The moves looked good inMarch. They always do. In a span of five days, the Redskins traded for a wide receiver, signed another one, landed a pass-rushing defensive end and filled a void at safety.
Some moves were applauded at the time. But so far, the return on their investment has been minimal — at best.
» DE Andre Carter: It’s not just the sacks, or lack of them; it’s the inability to be enough of a factor against the run. Witness Sunday. The Giants ran predominantly to the Redskins’ right side; Carter wasn’t always in the game, but he couldn’t do anything to stop the Giants from doing this, like pushing the ball carrier inside or forcing him to run wider than desired. Anything.
The coaches aren’t unhappy with his play and love his professional attitude, but he was not considered a good run-stopping end in San Francisco. Ends like this need to pressure the passer more. He isn’t.
» WR Brandon Lloyd: When asked to explain Lloyd’s lack of production, Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said, “It’s hard to explain. … He’s playing a ton.” In other words, it’s not from a lack of playing time or desire to get him the ball. Lloyd has six catches for 75 yards in five games. Much more was expected when Washington obtained him in a trade. It’s clear there’s little on-field chemistry between he and quarterback Mark Brunell.
» WR Antwaan Randle El: The Redskins did not expect him to provide big plays downfield in the passing game; that’s not what he did in Pittsburgh. He’s averaging 7.8 yards a reception on 14 catches with one touchdown. And he’s become a decent third-down guy with eight catches, five going for first downs. Plus, he forces the defense to react simply by going in motion. He’s also a dangerous punt returner, though his long this season is only 15 yards, and is helping the Redskins.
» S Adam Archuleta: The departed Ryan Clark’s name comes up often when defensive players talk about things that have changed since last season. There’s a reason. Archuleta is a workout fanatic and, like Clark, now a starter in Pittsburgh, watches a lot of film.
But Archuleta is doing what he did in St. Louis: getting beat deep and, his 10 tackles Sunday notwithstanding, missing tackles. When cornerback Shawn Springs returns, it will free up Archuleta to blitz more and play closer to the line. But Clark could have done the same thing — for a much cheaper price.
