1. Will Graham Gano make a difference?
The Redskins signed the former UFL kicker Tuesday and cut Shaun Suisham. It lets players know they’ll be held accountable, though that is a selective process. Otherwise many in the organization, not just players, would be in major trouble. Suisham had only missed three field goals this season, but each one made a major impact in a loss — though the Redskins still could have won both games. He’s also missed six kicks between 30-39 yards in the past three years combined; that’s not good. However, Gano, who also kicked at Florida State, could be a nice find. He wasn’t bothered by pressure situations and he supposedly has a strong leg (don’t they all?). Gano becomes the 12th Redskins kicker this decade. His impact, if he makes one, could be more in 2010 than now.
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2. Should LaRon Landry be benched?
No. Should he be moved to strong safety in the future? Yes. The Redskins lack a legitimate alternative to him at free safety for this season. Kareem Moore was burned by a double move as well vs. Denver (the pass was dropped) and the coaches don’t trust him out there more than in part-time duty. Reed Doughty is a strong safety. Landry’s speed provides them the ability to give different looks to an offense. They can drop him to areas other safeties can’t reach, or disguise coverages longer because of his speed. Landry played well for much of the game vs. New Orleans. But the two plays he did not cost them two touchdowns. And those plays illustrate why he’s better served up close.
3. Why is the offense blossoming with many backups?
The coaches have done a better job of playing to their strengths and not asking too much of the line with more three-step drops, quick throws and two tight end packages. Quarterback Jason Campbell is playing well. He still makes mistakes and misses throws, but he’s trusted his line, and his receivers, more the past four games. The young pass-catchers, especially Fred Davis and Devin Thomas, have energized the offense. And the play-calling has a good rhythm right now. Too bad for Jim Zorn that it didn’t happen earlier.
