Last season, Washington's defense was better than basic numbers suggested. The unit allowed the 12th-most yards per game (347.9) and the fifth-most points per game (24.2). But those metrics don't account for factors like the quality of opponent or the situation.

Accounting for efficiency, the Redskins had the 11th-best defense in 2017, according to Football Outsiders, after ranking 25th the previous year.

The reason for the improvement? Pressure rate. Under defensive coordinator Greg Manusky, the Redskins generated pressure on 38.3 percent of opposing dropbacks — which led a league where the average was just 31.6 percent.

It will be interesting to see if the Redskins can do the same in 2018. Pressure rate can vary year-to-year and just four teams — Denver, Carolina, Philadelphia and Cincinnati — placed in the top 10 in both 2016 and 2017. Washington went from 12th to first in that span.

Asked if the Redskins can be as successful with their pressure, Gruden said: "I hope so."

"We've got to do a better job on third down and in the red zone," Gruden told The Washington Times. "We've got to get some turnovers. But I think with the pressure, adding Daron Payne will help."

has said he's eager to prove he can rush the passer at the NFL level, something draft experts and scouts questioned in the pre-draft process. The 21-year-old Payne has pointed out that wasn't his role at Alabama, but he could do so when asked.

In the preseason, Payne sacked Jets quarterback Sam Darnold and has been a force. If he and Allen can routinely be disruptive up the middle, that would allow more one-on-one opportunities for linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith.

The Redskins' defensive line, in general, is young. Veteran Ziggy Hood, 31, is the oldest of the team's six linemen. The average age of the six? 24 years old.

The group, too, has talent. Matt Ioannidis, 24, had 4½ sacks last season. Settle looked impressive in training camp and can be plugged in to stop the run. Washington also added former Browns sixth-rounder Caleb Brantley on Monday, cutting Anthony Lanier.