1. Cornerback Phillip Buchanon has been a good pickup » He’s showing that he is good as a No. 3 corner and can do well when pushed into the starting lineup. He was criticized in Houston for his coverage skills last season, but Buchanon has done an excellent job in both man and zone coverages. Buchanon leads the Redskins with 13 passes defensed and made two nice plays Sunday. Buchanon also has forced two fumbles, tied with London Fletcher for the team-high.
2. The running game would have to lead any sort of playoff run, which makes any sort of playoff run unlikely » The Redskins just aren’t equipped to have a consistent ground game, not with a line that isn’t great and with backs who are inexperienced. Sunday, James Davis stutter-stepped to some holes, looking indecisive on where he should cut. It’s hard for a guy who hasn’t played in a while to gain rhythm that fast. Or he would dodge defenders in the backfield. Ryan Torain’s return would help, but durability questions remain. They need to have enough of an attack to remain committed; otherwise, teams won’t bite on the play-action or bootlegs — as Minnesota did not.
3. The inability of the defensive line in the 3-4 front to get any sort of push made it tougher to stop the run Sunday » Their primary job is to keep the linebackers clean to make plays. But Minnesota succeeded in part because the linemen could get to the linebackers. It’s why Albert Haynesworth’s inability to adapt to a 3-4 has set this defense back. They have try-hard guys up front, but they also need one who scares a line. It’s a big reason why Minnesota could still run well with Toby Gerhart instead of Adrian Peterson.
4. The Redskins will have a decision to make after the season regarding right tackle Jammal Brown » At best he’s shown that he can be serviceable. The problem Brown faces is that his health — and specifically his hip — likely will remain an issue. Brown struggles to bend his knees enough, getting in trouble because he bends more at the hip. And his mobility is restricted. He’s unrestricted after this season.
