Quite a rush from Redskins’ revamped defensive line

A year ago, the Washington Redskins were 4-2 after six games despite a struggling pass rush that had generated just six sacks. The Redskins are limping along at 2-4 this season, but don’t blame the pass rush, which has 15 sacks, including eight in the past two games.

Only five other teams have more sacks than the Redskins, who are on pace for 40. That would equal their most in the past nine seasons. And it’s not as if Washington has been well ahead in the fourth quarter, forcing foes to pass on every down.

The additions of All-Pro tackle Albert Haynesworth and top draft choice Brian Orakpo, a linebacker who plays end on passing downs, have made all the difference.

“Albert’s the key, the way he penetrates,” said end Phillip Daniels, who yields to Orakpo or moves inside when it’s time to rush. “Teams try to slide protection his way or double him so everybody else is one-on-one. Last year, we didn’t have that.”

After missing three practices this week, Haynesworth was limited Saturday with a sprained ankle. He is a game-time decision for Monday night’s game against Philadelphia. If Haynesworth can’t play, former starter Kedric Golston will take his place.

End Andre Carter leads the Redskins with 5.5 sacks; Orakpo tops all rookies with 3.5. But the 6-foot-6, 350-pound Haynesworth, who makes Daniels (6-6, 305) and tackle Cornelius Griffin (6-4, 303) look small, looms the largest.

“Albert only has [two] sacks, but he’s probably created another four or five because he has made the quarterback alter his looks,” line coach John Palermo said.

Added coach Jim Zorn: “The one guy who has really benefited [from Haynesworth’s presence] is Andre. He’s coming screaming around the end.”

Carter has 4.5 sacks in his past two games after recording just four last season. The 30-year-old said he focused on improving his speed during the offseason.

“We’ve got Orakpo doing what he does best - being the edge rusher,” Carter said. “We’ve got me coming around the corner, Albert plugging up the middle, Cornelius still pushing the pocket. Now instead of turning the corner 7 yards [wide], we’re turning at 5 or 6 yards. Those couple yards make a huge difference as far as getting to the quarterback.”

While the Eagles are heavy favorites to deal the Redskins a third straight defeat Monday, last week’s pass protection numbers offer a glimmer of hope. The Eagles allowed six sacks in a stunning loss to Oakland; the Redskins sacked the Chiefs’ Matt Cassel five times.

“We saw some things the Raiders did that we think can work for us,” Carter said. “But they’ll try to make adjustments from last week. It’s like a chess match.”

With Philadelphia (twice), Atlanta, Denver, Dallas and New Orleans coming up, Washington is certainly stepping up in class in its next six games. Daniels said he believes the defensive line is up to the challenge.

“This is the best talent we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Daniels, who has been with Washington since 2004. “I don’t think some of the teams we’ve played can block us. I think we can still do some things to get there against the teams we got coming up.”

While acknowledging the current talent, Griffin still points to the 40 sacks produced by a bunch of relative no-names in 2004.

“We’re better up front,” said Griffin, who led the way that season with six sacks. “I’m not going to lie about that, but we work hard, too. Talent don’t guarantee you anything.

“Hard work gives you the opportunity to be great.”