The quarterback isn’t going anywhere, so don’t bother asking. At least not for a couple weeks, that is. Besides, so many other problems exist on the Redskins. Which, of course, is the biggest problem.
Then there is the lack of answers. Otherwise, as players and coaches have said a hundred times, they would have solved their problems.
There’s the kicking game; injuries and spotty play all over the place.
But four problems stand out:
» Problem: An inability to throw downfield.
» Solution: A more aggressive mentality and more max protection.
Offensive guru Al Saunders’ system worked in Kansas City because he had the NFL’s best offensive line; max protection wasn’t needed. Here, Saunders has tackles he clearly doesn’t trust. The Redskins must use more max protection — keep running backs and tight ends in to block — to buy time for downfield throws.
Also, quarterback Mark Brunell has spent the past couple years playing not to lose. With a good defense, that works. However, this defense is not good. A more aggressive mentality is needed. He must take chances — or take a seat.
» Problem: Sixteenth-ranked run defense.
» Solution: Get the tackles healthy; bench Andre Carter.
In the season’s first four games, when tackle Cornelius Griffin was healthy, one team eclipsed 100 rushing yards and the other three averaged 3.4 yards per carry or less. The rookie tackles can’t play together. And clearly linebacker Lemar Marshall needs lots of help up front.
Also, put Phillip Daniels back at right defensive end; start Renaldo Wynn on the left side and commit to stopping the run. Let Andre Carter, who has too narrow a base to be effective against the run, enter in pass situations.
» Problem: Pass defense
» Solution: Change safeties.
The Redskins are second in the NFL in pass plays allowed over 20 yards with 30, trailing Green Bay by one. They need to pressure quarterbacks more. But the one personnel move that can be made is continuing to play newly acquired Troy Vincent ahead of Adam Archuleta at safety on passing downs. Archuleta, better close to the line, plays flat-footed in coverage and does not adjust well to the ball. He’s not the only problem, just an easy one to fix.
» Problem: Falling stars.
» Solution: None.
None of the Redskins’ elite players are performing at a Pro Bowl level. Marcus Washington plays solid, but hasn’t made big plays. Clinton Portis is hurt too much. Santana Moss has had one big game. Yes, he gets doubled; so does Carolina’s Steve Smith. Sean Taylor is all-hit, no cover. Any turnaround must start with this group. But there’s no magic way to get this started.
Star search
» Clinton Portis is on pace for 1,104 rushing yards, which would be his worst total since 2004 when he ran for 1,315 after missing the final game of the season with a muscle tear in his shoulder.
» Marcus Washington has recorded just 0.5 sacks after reaching a career-high 7.5 last season.
» After hauling in three TDs and going for 138 yards against Jacksonville, Santana Moss has just 24 catches for 297 yards in the team’s other six games. Last year, Moss set the Skins single-season receiving yardage record (1,483)
