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during the season Cheap Jordan Reed Jersey , and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn’t much NFL news being published. Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.The importance of field positionWinning field position; flipping field position; pinning the opponent deep in their own territory; red zone offense; driving a short field... these phrases all relate to an important concept in NFL football.Long, sustained offensive drives are hard to muster consistently.NFL teams tend to be so evenly balanced that it is difficult for an offense to come on the field time and time again and drive 75+ yards to score a touchdown.Teams that can frequently force the opposing offense to begin drives inside their own 20 yard line will give an advantage to their defense.Teams that can consistently begin drives outside their own 30 or 35 yard line to enjoy a relatively short field will give an advantage to their offense.But the field position game is primarily a defensive game.After all, it’s no good pinning the opposing offense deep on their end of the field if your defense can’t keep them there.For the past several seasons, we’ve seen how fruitless it was to try to contain the opposition with Redskin defenses that couldn’t stop a drive or force a 3 & out consistently.Things have changed in 2018John Keim - ESPNhttp://www.espn.com/blog/washington-...nfc-eastSpecial Teams impact Strong kickoffs by Dustin Hopkins mean that teams are generally starting at the 25, or even further back on nearly every post-kickoff drive.Incredibly selfless and accurate punting by Tress Way, combined with outstanding coverage by the punt coverage units, is another huge factor in winning the battle of field position.A major change from 2017This superior special teams play is a huge turnaround from a year ago.In December — just over 10 months ago — I wrote an article titled, Special Teams haven’t been very special this season.I perused the play-by-play reports of all the 2017 games up to that point and itemized the Special Teams failures.It was a long, ugly and undignified list.This is how I ended that article:I, myself, was calling for special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica to be sacked.James, as you can see above, expected him to be the off-season sacrifice to atone for the Redskins losing season.I saw a number of reporters in the mainstream press suggest that Kotwica might end up the scapegoat for the larger failures of the team and coaching staff.But that’s not what happened.Jay Gruden stood up in support of Ben Kotwica in January, February and March.He publicly expressed confidence in him and said that the issues with special teams had to do with roster construction and injuries.Jay committed that Special Teams would get more priority in free agency, draft, and final roster decision making in 2018.In fact, Jay went so far as to say this:Jay doubled down on this time and time again through the offseason, saying repeatedly that players who could excel on special teams would have an advantage over those who couldn’t, and that it might even mean the less talented offensive or defensive player getting a roster spot over his more talented rival for the position who did not contribute as much to special teams.The evidence suggests that Jay was true to his word, and that Ben Kotwica has done a good job reversing the terrible ST performance of 2017.Special Teams have been more than simply adequate this season.They have been good overall, with the punt coverage team, in particular, doing an outstanding job, and we’ve seen the results reflected in the outstanding field position advantage that the Redskins have enjoyed.What’s that you say about field position advantage?I looked to James Dorsett’s incredible Snaps & Stats articles from this week for a little quantification of Redskins field position.Stats & Snaps - Dustin HopkinsStats & Snaps - Tress WayDallas basically started every post-kickoff drive at the 25 yard line, 75 yards away from the Redskins’ goal line.As per James Dorsett Cheap Brandon Scherff Jersey , the average field position following punts was near the 18 yard line, putting them about 82 yards away from the Redskins goal line.In short, the Cowboys were having to go between 74 and 89 yards on every drive of the game but one if they wanted to score a touchdown.Jay Gruden’s thoughtsHere are some comments about the power of field position from this week’s press conferences:Stats & Snaps - OffenseJames Dorsett says that the Redskins offense — unlike the opposing team — is enjoying great field position these days:So, opposing offenses are having to start drives from the 18 yard line after