Defense for real? Sunday should say much...

[TonyN]

Ron Rivera has been heavily criticised. Much of it well deserved.

His defense seems to be making real progress, though.

The Panthers rush D has improved for 5 consecutive weeks.

The Cats have held their last 3 opponents to an average of 277 TOTAL yards and have not given up 100 yards rushing to any team during that span.

The Redskins are 6th in total offense and 2nd in rushing offense, trailing only San Francisco in that category.

What gives???

How about this:

The Panthers got to Jay Cutler early and often last week, rolling up 6 sacks and making his life miserable all day, largely without relying on the blitz.

As good as the 'Skins have been this year, they have given up 17 sacks and 44 QB hits, 6th most in the NFL.

I say Riivera's unit shows up big time.. stuffing the run and pressuring RG III consistantly in route to a much needed win.

.

[Montsta]

I never wish injury on anyone, and think it is generally classless. That being said, Bob-3 isn't very big and I hope our DE's can give him a nice 'welcome to the NFL' type shot. Legally of course.

[Dex]

I sure hope so. We'll see if they can keep a mobile QB in line. Just no more soft coverage bullshit because the Skins have been doing short slants and short routes all year.

[Cam's New Arm]

It should be interesting from a "contain the qb" standpoint. Both defenses should be very familiar with the read option.

God knows I'm sure it's all we've ever ran in practice.

[TonyN]

I sure hope so. We'll see if they can keep a mobile QB in line. Just no more soft coverage bullshit because the Skins have been doing short slants and short routes all year.

I agree the soft coverage on the final Chicago drive was a mistake in hindsight...

But the staff was calling what they believed Chicago and Cutler would do in the two-minute drill...

I think a lot of it had to do with Chicago's tendencies in those situations.

I don't believe they make the same mistake against Washington...very different tendencies...

Loved the improved rushing attack against the # 1 Bear defense as well.

I would like to see us throw to our backs more...

[Montsta]

Did I read correctly that they are using Armanti Edwards as Bob-3 in practice this week?

[Thorrez]

I agree the soft coverage on the final Chicago drive was a mistake in hindsight...

But the staff was calling what they believed Chicago and Cutler would do in the two-minute drill...

I think a lot of it had to do with Chicago's tendencies in those situations.

I don't believe they make the same mistake against Washington...very different tendencies...

Loved the improved rushing attack against the # 1 Bear defense as well.

I would like to see us throw to our backs more...

Improved rushing attack??

Chicago:

31 rushes for 82 yards

Cam 5 for 37(most on 2 non run-designed scrambles).

Dallas:

15 for 48

Cam 6 for 64

I see no improvment?

Our rushing attack is terrible regardless of option or power because we have a terrible GCG combo.

[Zod]

They should look great against Washington.

How much practice this year have they had defending a mobile QB who sometimes runs the option?

No excuses this week. The Panther should win.

[KissMyConverse]

I hate to say this (even though I have pointed out on many sites) cause I really do love Beason BUT our Defense changed completely when he went out and Keuchly went over to the middle.

Add on the fact that we lost Gamble at the same time and its even more impressive. It may just be coincidence but I doubt it.

[j2sgam]

This should be a real good test for our defense, and theirs... Our LBs are fun to watch, gotta love seeing 58 makin plays. I appreciate that our secondary hasnt been burnt that bad recently, ,and ATL is the only team that really got us there, IIRC. I just hope that the front 4 can continue with what they brought last week, they need to be more consistent. Need to be.....

I saw a few 'pickem' sites that are 80/20 'Skins over Panthers, so I am genuinely very optimistic about this Sunday....

[Panths]

We have a lot of injuries on our defensive line at the moment that's got me worried, especially D. Edwards and Alexander, who missed practice yesterday. I think if they're still out today we may have less success with that line than the last few games. It was day and night apparent when D. Edwards went out against the Bears.

[rayzor]

i think we'll look good the whole game against them. in fact i think they'll lead most of the game.

it will boil down to what the panthers do in the last 5-10 minutes that will decide the game, though. if river & co. decide to play it safe on D and stupid on offense then we'll blow another game handing the win to the other team.

we're as good and as tough as any team out there. you put last year's offense with this year's defense and you have a playoff caliber team. the problem is that we just can't finish.

i really hope we figure out how to do it this week.

[Rubi]

I hate to say this (even though I have pointed out on many sites) cause I really do love Beason BUT our Defense changed completely when he went out and Keuchly went over to the middle.

Add on the fact that we lost Gamble at the same time and its even more impressive. It may just be coincidence but I doubt it.

It just shows that when the middle of your defense is talented...and healthy...it can have a huge impact. Kuechly is a 21 year old rookie? Its scary to think how good he will be in a couple of seasons when he gains more NFL experience...he will be considered an elite LB in the future...

He was the correct pick at #9...because someone was going to go down...(beas, davis)

[iamhubby1]

Way to keep the faith there Tony.

KissMyConverse - Keek is just playing better at this point, than Beast was at any point, of the year. Helping slow down the run has had a cascating effect on the D and their confidence has grown because of it. Still miss Gamble though.

Also, with the pressure the Dline is producing the DBs are looking better as well. That, and the keep the play in front of you mentality will should continue make the DBs looking good.

I say this too much, but will say it again. If we can limit the self inflicted wounds, we can be a good team.