Doughty
According to Larry Weisman of the Washington Redskins, Reed Doughty has been promoted into the starting lineup in place of Chris Horton.
Horton made a key pass interference penalty in the Detroit game, setting up what proved to be the winning points for the Lions. But he made some key plays against the Rams, including forcing a fumble deep in Washington territory to preserve the Redskins’ two-point lead.
Horton
Defensive coordinator Greg Blache said that the defense will become more aggressive this week and blitz inexperienced Tampa Bay quarterback Josh Johnson. The promotion of Doughty would indicate that Blache trusts him in coverage more than he trusts Horton.
The Redskins have been lining up with three safeties in passing situations frequently this year, so Horton is likely to see plenty of action. In fact, he might be one of those who blitz Johnson on passing downs while Doughty handles the deep coverage.
Blache has decided that he needs to get out of his comfort zone if the defense is going to be effective.
“I’ve got to be a little more of a maverick,” Blache said.
Both Horton and Doughty are playing lights out football for the most part. That penalty on Horton was a little suspect, if you ask me. It looked to me like he was just going for the ball. I do think Horton is not as comfortable in this “off the ball” defense as Doughty is. Thats okay though…Given the D’s performance in these 3 weeks, I’m not comfortable with it either!!!!!