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Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 11: Washington Redskins defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the first half of an NFL game between the Washington Redskins and the Tampa Bay Bucs on November 11, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 11: Washington Redskins defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the first half of an NFL game between the Washington Redskins and the Tampa Bay Bucs on November 11, 2018, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL. (Photo by Roy K. Miller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

19. Washington Redskins

2018 Review: While the final numbers show that Washington’s defense finished near the middle of the pack in terms of yardage allowed both on the ground and through the air, this group was much improved from recent seasons. And the Redskins’ issues at quarterback and offense the second half of 2018 made life a lot more difficult for Greg Manusky’s defenders down the stretch. Steady outside linebacker Ryan Kerrigan totaled 13 sacks and the three-man front of Jonathan Allen (8), Matt Ioannidis (7.5) and Daron Payne (5) teamed for 20.5 QB traps.

2019 Key Additions: Team president Bruce Allen gave former New York Giants’ safety Landon Collins big bucks to fight for old D.C. The Redskins also brought on well-traveled cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The club added journeyman inside linebacker Jon Bostic after Reuben Foster went down with a knee injury in May. And the ‘Skins traded back up into the first round in April to add promising pass-rusher Montez Sweat (Mississippi State).

Analysis: The loss of Foster and the decision to part ways with productive inside linebacker Zach Brown are tough to overcome. The team also saw outside linebacker Preston Smith sign with the Packers and he was one of the team’s most complete defenders. The Redskins need Collins to regain his All-Pro form from a few seasons ago and a few of their younger players to step up. Washington’s three-man line has the potential to be fearsome.

Next: No. 18

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