FoxSports - Team Report - Inside Slant

[HapHaszard]

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/teamReport?categoryId=67062&type=InsideSlant

t was reasonable to expect that it would take time for the Redskins, used to Joe Gibbs' power football offense, to adjust to the more downfield-oriented system of Al Saunders. Especially considering the new play caller's 700-page playbook. But nearly halfway into the season, Washington has more punts (35) than 20-yard plays (23), went 21 possessions without a touchdown and have scored only 17 third-quarter points. And of course, the Redskins are 2-5, heading into Sunday's rematch with archrival Dallas.

"Anytime you make adjustments and make changes, it takes some time," Saunders said. "We're going through some growing pains, but we're doing some things really well. When you lose games, it makes it even more pronounced that you're not where you want to be."

Not that the Redskins haven't done some good things. They're seventh in rushing and 14th in total offense, though they're tied for 17th in scoring and 21st in passing.

click on the link above for the rest of the article

[RIDETHEWALRUS]

The thing that really stands out to me offensively is our inability to score. Each of the previous two seasons we were solid in terms of total offense, but we just didn't seem to put up the points. It is even harder to believe we have this trouble when we rely so much on the run game which should churn out TDs in the redzone.

Hopefully this trend will change very very soon.

[HapHaszard]

Its going to be interesting to see what the coaching staff came up with during the bye week. Hopefully a good game plan that complements what our players can do well. The main worry is will Moss start? With Moss out its going to be interesting to see who will step up.

[frommd]

No doubt the offense hasn't been what we've hoped. Let's also not forget, in all of 2005, the defense gave up 11 drives of 10 plays or more. In 2006, so far, 13 drives of 10 plays or more.

[bedlamVR]

The defence is also not forcing turn overs which was key to the late run last year and look at the C-Boys victory against the Panthers the reson Romo was able to put up 25 points in the second half was helped by three turnovers gving the ball back to the Boys within field goal range.

[DaveP666]

Saunders, whose first year in Kansas City started 2-7 but finished with a 4-3 stretch run that set the stage for four years of the NFL's most productive offense, remains confident that he'll achieve similar success in Washington.

Does this mean we will go 6-10?

[DWinzit]

On a good note, the Skins have coaching and the personnel to dramatically improve the punt to 20 yard play ratio and the red zone shortfalls!:logo:

[Taylor 36]

I truly think that everything will be fine in the long run. This season may be a long season of growing pains and injury bug hits, but I believe this team is heading in the right direction.

[MartinC]

I truly think that everything will be fine in the long run. This season may be a long season of growing pains and injury bug hits, but I believe this team is heading in the right direction.

I think it all hinges around the QB situation. I'm actually in the keep playing Brunell camp right now but he is clearly near the end. If Campbell can step in next year and be productive we will be fine. If not we could be in for a couple of rocky years as we can not afford to spend another high draft pick on a QB - we have some holes to fill on the D.

[Skins n' Bones]

All the more proof that while the offense has some issues and isn't what we'd like it to be (and hopefully what it will be), it has been decent overall, and it is the defense's poor performance that is more to blame for the 2-5 record so far. Very few turnovers, and allowing way too many long drives are the biggest factors IMO. If the D could give the offense a short field once in a while, their numbers would look better too...not to mention scoring more.

:dallasuck

[BigRay]

I think the second half you will see the Skins go back to what they are built to do run the ball going to keep it basic do away with that 700 page play book.

[Spaceman Spiff]

I'm more worried about our defense than what our offensive rankings are.

The defense is the big elephant in the room that no one wants to address. People would rather spend time bitching about the quarterback situation rather than looking at the true letdown of this season so far.

[trez]

At least they're all in this together, fighting their guts out. Seriously though, those stats make me want to cry.

[sircharlz]

The defense is the big elephant in the room that no one wants to address.


I agree that the defense has been the major problem. However, it doesn't help them when our offense goes 3 & out and puts them right back on the field.

[thewagen]

I agree that the defense has been the major problem. However, it doesn't help them when our offense goes 3 & out and puts them right back on the field.

But even before all the 3-and-outs puts the defense in a tired position, they are not making plays on defense? 31st in turnovers? Are you kidding me? Giving up 5.9 yards per rush? WHAT????? Yes, blame the offense for not giving the defense enough rest, but the sad truth is the defense, which even surprised us and led this team the last two years, is having a very bad year..and no-one is stepping up to make game changing plays. The defense has lost some more-vital-than-we-know players, and right now the current mix is not that cohesive or convincing. A few breakdowns here and there, and voila, instant deficit! At least the last couple of years there were more than enough good defensive plays than bad ones...Not this year though!

[cagorham2006]

The defense has to improve just for the Skins to have a shot at making the playoffs even though it seems very slim at this point.

The key on offense is the QB position. Sorry folks, but its more than just offensive scheme, you need the RIGHT players to execute the offense. As discussed many times in other threads, point blank, Brunell simply does not have the ability at his age to get the job done. The skill players like Moss, Cooley, Portis, Lloyd, ARE have to play at a pro-bowl level for our offense to really be effective. Otherwise, expect more mediocre performances from number #8.

[skins fan1010]

The thing that really stands out to me offensively is our inability to score...

I know it's hard to believe, but through seven games they've scored more this year than last year.

[DWARF-HOG]

Its going to be interesting to see what the coaching staff came up with during the bye week. Hopefully a good game plan that complements what our players can do well. The main worry is will Moss start? With Moss out its going to be interesting to see who will step up.


Who are you kidding? I believe that Saunders ,Gibbs and Co. will implement a good game plan. But so long as Mark Brunell is running it, nothing will happen but the "same old same old". Third and long, screen pass to Cooley or Sellers 7 yds short of the 1st down then punt. Doesn't matter if Moss plays or not , we won't play the qb that can get ball to him.
Hope I'm wrong, but unlikely.:helmet:

[HapHaszard]

Who are you kidding? I believe that Saunders ,Gibbs and Co. will implement a good game plan. But so long as Mark Brunell is running it, nothing will happen but the "same old same old". Third and long, screen pass to Cooley or Sellers 7 yds short of the 1st down then punt. Doesn't matter if Moss plays or not , we won't play the qb that can get ball to him.
Hope I'm wrong, but unlikely.:helmet:
I'm not kidding anyone, if they fix the problems on the defense, and have a gameplan that gets some good deep plays then we have a chance of softening up the Dallas defense, and opening up the run. We have talent on this team they just need to step up. Brunnel isn't as much a problem as some of the other problems. I'll never sell JG short on fixing what needs to be fixed. It may take benching Brunnel but I personally don't think he is the major problem with this team.

[AUskins]

It was reasonable to expect that it would take time for the Redskins, used to Joe Gibbs' power football offense, to adjust to the more downfield-oriented system of Al Saunders.

If anything we appear to be less downfield oriented and more similar to a west coast offense with very few deep throws and lots of passes at or near the line of scrimmage. So something is still wrong with the picture and this explanation.

[skinthemboys]

I think the second half you will see the Skins go back to what they are built to do run the ball going to keep it basic do away with that 700 page play book.

I hope so. I miss it.