Done and done

Gregg Williams deserves every penny of the $8 million dollar deal he got a couple of weeks ago. Not until this week did a team totally expose the Redskins defense for what it is: a very good defense with a well below average front four. Williams was able to hide the collection of castoffs and second stringers with blitzes and stunts for the last two months, but Seattle showed the world why a team can't neglect a glaring need such as a pass rushing defensive end for 10 years. Matt Hasselback couldn't have had more time to throw the ball today. All the Redskins could muster was a pass rush about as effective as a typical game of "500."

The Skins simply must use their first draft pick on a defensive end. Of course, the Redskins were forced to waste their first round draft pick this year in order to move up and draft a quarterback who may never start in DC. So we're looking at the end of the second round, a territory where most of the stars like Kiwianuka (or however you spell it) will be long gone. Unfortunately, the Redskins also desperately need a second wide receiver. Preferably one who is taller than I am. So we could go that way with our first pick. And if history is any indication, we'll look at every other position than the one we need most: defensive end.

Even though I don't think the Redskins are good, I can't help but be disappointed in the effort shown in Seattle. When Shaun Alexander left the game, the score was 0-0. It might have been the best thing that could have happened for the Seahawks because Hasselback decided to throw the ball about 80% of the time from then on. With absolutely zero pass rush, he was able to connect with his receivers at will. Even with three turnovers by Seattle, the Skins could not take the lead because Seattle had no problem moving the ball. Without the NFL MVP.

This simply cannot continue to happen every year. Gibbs' teams in the 80's had Mann and Manley. These Redskins don't even have a guy who could hold Dexter Manley's coke vial. Either draft or sign a LEGITIMATE defensive end this season or we will not be a good team. And if we can make it to the second round of the playoffs with as flawed a team as we fielded this year, imagine what would happen if we had a pass rush.