There are a number of things for the Redskins to be happy about in the first half of the season and some that need improving.
WASHINGTON — After beginning the season 0-2, the Redskins sit at 4-3-1 at the bye week. Most people would have taken this record after the way the season started, but it’s probably a little more disappointing because of the way the last two games have gone. A Lions touchdown with 19 seconds left stole away one win, then a Dustin-Hopkins-missed chip shot field goal in overtime in London turned another potential victory into a tie.
There are a number of things for the Redskins to be happy about in the first half of the season and some that need improving. Let’s break them down.
(AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File)
AP Photo/Chuck Burton, File
OffenseWhat we knew was good: Pass offense
The Redskins offense ranks third in the NFL in total offense, averaging over 410 yards a game. That’s thanks largely to their third-ranked passing offense (298.8 yards per game), as the rushing game is middle of the pack (15th/111 yards per game).
Kirk Cousins has thrown for the second most yards in the NFL with 2,454 and is averaging 307 yards a game. He has 12 touchdowns, though hr does have seven interceptions. The good news? He had nine last year through eight games, but threw just two more in the season’s second half.
(AP Photo/Tim Ireland)
AP Photo/Tim Ireland
What has been surprisingly good: Jamison Crowder
The biggest surprise on offense could be the play of Jamison Crowder. The second-year receiver has 40 receptions for 498 yards and four touchdowns to go along with a punt return for a touchdown. Crowder stepped up in the absence of Jordan Reed, when the tight end was out with a concussion. Reed continues to be Kirk Cousins’ favorite target, and with good reason. There aren’t many teams that can cover Reed, who has 42 receptions and three touchdowns. His best game of the season came on October 2 when he had two red zone touchdowns.
You can throw Vernon Davis in the surprise category. The 32 year-old tight end has 23 catches for 319 yards and has also played well when Reed has been out.
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
What we worried would be bad: Rushing offense, fumbles
Matt Jones has had his good games and bad games after being handed the starting job following the departure of Alfred Morris. Jones has only topped the 100-yard marker twice this year — 117 vs. Cleveland and 135 vs. Detroit. He also still has fumbling issues, most recently putting the ball on the turf twice against the Lions, which basically cost them the game. Robert Kelley could see more of the carries in the second half.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
AP Photo/Paul Sancya
What’s been surprisingly bad: Red zone offense; Trent Williams
The red zone continues to be an issue for this offense. They are only scoring touchdowns on 40 percent of trips inside the opponents’ 20. That ranks 31st out of 32 teams.
The news on Williams was devastating. The All-Pro left tackle was suspended this week for four games for violating the NFL Substance Abuse Policy. The Washington Post reported that he missed the drug test, rather than failing it. Either way, this is a big blow to the team. Trent is a leader and a captain, and there is no excuse for this. This team has dealt with its share of injuries this year and guys have stepped up in players’ absence. Williams is perhaps the most important player on the offense and now Ty Nsekhe will have to step in and protect Cousins’ blindside. Redskins General Manager Scot McCloughan said last summer that Nsekhe “would start on over half the teams in the league at left or right tackle.” Now, he will get his chance.
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File
DefenseWhat we knew was good: Josh Norman
Norman has been everything advertised. He’s had the best season of any player on defense, defending 11 passes, forcing a fumble and snagging a pick. He has taken every opponent’s best shot and pretty much shut them down, all while dealing with a wrist injury.
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
AP Photo/Kathy Willens
What has been surprisingly good: Su’a Cravens and Trent Murphy
Cravens seems to have a knack for the football, which is something the coaches liked about him out of school. He has an interception and has been in on a number of big plays on defense. The coaches need to keep him on the field as much as possible.
Murphy moved back to linebacker with the loss of Junior Gallette before the season started. He already has six sacks and three forced fumbles and continues to make plays to help this defense.
(AP/Duane Burleson)
AP/Duane Burleson
What we worried would be bad: Stopping the run
The Redskins didn’t do much to upgrade the defensive line this offseason and were counting on the returning players, Kedric Golston, Chris Baker and Ricky Jean Francois, along with newcomer Ziggy Hood. Golston was lost to a season ending hamstring injury in week two and the results have been mixed. A slow start, coupled with Golston’s injury, had fans calling for Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry’s job after an 0-2 start. At this point the run defense is ranked 26th, allowing 123 yards a game with an average of 4.9 yards per carry. Those aren’t great numbers, but the defensive unit as a whole has been better the last few weeks.
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
AP Photo/Nick Wass
What’s been surprisingly bad: Health
The defensive unit suffered injuries early on and has needed guys to step up. Safety DeAngelo Hall was lost for the season, as was Kedric Golston. Cravens missed time with a concussion and there have been more minor injuries to unit leaders Norman and Ryan Kerrigan. It’s going to be interesting to see if the defense can keep up its play when the schedule gets tougher in the coming weeks.
(AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
WASHINGTON — There are a number of things for the Redskins to be happy about in the first half of the season and some that need improving. Flip through the slides above to see them.
