RICHMOND — Chris Baker’s laugh makes his preceding braggadocious statement seem more humble than it may really be. After Baker explains the power of his bull rush or his jab-and-rip move or juke at the line of scrimmage, he draws a conclusion, “I can do it all.” Then he delivers a deep and disarming bass-based giggle.
Among the serenity at Redskins camp is Baker’s spot on the defensive line. So much around the organization has calmed of late, and Baker is one example. He worked his way from being cut, to the practice squad to a bit player. Last season, he finally became a starter and force who gyrated with joy on Sundays when he made something happen.
“I figured each year that I played in the NFL, it was just a chance to mature each year from when I was on practice squad to actually playing,” Baker said. “When I first started playing, I was getting only like 14, 15 plays a game. I would have four, five tackles. So, I was like the more opportunity I get, the better off I’ll be.
“Once I started getting more opportunities, it was like, ’Oh, this Baker kid can play.’ I’ve been trying to tell you guys I can play, just let me play. They finally let me play. I had to kick and scratch to get back into that starting lineup, but I earned it.”
His numbers peaked last season. Baker’s six sacks were four more than he had in his prior six seasons combined. His numbers of tackles has increased each season in accordance with his playing time, reaching 53 in 16 games last season. He also forced three fumbles in 2015.
The Redskins first preseason game is Thursday. Baker’s role in it represents where he has come from, and where he does not want to go back to. He played his first preseason game Aug. 14, 2009 for the Denver Broncos. He — naturally — recalls playing well. Baker also remembers what it was like to be cut the following September. He was out of football for about a month until the Miami Dolphins signed him to the practice squad.
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When Thursday arrives, Baker will play minimal snaps so the litany of other players trying to make the team can be looked at. His advice for those trying to emulate his path is simple.
“Make sure you’re on top of all of your plays, so when you’re out there, you’re not thinking, you’re playing fast,” Baker said. “The easiest way to get cut in this league is to have mental errors. The least amount of mental errors you have out there, the more plays you make, the better off you’ll be.”
On Baker’s to-do list now that he is a starter are a few things. He wants to be able to recognize run formations better. He also wants his reaction to play-action to improve. Since the NFL has become such a pass-heavy league, Washington expects to increase its use of nickel defense this season, making Baker’s pass-rush all the more crucial.
“There’s always things to improve on,” Baker said.
He’ll be playing with two distinct changes in circumstance this season. First, his longtime friend, Terrance Knighton, was signed by the New England Patriots. Baker had lobbied for the Redskins to sign Knighton last season. It worked. He tried again this year after finally spending a year as teammates in the NFL with a guy he has known since high school. This time, it didn’t work out.
Baker is also in the final season of a three-year contract. He jokes about not having an update on contract negotiations. His comments become more generic than his average answers when asked in a formal interview about his pending free agency.
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“I’ve learned, if you play good, they pay you well,” Baker said. “You just have to go out there and play as hard as you can. When it comes time for that decision, you just have to make the best business decision for you and your family.”
Which means though the parameters around Baker’s drive have changed, his ambition has not. Baker knows he is in a form of prove-it round once again. It’s not to make a team or move up from the practice squad this time, but rather to build on last year when there is so much money on the line. He said his aspirations include becoming one of the league’s best defensive ends. That will serve as his carrot this coming season. The money is expected to follow.
“I feel I have the talent and ability to do it, I just got to go out there and keep working every day and get better,” Baker said. “I was an undrafted free agent. I always had to work hard for everything I had. I don’t want that feeling of being on the street and looking for a team again, so I’ll always work hard.”
• Todd Dybas can be reached at tdybas@washingtontimes.com.
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