McNabb isn’t the only one who must improve
It’s safe to say Donovan McNabb must improve his performance. He’s the perennial Pro Bowl quarterback whose numbers so far are the worst of his career. Or close to it. Without a strong finish by the quarterback, the Redskins can forget the postseason.
However, he’s far from alone. And it’s not just players in prime positions who must come through if the 4-4 Redskins want to earn a playoff berth. Of course, certain players can’t improve simply because they’re already maxing out or they’re just not that good.
But these five players are capable of more:
RT Jammal Brown
He’s been a disappointment, if only because he’s still not 100 percent after his hip surgery a year ago. And that’s caused him to struggle. Brown doesn’t bend his knees well, which means linemen can get around him in a hurry or they can get into his chest and move him back. He’s a strong guy, but without a healthy lower body, that strength is wasted. He played better vs. Detroit in limited snaps. But can he stay healthy? That’s debatable.
LB/DE Andre Carter
The Redskins moved him back to a rush end in nickel situations, a role he’s much better suited to play. But he rarely worked as an end in offseason workouts or in training camp and he’s clearly had some rust. Carter is a better rusher as an end; as a linebacker he was too upright and lacked explosiveness. But it’s time he applies more pressure. One sack in the first half isn’t the production Carter wanted. At times he’s slowed because he’ll jam the tight end before rushing. But still, more is needed.
RB Clinton Portis
Yes, it’s a little obvious to say the starting running back needs to get healthy. But it’s as much for pass protection as anything else. It’s hard to imagine him returning to a full-time role, if only to save him physically. But his protection is most definitely needed. In the four games he played, Donovan McNabb was sacked six times. In the four games he’s missed, McNabb has been sacked 16 times. It’s not a coincidence as teams have stunted and blitzed through the left side with regularity, taking advantage of inexperience at guard, tackle and running back. Portis told reporters Tuesday that he’s a game-time decision for Monday. That means he’s likely a longshot.
LT Trent Williams
The rookie hasn’t been bad, but he also hasn’t looked as sharp as he did this summer or even in the opener vs. Dallas. Teams are testing Williams and guard Kory Lichtensteiger with more stunts and overloads. Because Lichtensteiger is a limited talent, it’s up to Williams to improve. Also, with two games vs. the New York Giants, he’ll once more be pivotal to stopping an elite rush.
FS Kareem Moore
He had a promising training camp, but a disappointing first half, partly because of his knee surgery that cost him a month. But Moore should be fine in the second half after the week off. With another round of playmakers on the schedule — five of the final eight games feature explosive players — it’s imperative that Moore has a good finish. His tackling has been suspect as he has taken poor angles to the ball. And he hasn’t made enough plays. Is he capable of more?
