Taking a look at the Washington Redskins by position, a look back to 2015 but also eyeing 2016. Today: defensive backs.
Under contract: DeAngelo Hall, Chris Culliver, Dashon Goldson, Bashaud Breeland, Kyshoen Jarrett, Quinton Dunbar, Jeron Johnson, Deshazor Everett, Dashaun Phillips, Jeremy Harris.
Free agents: Will Blackmon, Duke Ihenacho (restricted).
What went right: The Redskins managed to keep it together despite what seemed like constant interruptions -- from injuries and suspensions. It’s funny to say, but imagine where they would have been without rookies Jarrett (a sixth-round pick) and Dunbar (an undrafted receiver-turned-cornerback). Or even Blackmon, signed off the street after the opener. Those three allowed the Redskins to patch together a secondary that could compete. They each took the proper approach and were serious in their preparation, which mattered a great deal. Jarrett’s size likely will limit him to being a key reserve, but that’s OK; he showed he could help in that role. Dunbar showed promise and has the frame and speed to work with, though he has a ways to go. Breeland continued to develop in his second year and it’s not hard to see him getting a lot better over the next few seasons. He’s physical and plays smart. Hall improved at safety after moving there midseason -- a real tough time to transition to a new spot. Hall played physical the more comfortable he got at safety. He’s a smart player. Goldson’s leadership added value in the locker room.
What went wrong: So many injuries and disruptions to the secondary. It started in training camp and continued throughout the season. No Redskins’ defensive back appeared in every game and that made it difficult to gain any sort of continuity. They used four different players at strong safety: Ihenacho, Trenton Robinson, Jarrett and Hall. The shuffling throughout the secondary led to inconsistencies and certainly didn’t help when it came to preventing big plays downfield. The Redskins allowed an NFL-worst 28 pass plays of 30 yards or more. It got worse as the season went on, with 16 of those in the final eight games. Some of it was blown assignments, but there were plenty of times where it was just someone getting beat. Cornerback David Amerson failed to develop or fit into the sort of culture they wanted -- his study habits were never the best -- and he was cut. Hall did not look like he could run nearly as well as he had a couple years ago, thanks to various leg injuries. Culliver never played to his potential because of various injuries and, ultimately, his torn ACL.
Offseason question: What do they do with Goldson? The Redskins like him quite a bit, but he will count $8 million against the salary cap (with a $7.5 million base salary). Not many teams will pay that amount for safeties who turn 32 in September -- and who haven’t made many game-changing plays. But he still has value to the Redskins and they definitely want him back. So the question could likely be whether they can reach an agreement on how to handle his contract. If the Redskins can piece together a stronger front seven, Goldson and the secondary will benefit.
Offseason concern: Culliver. Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan said he’s ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn ACL on Thanksgiving Day. But even an optimistic timetable of eight months puts him ready around the time camp begins. Even Culliver said it takes two years to fully recover from that injury.
Telling stat: The Redskins top five cornerbacks and safeties entering the season -- I’m including the nickel corner because they play starter reps -- never played one game together.
Stat that needs to improve: The Redskins allowed opposing quarterbacks to post a 118.2 passer rating on throws that traveled 20 or more yards in the air, according to ESPN Stats & Information -- the league average is 83.7. Also, the Redskins allowed an NFL-high 12 touchdown passes on such throws.
Look ahead: The Redskins need to keep adding more depth to the secondary, especially young players. That’s one reason Blackmon might not return; they liked what he did, but he’ll also be 32 in October. They want younger players to develop -- and they absolutely need that at safety. Ihenacho is a restricted free agent, but even if he returns they need to keep adding more. He’s missed most of the last two years and he was considered a fringe starter after being cut by Denver. Maybe he’d be good; no idea because he hasn’t really played. I’m curious to see how Hall progresses with an offseason at safety; the coaches and front office are high on his potential.
