Barry Cofield Already Making An Impact On Redskins Defense

Redskins Defensive Captain London Fletcher has already noticed what ex-Giant Barry Cofield brings to the table — he’s a space eater. Cofield is reportedly drawing doubles and triples making room for Fletch and the rest of the LB unit to make some tackles and force some stops. Could be interesting week 1 when the Skins host the GMEN on September 11.

via the Washington Post:

"Fletcher has noticed that in the 11-on-11 portions of practice, he encounters blockers more infrequently. Instead, they are tied up trying to hold off Cofield, double- and sometimes triple-teaming him to do so. As a result, Fletcher has more open lanes into the backfield and thus, more opportunities to make plays.“Don’t let [blockers] get to me,” Fletcher said with a laugh. “It’s not going to be where [Cofield] is going to have a bunch of tackles, and people are saying this or that. He don’t need a bunch of tackles. Leave those for me.”"

With the departure of Albert Haynesworth to New England, a more famous 4-3 defensive lineman who refused to play nose tackle, Barry Cofield has stepped in and become the team player and inside force the Redskins needed to run their defense the way they wanted to last season. Cofield had a good year for the Giants last season, and he truly does provide that central push you need to stop the run, draw blocks, and close down gaps before they get opened. The Giants DL will miss his presence I’m sure, but the Skins sorely needed his talents and were happy to pay for Cofield’s services. Wish him the best, except on gameday of course when the Giants suit up against him.