Linebacker Ryan Anderson is the biggest wild card for the Redskins new 4-3 scheme. Washington’s switch from a 3-4 front to a 4-3 base defense leaves Anderson without a defined role.
Head coach Ron Rivera told local reporters, the team needs to “find a home” for Anderson into their scheme, per Matthew Paras of the Washington Times.
Rivera said the Redskins need to "find a home" for Ryan Anderson. Is he a defensive end or strong-side linebacker? Not sure which yet.
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) June 10, 2020
Anderson was a second-round pick of the Redskins in 2017. His skill set and stature made him an ideal fit as 3-4 edge rusher. However, in the 4-3 base defense, lining him primarily off the edge may not suit his strengths.
He’s built like a linebacker. However, his speed or lack thereof, may not allow him to play linebacker on passing downs. To prevent him from being the odd man out, finding the role may be better suited than a home.
Playing Anderson on early down as a Sam linebacker can showcase his ability to stop the run. Additionally, he can be blitzed off the edge at times. That while hiding his lack of speed to cover in space. Meanwhile, coming off the edge in spots on third down will allow
Slotting him on the defensive line on passing downs could also allow him to play to his strengths. The Redskins have depth at outside linebacker and defensive end. They drafted Chase Young to go along with Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat makes the core of the position strong. Anderson can fit in spots into the rotation and not be worn down.
There’s a lot of uncertainty at linebacker. The Redskins signed 15-year veteran Thomas Davis. They also have Cole Holcomb and Reuben Foster is working his way back from a serious knee injury. Whether Anderson can sketch out snaps there remains to be seen.
