What We’ve Learned

…Andre Carter loves having Albert Haynesworth around. Carter reported to camp a half-step quicker as he focused more on speed training. That has certainly helped in his fast start (team-best 5 ½ sacks). He’s turning the corner quicker and his pad level appears lower, allowing him to get under the pads of tackles and zip around the edge. But it also helps having Haynesworth around to occupy blockers and collapse the pocket. Also, the Redskins will use rookie Brian Orakpo sometimes on the same side as Carter, running a stunt from a standup position. Add it up and Carter is enjoying his best season in Washington. He also continues to improve against the run (FYI: on the 67-yard end around by Philadelphia, Carter was caught inside, but on that defensive play he was called to focus on the dive play; perhaps he could have played it a little better, but those behind him needed to play it a lot better).

…One reason the Redskins’ running game has been non-explosive is because of the blocking from those not on the offensive line. The line is struggling enough, but it doesn’t help at all that the tight ends are weak blockers. The top two are pass-catchers often used in blocking roles. And the receivers have not been good enough either. When the ends and receivers block well, a five- or 10-yard run becomes much longer. Of course, it would help if the running backs exploded through the hole and made defenders miss. But too often the defender making the play is shedding blocks – attempted blocks, more accurately – by the tight ends.  The Redskins say their blocking has improved. We say, the expectations must be low.

…Tight end Fred Davis and Devin Thomas finally showed they could play a little, especially Davis. Thomas still doesn’t have a catch longer than 22 yards (on 22 career receptions), so let’s hold off on his enshrinement. Davis looked terrific in training camp until the games started, when his attention to detail on his routes was lacking. But in Chris Cooley’s absence, his focus sharpened and he produced (as a pass-catcher; his blocking was woeful thanks to poor technique; he gets shoved back way too easily). Having said that, the Redskins still erred in taking three pass-catchers in the second round of the 2008 draft. Championship teams do not make such moves. You never draft strictly for need, but you also can’t ignore it or overdraft in one area. With better planning, the Redskins could have found another young lineman and, perhaps, still taken one or even two pass-catchers.

…The Redskins are losing faith in Antwaan Randle El as a punt returner. They will continue to give Santana Moss and even DeAngelo Hall reps as a returner in games, coach Jim Zorn said on his coach’s show on ESPN 980 today. Randle El has been a disappointment as a returner, averaging 5.2 yards per return this season. This after a 6.5-yard average in 2008 and a 6.1-yard average in ’07. Randle El rarely makes one cut and runs; rather, he spends too much time trying to find the perfect hole. It doesn’t exist. But the coaches loved him back there for his hands — but he fumbled one Monday night. The Redskins can’t afford to have their current lackluster return game if they want to help the offense. That’s why Hall and Moss deserve more chances.

…Some in the national media like to point to 2010 as a possible uncapped year as a reason Redskins owner Dan Snyder would be attractive to work under. Shame on them. The reason Washington is in a bad state is not because it hasn’t spent money; it’s because the Redskins have not build a proper foundation for the organization. Snyder more often than not outspends other teams already. Very few players have escaped their grasp that they did not want. Until Snyder decides to scrap his model of how to run a franchise, they will continue to struggle. Money has not solved their problems in the past; it will not solve them in the future. The willingness to spend is nice, but spending it wiser is even better.

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