HAIL TO THE REDSKINS

HAIL TO THE REDSKINS

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The high and low points of Sunday's win

First, the high: Newly acquired OT Levi Jones.

Big number 76. 6 feet 5 inches. 307 pounds. But you probably didn't notice him on Sunday.

That's the point.

The ex-Bengal/almost-Lion was signed October 20 following a shameful 14-6 loss to the Chiefs in which the offense, minus Portis's 78-yard scamper, tallied just 187 total yards, 6 first downs, and allowed 3 sacks.

But, even then, the former 1st round pick wasn't immediately inserted into the starting lineup. He sat quietly and watched as lame-duck replacements (Heyer, Batiste, Williams) mirrored turnstiles allowing Campbell to be sacked 6 and 5 times in consecutive weeks.

Eventually, with no other options, Jones's number was called.

The Redskins sat at 2-6 sporting a pathetic offense that was insurmountably crippled by its undermanned line. Even worse, they'd be hosting Denver soon, a top-5 defense led by NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil. Having been dismissed from Lions training camp, of all teams, Jones couldn't have asked for a tougher assignment heading into Sunday.

60 minutes later, it was official: Levi's baaack.

Jones visibly dominated Dumervil and every other pass rusher that lined up across from him on Sunday. Dumervil did register one sack in the game but it was attributable to Campbell's lack of pocket presence - Jones had clearly held him off long enough for Campbell to get rid of the football.

Not only does Jones' arrival solidify the left tackle position but it allows Heyer to return to right tackle, a position he feels far more comfortable in and is less-tested. It was no coincidence the Skins' offense put up season highs in points, first downs, and rushing yards.

Now the low: the Redskins pass defense.

Greg Blatche's unit, for the majority of the season, has undeniably carried this team. On Sunday, disturbingly, the offense carried them.

In the first half alone, Washington's traditionally "bend-don't-break" defense fractured for plays of 28, 40, and 75. Orton could have had Marshall for a certain 69-yard TD had he not overthrown him.

Just 2 weeks ago, the Skins gave up similarly big plays to the Eagles' DeSean Jackson. Horton was replaced, then brought back, and is now on injured reserve. Smoot has been losing time to Tryon. And now Rogers has recently been benched after displaying his emphatic gullibility for the stop-and-go on the fourth play from scrimmage.

But there was more.

It wasn't just one player exploited on Sunday. On more than one occasion, Washington's entire defensive backfield looked duped. Smoot, the closest defender to Marshall when he crossed the goal line, was nearly 20 yards away when the receiver first caught the football. Later, DeAngelo Hall let known-deep-threat Brandon Marshall sprint by him untouched.

It seems as if the Redskins, under Snyderrato, have personified the "1 step forward, 2 steps back" expression. This year's team, already lacking talent, can't afford to lose focus at this point in the season.

Will the real Redskin defense please stand up?

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

That's the ticket...

... and that's the closest thing to a complete game the Redskins have played since Zorn took over back in February of 2008.
  • 27 points, the most scored in over 14 months.
  • 22 first downs, tied for most on the season.
  • 8 of 16 on 3rd down, considerably better than DC's 35.6 season average.
  • 174 rushing yards, tops on the season.
  • 2 penalties, ZERO turnovers.
  • 35:43 time of possession, who's your daddy?
The Redskins, including the 2nd half of the Falcons game, have put together 6 commendable quarters uninterrupted. I believe that qualifies as momentum (perfect timing for Dallas week). And they've done it with the same basic formula that has left fans wondering what took so long to figure out.

Despite a few permissible inaccurate throws, Campbell showed his ability to protect the football and manage the game when given a running attack. Betts and Cartwright filled in nicely for Portis for the second straight week and, again, proved more effective than the alleged star tailback (35 carries, 155 yards).

Newly acquired OT Levi Jones made the Bengals and Lions look foolish for passing on him in the offseason after completely neutralizing NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil. Fred Davis led all receivers with 4 catches for 50 yards and has arguably proved to be the most beneficial 2008 draft pick in Cooley's absence. However, 9 other receivers caught passes on Sunday, demonstrating Campbell's vision and Sherman Lewis's scheme.

On the defensive side of the football the Redskins have regrettably seemed to digress of late, allowing big plays early and often. Sunday was no different as Orton connected with Brandon Marshall on 2 long TD catches. Orton nearly made it 3 had he not overthrown a wide-open Marshall.

But Washington weathered the storm in the second half by continuously hurrying Orton's backup, Chris Simms, into make ill-advised throws leading to 2 turnovers. Doughty, Horton's replacement, led the way with 10 tackles and a fumble recovery, but it was Carter and defensive rookie of the year candidate Brian Orakpo who largely disrupted the Denver backfield. The 2 combined for 13 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, and 6 QB knockdowns. Not a bad day at the office.

Lastly, and most unexpected, was the special teams. Hunter Smith, recruited by Notre Dame to play QB over a decade ago, hit Sellers on a 35-yard bomb for Washington's second score. Despite 2 illegal procedure penalties, Suisham continued his perfect season by connecting on both FG attempts.

Those who have neglected to pay any attention to the Redskins thus far into the season might skim through this recap and wonder, "A balanced offense, a sound defense, and a few big plays on special teams? That's not such an unfathomable blueprint for success."

Those who have followed the 3-6 Redskins would simply reply, "What took so long?"