» The rebuilding process takes time, and the areas that Washington was unable to fortify are hurting it this season. They had no line depth before the injuries. They made few plays at receiver before losing Santana Moss. The quarterbacks were unproven before this season. In eight games, they still haven’t had a receiver finish with more than 76 yards in a game. The problem for the Redskins is that the real rebuilding did not take place until after Mike Shanahan’s first season. They did the right things by tearing up the roster. However, much more needs to be done before anyone can say they’re not only headed in the right direction but that they actually will arrive. »
Brandon Banks is having a bad season. This summer he still showed an ability to make big plays, which is why he made the roster. But he hasn’t made any dynamic plays this season. His longest kickoff return is 47 yards, and his longest punt return is 35. He ranks 17th in kick returns (23.8) and 20th in punt returns (8.4). The troubling part Sunday was the muffed punts — he now has fumbled four times in 21 games as a punt returner. He should be left on kickoffs because he has the chance to create a spark. But his decisions on punt returns were troubling Sunday.
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This is a much different situation than the one experienced in Jim Zorn’s two-year chaotic run. So comparing the records from these eras only tells part of the story. Under Zorn, it was a dysfunctional organization; now it’s run in a professional manner. The players lost faith in Zorn after the first year; some knew he was nearly fired. Players were upset with other players for their work ethic and attitudes. And there was definite questioning of the coaches. That’s not going on right now.
» There’s a difference in playing young guys and having young guys who are ready to play. Roy Helu at least looked like he could help at running back, and Leonard Hankerson is worth watching at receiver. This offense needs young legs and playmakers, and both players have that sort of potential. Maurice Hurt, however, struggled at left guard; in some cases it was inexperience. Hurt still just looks like a rookie seventh-round pick who may or may not develop.
