Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall spent most of his time covering wide receivers on the perimeter last season. He primarily lined up at left cornerback, starting all 16 games.
But new defensive backs coach Raheem Morris is implementing changes in the Washington secondary, and one of them is aimed at getting Hall around the football more. Hall believes his role will be similar to Charles Woodson’s in Green Bay.
“You don’t ever see [Woodson] running down the field not looking for the ball,” Hall told the Washington Post. “He’s always underneath, blitzing, having some type of zone coverage underneath so he can see the ball, using instinctive football ability under there. And that’s kind of what we’re doing.”
Hall has been a liability in downfield coverage over the past few seasons, though he’s remained a strong tackler and can make plays on the football. The new responsibilities could certainly play to the strengths of Hall’s game.
"[Woodson] got defensive player of the year [covering slot receivers], so hopefully I can get that same kind of buzz and excitement out there, making plays,” Hall suggested. “I’m definitely relishing the opportunity to get in there. It’s hard, it’s different, but I’m down. It’s a lot more space. ...
“It definitely is a little bit different, but it’s part of the evolution.”