The Washington Redskins' defensive struggles went a long way in preventing the club from reaching the postseason.
The Redskins addressed the team's shortcomings on Thursday by firing defensive coordinator Joe Barry and assistants Robb Akey, Mike Clark and Perry Fewell.
Barry, 46, was in his second year as defensive coordinator in Washington (8-7-1), which saw its 28th-ranked defense taken to task in late-season losses to the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals and Carolina Panthers. The Redskins yielded at least 140 yards on the ground in each of the three losses.
They didn't fare much better in a 19-10 loss to the New York Giants in the season finale. The Giants' 29th-ranked rushing offense erupted for 161 yards on 40 carries to eliminate the Redskins from postseason contention.
Barry previously held one other defensive coordinator position, spending two years with the Detroit Lions. Barry was fired along with the rest of his staff in 2008 after the Lions went 0-16.
