Fast, physical, tough, and nasty. And did I say fast? That’s my assessment of the Redskins’ defense. Yes, the high-priced offense still has questions, but I like to think Gregg Williams has his “mojo” back.

London Fletcher, the ageless one at middle linebacker who can be hidden among the trees in the huddle, played downhill all day. He gives Williams the opportunity to play a seven-man front, allowing safeties Sean Taylor and LaRon Landry to sit back in a cover 2. Fletcher gives a lesson in form tackling every time he hits; he’s going to make this defense go all year. Throw in his unheralded leadership qualities, and Williams has the middle linebacker he has been waiting for since he arrived in Washington in 2004. Add athletic Rocky McIntosh, along with Marcus Washington and the Redskins have as good a linebacking corps as anyone.

All day, the hapless Dolphins and 37-year-old Trent Green, checked the ball down to their running backs as the Redskins played Cover 2 like it was straight out of the playbook. A suddenly fresh and healthy defensive line, led by Cornelius Griffin, put some pressure on Green, and made Ronnie Brown earn every yard of his measly total. When a pass was thrown to the flat, Redskin defenders flew to the ball. They tackled well all day.

Fred Smoot, the mouth, and the sudden tackling machine, showed why his was inserted into the starting lineup over Shawn Springs, as he played with a physical style and a swagger. Smoot showed he is much more than a “cover corner,” as he was in the mix all day. If his hands were as good as his entertaining mouth, he would have ended the game in regulation.

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This isn’t a finished product, however. The Dolphins are a rebuilding team with many holes. Smoot and counterpart Carlos Rogers were challenged in both man and quarters coverage, and gave way too much respect to receiver Chris Chambers. The more they lock down receivers, the more turnovers they will cause, and the more plays Sean Taylor will make.

The NFC East schedule is looming, and this new-look defense will win, or lose, the games that lie ahead.

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