punts, and the 25 yard line after kickoffs, while the Redskins offense is launching drives from the 33.This 10-yard advantage is significant, and it gives the Redskins defense an edge, and means that the offense, on average, only has 67 yards to travel for a touchdown.Stats & Snaps - DefenseD-E-F-E-N-S-EStifling defense by Greg Manusky’s crew, led by the Alabama Wall, Smith and Kerrigan, and backed by fiery play by Mason Foster, Zach Brown, Josh Norman, DJ Swearinger, and a group of young and developing defensive backs has been a formula that has led the Redskins to allow only 20.2 points per game overall, and just 14.25 points per game in their 4 victories.Sudden Impact: Winning the turnover battleTurnovers are a huge factor in field position.Instead of punting or kicking the ball across half the field or more to back your opponents up, the ‘sudden change’ of turnovers give a team a motivational lift and, usually, an advantage in field position.The Redskins, by minimizing fumbles and interceptions lost by the offense, are keeping one of their greatest weapons in play.That weapon is named Tress Way.When a Redskins drive stalls, Way is booting the ball with great skill and more than half the time the coverage team is downing it inside the 20 — and often inside the 15.Turnover differentialMeanwhile, the Redskins defense is forcing turnovers.The defense has 11 takeaways in 6 games Womens Jamison Crowder Jersey , and the Redskins rank 4th in the NFL in turnover differential, at +6 through six games.By taking the ball away from the opposition 11 times while the offense has given it away only 5 time, the Redskins are taking away, on average, one scoring opportunity per game from their opponents, giving that opportunity to the Redskins offense, and usually giving the offense a short field to boot.This is complementary football.This is winning football.But it’s also the kind of statistical football that doesn’t get much attention.We all want to know yardage for every running back, receiver and tight end.We carefully keep track of 100-yard games, TDs scored, and quarterback stats like TD:INT ratio, passer rating and QBR, but who logs the numbers for field position and turnover differential in their memory for handy reference?We pay attention to sack totals, but don’t carefully keep track of the number of 3 & outs by the defense.We may be aware of average punting distance by our team’s punter, but few people keep close tabs on the number of times he pins the opposition inside the 15 or 20 yard line.The Field position battle is generally not a top-of-the-mind part of the game for most fans, but it’s an one of the more important battles to win.For the fist time in a long time, the Redskins are winning it, and that fact is reflected on the scoreboard.Time of possessionHere’s what Greg Manusky said this week about Time of Possession:The lesson here is that the Redskins’ ability to run the ball, control the clock, and keep their offense on the field will physically wear down the opposing defense and dishearten them.Adrian PetersonRight now, Adrian Peterson is providing a powerful weapon in the Time of Possession war.Here’s what Jay Gruden had to say about AD this week:Jay’s being a bit modest.The Redskins — or more specifically, Adrian Peterson — has rammed the ball down the throat of the opponents in the 4 victories, where AD has averaged 103 rushing yards per game, and hasn’t rushed for less than 96 yards in any single win this season.Peterson’s ability to run effectively and move the chains consistently is helping the Redskins put opponents under duress.Shutting down the opposing runnersI wrote this last week:Winning football usually means establishing the run.But it is equally critical to stop the opposing team from rushing the ball.So far in 2018, the Redskins have been extremely successful at stopping opposing running games despite facing some very talented runners.Washington is ranked 3rd in the NFL in rush defense, allowing just 87.3 rushing yards per game.No single back has rushed for more than 61 yards against the Redskins this season Youth Montae Nicholson Jersey , and after being gashed repeatedly in 2017, the Redskins have not given up a single run of 20+ yards in 2018.We'll see if they can keep it up against the ‘boom or bust’ rookie running back of the Giants, Saquon Barkley, but so far this season, they’ve done well against a pretty good list of talented ball carriers.The benefits are many.By shutting down the running game, the Redskins force the opposing offense to become one-dimensional, and take away the other team’s ability to control time of possession.It basically leaves just one way for the other offense to score;specifically, this kind of football