Observing the Redskins through Week 8
1. The Redskins have faced five offenses currently ranked in the top 10 — Arizona, Dallas, New Orleans, New York Giants and Philadelphia. In each case, the Redskins held those teams below their current averages in points and yards.
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2. Defensive coordinator Greg Blache called this the most studious team he’s been around. That helps explain why they can lose starters and still play at a high level.
3. As well as the defense is playing, only two Redskins on that unit are playing at a Pro Bowl level: linebacker London Fletcher and cornerback Carlos Rogers. Fletcher remains the defensive MVP.
4. If someone had told you Andre Carter and Jason Taylor would combine for three sacks in the first half of the season, your predicted record for the Redskins would have been …? Certainly not 6-2.
5. In the second half, the Redskins will play their four toughest opponents at home. They also play at three teams currently under .500. Because of that, it’s hard to imagine them not winning at least 10 games.
6. The Redskins are 14th in red zone offense; Chris Cooley has been thrown to only four times inside the 20 (once by receiver Antwaan Randle El for an 18-yard TD). Think there’s a connection?
7. In three of the next five games — vs. Pittsburgh, the Giants and Baltimore — Washington will face a top-three defense. And a fourth is vs. Dallas, which is 10th.
8. Clinton Portis is the first-half offensive MVP. Period. Everything this offense does comes off the running game.
9. That said, if Portis gets 80 yards against Pittsburgh, it’s more impressive than gaining 126 vs. Detroit.
10. The Redskins might have stumbled onto Jim Zorn last offseason, but he’s clearly been a good hire. And the organization was right about hiring a coach who would be good for Jason Campbell. Look at the difference it’s made.
