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Washington Redskins Pass Defense Coming Together

By Carl Cockerham

Aug 1, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Junior Galette (58) talks with nose tackle Chris Baker (92) and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) prior to afternoon practice as part of day three of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2015; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins linebacker Junior Galette (58) talks with nose tackle Chris Baker (92) and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (98) prior to afternoon practice as part of day three of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Washington Redskins have been working on their pass defense for a while but it wasn’t pretty in 2015. They were ranked No. 25-ranked pass defense while in the middle of the pack in sacks last year. Edge-rusher Junior Galette signed 1-year deal last year but missed the season with a torn his Achilles.

Now in the 2016 offseason, Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan is doing all he can to improve things. The cupboard wasn’t bare as edge-rushers Ryan Kerrigan and rookie Preston Smith had 9.5 and eight sacks a piece in 2015. Cornerback Brashaud Breeland had himself a pretty good year in coverage but more is needed.

All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman was just added this offseason to make the secondary better. But at Monday’s press conference to introduce Norman, McCloughan talked a little about Galette, who was brought back this offseason. He sounded as optimistic as can be about the health of his defensive end.

When asked what it was he needed to see from Galette to know he could return, McCloughan said, “I’ve already seen it. He’s still rehabbing, but he looks excellent. His explosion’s back.”

The last two seasons he’s actually played, Galette, who’s on his second 1-year, prove-it contract with the team, had 12.0 in 2013 and 10.0 sacks in 2014. Everyone around the NFL knows the Norman has been a big beneficiary of a great pass rush. So if the Redskins can add an interior pass-rusher in the draft and Galett returns to form, he’ll benefit again.

And the Redskins have a good shot to make it further in the playoffs in 2016.

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