Redskins notes» Linebacker Robert Henson apologized for comments he tweeted after the Redskins’ 9-7 loss.
After the game, Henson tweeted, among other things, “All you fake half hearted Skins fan can .. I won’t go there but I dislike you very strongly, don’t come to Fed Ex to boo dim wits!!” He then tweeted, “The question is who are you to say you know what’s best for the team and you work 9 to 5 at Mcdonalds.”
Henson, who was inactive Sunday, issued an apology on Twitter Sunday night, after some fans’ backlash, and did so again Monday. He had also tweeted that he’d been hit with debris as he left the field.
“I understand the weight my words carry and how I offended some fans,” Henson said. “I apologized. … Not because I’m scared, but because it’s the right thing to do. I hope to have a long prosperous career here and don’t want anyone booing me or being negative towards me. If you’d seen me in training camp I sat out there for hours signing autographs because I love doing this and the fans keep me going.”» Redskins coach Jim Zorn blamed the failed halfback option on the offensive line, for not selling the run harder. The right side of the line pulled up too soon. Clinton Portis’ pass to a covered Chris Cooley fell incomplete.
“When we came off the line, the offense was backing up and when [the Rams] saw that, they played it right down the line,” Zorn said.What We’ve Learned» The Redskins desperately needed to add a change-of-pace back in the offseason, someone who could give a jolt of energy. They lack that person now. Marcus Mason was a nice training camp story, but all he does is provide, at a lesser level, what other players already give Washington. The players they brought in this summer did not work out and that’s a shame. This offense is devoid of playmakers, an obvious statement. But it’s been true for a couple years, save for Santana Moss.» The run blocking inside the 20 must improve. The offensive line did not get enough push up front to create openings for any sort of consistent run game. The breakdowns were all over. Center Casey Rabach had one bad series, getting knocked into the backfield twice. Right tackle Stephon Heyer lacks the power to be a decent run blocker and at times failed to engage his man with much strength.» Washington was predictable inside the red zone with its play calling, at least when it came to the run game. It was obvious that when the Redskins were intent on running the ball — not fooling them with a halfback option — they would run behind the left side of the line. The Rams adjusted and, on the fourth-and-1 play from the 2, had that side overloaded. Clinton Portis had no chance; there wasn’t even a cutback lane available, partly because of poor blocking. Quarterback Jason Campbell does not have the option of changing plays at the goal line, for fear of crowd noise leading to miscommunication.» Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin is healthy and it shows. Griffin is playing with more strength than in recent years thanks to his shoulders finally feeling good. It also helps that he is facing less double teams thanks to the presence of tackle Albert Haynesworth. Griffin is beating his man one-on-one, something others on the line also must start doing. Player of Note » Rocky McIntosh, LB
McIntosh quietly is having a good start to the season. He recorded 11 tackles in the opening loss at New York and added five more Sunday. He forced two fumbles Sunday, one of which was nullified by a penalty and another that wasn’t. McIntosh is moving well and playing physical. The key for him is sustaining this play. Quarterback watch » Jason Campbell
Lost in the disappointment of Washington’s lackluster home opener was an otherwise decent day by Campbell, who might be limited in practice this week with a sprained foot. He made good decisions and moved the ball between the 20s. And he had two potential touchdown passes dropped, albeit one would have been a nice catch. Campbell had a good rhythm much of the day. However, he needs to start hitting some of those deep balls to Malcolm Kelly and Santana Moss; that’s where the money is earned. Passes to Chris Cooley move the chains; long completions to the others lead to quick scores.