Don’t believe stats
The theme of the week for the Redskins' defense is that statistics can be deceiving.
Against Seattle on Sunday, that will mean ignoring the team's 2-8 record and less-than-gaudy stats. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache knows that the Seahawks will be a different team now that quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and receiver Deion Branch have returned from injury.
"Don't look at the statistics," Blache said. "Don't look at what the team was doing before these guys came back."
The second statistic Blache wants ignored is one that reflects on the Redskins -- the team is last in the NFC in sacks, having recorded just 15.
He said yesterday that it would be foolish to focus on that area while the unit as a whole is allowing opponents just 18 points a game.
"We accept who we are. We're not going to be a great sack football team. Period," Blache said. "We've been beating it to death week after week, but astoundingly, we're still one of the better defenses in the league, and that's a credit to our players. It can't be that big of an issue, because if it was we wouldn't be at the top."
Coach Jim Zorn agreed, saying that the team was pressuring the quarterback and often just a half-second away from getting a sack.
For linebacker London Fletcher, it comes down not to a team effort but an individual effort for the pass rushers.
"We have to start winning more one-on-one matchups," he said.
The unit has thrived in spite of its lack of pressure because of a top-notch secondary that recently was expanded to include cornerback DeAngelo Hall, a former Virginia Tech star.
On Sunday, the unit will get another boost when Shawn Springs returns from a left calf injury. Springs last played against the Rams in Week 6, and before that shut down the Cowboys Terrell Owens in Week 4.
Blache isn't worried about what all the downtime will do to the cornerback because Rogers has been attending and participating in practices.
"He's out schooling the other corners, talking about what's going to happen before it happens," Blache said. "He recognizes subtleties and certain nuances from offenses that other corners don't."
In addition to Rogers' help, the defense is getting extra knowledge this week from the top -- head coach Jim Zorn, who was the quarterbacks coach in Seattle before joining the Redskins in the offseason.
Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren had that situation after he left Green Bay and knows that Zorn will be piping in during defensive meeting this week.
"You know that position so well that you can kind of tip them off on things that bother that player," Holmgren said. "I'm sure he'll do that."
Injury update: The Redskins had no unexpected injury news yesterday. Lineman Chris Samuels, Portis and receiver Antwaan Randle El didn't practice but are expected to play Sunday. Linebacker H.B. Blades will replace Marcus Washington, who is out with a high-ankle sprain.
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