After watching several games of new Washington Redskins defensive lineman Stephen Paea, here’s a quick analysis of what he brings to Washington. Paea agreed to a four-year deal with the Redskins Tuesday.
How he was used: Paea was a defensive tackle in Chicago’s four-man front and moved all over. He played an awful lot shaded between the center and guard, but also would occasionally venture out wider -- even just inside the tackle -- on some rush downs. Chicago selected him in the second round in 2011.
What I liked: His strength and quickness. Paea is around 305 pounds, maybe 310, but he plays a little bigger because of his terrific strength. He was excellent in the regular-season game vs. Minnesota last season, disruptive. His effort is consistent even after getting pinballed on some blocks. He’s technically sound on his stunts; has little wasted movement and does the job the coaches want. Because he’s not rounding off on stunts, he arrives with a little more power, so if the lineman can’t slow unless he’s in front of Paea. Though he’s strong, I saw him win as much with quickness as with power against the Vikings -- sometimes using that first step then finishing with power. He had a nice bull rush against Indianapolis after a stutter-step got the tackle off-balance. He played with good leverage for the most part and showed more than just a bull rush; he’ll try to win to a side. Thought he did a good job locating the ball and playing with awareness -- he’s considered a smart player and good in the locker room. After a tough first half against Dallas, thought he responded with a better second half -- he does not lose steam as the game unfolds, a good sign. He will fight to get back into a play and a couple times because he played lower, he could slide off a block to help make a tackle.
What I didn’t: Against Dallas, he had a tough time in the first half against center Travis Frederick, who was often able to get his hands inside Paea quickly enough to control him. Though Paea tries to take on double teams and would occasionally anchor, it’s not a strength of his -- hence the need to play in a one-gap scheme. At times he struggled to disengage and would then get a little upright looking for the ball. Keep in mind that he was facing Fredrick, a Pro Bowl player. If he had to face double teams a lot, I don’t think it would be beneficial to him or the defense.
How he fits: The Redskins want their ends to be more one-gap defenders this season -- they had been two-gap in the past. Paea’s strength is that first step, so playing in this system should be a good fit. From what Paea told me, the plan would be to use him at end in the base package and slide him inside on passing downs. If Jason Hatcher is healthy, then he and Paea could provide the push Washington has lacked. In turn, that would benefit greatly the outside pass rushers -- Ryan Kerrigan, Trent Murphy and whoever else they sign, whether it's Brian Orakpo or a draft pick. I talked to a few people about him; I'll have more on that Wednesday.
