Washington Redskins: Scapegoating of Will Compton Undeserved

The Washington Redskins defense takes it’s share of jokes, but it could always be worse. Will Compton keeps ‘worse’ from coming.

The Washington Redskins defense has a lot of talented players and recognizable . Despite that, they’re 25th in total yards allowed and 12th in takeaways. Those ugly stats start to create scapegoats. There’s a lot of talent on the defense, but the numbers aren’t showing it. Subsequently, someone has to be blamed.

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A lot of that blame has fallen onto Will Compton. The reasoning is pretty simple: he’s a middle linebacker and not a big-name. Fans don’t want to blame Josh Norman (who’s been fantastic) or Ryan Kerrigan (also fantastic) because of who they are.

However, who cares about Compton (who’s been fantastic)? He went undrafted a few years back and isn’t a superstar, making him an easy target. He’s also a middle linebacker and that’s the easiest position to blame, isn’t it? They’re supposed to be in the middle of everything, the quarterbacks of the defense. Like I said, easy target.

Nobody stops to look at the numbers or the tape, however.

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I’m not going to sit here and try to convince you that Compton is London Fletcher. However, what he’s done this year is being criminally overlooked by fans. He’s ninth in the NFL with 70 tackles. He also has one forced fumble, has one interception, and boasts an impressive five pass deflections.

Numbers mean very little though. They can be extremely deceiving. In this case however, they’re pretty spot on. Compton’s always right in the middle of it all. Has he missed some tackles? Absolutely, but you won’t find a defender who doesn’t. Has he blown coverages? Of course—but again, who hasn’t? Has he left a running lane wide-open? Sure, you could find a play or two where that happens.

These are all mistakes made by every linebacker in football. With Compton though, there’s an explosion of complaints by fans when it happens. It all goes back to needing a scapegoat. Compton’s the unlucky one who’s taken that role. What fans don’t talk about are all the good plays though.

How many times has a running back had to cut back and find another lane? How many times has a runner been stuffed at the line? What about the quarterback? How many times has he had to look to a different target because Compton’s been in his zone?

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The good heavily outweighs the bad with Compton. His instincts on the field are incredibly impressive.

He’s also got the heart and leadership qualities that should make him a fan favorite. Maybe that will come, but for now, it’s just scapegoating. Hopefully, in time, he’ll get his just due for what he contributes and means to the defense in Washington.