»The Redskins lack receivers who can make plays that make quarterbacks look good. Or anyone who scares a defense. So when teams rush four and cover with seven in the red zone, it becomes a problem. For the most part, they’re not going to beat teams with their athleticism, so plays that are 50-50 often are intercepted or incomplete. They have good parts and plenty of guys who move the chains, but this offense sorely needs a big-time playmaker.
» Kory Lichtensteiger wasn’t a budding Pro Bowl lineman, but he had turned into a reliable player for the Redskins. And his absence will create some issues, with Will Montgomery shifting from center to left guard to replace him. Lichtensteiger worked well with left tackle Trent Williams. But the move also means the insertion of second-year center Erik Cook. Cook was not terrible vs. the Eagles, but at 6-foot-6, Cook is tall for a center, and though he tries to get low, he too often does so by bending at the waist. That removes his power and makes it possible for defensive linemen to beat him.
» Sunday’s loss merely reminded everyone of one thing: The Redskins are a year away from truly contending. Yes, they could hang around the NFC East chase for a while — but they needed to stay healthy. Their margin for error, especially offensively, is slim. And there were issues before Sunday that remain in place: quarterback, line depth and the lack of offensive playmakers. Those issues will be addressed in the offseason.
» Tight end Fred Davis is having a good season catching the ball, but he cost Rex Grossman on the third interception Sunday with — take your pick — a bad route or a lazy one. Grossman was anticipating Davis cutting in front of the safety near the goal line. But Davis cut off his route after the pass was thrown. Davis’ other mistake was leaving his inside shoulder too far open, allowing the safety an easy path to the ball. Had Davis just squared his shoulders, he might have prevented the pick. If he’s going to continue being a primary target, he can’t have those lapses.
