The Redskins reached the midway point in their season one win shy of last year’s total. For that, there’s reason to celebrate. Then again, five wins also serves to tweak the players.
“I feel we should be 7-1,” said receiver Antwaan Randle El.
Indeed, Washington’s 5-3 mark could easily be two games better if not for a blown lead versus the New York Giants and a second-half collapse at Green Bay. Then again, they’re a Jerricho Cotchery dropped pass in overtime away from possibly being 4-4.
Here’s a look at their first half:
What went right » The defense returned to prominence. And that is what will drive Washington anywhere it’s going to go this season. The Redskins turned into a cover-2 team, relying on its front four to pressure the passer, a strategy that, for the most part, has helped.
The defense is faster than a year ago, or at least it is when everyone is healthy. That’s enabled them to make more plays and apply more pressure. But if the health starts to fail, as it’s already doing, then it’s easy to see them slipping.
Another bonus for Washington is that Clinton Portis has remained healthy. If Portis can stay healthy, that’s a good sign for the second half.
What went wrong » The offense still can’t find any consistency. The reasons are many: injuries, a young quarterback, conservative playcalling, not enough help from the receivers.
Washington expected to see some progress in the second year of Al Saunders’ system. But, so far, it’s been more of the same. Last year, the Redskins averaged 19.2 points per game — this year, they’re scoring 18.3 a game. The fact that no receiver has caught a touchdown pass is damning. Santana Moss still doesn’t seem like himself, though he showed glimpses Sunday. Quarterback Jason Campbell has stagnated the past three games.
The right side of the line has crippled this offense, Sunday’s win notwithstanding. Washington has had to do more to help in protection and the cutback lanes haven’t always been available. The inability to ever groom young linemen has hurt them.
Looking ahead » The Redskins are in playoff contention because the NFC is weak and they’re also finding ways to win games — games they probably would’ve lost last season.
But the injury situation does not bode well for a strong second half. They have three tough road games and a fourth, at Minnesota, that is suddenly dangerous. Campbell must progress more and the running game has to become consistent. It’s also worrisome that the defensive line has not generated much rush the past two games. Still, a win over Philadelphia on Sunday would go a long ways toward reaching nine wins, which, in the NFC, is usually enough.
