Injuries leave Redskins not much better than first meeting with Giants
The conclusions, drawn after just one game, painted a troubling portrait of a team headed for a rough season. A disaster, perhaps. Their coach was in over his head. Their quarterback was a poor fit for this offense. Their defense wouldn’t stop the rush, not with these small ends.
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It seems so long ago. Immediately after the Redskins 16-7 season-opening loss to the Giants, they went on a four-game winning streak. Now they’re 7-4 and now the question is: have the Redskins improved enough to spring an upset over the 10-1 Giants?
RUN DEFENSE » The Redskins rank seventh in the NFL. But Seattle hurt them on the edge last week as Dallas’ Marion Barber did the previous game; it’s an area that New York’s power rushing game exploited in the opener, using the tight ends and tackles to completely control Washington’s ends.
However, safety Chris Horton is much further along, his role increasing weekly; he can play in the box and help. End Jason Taylor is finally healthy, though he’s not a run-stopper.
But three-fourths of Washington’s starting line is banged up and some might not play. And middle linebacker London Fletcher might not play because of a sprained foot. He would be replaced by H.B. Blades, a step slower, an inch or so shorter and a few pounds lighter.
“He’s one of those guys that does what everyone tells him he can’t do,” Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache said of Blades.
Still, given the injuries, it’s hard to consider the Redskins better off than in the opener.
THE PASSING GAME » Quarterback Jason Campbell locked onto a receiver, or two, in the opener and lost an open downfield target during one rush when he took his eyes off him. Campbell is much improved in this area. He’s able to find his third and fourth receivers better.
“Jason is maturing,” Redskins center Casey Rabach said.
“Jason started at point A and may be to point D now,” Redskins coach Jim Zorn said. “We’re trying to get him to point Z.”
Campbell is also more willing to find his backs and tight ends; 40 of his last 66 completions have gone to them.
PROTECTION » The Redskins are about the same, struggling against speed rushers. Actually, considering left tackle Chris Samuels’ aching knee, the Redskins aren’t better off than in the opener. The Redskins can help the protection by staying balanced — and by keeping the game close. They might have to use more I-formation or two tight end sets, giving Campbell more help. If they fall behind and are forced to throw, then New York’s pass rush will be troublesome, as it is for every team it faces.
