Jason Campbell made the point after several minutes of what-went-wrong questions. He answered them all, trying to dissect the final sequence of Washington’s first loss.
Then came his not-so-subtle reminder: “We’re 2-1, people tend to forget that,” he said. “People right now are panicking.”
Campbell is right. Losing to the New York Giants does not mean gloom and doom is just around the corner. The Redskins can recover from one loss.
But what is worrisome is a trend that started in the spring, continued through the summer and is flaring up once again: injuries. And, worse, they’ve occurred to players who miss time each year because of them. Or, at the least, they’re affected in a handful of games each season with more than routine aches and pains.
That, more than anything could spell trouble for Washington. It’s why the Redskins’ depth will be tested all season. It already is along the offensive line with the new tandem of guard Jason Fabini and tackle Todd Wade.
The biggest worries – when it comes to being available for the final 13 games – are defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin (knee/hip), receiver Santana Moss (groin), end Phillip Daniels (foot) and linebacker Marcus Washington (elbow). Running back Clinton Portis (knee) causes concern, too.
Griffin has played 16 games in his career just once – and not since 2001. He’s missed five games the past two years and already is bothered by a knee injury, to go with a hip problem and sore ankle. If Griffin is limited or sidelined, the Redskins’ run defense would suffer.
Daniels has played 16 games the past two years, but admitted he wasn’t the same last season while battling various ailments all season. Three years ago he missed 11 games. He’s already missed one game because of his foot and, at 34, it’s not hard to imagine more missed time.
Moss was bothered by a groin injury in the spring and he hurt it again Sunday. If it becomes a recurring problem, the Redskins’ passing game would take a dramatic hit. If Moss, who draws attention away from other wideouts, has a nagging injury, as was the case last year, or misses time then it’ll be harder for others to break free. That’s why a player such as recentsignee Reche Caldwell could become a key receiver.
Other reserves who could play pivotal, and increased, roles: defensive end Demetric Evans, defensive tackles Kedric Golston and Ryan Boschetti and linebacker Randall Godfrey.
Players and coaches remain confident in what the team can accomplish. But whatever the Redskins do this season, their depth – or lack of it — will most certainly be a factor.
