Barry Cofield: Washington Redskins Nose Tackle Is Set for a Breakout Year

June 9, 2012   ·   James Dudko   ·   Jump to comments

The Washington Redskins defense needs nose tackle Barry Cofield to have a breakout season in the middle of their 3-4 defense. Cofield is entering his second year as a 3-4 nose tackle and needs to join the ranks of the elite at his particular position.
The 28-year-old spent his first five seasons as a 4-3 defensive tackle for NFC East rival the New York Giants. Yet Cofield made a quick transition to the notoriously difficult to grasp requirements of a 2-gap 3-4 front.
In the 4-3, Cofield often operated in a shade technique and was charged with attacking gaps and gaining penetration. The Redskins asked him to make a subtle, but still significant change to his playing style.
Asked to play head-up on the center, Cofield had to take on his blocker directly and control both A-gaps. In Washington's scheme, he has to plug the middle and preferably draw double-teams, while not getting forced back.
For the most part, Cofield's first season in this new role was a success. He b...

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