Three Redskins defenders heavily impacted by 4-3 scheme change

No. 1 – LB Ryan Anderson

Ryan Anderson is by far the Redskins defender most impacted by the 4-3 scheme change, although the impact levied on Anderson is not necessarily a positive one.

Anderson was drafted by the Redskins to serve as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme. I liken his skill set to that of Devon Kennard, to a lesser degree. Defensive end is often synonymous with “pass rusher” in today’s NFL, but Anderson is much more of an edge defender; his true speciality is in run support, although he possesses the ability to rush the passer on occasion.

In 2019, Anderson showed growth as a pass rusher, notching 4.0 sacks with his motor off the line. But now in 2020, his outlook is clouded, as there’s no clear-cut spot for him in the 4-3 defense.

Anderson might be too small to put his hand in the dirt at 6-foot-2, 255, and he has a lot of competition at defensive end as it is — competition with a more natural scheme fit, as well as more versatility across the line.

Anderson’s likeliest bet is to stay at linebacker, but he wouldn’t be defending the edge nearly as often, and might be limited to a mere sub package role. A SAM linebacker job might be best for him — the SAM is primarily tasked with defending the run and staying close to the line — but Anderson would still find himself in coverage at times, and he doesn’t have the athletic profile or the experience to flourish in that position.

Jack Del Rio has said that he’s looking forward to getting Anderson involved, and after Anderson’s performance in 2019, that should be the case. Anderson performed admirably in sixteen games; his hustle was noticeable, and he generated forced fumbles at an extremely high rate, logging five on the season. As reassuring as Anderson’s 2019 play was, however, it’s going to be tough for him to find a consistent role in the 4-3 scheme, and in the end, that confusion might not be worth a roster spot.