puts the responsibility for winning the game on the opposing quarterback’s throwing shoulder. Not many quarterbacks are up to the challenge.Drew Brees was, but Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton and Dak Prescott have all fallen short.Redskins football in 2018Redskins football in 2018 is defensive football.It is ball control football.It is time of possession football.It is low giveaway, high takeaway football.It is field position football.It is field goal football.And, at 4-2, right now, it is winning football. OffenseTaylor Cornelius, QBSchool: Oklahoma State | Conference: BIG 12College Experience: RS Senior | Age: 23Height / Weight: 6-6 / 232 lbsCornelius has been a fine replacement at QB for the Cowboys since Mason Rudolph left last season. Oklahoma State’s offense is no doubt a QBs dream if he wants to put up big stats. Cornelius won’t match Rudolph’s numbers from last year but he’ll come relatively close. I think one of the more important statistics to keep in mind when evaluating these Air Raid / Spread offense QBs is TD to INT ratio. Cornelius currently has a ratio of 2.875 which is quite good. Cornelius managed to keep pace with Kyler Murray all night in the latest Bedlam contest and the Cowboys came up just a point sort due to their kicker missing an extra point earlier in the game and Cornelius throwing a duck on a late two point conversion attempt. Still he finished this matchup going 34 for 53 for 501 yards and 3 TDs. He’ll be an interesting late round QB to keep an eye on if he decides to go to the NFL. Michael Deiter, OGSchool: Wisconsin | Conference: BIG 10College Experience: Senior | Age: 22?Height / Weight: 6-6 / 310 lbsFinally an offensive lineman! I would have loved to cover more of these guys by now for you all but analysis and more importantly highlight clips are hard to come by this year in part due to lack of depth at the position. Michael Deiter is a good player to start with though as he will be a good value at OG coming off the board in the mid-rounds this coming draft. Wisconsin’s offensive line was/is largely hailed as the best in the country and Deiter is a big part of that units success. Deiter has experience playing LT, LG, and C but currently holds down the LG spot for the Badgers. Deiter is a mauler and can handle his opponents in tight spaces especially on the run. His footwork and and balance need work though as he has struggled with quick interior defenders. Still he has the tools that offensive line coaches will like to work with especially in the middle rounds of the draft. Dieter helped Jonathan Taylor rip off 185 yards on the ground and a touchdown this past weekend against the Nittany Lions.Check out his ability to pull in the clip below. Antoine Wesley, WRSchool: Texas Tech | Conference: BIG 12College Experience: Junior | Age: 21?Height / Weight: 6-5 / 185 lbsAntoine Wesley is 2nd in the nation in receiving yards with 1,347. He has been such a weapon in Texas Tech’s Air Raid offense but it isnt just the scheme that’s allowed him to put up such big numbers. Wesley has a rare blend of size and speed. He simply is taller than most guys on the field a good athlete for his body type and he uses his length and catch radius to haul in catches others can’t make. If he declares and depending on how well he tests Wesley could be a nice option for a team who’s offense centers on stretching the field. Wesley put up big numbers against a solid Texas defense hauling in 8 catches for 171 yards and 2 TDs.Stanley Morgan Jr., WRSchool: Nebraska | Conference: BIG 10College Experience: Senior | Age: 22Height / Weight: 6-1 / 200 lbsI’ve been wanting to write about Stanley Morgan Jr. since last year. I briefly mentioned him in the draft profile for Josh Jackson last year as well as the in a Closer Look series featuring De’Mornay Pierson-El. I think Morgan Jr. deserves to be mentioned amongst the top receiving options in the upcoming draft. I think Morgan Jr. has performed well in spite of poor QB play during his time at Nebraska. He comes from good pedigree as well as he is the son of Stanley Morgan the former great Patriots and Colts receiver who played from the late 1970’s to 1990. As you would expect Sr. taught Jr. the fundamentals and Morgan is indeed a technician and is well advanced compared to his peers as a route runner and as a natural pass catcher. He isn’t the tallest, biggest, or fastest but he is going to stick in the NFL and be productive. He finished the game this weekend against Illinois with 8 catches for 131 yards and 2 TDs. Caleb Wilson, TESchool: UCLA | Conference: PAC 12College Experience: Junior | Age: 21?Height / Weight: 6-4 / 235 lbsWilson is an athletic pass catching TE who has be having a