…Safety LaRon Landry has not had the season many envisioned. His speed can prevent big plays down the field. However, he consistently takes bad angles to the ball – which has allowed big plays. He did that on Michael Turner’s 33-yard run, giving him an easy cutback lane. And he tried to roll at Turner’s feet on his 58-yard run. That’s the sort of tackle you can get away with in college, but not against a back such as Turner. Landry talked this summer about improving his angles; it hasn’t happened.
…No play caller has a chance to succeed with this Redskins’ offensive line. It’s amazing that the Redskins thought they actually had good depth at this area entering the season. Well, amazing is one word to describe it. There are others. The Redskins are on pace to allow 56 sacks (their most since a 61-sack season in 1998). But it doesn’t help when the established players – such as fullback Mike Sellers – whiff on blitz pickups. Actually, all he tried to do was nudge the blitzing corner. What separates teams is the details of the game. Washington falls short in this area.
…Rookie end/linebacker Brian Orakpo gets it. He won’t pose after sacks or celebrate in some look-at-me fashion. Why? It’s not that he’s against celebrations, but he is against them when his team is losing and has a bad record. Orakpo continues to look like a real good draft pick. He is still improving as a linebacker, but he’s rushing with a fury. Twice he broke through two blockers en route to the quarterback Sunday.
…Running back Ladell Betts gave the ground game some energy after Clinton Portis exited with a mild concussion in the first half. Betts hit the holes hard and ran in synch with the offensive line. It helps to have a running back with fresh legs who can practice. It’ll be interesting what he can do with a full game. Betts is not effective when he carries a handful of times. Rather, he needs more carries to find his rhythm.
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