The sacks occurred because an offensive guard didn’t hold his block long enough. And because the quarterback held the ball too long. And because the backs didn’t pick up blitzes. And because the tackles were beaten.
When it comes to the Redskins’ pass protection problems, it’s not hard to see what the problem is: apparently everything. And one area that would help is one the Redskins are struggling with — running the ball.
Quarterback Mark Brunell was sacked six times against Dallas on Sunday night. It’s not the only thing wrong with Washington’s offense, but it certainly was a major problem Sunday, and possibly symbolic of larger woes. The Redskins want to throw the ball downfield and run many plays that require time and patience. But without good protection that isn’t possible.
Add it to the list of reasons why Washington is struggling offensively. Though the line is considered better run-blockers than pass blockers, it’s not all on them. At least a couple sacks Sunday occurred when Brunell had nearly four seconds to find a receiver. That could stem from no one getting open, or from Brunell holding onto it longer as he learns his receivers better, trusting that they’ll be in the right spot. Other times the linemen are allowing pressure.
“They have a lot of slow-developing plays,” one NFL source said. “Brunell just doesn’t have time. … [But] he looks old to me.”
The running backs have to do a better job picking up blitzes, too. The backs have more one-on-one pass blocking responsibility than in the past. In associate head coach/offense Al Saunders’ system, there’s no maximum protection schemes, another change. Clinton Portis is better at pass protection than Ladell Betts and T.J. Duckett. Portis is expected to start Sunday.
“Clinton brings a lot of energy and he’s a tremendous player,” Redskins right tackle Jon Jansen said. “Whenever you get a guy like that back, it’s a boost.”
They need one.
“We’re so anxious to do well that it can hurt you in the way of being patient,” right guard Randy Thomas said. “If you watch film, you see a couple guys who are a little antsy. We just need to be calm.”
Running the ball would help, a sentiment that’s strong in the locker room. Saunders agrees. Surprisingly, the Redskins could not run the ball well against Dallas, despite the Cowboys playing its safeties back almost all night.
“If we run the ball effectively, then all things get a little easier,” Saunders said. “You keep teams off-balance.”
Week 3 Notes
» Running back Clinton Portis returned to practice and is expected to start this week. Meanwhile, cornerback Shawn Springs had to leave practice after injuring his groin during a drill.
For the first time since hurting his shoulder, Portis participated in the entire practice. He’s listed as questionable on the injury report.
“Clinton looked real good,” head coach Joe Gibbs said. “We’re OK there.”
He did not play against Dallas after carrying 10 times for 39 yards in the opening loss to Minnesota. Gibbs and Portis had disagreed on his status for each game. But Gibbs’ word has been the final one in this situation.
Springs is listed as questionable because of his abdomen surgery in August. Wednesday, he suffered a slight groin pull when he backpedaled and then tried to burst forward.
The Redskins say it’s not in the area where he had surgery. Gibbs has not ruled out Springs for Sunday.
» Defensive tackle Joe Salave’a (calf) did not practice and is listed as questionable. Receiver Santana Moss (hip) is probable. For Houston, corner Demarcus Faggins (foot) is out; corner Phillip Buchanon (ankle), center Mike Flanagan (foot) and defensive end Antwan Peek (groin) are questionable.
» Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell knows the focus is on his performance. He also knows to not pay attention to it. “It’s part of being the quarterback of this team,” he said. “If I did a lot of reading or watching TV I’d have a tough time with it.”
