What We’ve Learned
…Rookie Brian Orakpo is starting to get more comfortable. And the Redskins are starting to use him in different ways. It’s debatable whether or not he’s really a strongside linebacker; he really struggles to get off blocks and will be tested more when the Redskins face better quarterbacks. He lacks explosiveness, at least right now, playing in space. He seems to do a better job when he can have his feet moving and going forward towards the line. That’s why they’ll sometimes use three-man lines with Orakpo as a standup linebacker in which he’ll rush. He’s starting to do better on stunts to the inside with Albert Haynesworth.
…Clinton Portis needs to get more help from all his blockers. Tight end Chris Cooley did a better job in the second half blocking on the edge, but is too often inconsistent. Tight end Fred Davis is not a blocker at all. Receiver Malcolm Kelly needs to improve his run blocking, too. These players can make the difference between a short run and one of substance. As it stands, Portis is having to work awfully hard for his runs. That said, all those hard hits have robbed him of any explosiveness once he gets through the line. The troubling stat is that he has just seven runs of longer than 10 yards this season; and one for more than 15. Portis hasn’t scored a touchdown yet. He opened the 2005 season with no touchdowns in his first five games, yet still managed 11 for the season.
… Rookie Jeremy Jarmon continues to develop and adds a lot of quickness inside. He should be a bigger help in upcoming games. But he’s still learning to play end in the NFL. He got suckered on a bootleg on the first snap of the second half and is not yet stout at holding his ground, though he’s improving (it’ll help when he adds strength in the offseason). That’s where veteran Phillip Daniels can still help. He’s very powerful at the point of attack. But Jarmon gives them needed quickness when lining up at tackle in passing situations. Those young legs will benefit Washington as the season progresses.
