1. DL Albert Haynesworth (ankle) and LB Perry Riley (foot) were limited in practice Wednesday. Wonder if Haynesworth will use air quotes again after the game talking about his ankle. FS Kareem Moore (knee) did not practice, but he has not been ruled out for Sunday’s game. However, that would put his return at just over three weeks. The original timetable was four to six weeks. It’s hard to imagine him being ready. The good news for Moore, though, is that he said he’s moving well laterally. That’s the last major hurdle.
2. The Redskins are optimistic about their running game for a few reasons, but one of them is the fact that they’ll only face two more 3-4 fronts this season. This scheme is better suited to beating a 4-3 front. For all the talk about the 3-4 and the pass rush, it was originally designed to stop the run.
3. Also, the Redskins’ scheme obviously emphasizes cutback runs so a team that has an extra linebacker on the field. That means having an extra big guy who can run, which means another guy who can fill a cutback lane or beat a lineman.
4. Also, because the Redskins like cutback runs, it’s easier to reach a defensive lineman than a linebacker. D-linemen also tire out a bit quicker and when they’re chasing sideline to sideline more, then it can be a long day.
5. But there’s no doubt that blocks are being missed. Fullback Mike Sellers did not have his best day vs. Dallas. Forget the drops, Sellers wasn’t moving linebackers off their mark like he had in the past. It’s not just Sellers, though. TE Fred Davis wasn’t an effective blocker, either. And each lineman would lose enough battles to cause stumbles.
6. Does receiver Devin Thomas understand why he’s not playing more? “No, I don’t,” he said. But Thomas has not talked to the coaches about his role. “I can’t fuss and rave about nothing,” he said. “I just have to do what comes to me and hopefully I’ll get some opportunities…. I feel I can be out there on offense contributing plays. I can think it all I want. I need my coaches to think the same thing and believe in me. I’m waiting for that time to come.”
7. Thomas, though, is more comfortable returning kickoffs. “I worked hard in the offseason to get bigger, stronger faster so I’m more confident in my body and hitting the hole and using my pads more to break tackles,” he said.
8. Here’s an Albert Haynesworth quote on Matt Schaub (whom he knocked out twice) from three years ago: “I just think he’s scared of us.”
9. Got a Redskins question you want answered? I’ll post the answer each Friday in my blog. Click here.
10. One good point about the Redskins’ defensive line that was made today: When they rotate, it causes the offensive line to never get used to facing a certain style. Some guys are more finesse; others more power. One play that seemed to highlight that was when Phillip Daniels lined up one time on the right side. He destroyed guard Montrae Holland, getting his hands right into his chest and knocking him aside. Holland had worked vs. Kedric Golston, whose style is different.
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