Despite winning their last two games, holes have been exposed on the Redskins defense. Washington currently ranks 29th in the league in yards allowed and is worst in the league by a wide margin at giving up third down conversions.

There have been bright spots defensively - back to back weeks the Redskins have forced turnovers in the second half of games. That has helped the unit hold the Giants and the Browns to a combined nine second half points over the last two games. In a vacuum those numbers are impressive, but in totality, the Redskins are giving up far too many yards, first downs, and at an elementary level, missing too many tackles.

Defensive coordinator Joe Barry owned up to the shortcomings.

"I put a lot of pride and a lot of input on myself to get it done and we’re not getting it done right now," he said. "I’m not getting it done."

Good news came for Barry though, as his head coach revealed he has not lost confidence in the defensive coordinator.

"There is improvements that need to happen, no question, coaching, playing, all across the board and we’re working to do that. But we have the guys in-house that we feel can get it done. I feel like the coaches will get it done," Gruden said.

The message is clear, and consistent, from Gruden. His team won the last two games, and did so on the backs of strong second half adjustments defensively. Now that does not excuse the other weak aspects of the defensive gameplan, but it's not time to overreact either.

"We haven’t played up to our standard, without question," Gruden said. "We played well in the second half in both games – both our victories – and we’re creating turnovers. That’s good. There’s positives to be had. Now our tackling hasn’t been on par for what we demand around here. That’s something we can improve on."

Pressed for his confidence level in Barry, Gruden said, "I feel fine. I really do. That’s something that we address at the end of the season. Right now, we’re in good shape."

The stats tell a different story, but if players execute and tackle better - something that both Gruden and Barry suggest is possible - the numbers will improve. And the most important number is wins. Ugly or not, the defense is contributing to those for the last two weeks by creating turnovers. And while some may question Barry for the team's tackling or third down ineptitude, he deserves credit for his team's mindset attacking the ball.

"I do believe, again, taking the ball away is something that it’s a skill that has to be developed, it’s a skill that has to be talked about," Barry said. "You physically have to do them. So, it’s something that we talk about every single day whether it’s April or October, and it will be continued to talk about every day."

Each day running to the practice field, Redskins defenders must strip the ball from a tackling dummy. It's a simple drill, but it reinforces the mindset of forcing fumbles and creating takeaways. Until the Redskins can improve against the run, making tackles or stopping third down conversions, they better keep stripping that dummy.

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