The Washington Redskins' 30th-rated defense is actually behind the team's four-game winning streak.
The Redskins' 27-20 victory against the Philadelphia Eagles Oct. 16 was the fourth straight game during which Washington didn't allow a second-half touchdown. After surrendering 38 second-half points through an 0-2 start, Washington has since permitted just 15 -- all field goals.
What is going on?
One month ago, defensive coordinator Joe Barry was nearly run out of Washington by fans. Now, he's the second coming of predecessor Richie Petitbon for the Redskins' second-half adjustments. While opponents seem to roam freely in the first half, post-intermission sees the Redskins suddenly clog running lanes in the middle while rotating zone and man coverage without too many breakdowns.
