Skins prepare for gauntlet
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
November 5, 2009
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| Clinton Portis and the Redskins begin a stretch of games against Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Philadelphia and New Orleans. (Getty Images) |
Next five opponents are a combined 26-9
ASHBURN — The Redskins enter the toughest part of their schedule with the following: A makeshift offensive line; a running back who spent the first seven games battling various injuries to his right leg and a quarterback whose bum ankle altered his game.
The Redskins next five opponents have a combined record of 26-9.
The Redskins are 2-5.
This is the start of a playoff run?
"It's a tough challenge," said quarterback Jason Campbell.
They also have a punt return situation that remains a bit cloudy. Antwaan Randle El, who has handled the role since coming to Washington in 2005, said he had not been told of any change as of early Wednesday afternoon, is miffed that the blame is falling on him. He is averaging 5.2 yards on 11 punt returns.
"The productivity hasn't been there," he said. "But ... it's not as if there are wide open lanes or anything, where I can just kind of go. It's not that I'm missing a bunch or any at all in terms of lanes to get to. It is what it is. They made the decision. I need to get clarity and go from there."
He'll share return duties with DeAngelo Hall and Santana Moss, as he did in the Philadelphia game. It could come down to what the Redskins need in a given situation. Hall and Moss might be more explosive, but Randle El's decision-making is stronger, if only from experience. Hall dropped one punt in practice Wednesday.
Zorn said Randle El still is the primary punt returner.
But what the Redskins really need to get moving is the offense. They're averaging 13.7 points per game and rank 24th in total yards. They would be helped by fielding a healthy offensive line. However, with the unit already down two starters and Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley out for at least four weeks, that will be difficult.
So they need players such as running back Clinton Portis -- who has had sprained ankles, a strained MCL in his knee and a contusion -- and Campbell to be healthy and effective, something neither has been enough of in the ugly start.
"I don't think I'm beat up," Portis said. "Early on when running sideways I couldn't plant and make the hard cuts. Now I feel fine. ... I'm tired of going to the training room and getting treatment. I'll go out and deal."
Said Campbell, "They prevent you from being the player you want to be. It can affect your game. You're not able to play at the peak of your game because you can't move around and make plays like you would like. Hopefully the bye week gave us the opportunity to be healthy."
