Taking a look at each position unit entering Washington Redskins training camp. Today: the secondary.
Returning starters: DeAngelo Hall, Bashaud Breeland
Key additions: CB Chris Culliver, S Jeron Johnson, S Dashon Goldson, CB Tevin Mitchel, S Kyshoen Jarrett
Key losses: S Ryan Clark, S Brandon Meriweather, CB Tracy Porter
Other key returnees: S Duke Ihenacho, S Akeem Davis, S Phillip Thomas, S Trenton Robinson, CB David Amerson
Up for grabs: The starting strong safety position where Ihenacho and Johnson will compete. They rotated at this spot in the spring and word is whoever makes the most plays in camp will win. That's how it should be, right? Ihenacho said he's more patient in coverage (an area he was weak at in Denver; it's why he was cut). He's an interesting guy, so it would probably be fun having to talk to him more often (from the shoes to his being unafraid to state an opinion; I think).
Hall's health: If Hall is healthy and right -- and he says he felt good enough in the spring to have made plays in practice -- then I'd anticipate him being the starter opposite Culliver. Hall's confidence hasn't wavered. But when will that be? Hall said this weekend he does not yet know the Redskins plan for working him back into practice -- will it be full-go or an easing in? Earlier this month on 106.7 The Fan Hall said, "I hope I'm ready to go the first day. When I say wean me back in, I know they are going to monitor me. I know they are not going to just throw me out there and [have me] take all the reps with the [first team]. I'm just going to get out there and see how the body feels.”
Young corners progress: Amerson had a strong offseason in 2014 only to play way too inconsistent during the season. But I don't know if he regressed or this is just who he is. After all, Amerson was known for undisciplined play as a corner in college, too. Must be way better with his eyes and instincts. It's one thing to give up big plays, but you then best make some. He's intercepted two passes. As for Breeland, coach Jay Gruden referred to him this spring as a leader and he certainly showed quite a bit as a rookie. He, too, was inconsistent but played better than Amerson. I like how Breeland learned from his mistakes and how he was able to explain why he played a route a certain way. Showed knowledge. Breeland is more versatile because he can play in the slot -- he's tough enough to tackle up there, an underrated aspect of this spot.
Stat that must change: There's a few. One is the 35 touchdown passes allowed last season, an NFL-high, and the Redskins ranked 24th in pass plays that gained at least 20 yards -- and they allowed an NFL-worst 19 touchdowns on such plays. It speaks to talent level, the lack of a pass rush and a whole lot of undisciplined play.
Goldson's impact: He did not like playing in Lovie Smith's Tampa 2 defense last season and it showed. He struggled in coverage -- tight ends and others created too much separation vs. him. Goldson said he played hurt last season so maybe that was a reason. We'll see. But the Redskins are excited to have him and consider him a leader in the secondary and someone who adds swagger with the way he plays and the toughness he adds. Ryan Clark added some of those qualities, too, but he was done -- and he did not have the corners or pass rush to help him, either. Goldson likes how he'll be used in the run game here compared to last season.
Culliver's impact: What Culliver provides that nobody really did last season was a corner whom the safeties can trust. Culliver played well to his help last season and in the five games I watched him play, did not get beat because he was caught out of position. That goes a long way. Also, Culliver played with Goldson in San Francisco and trusts him and knows what he can, and can't, do. Last year, for example, there were times Amerson wasn't sure if Meriweather saw a route the same as he did -- one time it led to a wide-open touchdown vs. Indianapolis. Culliver adds toughness at this position and his long arms help make him effective in press coverage.
Outlook: They'll benefit if the pass rush improves the way the Redskins hope. We've heard that one before so just stay tuned. The corner depth, provided Hall is healthy, is better than in 2014. I liked how Mitchel, a rookie, worked in the slot this spring; now do it when it matters more. But it was a start. Jarrett had some moments, too, and showed communication skills at times. Safety will be an interesting spot because while the Redskins feel better about the position, it's tough to say the issue is fully resolved. Not until we see it on the field; been burned thinking it has in the past. Goldson must prove he can still play at a certain level and both Johnson and/or Ihenacho must show they can be quality NFL starters. Thomas, a fourth-round pick in 2013, needs a real strong camp.
