The blitz is back in vogue in Washington. After several weeks of Cover 2 against superstar quarterbacks Brett Farve and Tom Brady, Gregg Williams dialed up constant pressure packages, sending Redskins blitzes straight into the face of rookie Kellen Clemens.

This is Redskins football. Cover 2 is a great change of pace with the athletic ability the Skins defenders have. But, let’s be honest, Williams always goes for the kill, and with his new toy, rookie safety LaRon Landry, the blitz is back and better than ever. Landry is the strong safety Williams has been waiting for to unleash in his pressure schemes. Time and time again on Sunday, Landry was sent after the quarterback. He picked up a personal foul when he drove his helmet into Clemens’ face. But I like to think Williams had to hide his grin, because this is the type of football he wants - that’s why he kept calling his number.

There is art to Williams’ blitzing madness and Landry has it with the size, speed, and most importantly, the toughness to reach the quarterback. He uses his hands well and keeps linemen off-balance with his ability to change directions. He also has the strength to overpower running backs en route to the quarterback. I’m not ready to crown him the next Steve Atwater, but he is playing like a seven-year veteran. Don’t be surprised if this blitz happy scheme becomes a constant for the stretch drive.

What makes Williams’ scheme so good is the preparation his players do during the week on protections, and his ability to come up with new blitzes based on those same protections. Williams, in a way, is the “mad scientist” of the blitzing laboratory, as his playbook is lined from top to bottom with them. Throw in Landry; corners who can cover with little or no help, a rookie quarterback, and you had a recipe for a long day of blitzing. This is a blitzing team, one that can play Cover 2, stop the run and play with almost everybody. This is the style we have become accustomed to under Williams; it’s sure nice to see it back in the mix.

Former Redskins safety Matt Bowen, a seven-year NFL veteran, contributes a weekly column to The Examiner during the NFL season.