Are the Washington Redskins really a good team? Was their 28-14 Week 1 dismantling of expected playoff contender New York Giants a real indicator of an improved club or did Washington merely beat an injury-riddled opponent?
Washington may find out when the Arizona Cardinals (1-0) visit FedEx Field on Sunday.
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The first game isn’t always a true indicator of the rest of the season. Washington beat Dallas in last year’s opener en route to a 6-10 mark. Steve Spurrier was 2-0 in openers, 10-20 otherwise. Richie Petibon won his 1993 debut after Joe Gibbs’ first tenure ended and finished 4-12. Indeed, the Redskins have won only three openers since 1993 that led to winning seasons with Gibbs doing it twice in his second stint.
The biggest uncertainty is quarterback Rex Grossman. Is he really so comfortable in the system? Will that performance against the Giants — 21 of 34 for 305 yards and two touchdowns — be the norm? The problem is Arizona’s pass defense probably won’t answer that after surrendering 422 yards to Carolina rookie Cam Newton last week. Nor will Dallas in Week 3. Grossman might not truly be challenged until facing Philadelphia on Oct. 16. Until then, he’d better at least play like the second coming of Mark Brunell.
The running game is also perplexing. Tim Hightower averaged 2.9 yards on 25 carries. Ouch — that’s not going to work. Sure, Hightower was hampered by some poor outside blocking, but Ryan Torain will return if Hightower’s rushing average doesn’t rise.
How long the Redskins must wait on injured safety LaRon Landry will also be shown. Landry is arguably the Redskins’ best defensive player, but after missing eight games since last season it’s hard to remember just how good he was. And with his injury past, will he be great again?
Is Brandon Banks’ value neutralized by the new kickoff rule to essentially become a punt returner? Banks is a bigger kick return threat, but can’t take it out of the end zone regularly. The Redskins are losing good field position and a breakaway threat because of the kickoff change.
Is tight end Chris Cooley trailing Fred Davis, who in a contract year may finally surpass his Pro Bowl counterpart. Davis showed standout speed against the Giants with five catches for 105 yards. Cooley lost 20 pounds over the offseason to seemingly impact his blocking on the edge and the 29-yard old may be facing the back end of a tremendous career. The Redskins seem willing to play two tight end sets regularly, but it will be interesting to see which player emerges as the primary.
It seems Week 1 was merely a glimpse.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
