The Washington Redskins have been one of the least successful NFL franchises in the past decade, with a combined record of 62-97-1. The team has managed only two winning seasons in that span, including two NFC East division titles, but zero playoff wins. The glory days with Joe Gibbs are a distant memory and the team is finally in a complete state of rebuilding, hoping to return to past prominence. However, the last decade has included some strong contributions, featuring players that have since departed or careers that were plagued with injuries. Let’s take a look at the Washington Redskins 2010s All-Decade team, focusing on the defense.
Check out the Redskins 2010s all-decade team on offense.
Washington Redskins 2010s All-Decade Team: Defense
Defensive End: Matt Ioannidis
Matt Ioannidis has become a late-round steal and fixture on the team’s defensive line. The former fifth-round pick has 20.5 sacks over four seasons, including 8.5 in 2019. Ioannidis is often overshadowed on a front seven that includes four former first-rounders, but he’s acquitted himself well and proven that he’s a key piece on this defense.
Defensive End: Jonathan Allen
Jonathan Allen has only been with the team since 2017, but the former first-round pick has established himself as a key cog on the defensive line. Allen has put up a combined 14 sacks over the past two seasons, an impressive total for a 3-4 defensive end. The fourth-year pro looks poised for a career year on an improved defensive line that includes second overall pick, Chase Young.
Nose Tackle: Barry Cofield
Barry Cofield was a stabilizing presence in the middle of the Redskins defensive line from 2011-2014. Cofield did his job eating blockers and stuffing the run as a 3-4 nose tackle. While not flashy, Cofield was an important piece to the defense, particularly on the 2012 division title team.
Inside Linebacker: London Fletcher
London Fletcher was the leader of the Redskins defense from 2009-2013. Despite being in D.C. for the tail end of his career, he remained effective, being selected to the Pro Bowl for four consecutive seasons from 2009-2012. Although he was undersized, Fletcher was best known for his sure-tackling ability.
Inside Linebacker: Mason Foster
Mason Foster was a solid inside linebacker for the Redskins from 2015-2018. While Zach Brown was a sure tackler, Foster’s longevity puts him on this list as London Fletcher’s partner in the middle. Foster had an impressive nine tackles for a loss back in 2016.
Outside Linebacker: Ryan Kerrigan
Ryan Kerrigan has been a model of consistency since being drafted by the Redskins in the first round back in 2011. Kerrigan has racked up 90 sacks and 114 tackles for a loss in his nine-year career in DC. His best season came in 2014, where he posted 13.5 sacks and 18 tackles for a loss. He’s definitely the best Redskins player of the past decade. Kerrigan should have numerous opportunities for more sacks this upcoming season on an improved front seven.
Outside Linebacker: Brian Orakpo
Brian Orakpo was a strong pass-rusher for the Redskins from 2009-2014. While he was not as effective as fellow first-rounder Ryan Kerrigan, he still provided 40 sacks in 71 games as a Redskin. His best season was in 2013, where he racked up 10 sacks and 16 tackles for a loss. The Redskins have been trying to replace Orakpo as Kerrigan’s fellow pass-rusher for the past few seasons and look to have finally found a couple in Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
Cornerback: DeAngelo Hall
DeAngelo Hall was a ball-hawking presence for the Redskins from 2009-2017, racking up a combined 21 interceptions during that span. His playmaking ability made a major impact on the field – back in 2013, he was able to record an impressive three defensive touchdowns. While Hall wasn’t a lockdown corner, his ability to make the timely interception made him a huge asset to the defense.
Cornerback: Josh Norman
While Josh Norman did not play as well as he did in Carolina, he was still the top corner on the team for much of his Redskins career that spanned from 2016-2019. His best season was his first year in DC, where he posted three interceptions and 19 passes defended. Norman was a disappointing signing, but he still belongs on the All-Decade Team.
Safety: D.J. Swearinger
D.J. Swearinger had a short Redskins career that spanned from 2017-2018, but during that time he was one of the leaders on the defense. Swearinger racked up a combined 20 passes defended in his two-year stint in D.C. He combined with close friend Josh Norman to give the Skins a nice duo in the secondary.
Safety: LaRon Landry
While LaRon Landry did not live up to his lofty draft status as a former sixth overall pick, he was still a strong contributor from 2007-2011. While this decade was the tail end of his career in DC, Landry is still the best safety they have had in this span when you consider longevity – perhaps Landon Collins will be able to supplant him after a strong showing in 2019. Landry was able to put up eight passes defended in 2010, despite being limited to only nine games.