solid season thus far. He had the best game of his career this past week against Arizona State where he caught 11 balls for 164 yards and 2 TDs. Wilson as you can see is essentially a big WR but fits into what the NFL wants in their pass catching TEs and he can certainly exploit coverage all over the field. Wilson could not be stopped by the Arizona State defense and took advantage of his matchup against linebackers and safeties. A big test will be coming up for him this weekend against USC but Wilson has positioned himself to be one of the top TEs drafted if he decides to declare. DefenseAustin Bryant, EDGESchool: Clemson | Conference: ACCCollege Experience: Senior | Age: 21Height / Weight: 6-5 / 265 lbsAustin Bryant Youth Zach Brown Jersey , Christian Wilkins, and Clelin Ferrell all decided to return for their senior seasons so that they could win a championship. All 3 could be first round picks come draft day. Bryant is a strong contender for the first EDGE prospect off the board in a stacked EDGE class. He has impressive physical skills and can rush the pass as well as play the run. His athleticism allows him to cover sideline to sideline and his instinct and anticipation are among the best in the class. All of those traits showed this weekend against Boston College. Bryant finished with 6 tackles (2 TFLs) and 1.5 sacks. If you have time I suggest you watch the game recap below Bryant has impact on the field that is not measured in stats as well and you’ll be able to see why he’ll be a top choice next draft. Checkout 9:42, 12:44Kenneth Edison-McGruder, S/LBSchool: Oklahoma State | Conference: BIG 12College Experience: Senior | Age: 21Height / Weight: 6-0 / 220 lbsIn a game that basically had no defense Edison-McGruder shined a bit in his attempt to try and stop a high powered Oklahoma offense. McGruder is the 3rd safety in Oklahoma State’s defense he is used as a swiss army knife and can drop back into single high coverage, come up and act as linebacker or play nickel CB in certain packages. In his most effective plays he was used as a nickel LB and used to rush the passer. He finished this contest with 12 tackles (3 TFLs), and 2 sacks. Teams looking for a hybrid safety linebacker ought to find value in a player like him and additional value in his reputation for being a fierce competitor and leader on the field. Checkout 11:42, 14:24David Long Jr., LBSchool: West Virginia | Conference: BIG 12College Experience: RS Junior | Age: 22?Height / Weight: 5-11 / 221 lbsDavid Long Jr. was unstoppable against TCU this past weekend. Long without a doubt is one of the most productive football players in the country and he showed it in this game. Long should be in the conversation with top ILB prospects such as Te’Veon Coney and Devin White in my opinion as he is just as if not more prolific and shares some of their best traits. Long cause disruption all afternoon against the Horned Frogs and finished with 6 tackles (4 TFLs), and 3 sacks. The knock on Long will be that he’s 10-20 lbs undersized for the position and that he doesn’t have elite athleticism but trust me he reads and reacts to plays just fine.Checkout 25:55, 40:50, 1:04:22, 1:39:20, 2:02:58Darrell Taylor, EDGESchool: Tennessee | Conference: SECCollege Experience: RS Junior | Age: 21Height / Weight: 6-4 / 247 lbsSpeaking of monster games Darrell Taylor had one this past weekend too. Taylor actually plays DE on the defensive line of Tennessee when the team is in a 4 man front and converts back to SAM linebacker when the defense is in a odd front. He can rush off the edge or make interior moves. Taylor wrecked Kentucky’s offensive line and racked up 4 sacks against them. Taylor was extremely active this game finishing with a stat line of 7 tackles (4 TFLs), 4 sacks, 1 FF, and 1 FR. He is going to be one of those fun players to watch because if he lands in the right scheme watch out NFL.T.J. Brunson, LBSchool: South Carolina | Conference: SECCollege Experience: Junior | Age: 20Height / Weight: 6-1 / 240 lbsTalk about production T.J. Brunson has 45 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks in just the past three games. He was a force against Florida and allowed the game to be competitive with his disruptions on defense. Brunson is another interesting potential mid-round option this year at ILB. He’s also one of the most productive players in college football at the position but is much more of a downhill player at the position compared to the more well rounded options. Still, you can count on Brunson to pressure the QB and stuff the run. He did that to the best of his ability this game and finished with 16 tackles (3 TFLs), 2 sacks, and 1 FF. Checkout :52, 8:02 Custom Seattle Seahawks Jerseys