The Redskins have bigger needs than free safety — nose tackle and a pass-rushing linebacker top the list — and their defense won’t improve until they fill those holes.
But they need better play at free safety. And there happens to be a playmaking safety available: O.J. Atogwe, who has drawn the Redskins’ interest and is visiting Tuesday.
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That’s not surprising, says former Redskins safety Matt Bowen.
For starters, the Redskins could use a playmaking safety. Of course, what team wouldn’t want one? But Kareem Moore struggled in his first season as a starter, perhaps because of a bad knee.
What the Redskins can’t do is overspend for a safety. Then again, with the uncertainty created by a possible lockout, and with no guarantees about free agency, this could be a rare opportunity to improve. One thing to note, however: Teams and players may be reluctant to do any deals before the collective bargaining agreement is finalized.
Anyway, Atogwe has 37 combined forced fumbles and interceptions since becoming a full-time starter in 2006.
“He takes good angles to the ball,” Bowen said. “Players who do that are always around the ball.”
With offenses using more empty-backfield sets, having a safety such as Atogwe is a bonus. He can cover man-to-man in the slot and is comfortable deep. That allows defensive coordinators to stay with their base personnel and maintain their aggressiveness and creativity. Typically when an offense goes to an empty set, it’s an automatic check to a cover-2 zone.
“Having that guy in the middle of the field,” Bowen said, “gives you an advantage.”
