All-Time Redskins Team: A player from each decade

Defense

Defensive Ends – Gene Brito (1950s) and Charles Mann (1980s)

The Redskins did not have very good defenses throughout most of the ‘50s and ‘60s, but Gene Brito was an exception. A classic tall, light end who relied on speed, Charles Mann was overshadowed by his flamboyant teammate Dexter Manley early on, but he eventually would emerge as the best all-around defensive end the Redskins have ever had.

Defensive Tackles – Joe Rutgens (1960s) and Dave Butz (1980s, at-large)

I never saw Joe Rutgens play, but everything I have read about him leads me to believe he was a classic in-the-dirt interior linemen. I did see Dave Butz play. And I saw the fear in the eyes of the guards who had to try and block him. Did I mention how good those ‘80s teams were?

Middle Linebacker – London Fletcher (2010)

I’m not choosing London Fletcher over the legendary Sam Huff simply because of the decades thing. I genuinely believe Fletcher played better for the Redskins than Huff. Huff was still a dynamic player in Washington, but most of his great years were in Giants blue. Fletcher was among the most underrated players the Redskins have ever had.

Outside Linebackers – Erny Pinckert (1930s) and Chris Hanburger (1970s)

An admission: It’s really hard to evaluate defensive players from the ‘30s and ‘40s, especially since many of the best ones were two-way players who were more noted for what they did on the offensive side of the ball. I am indebted to Michael Richman’s fabulous “Redskins Encyclopedia” for this tidbit on the 197-pound Pinckert. Richman cites a Pro Football Researchers Association article, noting how in 1933, Pinckert knocked the legendary Bronco Nagurski out of a game with a hit on a trap play. That’s good enough for me. Oh, he was also the brother of famous celebrity psychic Jeanne Dixon. As for Hanburger, I don’t know if he had a famous sister. He was simply one of the best, steadiest linebackers in the league for more than a decade.

Cornerbacks – Wilbur Moore (1940s) and Darrel Green (1990s)

More from Richman: “As brilliant as Moore was on offense, he was perhaps more valuable on pass defense. He tallied 13 interceptions and 167 return yards and was an intimidator in the backfield” And I wasn’t about to do this exercise if I couldn’t have Darrel Green on my team. He surely could have represented the 1980s as well, but like Baugh and Taylor, he played at a high level for so long that I can sneak him into the 1990s’ slot.

Safeties – Ken Houston (1970s, at-large) and Sean Taylor (2000s)

OK – for you nitpickers, both these guys played predominantly at free safety. But both were big enough to take on tight ends if that was ever required. If you want, you can sub in either of their strong safety running mates (Brig Owens or LaRon Landry). But I want these guys. Along with Green, Houston was the best defender I ever saw play for the Redskins. And had he not been struck down, Taylor might one day have joined them.