» Redskins guard Pete Kendall is a bit tired of answering what’s-wrong-with-the-offense questions.

“If I knew the answer there wouldn’t be a problem,” he said. “I would have shared it with the head coach, offensive coordinator and anyone else who would listen.”

Quarterback Jason Campbell has drawn the brunt of fan criticism, but certainly not the bulk of it in the locker room.

“People think it’s the QB learning the offense,” Campbell said. “They don’t understand everyone around you is learning the offense. …  We came out so fast after the first game and got on a streak and going so fast and the expectations went through the roof.”

Three things we know about the Ravens


1. Joe Flacco can play » But give credit to the Ravens coaching staff for bringing the rookie quarterback along slowly. They’ve helped by emphasizing the run and eliminating pressure on him. And the better they run, the more they’re throwing downfield. In his last six games, Flacco is averaging 7.6 yards per pass attempt (compared to 6.4 in the first 10 games) and has thrown nine touchdowns to only two interceptions. His receivers, particularly former bust Mark Clayton, have helped him tremendously.

2. Ed Reed is still a stud » Reed is a playmaking safety and has 37 career interceptions, returning five for touchdowns. Part of the reason Reed does such a good job is through positioning. He often plays deeper and, knowing the quarterback will face an intense rush, he’s able to read the quarterback’s eyes and make quick breaks on the ball. He will give up plays because he takes chances, but he makes more plays than he surrenders. Much more.

3. Their corners have improved » The Ravens haven’t been hurt by starting corner Chris McAlister being placed on injured reserve, thanks to the improved play of Samari Rolle and Frank Walker. It helps that they have a front seven capable of applying lots of pressure. The Ravens also blitz a lot, leaving their corners in man coverage. They only have 26 sacks, but the pressure has resulted in quarterbacks hurrying passes. Opposing QBs have a passer rating of 58.4. In particular, Walker, a backup until McAlister’s injury, has started to play much better.

QB watch » Jason Campbell


The problem Campbell is having is that other young quarterbacks are flourishing in their first year, such as Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco. It eliminates the excuse of having to learn another offense. But Campbell hasn’t gotten enough help from his teammates, especially his receivers. Rookies Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly do not scare defenses at all, which makes it difficult when they’re both in a four-receiver set. Campbell, though, does need to improve at moving on to the next play. Coach Jim Zorn said Campbell still worries too often about previous plays.

Player of note » Shawn Springs • CB

Springs has a chance to play Sunday despite his calf injury, which he re-injured vs. New York. Springs said he would play and coach Jim Zorn was optimistic. Still, Springs has already missed five games this season because of his recurring calf injury. He said it will bother him the rest of the season and won’t get better until he has a chance to rest after the season. Regardless, it’s likely the Redskins won’t use him in a full-time role in future games, trying to keep him healthy.