A new decade brings new excitement for the Washington Redskins, and the official hiring of both Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio on Wednesday morning helped ring in 2020 for Washington fans across the county.
While many who follow the team are just happy to have the old regime on its way out, there are some things popping up about the new staff that is cause for celebration as well. With Del Rio, who is the newest defensive coordinator in Washington, it’s his history of excelling with a dynamic pass-rusher that is truly encouraging.
Back in 2002, when Del Rio was hired as the DC for the Carolina Panthers, future All-Pro defensive end Julius Peppers was drafted by the team with the No. 2 overall pick. The defense excelled under Del Rio’s coaching, finishing the year in the top 5 for points allowed and yards per game. Peppers went on to be a nine-time Pro Bowler in Carolina.
Fast forward 10 years to when Del Rio was hired as the DC for the Denver Broncos in 2012, and you’ll find more success with a dynamic pass-rusher — this time Von Miller, who was drafted with the No. 2 pick in 2011. Once again, the Broncos finished the year in the top 5 for both points allowed and yards per game. Miller is still playing in Denver, where he’s been named a Super Bowl MVP and an eight-time Pro-Bowler.
Fast forward to this year, where Del Rio has been named the DC for the Redskins. This is where the coincidence really comes in. The Redskins have the No. 2 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, where they are expected to take…you guessed it, a generational pass-rusher in Chase Young. Does that mean that Washington’s defense will finish in the top 5 in points allowed and yards per game? Well, according to the trends…
Here you go. I’ve been told by some to always look at the track record of a guy. In four years as a DC Del Rio’s D’s finished in the top 5 in either yards or points allowed 3 times. Skins haven’t done that since 2008. https://t.co/hzvZqio7Yk
— John Keim (@john_keim) January 1, 2020
Of course, it’s too early to dub Chase Young a future Super Bowl MVP, or a multi-time Pro-Bowler, but this trend of success under Del Rio at least has to be noted. The future is bright for the Redskins, and based on years past, history could repeat itself for Del Rio in Washington.
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