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What We've Learned
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
11/02/09 7:22 PM EST
» Even during the bye week, we were reminded of one thing: the Redskins lack explosiveness on offense – and in the return game. The Eagles do not move the ball consistently; they don’t need to because of the big plays generated by the offense. Miami … Minnesota … Tennessee … all won because of explosive plays. Outside of Santana Moss, the Redskins have no one who scares an opposing defense; their return game threatens nobody as well. Nor can it compensate enough, or provide a major spark, during games when the offense struggles. Of course, Devin Thomas was drafted to be such a player, but he has not yet filled that role. So, in addition to two tackles, a guard and quarterback, the Redskins need to find someone in the offseason who can add speed and explosiveness. Other than all of those needs, they’re set offensively.
» H.B. Blades, likely out this week with a knee injury, has quietly become a special teams standout for Washington. His size, and lack of top-end speed, will prevent him from being a full-time starter. London Fletcher is a bit taller, but definitely faster, which is how he’s survived as a starter for this long. But Blades’ contributions on special teams will keep him in the league for a while. He could be the guy who eventually replaces Rock Cartwright as a special teams leader.
» The Redskins practices have been criticized by analysts when they’ve visited. There’s a feeling by them that Washington lacks a sense of urgency in practice. Their training camp was not as strenuous as previous coaches – nor as many around the league, according to media who see many teams’ camps. The Redskins started the season with fewer injuries, but entering the final nine games their offense is anything but fresh. Oh, and some of those analysts have not liked the music played before practice. It just does not send the right message.
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