The Redskins will do the same thing they’ve always done at season’s end. They’ll analyze what went wrong, start to seek solutions and then spend like mad.
But not everything is about finding the right players outside the organization. Some standing issues must be addressed that can impact their on-field fortunes.
Here are three in-house areas of concern, each of which can significantly impact 2007:
» Safety Sean Taylor’s performance: Redskins assistant head coach/defense Gregg Williams said this was Taylor’s best season.
“He’s a force in the run and a force in the secondary on intimidating routes,” Williams said.
But not everyone was impressed with Taylor, who had just one interception and three forced fumbles.
“Sean has a chance to be absolutely the best free safety in football,” ex-Redskin quarterback and current Monday Night Football analyst Joe Theismann said, “if he would learn to play the position correctly. He has to understand that you don’t have to make SportsCenter with every hit. … When does the light go off? He can be a world of difference for that defense.”
» Figuring out Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts: The Redskins have the luxury of having two running backs that have rushed for more than 1,100 yards in a season.
But most playcallers prefer to have one main runner. It’s not as simple as plugging in one or the other; Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts have different styles. Certainly, some runs fit both. But one problem early in the season was Al Saunders’ inability to get in rhythm with Portis. If there’s a constant rotation, that will continue. Saunders needs to set up certain plays using a particular runner. However, Saunders has no choice but to make it work.
» Resolve the Adam Archuleta and Brandon Lloyd situations: Neither produced and one appeared to be a poor locker-room fit (Lloyd) — which should not have surprised anyone with the Redskins had they talked with anyone in San Francisco.
“[Lloyd] carried on situations too long and alienated people,” said Portis on WTEM-980’s “John Thompson Show,” adding that he pushed for the Redskins to get him. “You can’t burn bridges with someone who wanted you to be there.”
Lloyd caught only 23 passes, but has talent to be a playmaker downfield. That is, if he gets straightened out mentally. Meanwhile, if the Redskins think Archuleta was the source of the November ESPN.com story, then cut him. Williams would rarely discuss Archuleta and always looked peeved when he did.
Used correctly (closer to the line of scrimmage, relying on the corners to cover well), Archuleta, praised by teammates for how he handled his demotion, can help. But if the situation is personal, it’s time to let him go and move forward.
