The Washington Redskins have been a team on a roller coaster ride. One week they impress with their ability to fight hard and execute in all three phases of the game at a high level. Then there are the games in which they leave fans scratching their heads, wondering what to make of them as they struggle to execute the basic things on all fronts.
Is this team just mediocre is it simply infected by old (and bad) habits?
After putting up 47 points and over 500 yards of offense; and holding one of the league’s best quarterbacks in the New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees to just 14 points and 350 total yards, it appeared to many that this team had begin to turn the corner and realize its potential. But on another big stage, the Redskins had an opportunity to show more progress and play a competitive game against the undefeated Carolina Panthers. Unfortunately the Redskins completely laid an egg.
Last week the Burgundy and Gold found ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory when they took on the undefeated Panthers in Charlotte, N.C. Problems that have plagued Washington all year showed up as they only mustered up one offensive touchdown. Turnovers and miscues would ground any positive gains they tried to make and the defense appeared unable to stop Carolina’s offense, allowing five touchdowns.
Is what the team has displayed a lack of maturity or leadership among the players?
“Mediocrity” is defined as: “a state of being mediocre” and “mediocre” is defined as “of only moderate quality; not very good or middle-of-the-road.”
This team definitely plays at times like one that is average. But those moments aren’t what define it. It actually is deeper than the team as a whole and rather comes right down to each and every individual that wears the uniform. There are some players on this team that smell strongly and unpleasantly of mediocrity. To some, it’s simply acceptable to come in and do just enough to get by.
Why do you suppose that is?
It is because these players really don’t have the passion for the game and the heart to give it everything they have every minute and every second of practice, meetings, film study or in the game. They are just simply happy with coming in and collecting a paycheck. And when the moment gets tough it’s about trying not to get hurt.
If teammates behind them see them getting away with a lackluster approach — not giving all they can in games even when they game may be a blowout — those young guys will imitate what is accepted as the standard. Some will rise above but most will follow suit, feeling like: “If they don’t do it, why should I?”
Most would attribute this type of behavior to the head of the operation. And in this case it’s Head Coach Jay Gruden. In his post-game press conference with reporters recently, he took responsibility for the team’s play against the Panthers saying that he didn’t get the guys prepared. Coach Gruden though, outside of the Robert Griffin, III situation has actually done a remarkable job overall and has had his guys prepared and putting them in a position to be successful.
There is one thing that coaches can’t do and that’s suit up and making plays on the field. This is the sole responsibility of the individual player; to execute and do his job to the best of his abilities. The missed tackles, repeated mistakes in positioning and gap responsibilities on defense isn’t the fault of the coaches. Players have to take pride in themselves and stand up and say: “Enough is enough. I have to be the guy that starts the winds of change.”
This is where a level of maturity comes in and the quality of leadership comes into play. Being mature has nothing to do with age, especially in a team sport. In a team setting, being mature is having a strong work ethic and displaying an attitude of ‘nothing less than excellence at all times’ (whether winning or losing by 30) is what is actually acceptable. Leadership isn’t about having power over someone but rather the ability to motivate others to hold themselves and each other accountable. Of course, they must hold themselves accountable as well.
Many have said that this team has leadership but where are the guys that are absolutely upset and getting into guy’s faces on the sideline? Where are the guys saying, “We must be better?” Who is saying, “This can’t be accepted and will not be who we are and what we are about?”
When you think of leaders in the NFL, one person that comes to mind quickly is former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis. He never shied away from letting his teammates know that he needed more out of them. He never allowed for guys to simply hang there heads in defeat before a game was even over and he sure didn’t accept teammates simply going through the motions.
Why was Lewis this way? Because he expected better from himself and did not fear being held accountable if he made a mistake. He expected his teammates to say, “Hey, we need more out of you, Ray.”
Every Redskins player must hold themselves accountable. And each must not fear calling out his teammates or asking more from them either.
The Redskins arent a mediocre team but are a team in the process of a culture change. Fans are pointing the finger at quarterback Kirk Cousins and at Gruden for the latest 44-16 beating at the hands of the Panthers. But the fact is that this isn’t about one or two guys.
Every player on this team can do better but someone has to stand up and say: “Enough is enough and mediocre play from anyone on this team is will not be tolerated. “