Mr. Keim: Why doesn’t anyone ever question Rabachs poor play? The OL and the O as a whole instantly improved when Rabach went to the bench. True Montgomery was pushed back at times, but he held his own and wasn’t ran over and through like Casey has been all year. Lichtenstieger and Heyer looked solid with Monty in there at C and Donovan had a pocket to step up and throw more times than not. Not to mention the running game was improved.
Yet I have no doubt Rabach will be back in there getting beat like a drum this Sunday if he’s capable of starting. The guy has been in decline for three years and it’s not just against stout NT’s anymore, even his OL calls seem iffy imo. So why does he get a free pass from the media and coaching staff alike?
Sincerely,
Eric Bateman
Eric: Don’t know about a free pass; can only speak for myself. I’ve pointed out some of his mistakes or shortcomings – not as THE story, but in a story. Maybe not hard enough, partly because I don’t think it’s about one guy on this front. I do know that his teammates rave about his calls and he was named a captain for a reason. However, he is undersized, which becomes an issue on those stretch runs. When it’s hard to reach a lineman, he must at least bump them off stride and keep them along the line. That’s been difficult. I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to upgrade in the offseason, but I also thought the same last year.
JK
Hey John: Would you mind asking Coach Shanahan about the decision to bring Terrence Austin to Tenn and just generally how he’s progressing this year. I know he probably won’t say much but the reason I ask (besides the obvious need for a young, dynamic receiver) is because FB Darrel Young mentioned in his blog today “Look for Terrence Austin to become a significant part of the offense this year.” That’ll be a comment that’s talked about until training camp if he’s not brought up to the active roster this year.
Thanks. Peter
Peter: Though Austin believed he had been promoted, the Redskins say it was just a reward for how hard he’s practiced. Joe Gibbs used to do that on occasion, as I was reminded today. But you’re right, Shanahan doesn’t say much. I do know that Austin was brought here primarily to be a returner and with Brandon Banks’ emergence that will be difficult and could impact his future here. What could help is if Banks’ durability becomes an issue; then it would be nice to have a fifth WR who can also return kicks.
JK
Hey John: How do people inside Redskins Park view Jammal Brown longterm? I know his hip has felt better of late… Do they see this guy returning to above avg starter for 3-4 years, or is he simply a 2011 stopgap that cost a fairly high draft pick?
-Matt D.
Matt: Thanks. Jammal will be a health concern for as long as he plays. I really don’t think anyone looks at him as a legit three- to four-year starter. Another year? Maybe. After that? Backup.
JK
John: Seems like it’s been awhile since you mentioned the Redskins’
struggles at nose tackle. Has Kemo improved or is Haslett just
disguising this weakness better? Also, Byron Westbrook seems to be ahead of Kevin Barnes on the depth chart lately. I recall you were impressed with Barnes in camp, has he
taken a step back? It would be nice if a non-first round draft pick actually panned out, so I was hoping he’d be capable of stepping in for Stone Hands Rogers if he departs via free agency at seasons end.
Tim Murray
Tim: Kemo has improved of late; his leg strength seems to have returned. He lacks great mobility, but his play is better than it was at the beginning of the season; he’s now an OK nose guard. It would be difficult to disguise a nose guard’s weakness considering where he’s at and what he has to do. You either can do it or you can’t. We’ll see how long it continues. As for Barnes, Haslett has spoken well of him on a few occasions and he did play as a third corner vs. Tennessee. He likes how smart Barnes is; I will say, he looked like a completely different corner in camp than a year ago. However, because we can’t watch practice it’s hard to say how much he’s improved. We may find out Sunday.
JK
John: With Banks showing some promise at WR and Roydell Williams having done nothing all year and with lineman and safeties dropping like flies, why are we carrying 6 receivers? Happy gobble gobble day.
Jack Rash
Jack: Thanks; hope you had a good Turkey Day… Good question. Because Banks’ role as a receiver is limited, he’s still considered more of a specialist. Galloway can execute more of the plays (debatable if he’s good anymore) and Williams is the only guy with size. Sort of hard when two wideouts on your roster don’t do a whole lot. At safety, they’re giving Kevin Barnes some reps there in case of an emergency. Guess that’s one way you get around this issue.
JK
