Redskins Defensive Line Troubles

Adam Carriker

The Redskins looked to have a solid defensive line going into this offseason. With Stephen Bowen, Barry Cofield, Jarvis Jenkins, and Adam Carriker looking to be the main contributors. In fact the strongest position on the defensive line seemed to be left end. However, now things have changed drastically. Adam Carriker has had a set back with his recovery and now will likely be out for a large part if not the entirety of the season. The Washington Post reported that he is expected to take four to five months to fully heal. Meanwhile Jarvis Jenkins has been suspended for the first four games of the season. With the temporary loss of both Jenkins and Carriker the Redskins have taken a big hit at a position that once seemed to be a strength.



In order to combat this it seems the simplest and quickest fit would be to move back up RE Kedric Golston to the left side to be the starter until Jenkins can return after week 4. The other player who is bound to see some work at the LE position is Chris Baker who is currently the backup to Cofield at nose tackle. This is really not the type of hit a team like the Redskins need. Especially because the DE's in a 3-4 are very important when defending the run.

Fortunately the Redskins play two NFC North teams in the Lions and the Packers in their first four games and both teams have failed to make big statements in the run game in recent years. While both teams have added talent at the running back position it is likely that their offenses will continue to be pass oriented. The other two games are against the Eagles and the Raiders which are the exact opposite from the NFC North teams. The Eagles have two talented backs in LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown while the Raiders have Darren McFadden. It will be interesting to see how those teams decided to play the redskins but my guess would be they will test Goslton and Baker running the ball right at them early and often.