Start Washington Redskins We will be featuring a
different Washington Redskins player each day on this list, staying
away from rookies or some second-year players still finding their way. Washington
Redskins This will focus primarily on veterans at or near a career crossroads. Washington Redskins
Today: linebacker Perry Riley. Why he has something to prove, The
Redskins re-signed Riley after a sluggish season in which they weren’t pleased
with the production from their inside linebackers. They weren’t big enough
factors in either the run or pass game, Washington Redskins and the Redskins
were content with letting Riley walk if the price was too high. But at this
point last season Riley was coming off a solid year and some wondered if he
could become a Pro Bowler. Washington Redskins That felt like a stretch then he’s
not a playmaker though it wasn’t wrong to view him as a solid player. Riley still
has lapses in coverage, Washington Redskins particularly in zone. He admitted
last year that, because he played so much man coverage at LSU, Washington
Redskins he took a while to feel comfortable playing zones. But he still has
flaws in that area, from a recognition standpoint, that must be corrected. It
leads to big enough gaps and that leads to plays. Washington Redskins The
Redskins have insurance at inside linebacker, having signed two veteran
starters in Darryl Sharpton and Akeem Jordan.
But they gave Riley a bigger contract for a reason: He is the likely starter.
However, it would not stun me to see someone bump Riley from the spot if he
repeats his 2013 performance. He hasn’t been a playmaker at all, with only one
forced fumble and one interception in his career. What he must do: Make
some plays and be solid in the run game, which is the point of emphasis at this
position. Riley does not miss a lot of tackles, so that is a good start. It’s
nice that he has recorded 6.5 sacks the past two seasons combined, but if the
Redskins do a better job in their four-man rushes, then Riley’s blitzing won’t
be needed as much (though it’s a nice curve to throw). The Redskins did a good
job in 2012 of moving him around, Washington Redskins letting him rush off the
edge on occasion, in their nickel packages. Riley is fast enough to then cause
some problems, especially when the offense is fooled. But he has to be more
sound in the pass game and be strong against the run. With a possible
first-year starter next to him in Keenan Robinson, Riley’s knowledge of
the defense will be counted upon. He knows the calls, but Robinson’s position
is the one that makes them in games. Riley can help with them however. Washington
Redskins When you see the elite linebackers play, they move fast enough to the
ball that offensive linemen can’t hold double-teams. Washington Redskins So
either the defensive lineman gets a one-on-one or the linebacker gets to the
ball. London Fletcher's ability to diagnose plays was vital and it’s why he
lasted so long. Riley is not elite, Washington Redskins but he’s now entering
his third full season as a starter. He can give the Redskins more consistency, Washington
Redskins stemming from stronger recognition. It helps that he will now have
Kirk Olivadotti coaching him; he focuses more on techniques and helping players
improve than previous coaches. Washington Redskins That will help. Projection: Starter.
I wouldn’t be surprised if they made a change at some point the defense ranked
31st in points allowed last season and hasn’t been a strong one for a while, so
should anyone feel that safe? though it’s not as if a Pro Bowler is sitting
behind Riley. Washington Redskins Or a young hotshot rookie for that matte. If
Riley doesn’t get it done this season they can always move on in 2015 and save
$2 million on the salary cap. Washington Redskins Riley can help them as he did
in 2012, Washington Redskins.
