Unit Preview: Washington Redskins Linebackers
By Matthew Laux
The Washington Redskins said goodbye to one of their most well-known players this off-season, when London Fletcher retired from the National Football League. The Redskins will now look to move forward in an attempt to fill the void left by one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
The book ends of the line backing core will look very similar to a season ago when Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo recorded a combined 18.5 sacks. Still, the transformed defensive ends will have to improve in pass coverage if the team hopes to lower their 20th ranked pass defense.
One of the many questions regarding the Washington defense will be right smack dab in the middle, where Perry Riley Jr. will shift to the left inside line-backing role. Riley will be accompanied by Keenan Robinson in the middle where the tandem will hope to sure up the line backing core.
Arguably, Washington’s thinnest position a season ago, the Redskins made a point of providing depth within the unit in hopes of spelling the starters as well as improving the special teams. Washington acquired Akeem Jordan, Darryl Shaprton, and Will Compton with the intention of strengthening the center of the defense. No doubt, the loss of Fletcher will be felt, but management feels Riley Jr. is willing and able to fill the void of defensive leader.
The Redskins will need the linebackers to greatly improve if they hope to solidify the defense and build a championship caliber defense.