Continuing my look at the Washington Redskins' 53-man roster, taking a look at each position. This time, the safeties.
Who they have: Ryan Clark, Brandon Meriweather, Duke Ihenacho, Trenton Robinson, Bacarri Rambo
Newcomers: Clark, Ihenacho
Who they lost: Reed Doughty, Jose Gumbs
Where they’re better: Communication. I’ve beaten this one to death, but you can’t underestimate Clark’s importance because of his communication skills. He knows the defense well, having played for the original architect in Pittsburgh, Dick LeBeau. Clark plays to his speed because of this and also brings a physical presence. Players such as Rambo and Meriweather raved about little things they learned from Clark, whether by listening or watching. Meriweather, before his two-game suspension, was playing well at his more natural strong safety position. Rambo showed big improvement this summer; he thought less and attacked more. He made mistakes, but he was more aggressive. Robinson and Ihenacho give the Redskins two special-teamers, though Ihenacho might help from scrimmage once he’s acclimated to the defense.
Where they’re worse: Another group where it’s hard to say they’re worse. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t concerns. Will Meriweather get in trouble for another hit after he returns? How will Clark hold up over 16 games at age 34? How is the depth? This has not been a position of strength and perhaps Clark’s days as a quality starter are over (Pittsburgh thought so; Clark disagrees). Though Rambo has improved, if something happened to Clark there would be a hit simply because of his on-field knowledge. Yes, the same was said about London Fletcher a year ago.
Overall: Before Meriweather was suspended, he looked good -- playing fast, blitzing well. He was a good fit for what defensive coordinator Jim Haslett wanted to do. Haslett likes sending the safeties and Meriweather handled that role well, with good timing and aggression. But he has to stay on the field. It’s an improved group overall and the special teams will benefit, too. It’s hard to say how deep they are from scrimmage until we see more of the backups; I do know Haslett likes this group. They’ve tackled well, for the most part, this summer. That has to continue, but that’s stating the obvious. Pay attention, too, when they miss tackles: If they still force their guys to the help – and defenders are running to the ball – then it’s acceptable. As long as they’re being aggressive, that is. It’s the coaches way of letting the players know an aggressive miss is OK; if they hesitate and miss then they’ll get in trouble.
