On The Redskins: Can Their Defense Stop Aaron Rodgers?

by Brandon on Oct 8, 2010 2:00 PM CDT in Green Bay Packers Analysis

Earlier today I posted my questions and answers with Rich Tandler, the Washington Redskins correspondent for Comcast Sportsnet Washington, in regards to their offense. Here's what I asked him about their new 3-4 defense and their poor stats against the pass.

Here are the questions I answered for Rich over at CSNWashington.com.

APC: The pass defense has been giving up over 300 yards per game and leads the league with 119 completions against them. Can they slow down Aaron Rodgers?

Rich Tandler: The pass defense stats are skewed by the huge game (497 yards) that Matt Schaub of the Texans put up in the second game. And they have been giving up a lot of yards late in the game while utilizing the dreaded prevent defense. It did prevent a win against Houston but (barely) worked against Dallas and Philly. That being said, the Redskins pass defense hasn't been solid. They have been good at preventing the big play but receivers are piling up some nice yardage after the catch thanks to loose coverage and the pass rush pressure has been good but not great. As long as Rodgers remains patient and doesn't try too hard to push for the big play, he will be able to pile up some yardage against the Redskins.

APC: How much might we see of Albert Haynesworth and what is his current role in the defensive rotation?

Rich: Albert played his best game of the season by far against the Eagles. He played on 33 of 78 defensive snaps, which doesn't sound like much but it was the second-most among defensive linemen (they rotate heavily according to the situation and run with two-man fronts on occasion). Haynesworth was credited with four tackles and he drew two holding flags. It has taken him this long to learn his role in this defense which is primarily as an end with an occasional snap at nose tackle. Haynesworth is paying the price for refusing to attend minicamp and OTA's, where he could have learned the new defense. It would appear that the war between Albert and Shanahan is over, with the coach winning in a rout. But things have looked peaceful at times in the past only to have another A-Bomb (A is for Albert, of course) blow up and create another firestorm.

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Haynesworth

Will he even play? Seen reports that his brother was killed in an accident.

If he does play, what mind set will he be in?

And best thoughts regarding that loss to him and his family.

by Darrell L on Oct 8, 2010 2:27 PM CDT reply actions

23 is too young to die

Deepest condolences to Albert and his family.

by GregR on Oct 8, 2010 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions

very sad

by Yankees10 on Oct 8, 2010 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions

Just saw Jennings on Rome is burning

I really like this guy.

I'll be your huckleberry- Doc Holliday to Ringo

by KilnBill on Oct 8, 2010 3:48 PM CDT reply actions

He is a standup guy on the field and in the community.

by Bush League All Star on Oct 8, 2010 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions

I posted this in another thread

but am afraid it’s overlooked:

The Packers signed LB Maurice Simpkins to the team from the practice squad. He was with the Packers in the preseason. Also he was with the Green Bay Blizzard in 2010 where he was named the IFL most improved player for that year (I suppose that means the staff may have seen him play). I’ve never seen an IFL game, but isn’t it a pass-heavy league? Does that mean he’s a pass-play replacement for Hawk (possibly)?

The team also signed LB Johnny Williams to the practice squad. He was with Jacksonville for the 2009 preseason, Pittsburgh practice squad in 2009, and Denver this preseason.

I’m really interested in what people have to think about Simpkins.

by GinSlinger on Oct 8, 2010 5:50 PM CDT reply actions

I remember watching Simpkins against the Chiefs and he looked ok too me. I remember him getting beat to the corner by McCluster a couple times but that’s certainly not the end of the world. He seems like he has pretty good speed, which I like because I think all of our guys now lack that to a degree.

by packallday555 on Oct 9, 2010 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Let's Get This Clear

If Rodger’s is on, and the line does it’s job, there is no team in the NFL that can stop Rodgers. While everyone has been claiming the sky is falling because of Grant, what the line accomplished is the last 6 minutes of the Detroit game is huge. No one should underestimate the shot in the arm that gave the line. Further, run blocking with Bulaga starting should be even better. I hope that with all the key injuries on the defense, that MM will open up the offense and let the Packers roll.

by marcopo on Oct 8, 2010 6:59 PM CDT reply actions

If Rodger’s is on, and the line does it’s job, there is no team in the NFL that can stop Rodgers.

This ^^. The only problem is, our offensive line often doesn’t do its job. Let’s just hope they play well. I can’t wait to see Buluga.

by packallday555 on Oct 9, 2010 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions

i am going to get sick

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5663024

Thome Walks-Off Sox, Twists Knife, Continues To Make Sox Brass Look REALLY Stupid - White Sox Season Recap

by blackoutsox on Oct 8, 2010 8:44 PM CDT reply actions

Heard about this in June

Is it the same occurence or a second? But yeah, kinda disturbing!

by Strohman on Oct 8, 2010 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions

not actionable

No way the NFL will take any action on this sort of thing. It certainly can’t be lumped in the same category as Big Ben. Ok, Brett may be a Wood wanabee, but the only thing it will hurt is his marriage and his endorsements.

by marcopo on Oct 9, 2010 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Are you serious?

It still sexual assault!!! If it can be proven it was Favre they should definitely suspend him!

by Strohman on Oct 9, 2010 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Yep. If you look at the fanshots section some posted a link that was saying that the Vikings FO were looking into a suspension and that if they didn’t Goodell would look into one. Though both those things were both according to sources. Who knows how reliable they are.

by packallday555 on Oct 9, 2010 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions