Top 10 Pass Rushers in the League

ESPN recently released a top-ten list of pass rushers currently in the league. I found it to be highly inaccurate, so I decided I would have some fun and make my own.

1. DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys (80 sacks in 6 seasons)
2. Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers (23.5 sacks in 2 seasons)
3. Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs (14.5 sacks in 2010)
4. Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings (40 sacks in 3 seasons with the Vikings)
5. LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh Steelers (35 sacks since 2008)
6. James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers (2008 Defensive MVP)
7. Brian Orakpo, Washington Redskins (19.5 sacks, 2 Pro Bowls in 2 seasons) 
8. Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos (17 sacks in 2009)
9. Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts (94 sacks in 9 seasons)
10. Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears  (33 sacks since 2008)

You can find the ESPN list here. As you can see, my list is very different. Who would make your top ten list?

If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It, Right?

Last year, the Redskins transitioned to a 3-4 defense under defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. The defense suffered because the Redskins did not have the personnel to play the 3-4 defense. The 4-3 had two tackles in the middle of the line, and two ends who primarily rush the passer. The middle linebacker is a run stopper, while the outside linebackers are better in coverage. One of the OLB is generally a good pass rusher. The 3-4 focuses more on confusing the offense and disguising blitzes. The ideal model is Dick Lebeau's zone blitz scheme that has kept the Steelers' defense at the top for years.

Jim Haslett and players Reed Doughty and Carlos Rogers (both set to become Free Agents)

The secondary remains the same in the switch. The pass rushing ends of a 4-3 become outside linebackers of the 3-4. The defensive tackles or run-stopping ends become 3-4 defensive ends (a.k.a. "5 technique"). The big, stuffing defensive tackle becomes the nose tackle. The middle linebacker (4-3) becomes an inside backer (3-4) and an outside linebacker (4-3) becomes an inside backer (3-4).

• OLB--Andre Carter was a pure pass rusher and was still productive, but he lacked the coverage ability to start opposite Orakpo. Lorenzo Alexander lacks the speed and pass rush ability to threaten opposing teams. Shanahan has made it clear that this is a priority. There was no pass rush since teams would focus on stopping Orakpo.
• ILB--Fletcher was productive, as always, and earned his second consecutive (and second overall) Pro Bowl berth. Rocky McIntosh was showing great improvement as a 4-3 OLB, but struggled when moved inside. McIntosh is set to become a free agent.
• NT--Haynesworth was expected to play nose tackle, but refused to and the Redskins had little other options. This is a huge priority this offseason.
• DE--There are many guys the coaches like on the roster, but none they love for this position. This is not a priority, but definitely a concern. The draft is full of guys that can fill this need.

It seems that, with the personnel, the team would have been smarter to stay as a 4-3, where they ranked 4th in the league, rather than switching to a 3-4, where they ranked 31st. The transition often takes time, but one must wonder why the switch was made in the first place.

Atogwe--Finally a smart move in free agency!

The Redskins signed a 5 year, $26M contract with former Rams Free Safety O.J. Atogwe.  Most probably remember him on the Pete Kendall catch-and-fumble play against the Rams in 2008. He is reunited with his former Defensive Coordinator Jim Hasslet.

Atogwe is an all-around safety that can tackle, cover, and create turnovers. But the part that Redskins fans care most about--he is a classy, hard worker. His teammates in St. Louis enjoyed playing with him and he has never made controversial comments or argued with his coaches. So don't worry--I fully expect this signing to work out for the best!

When Atogwe was signed, I immediately followed him on twitter. His first post that I saw said, "With all due respect, I will not be rocking nor even asking to rock 21..." You rarely see that kind of respect. In all honesty, I doubt the Redskins would oppose him keeping the number 21. The Redskins love Sean Taylor and are forever saddened by his murder, but 21 is just a number. Atogwe's move is in respect for the fans, in my eyes, and Taylor's family. He knows that when we think football and 21, we think of our late safety that played like a Redskin should--with nothing but heart and love for the game. That kind of respect from a player to the fans is rare. You see people like Brandon Jacobs and Vince Young who throw things at fans and make obscene gestures towards them. Respect for fans is rare. Sean Taylor also had it, citing the fans as the reason he loved D.C. Atogwe has shown it in his first move as a Redskin.

I am excited to see this guy play for the Redskins and help improve the defense. Hopefully his passion will spread to the other players as Shanahan tries to mold the culture of the team into that of winners. No longer will players come to D.C. to get paid and retire. They will come here to be part of a franchise full of passion, class, and love for the game of football.