Williams dodges pressing issues

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In hiding for nearly the entire offseason, even as the Washington Redskins were discarding a highly paid safety and a veteran assistant coach, trying to acquire a Pro Bowl outside linebacker and forgoing several chances to address a leaky defensive line, Gregg Williams answered questions yesterday for only the second time since Dec. 30.

Well, he answered most of them.

Want to talk about Fred Smoot as the team comedian? Sure.

Want to ask about LaRon Landry's painful paintball incident? Absolutely.

Want to get glowing recommendations about, well, the entire defensive roster as well as quarterback Jason Campbell and tight end Chris Cooley? No problem.

But don't ask Williams about Shawn Springs' state of mind following his refusal to take a $2 million pay cut in this fourth year of his contract. Only silence will follow.

Same goes for questions about whether Springs -- a defensive disaster in 2006 -- humbled Williams. He'll mutter about how he can't comment and walk away.

"That's all history to him," linebacker Marcus Washington said. "I'm glad last season is history, too. We're starting over with a clean slate and hopefully do some good things."

Things can't get any worse for the Redskins defense.

A group that was instrumental in a 2005 playoff berth and responsible for Williams being given a contract that pays him more than $2 million a year regressed greatly last year. The Redskins went 5-11 and were 31st in yards allowed, last in yards per play, 27th against the run, 23rd against the pass, last in sacks, 26th on third down and, perhaps most notably, had only 12 takeaways the entire season.