What we’ve learned
» The Redskins must be careful with receiver Santana Moss. One reason the offense has been more dynamic is because he’s caught 42 passes for 657 yards and five touchdowns. They need him healthy. While it was great to have him return a punt for a touchdown Sunday, he also tweaked his hamstring later in the game. He’s had a history of nagging leg injuries and if he gets hurt, the Redskins are in trouble. What he really needs is for one of the rookie wideouts to help. Their lack of productivity has helped increased the burden on him.
» Defensive tackle Kedric Golston is quietly putting together an excellent season. In the first half of the year, he’s probably been the most consistent defensive lineman. Unlike past years, Golston is making more plays. He’s always understood leverage, but he’s now showing more quickness and beating blockers with swift moves. Golston is the most improved player on the line.
Recommended Stories
» The ability to develop players on defense is one reason Washington is 6-2. The Redskins have had six defensive starters miss at least one game and two have missed multiple games. But it hasn’t made a negative impact. The defense is sixth overall because the coaches have long emphasized developing their depth, going back to Gregg Williams’ reign. When the backups get in, they’re not awed or overwhelmed and they know what’s expected of them. It makes a difference.
Player of note » Stephon Heyer • LT
Heyer earned a surprise start when Chris Samuels couldn’t play because of a knee injury. Heyer was OK and struggled with some communication, a result of not spending much time at the position or alongside Pete Kendall. If Heyer starts against Pittsburgh on Monday, he’ll have to do a better job of staying low and not losing his leverage. That’s been a constant issue each time he’s played on the left side, dating to preseason.
QB watch » Jason Campbell
Campbell is much further along at the midway point than expected. Though he’s had several potential interceptions dropped, he’s excelled in this area because he’s patient, hasn’t forced passes and quickly goes through his progressions to find the open receiver. He’s taken well to Jim Zorn’s coaching and has thrown two touchdown passes — including one Sunday — when he’s avoided the blitzer, turned his shoulders, kept his eyes downfield and stepped up to make the throw.
Redskins notes
» Defensive end Jason Taylor and corner Shawn Springs won’t play against Pittsburgh Monday because of calf issues.
Taylor underwent a minor procedure to lance the wound on his left calf Monday. His calf remains swollen and there was skin infection that required antibiotics. He originally had surgery on his leg on Sept. 22.
Coach Jim Zorn said he’s hopeful that doing little for the next two weeks will enable Taylor to be ready after the Nov. 9 bye.
Springs underwent an MRI that revealed lingering damage from his strain. Also, left tackle Chris Samuels also had an MRI on his knee, though the results were not yet available. Zorn said Samuels has cartilage that “irritates him.” He said Samuels likely would need surgery at some point, possibly after the season.
» Receiver Santana Moss has a slightly strained hamstring and his status won’t be known until later in the week. Running back Clinton Portis will play despite having a sore hip and ankle.
“We have one more push and then he gets a break and we just have to fight through the rest of the season,” Zorn said of Portis, with whom he’s been texting to get updates on his health.
» Defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin will return after missing Sunday’s win because of a sprained shoulder. Griffin has been bothered by the shoulder most of the month.
“The rest was something he needed,” Zorn said. “The soreness is going away.”
