Redskins To Sign Stephen Paea: Grade and Analysis

Sep 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Stephen Paea (92) sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the second half at Soldier Field. Chicago won 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Improving on defense, no matter where became a priority the moment the 2014 season ended.  That is what happens when a team finishes 20th overall and 29th in points allowed.  Part of their problem was a consistently inconsistent pass rush, especially along the interior.  The Washington Redskins know they have to give Ryan Kerrigan more help if they’re to make any sort of noise against those tough NFC East teams.

Because of that, they are taking a step in that direction.

The 26-year old defensive tackle Stephen Paea is coming off the best season of his career during which he posted 33 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles.  His ability to bring pressure up the middle was a revelation for the Chicago Bears but their changes in scheme made Paea expendable.  His addition to the Redskins front will be most welcome for Kerrigan and the other pass rushers they will try to add following the loss of Brian Orakpo.

Grade:  B-

This signing might get a higher grade if the Washington Redskins weren’t established as a 3-4 defense, the exact same scheme Chicago felt Paea didn’t fit in.  Perhaps that means changes are coming under new coordinator Joe Barry but until that happens the Redskins may be projecting a player who found his niche as a 4-3 interior pass rusher into a position he’s not ready to tackle.

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