Santana Moss was discussing Keiland Williams and the void created by Clinton Portis’ injury. Moss has been around and has seen a lot and calmly addressed what must happen next from Portis’ backups. “We’re counting on those guys for the long stretch,” he said.
But when it comes to that long stretch — the final six games — those aren’t the only backups the Redskins (5-5) will need for playoff contention.
At this point it’s uncertain how many starters will miss Sunday or beyond. The offensive line could be at full strength Sunday against Minnesota.
Some players, such as safety LaRon Landry (out Sunday), could be out for a longer time with his Achilles injury. Others, such as linebackers Rocky McIntosh (groin) and Lorenzo Alexander (hamstring), remain uncertain.
Running back
Williams, James Davis and Ryan Torain will replace Portis. But considering Portis has missed five games already, this is nothing new. The problem is that Torain, probably the best runner of the group, will miss his third straight game with a hamstring injury. Davis has 13 career carries and Williams has 49. Davis is not a third-down back because of questions about his pass protection. Williams, who will start Sunday, can do a little of both.
Neither player has Portis’ burst or savvy. Williams in protection, for example, still tends to lower his head and turn his shoulders too much taking on blitzers, leading to misses. Still, he’s won fans.
“He was running the ball extremely hard this past Sunday,” Redskins guard Artis Hicks said. “Maybe there weren’t any 40- or 50-yard gains, but every time he went down his shoulder pads were facing north and south.”
Secondary
Reed Doughty will replace Landry — the defensive MVP in the first eight games — for the second straight game. Doughty’s strength, like Landry’s, is playing closer to the line. Doughty is fearless and adept at hitting the holes hard — against Tennessee he took on pulling linemen before they even reached the line, thereby clogging lanes. But he lacks Landry’s speed and big hit ability.
With Landry’s Achilles injury, the Redskins don’t know when he’ll return this season. The sharpest drop occurs with the third safety, newly signed Macho Harris — a converted corner.
“There’s a big adjustment anytime people start getting hurt,” Doughty said.
Corner Carlos Rogers doesn’t know when he’ll return because of his hamstring injury. Phillip Buchanon played well against Tennessee, though Rogers is more physical and plays inside in nickel coverage. Last week, Washington used its base package approximately 70 percent of the time — even in passing situations — so the nickel corner wasn’t a major issue. When it becomes one, Kevin Barnes and Byron Westbrook will be needed. Barnes is more athletic; Westbrook is more physical.
Linebacker
Andre Carter, the pass-rusher, would replace Alexander, the run-stopper. However, Carter hasn’t yet shown he’s comfortable rushing from a stand-up position and is not as fluid in coverage. Meanwhile, if McIntosh can’t play, the Redskins have H.B. Blades and Perry Riley to replace him — Blades did so vs. the Titans. Blades is fast, but small; Riley, a rookie, is more powerful but is not considered strong in coverage.
“If someone goes down,” Blades said, “we know we don’t have to miss a beat.”
That’s not only what the Redskins hope; it’s what they need.
