NOTN: Kirwin ' s take on Schweigert vs. Doughty

Notes on the News

Pat Kirwin of NFL.com had the following take on Stu Schweigert fighting Reed Doughty for playing time:

2. Washington Redskins--Schweigert was just signed as the Redskins continue to beef up the back end of their roster. He had 10 starts for the Raiders last year with 69 tackles, four passes defended and two interceptions. Doughty came off the bench after the death of Sean Taylor and started six games with 53 tackles and two passes defended. Both are close in age, setting up a battle which may be won by the guy who flashes big-play ability in preseason games.

This is kind of an apples vs. oranges comparison here as Schweigert plays the free safety spot and Doughty is more of a strong safety. As we've discussed here on a few occasions, though, there is no clear, hard line between the two positions in the Redskins' defense (and on many NFL defenses, for that matter) as they evolve into hybrid spots.

Still, barring one of them really shining or falling flat on his face in camp and the preseason, I don't see there being much of a battle. LaRon Landry's versatility is the key. In some situations, Landry will be up in the box in the traditional strong safety role and Schweigert will be manning the free safety spot. At other times, Landry will roam center field and Doughty will be in at strong safety.