However, their destination was not deemed as attractive to options like Mike Pettine, Gus Bradley, and Wade Phillips, and so they were eventually forced to promote from inside, elevating Greg Manusky.

Manusky’s aggressive style proved to have both its advantages and disadvantages in its first year, but the consensus, after a year marred by injuries, was that Manusky’s scheme could work, with a little more time and a little more health.

This season, Manusky has had both, along with considerably more talent. And yet, the defense has been inconsistent. To start the year, the unit was strong, but in recent weeks, they’ve faltered when it mattered most. They allowed over 500 yards against the Buccaneers, and on Thanksgiving, Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper moved the ball at will.

With the offensive line hurting and Colt McCoy proving he is far from perfect, immense pressure will be on the defense to get back to its early-season form over the next five games. Over that stretch, Washington faces a hungover Eagles team twice, the 3-8 Giants, the 3-8 Jaguars, who benched Blake Bortles for Cody Kessler, and a streaky, unreliable Titans offense.

Next. Redskins vs. Eagles, part one game preview. dark

Needless to say, the defense should be able to get back on track, if they adequately prepare. That task falls on the hands of the players just as much as it does Manusky, but on game day, it’s Manusky’s job to make sure everyone is lined up correctly, and it’s Manusky’s job to use his players to his strengths and help the Redskins to the playoffs. Otherwise, it might not be his job for much longer.

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