From ProFootballWeekly

[akhhorus]

Expect a deal to get done soon that will keep free-agent-to-be CB Fred Smoot in Washington for a long time. Joe Gibbs has been thrilled with the play of his cornerbacks and especially impressed with Smoot’s toughness, a characteristic he wants to build this team around.

The play of Redskins MLB Antonio Pierce has been very good, much better than anticipated so far. But one source close to the team says the one area he falls short of Mike Barrow is a veteran’s sense of recognition when it comes to reading opponents’ tendencies based on formation and play-calling preferences.

[RedskinRyan]

might as well have said dont read this. we were already aware that gibbs loves our corners and that a contract was coming up soon for smoot. atleast they have a reliable source(the Post) on smoot's contract, although they are like a week late on it.

[CarMike]

Thats the first "negative" thing I've read about Peirce coming out of Redskins Park....

[techskinsfan]

i think that a load of crap about pierce, that his strongest point his head. Now i am unsure how smart a player Barrow is...but hed hafta be a Harvard grad to be smarter than pierce. From what i have seen and heard pierce has been praised for being a student of the game and good at it. i dunno...

[akhhorus]

I would believe that Barrow understands the game better than Pierce, Pierce has been riding the pine ofr four years, Barrow's been a starter for a long time.

[RedskinsDave]

It must be that Barrow has a better angle all season, FROM THE SIDELINES!!!

[RedskinsVision]

Pierce have been much better at a crucial, leadership position than most of us thought.. but he can be a liability in coverage. is Barrow faster and better in coverage than Pierce? i don't know and doubt it. Pierce have given up TD's against a very good TE in Witten and in yesterday's game and have been flagged for a couple late hits but i don't think Barrow being in there would make the Defense that much better. how could it get any better than a #1 D (haven't checked the newest rankings)?

[Spence]

Originally Posted by akhhorus

The play of Redskins MLB Antonio Pierce has been very good, much better than anticipated so far. But one source close to the team says the one area he falls short of Mike Barrow is a veteran’s sense of recognition when it comes to reading opponents’ tendencies based on formation and play-calling preferences.

This should come as no surprise. This is Pierce's first season as a starter inside, while Barrow is 34-years-old and a veteran of many campaigns. I must confess Pierce has exceeded my expectations several times over.

[PennSkinsFan]

Originally Posted by akhhorus

I would believe that Barrow understands the game better than Pierce, Pierce has been riding the pine ofr four years, Barrow's been a starter for a long time.

Yup, he will grow into that with time.

[TexSkin]

You could have fooled me the way the defense and Peirce are playing. If thats not his best teams better watch out when he does catch on. If we are stuck with Barrow for a few years then we need to put more 3-4 packages in. Pierce is too good to ride the bench.

[hockeygoalie29]

Originally Posted by TexSkin

You could have fooled me the way the defense and Peirce are playing. If thats not his best teams better watch out when he does catch on. If we are stuck with Barrow for a few years then we need to put more 3-4 packages in. Pierce is too good to ride the bench.

I agree with the 3-4. Our linebackers are very speedy and combined with our lack of high caliber defensive ends I think it would be a great package. People have mentioned that we need a big nose tackle, but I believe Griffen gives us just that. On one of his sacks yesterday he split two blockers and was absolutely suffing the run all day either by making the tackle himself or directing the runner right into our linebackers.

[NCskinfan]

How about Noble/Salavea at Nose tackle and Wynn and Griffin at the ends in a 3-4?

[akhhorus]

Originally Posted by NCskinfan

How about Noble/Salavea at Nose tackle and Wynn and Griffin at the ends in a 3-4?

with Lavar and Barrow out? Then we're taking talent off the field. Also the Defense has been great, why mess with it at all?

[JoeJacksonTaylor28]

Originally Posted by akhhorus

with Lavar and Barrow out? Then we're taking talent off the field. Also the Defense has been great, why mess with it at all?

how I would like to see the D at full strength.... it would be awesome.... but the absence of some is only making the team stronger for years to come.

[Dolla Bill]

I'm happy with the defense, as is, with the exception of the injuries forcing Bowen and Arrington out. This is a testament to Williams, who should be the team MVP by seasons end.