(Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
The Washington Redskins are three days away from their 2015 opening game at FedEx Field. Fans eagerly anticipate seeing this team put forth the effort that has been the focus of Head Coach Jay Gruden and General Manager Scot McCloughan all off season. But as the team goes into this contest against the Miami Dolphins, there are still areas of concern… things that have yet to be seen from starters on both offense and on defense. During this discussion however, recall that the Redskins have not had all starters on the field on either squad at any time this preseason.
One area of concern is the offensive line and Washington must have a level of consistency from this unit. In the four preseason games, their worst outing was against the Detroit Lions’ defense. The O-line was minus pro bowl left tackle Trent Williams and it allowed three sacks… one of which sidelined quarterback Robert Griffin III. Overall though, the offensive line collectively has only allowed seven sacks of the three quarterbacks.
Gruden mounted a strong defense of the line after the less-than-stellar performance and the starting offense’s futility in the preseason game against Detroit.
“So many people want to just say our line is terrible, but it’s not always about the line,” he said. “One time we called the protection wrong. It really is a total team effort when you’re talking about giving up pressure by the quarterback. It’s never on just the line. Tight ends, running backs, quarterbacks — receivers sometimes take blame — offensive coordinators, head coaches… we’re all in it.”
So what exactly is the issue?
What this squad needs to show is that it can consistently open up holes for running back Alfred Morris. Morris had only 18 carries for 56 yards during the preseason. For the most part, the Redskins offensive line — with Morris — had been stuffed in the run game all preseason. There wasn’t that unfailing power and burst through the holds that we are used to seeing from the fourth year rusher. Perhaps it was just the process of trying to get through the preseason without injury.
One thing is for sure… this Washington offense does not lack talent in the backfield. With third-round draft pick out of Florida Matt Jones and second-year running back out of Florida State Chris Thompson, the Skins have a three-headed monster that is very versatile, allowing them to attack defenses in many different ways.
The offensive line needs to be physical and assault the defensive front of the opposition. When an O-line brings the mentality of taking the fight to the enemy, the ball can be successfully run; especially because it is establishing a force that will move that point of attack into the backfield of the defense, pushing it around and basically whipping it into submission.
With all the talk of toughness and being physical, this Washington Redskins offensive front will be facing a tall task at home on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins 4-3 defense. The ‘Phins’ Ndamukong Suh , Cameron Wake, Olivier Vernon and Earl Mitchell will be looking to wreak havoc on the Redskins. Although yet unseen as a complete starting unit, the Burgundy and Gold will be looking to show that they have taken on the personality of McCloughan and want to make the Dolphins “know that they have played the Washington Redskins” come Monday morning. Young second-year right tackle Morgan Moses as well as rookie Brandon Scherff will both be under the gun for most of the game with this Dolphins front line.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins, who played fairly well when given the opportunity during the Redskins preseason, was promoted as the team starter for the 2015 season. He completed 40 of 53 passes for 435 yards, two touchdowns and one interception; closing the preseason with a 75.5% completion rate. Obviously it should be noted that most of Cousins’ success this preseason did not come against opposing team’s starters. Despite that fact, that the fourth-year signal-caller out of Michigan State has shown that he has a better grasp of Gruden’s offense.
”We feel like the skill set that Kirk has… he does everything from rolling out of the pocket. He’s very good throwing on the move,” Gruden said when asked about what his starter does best. “In the pocket he’s very good; he has the best arm strength of the group and can anticipate throws. And he has a good feel for the pocket. So really, when you talk about all the fundamental areas where you need a quarterback to succeed, Kirk is probably better at every one of them. Not to say the other ones are bad, but Kirk’s probably ahead of them in every category.”
The most important unknown regarding how Cousins will do this year is those dreadful interceptions. In the 14 NFL regular season games in which he has played, the former Spartan has thrown 19 career interceptions and he has tossed one pick this preseason. It is imperative for him to make smart decisions with the football and either throw the ball away or take the sack if necessary. His biggest hurdle must be to not let the interception be his kryptonite and paralyze him.
Tomorrow we’ll address the defense and special teams.