Redskins Reality Checks: Greg Manusky throws defense under the bus

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 08: Josh Norman #24 of the Washington Redskins walks off the field after the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 8, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Redskins 32-27. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

1. The Reality Is, Greg Manusky isn’t wrong about how his players are playing.

The Redskins have at least as much talent on defense this year as they had last year. They also upgraded with high-priced free agent Landon Collins and first-round draft pick Montez Sweat.

In spite of these things, the defense has dramatically regressed this season and is currently in the bottom three of every significant defensive category. So, Manusky isn’t wrong to say the players need to make plays that they just haven’t made.

Norman, Ryan Kerrigan, Sweat, Fabian Moreau, and Montae Nicholson have been especially disappointing this season. And maybe what he said this week is exactly what they needed to hear. But I doubt they took it that way.

2. The Reality Is, Greg Manusky ought to spend less time pointing fingers and making excuses.

The man has been consistently bad throughout his tenure in Washington. He has shown little aptitude for defensive scheme, little ability to develop players, little creativity in mid-game adjustments, and zero consistency in motivating his players.

At the same time, he’s made various assistant coaching changes, blamed officiating for his unit’s underperformance, and been unable to manage productive, yet vocal, players like DJ Swearinger and Zach Brown. The Redskins have tried to move on from Manusky before. Now would seem like the time to go ahead and make a change. He’s failed on every level with this defense.

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