As the Washington Redskins prepared to face the New York Giants last week, Barry Cofield studied tape of the first meeting between the two teams. It was the season opener and also Cofield's first game lining up at nose tackle.
"I didn't even recognize myself," Cofield said of the game film, just three months old.
But now, with two games remaining in his first season anchoring Washington's defensive line - including today's home game vs. Minnesota, Cofield looks like a different player. In a 3-4 defense, the nose tackle position is considered the toughest to fill. Coaches had to teach Cofield how to play nose in less-than-ideal crash-course fashion, but they're more than happy with the results.
"The guy is going to be, I think, one of the best noses in the league when he comes back" next season, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said.
After last year's failed experiments with Albert Haynesworth and former Carolina Panther Maake Kemoeatu, the Redskins knew the nose was a pressing need, but they had to step outside the box to identify Cofield as the best solution. Cofield had always played as a tackle in a 4-3. Lining up over the center might only be a foot or two away on the line, but the assignments, techniques and responsibilities can be worlds apart.
It might not have been a huge gamble, but the Redskins bet big, giving Cofield a six-year contract that included $9 million in bonus money. If it didn't work at the nose, coaches figured they'd at least have an above-average defensive end.
Coach Mike Shanahan said getting an understanding of Cofield's work ethic and study habits particularly sold him. He remembered watching Cofield when the big tackle came out of Northwestern in 2006, and when it comes to intelligence, Shanahan said Cofield is "off the charts."
Cofield is eager to see what his future will hold.
"I'm happy with my maturation process, but there's still things I have to learn," Cofield said. "A full offseason, training camp - I think I'll be even more comfortable."
