Brian Mitchell brought up a good point, which is that the best NFL coordinators on defense take away the 'signature' plays or players of the opposing offense. They challenge offenses to beat them doing something ELSE.
The Redskins seemingly don't scheme much for the opponent. They run what they run week in and week out and expect the packages to work in a 'one size fits all' manner.
So, in the opener the Steelers had ONE game-changer on the field for Ben to throw the ball to, Antonio Brown, with all the injuries and yet the Redskins failed to put together a game-plan to specifically stop Brown.
We had 'left' and 'right' corners who didn't switch up assignments despite the fact the Steelers consistently lined Brown up against Breeland rather than Norman. We didn't provide consistent help on Brown's side from the safeties.
Barry preaches these kinds of 'standardized' approaches across the positions in his defensive system.
It's the reason he doesn't flip pass rushers on the outside based upon the offensive line matchups they are facing, why he says his corners and safeties are 'interchangeable'.
He's been saying for 2 years there is no such thing as free and strong safeties on this defense. They all do the same things, etc.
Unless you have the undeniable talent of the 1978 Steelers or 1985 Bears, this is going to be a problem in today's game.
Everything is about match-ups. Seeing where you can get an advantage, based on size, speed, experience, health, etc.
That's how guys like Belichick, Wade Phillips and Gregg Williams have been successful.
If opponents have ONE legit threat, you can bet these coaches will triple cover an Antonio Brown if they have to ensure that Brown doesn't win the game for the Steelers.
If Ben Roethlisberger is able to get the ball to his #3 and #4 wideouts (with #2 WR Markus Wheaton also out) and still get to 300 yards and 3-4 touchdowns then good for him.
Likewise, if a team is starting a rookie tackle on one side a guy like Belichick in the past would move a Chandler Jones to the other side to put pass rush pressure on that rookie or inexperienced lineman.
We don't do these things. We come out and other teams know exactly where our players are going and what their assignments are.
You can't be that predictable, but especially so when you still have some holes to fill.
Overall, my concern is that while Barry does not have legitimate talent across the board to field a top defense, even if he did his approach to scheme and system/strategy may prevent them from being as effective as they otherwise might be.