Ladell Betts isn’t the only backup threatening to lead the Washington Redskins offense over the final weeks.
The big names are largely sidelined. Chris Samuels is lost for the season; Chris Cooley may not return; Clinton Portis’ timetable is uncertain. Three Pro Bowlers are missing from an offense seemingly so lost boy scouts couldn’t help them cross the red zone.
But the Redskins may be saved by a by collective effort by reserves, not a collective trio of playcallers.
Betts’ 114 yards propelled Washington to a 27-17 victory over Denver, ending a four-game losing streak on Sunday that threatened to strip the team and followers of any hope of a mid-season turnaround. The runner followed left tackle Levi Jones, making his first start in Washington, and guard Chad Rinehart, returning from a long benching.
The second-round class of 2008, so often berated as busts, saw Fred Davis catch a team-high four passes while Devin Thomas gained an extra 20 yards on a catch through pure guile that led to the decisive score. Malcolm Kelly added a key 18-yard grab as the trio delivered collectively for the first time in 25 career games.
Punter Hunter Smith threw a 35-yard touchdown strike to fullback Mike Sellers for the latter’s first score this season. Rock Cartwright doubled as a third-down back as well as kick returner.
This is why depth is so important. The 16-game schedule demands more than headliners to survive. It requires two-deep at more than quarterback.
Washington didn’t build Plan B into the offensive line, then watched two starters get hurt and a half dozen players get shuffled. The Redskins were lucky to find Jones, a free agent waiting for an offer after a solid eight-year career. But steady improvement by four offensive contributors, plus cornerback Justin Tryon and linebacker Brian Orakpo, suddenly makes the past two drafts look better.
The Betts-vs.-Portis dynamic already is drawing attention. Portis could surpass Hall of Famer John Riggins’ career team rushing mark next season if he’s not an offseason casualty. He has been the backfield’s mainstay since 2004.
But Betts rekindled memories of his 2006 streak of five straight 100-yard outings when Portis was injuried. Betts’ straight-ahead style might be more productive behind a line that doesn’t provide the extra second for wider runs. Suddenly, any urgency over Portis’ return from a Nov. 8 concussion is lessened.
After all, the offense may run better on spare parts.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
