1. Should Devin Thomas return punts?
If he does, then Rock Cartwright should go back to returning kickoffs. It would be asking a lot of Thomas to return even a couple punts, plus kickoffs and then play receiver. The good thing for Thomas is that his body is able to absorb more punishment than most receivers. Few players are as sculpted as Thomas. And at this point, why not use Thomas? As long as the coaches feel comfortable with what he’s done in practice, he should get a chance. If Antwaan Randle El isn’t going to hold onto the ball, then he shouldn’t be out there. That was his strength and now it’s not. So give Santana Moss more chances, then Thomas and then, in a pinch, Randle El. Thing is, this is not a move for the future; Thomas will not be a punt returner next year. But Randle El’s returns are not helping Washington win now.
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2. Has Sherman Lewis made that big a difference in the offense?
Well, it depends who you ask. The simplistic view is that he has, considering the offense started playing better when he started calling plays. But he only calls the pass plays. He gets an awful lot of help in the booth from Chris Meidt and the game plans are designed by others. It’s funny because players sometimes credit Lewis for new plays, but he’s had nothing to do with drawing them up. There’s no doubt that the offense has a better rhythm these days and Lewis has had a role in that. But to give him all the credit would be incorrect. To give him none also would be unfair.
3. Is Quinton Ganther a future starter?
Ganther has done a terrific job in part because of what was expected of him when he arrived. He’s a tough, hard-nosed back who makes defenders miss at the line of scrimmage. He lacks breakaway speed, however. That lack of speed could hurt him in the end. And his pass protection needs a lot of work; not his willingness — his chips knock rushers off-stride — but his execution. That can be fixed. He’s doing well running behind a makeshift line, which is a positive. But, in the future, he’s someone who could develop into a solid backup — someone who needs to make a big mark on special teams as well.
