The Redskins' new defense is turning safety LaRon Landry into a big-time playmaker.
Landry showcased his skills in Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField, leading the defense with 13 tackles. He also posted a forced fumble in the first quarter and a key interception in overtime that set up the Redskins game-winning score in a 16-13 victory.
"This defense fits me well," Landry said. "It enables me to be close to the line of scrimmage and just play physical. I don't have too many reads. That's my style of play. I just fly around and make tackles, break on the ball and be instinctive."
It was at 12:12 of overtime when his ball instincts came into play. He made a diving interception of a pass by Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, setting up the Redskins' offense at the Packers' 39-yard line.
The Redskins' offense moved into position for a game-winning field goal and Graham Gano converted a 33-yarder to give the Redskins the win.
"We saw that pass concept throughout the whole game and [Rodgers] never threw it," Landry said of his interception. "I made a great read on the ball and broke on it. I let the receiver cross my face. Either he would have caught the ball and I'd hit him, or I'd make a play like I did."
After the game, Landry basked in the glow of victory, but to him it was business as usual on the football field.
"It feels great, you know, but that's what I'm here to do," said Landry. "I'm here to make turnovers. As a defense that's our job – to make turnovers, make big plays and put the offense in great position."
When asked if the interception was the best of his young career, Landry recalled a pair of playoff interceptions against the Seahawks in 2007, his rookie year.
Then he added with a smile, "The best is yet to come."
Head coach Mike Shanahan praised Landry in his post-game press conference.
"He amazes me, to be honest with you," said Shanahan. "I've been around a lot of football players in my career, and to watch a guy play that hard and that consistent week after week – it's only the fifth game of the season, but he's fast, he's a hitter and he loves to play.
"It's a pleasure to watch him and he's that way every snap. He's obviously, a great football player."
Given his role in the defensive scheme, Landry expects to have more chances to make game-changing plays.
"We have a get-after-the-ball mentality – by any means necessary," Landry said. "It's 11 guys to the ball, guys stripping, hitting hard – that's how it starts. Getting everybody to the ball, running fast, playing fast."
