Washington Commanders

Jason Hatcher excited for new defensive scheme

Published May. 28, 2015 6:27 p.m. ET

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When the Washington Redskins signed Jason Hatcher to a four-year, $27.5 million contract in 2014, they expected to be getting a defensive lineman who could bring consistent interior pressure. Hatcher certainly fulfilled this role. He finished the 2014 season with eight sacks, six quarterback hits and 26 quarterback hurries. Only three other 3-4 defensive ends finished with a higher pass rush grade according to Pro Football Focus. Now, entering 2015 with a brand new defensive coordinator and scheme, Hatcher believes he can be even more productive.

Hatcher told Mike Jones of the Washington Post that he likes the adjustment in gap responsibilities for defensive linemen in new defensive coordinator Joe Barry's system. According to Jones, in this scheme, Hatcher will be free to shoot a gap more and get into the backfield rather than take on blockers and free up lanes for the linebackers, as was his responsibility under Jim Haslett.

Hatcher told Redskins.com that this aggressive style the new scheme asks of its linemen is what he is most excited about.

"It's attack. We're not sitting back, we're attacking," said Hatcher.

Hatcher is one piece of a front seven that has a ton of talent on paper. Along the line, Hatcher will be joined by Terrance Knighton and Stephen Paea. On the edge, at outside linebacker, the Redskins are hoping to use Ryan Kerrigan and rookie Preston Smith.

(h/t Redskins Blog)

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt