E.J. Biggers feels much more comfortable in defensive coordinator Jim Haslett's schemes as the cornerback enters his second year with the Washington Redskins.
After re-signing with the Washington Redskins in March, Biggers said it takes time learning everybody's assignments on every play.
"It feels good," Biggers said, who also has defensive backs coach Raheem Morris at his disposal for a second-straight year as well. "Learning the ins and outs of the defense and knowing what everybody else has to do isn't easy. ... Last season, it was like game planning and scheme-wise and knowing what I have to do, but now the defensive line, linebackers – I know what everybody is going to do. It's just very comfortable being in my second year."
In his first season with the Redskins, Biggers appeared in all 16 games and logged five starts. Against Philadelphia in the opening game, the former Western Michigan Bronco recorded a season-high seven tackles and had a pass defensed.
In the Redskins' 45-42 win over the San Diego Chargers, Biggers nabbed a key interception that would set up an Alfred Morris five-yard touchdown just four plays later.
While it was his lone interception on the campaign, Biggers is willing to do whatever it takes to reciprocate that performance vs. San Diego both from a team and an individual standpoint.
"When that opportunity to make a play comes, whether it's taking on a block to free somebody up or a turnover or whatever else the defense needs, I'll do it," Biggers said. "I just want to be a team-first player and if it means making big-time plays, then I need to make the most of my chances."
Listed as one of the second-team cornerbacks on the team's first unofficial depth chart alongside veteran Tracy Porter, Biggers has risen to the role of the squad's primary nickel corner.
During the joint practices with the New England Patriots last week and the Redskins' preseason opener, Biggers received significant action at nickel.
It's a role he's relishing.
"It's been great," the fifth-year veteran said. "I've been locked in and focusing on things that I need to correct, and we're getting better as a defense, as a team and as a unit in the secondary."
Overall, the former seventh-round pick in the 2009 NFL Draft enjoys the support he has at the cornerback position and believes that their constant battles during practices will strengthen the entire group
"I'm out here competing every day and just trying to compete against the offense and as a unit, we have individual battles," Biggers said. "But even with these battles we're all trying to get better, get each other better and do the best we can as a group."
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