Other than an impassioned defense of Redskins owner Daniel Snyder earlier this month, defensive coordinator Greg Blache had mostly boycotted the media. Early in the season, the media asked Blache about the team's lack of sacks, which bothered him to the point of media silence.

After the first three games, the Redskins had produced only four, which was slightly behind the pace of last year's sack total of 24. But in the six games since then, the revamped D-line has helped the team ramp up the pressure and produce 20 sacks, and save for the first half against the Broncos in Week 10, the unit has been very good.

It largely went unnoticed prior to the Broncos win because the team was awash in controversy from the status of head coach Jim Zorn, the hiring of out-of-work offensive coordinator Sherm Lewis and a tattered offensive line getting QB Jason Campbell beat up.

But now the Redskins' defensive exploits are coming more to light. A great line, led by DT Albert Haynesworth and rookie Brian Orakpo, who rushes from end on third downs, has been atop the reasons why the defense has performed well. Certainly, the run defense, which has been somewhat soft against its past three opponents, needs some tightening up. But the terrific push up front has made the Redskins one of the tougher teams to throw against.

And it's not just a two-man operation. DT Cornelius Griffin is good when healthy. DE Andre Carter, benefiting most from Haynesworth's presence, is having a tremendous season. And reserves such as Phillip Daniels, Kedric Golston and rookie Jeremy Jarmon, who is coming on, have been assignment-sound and productive.

"It starts with the guys I came in with here in '06 — Cornelius Griffin, Phillip Daniels and Renaldo Wynn," Golston told PFW. "It's the foundation of this defense, and they really expect a lot out of the whole group. I know (DL) coach John Palermo appreciates that because it's kind of a player-coach group that polices itself. And with the addition of Haynesworth and Orakpo, those are two guys with special talents."

Golston said the defensive line has heeded Palermo's pleas to be quick and decisive off the snap, a drill they often work on, which has helped the pass rush tremendously.

"When (Palermo) first came here (in '08), he used to say, 'I have a foot fetish.' Everyone knows about defensive linemen: Those first two steps are important. They set up the rest of the down. If your first two steps aren't good, you don't really have a chance," Golston said. "Everyone is big, fast and strong. Those little details, they give you a chance to be successful."

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