Redskins-Panthers: Seven Minutes in Carolina adds up to disaster for the Skins

Defensively, the Redskins also had a very soft showing. After playing a very strong first quarter, the Redskins were moved from the line of scrimmage on nearly every play. And once again, very poor tackling was a major theme of this game.

Through the preseason, I have generally used game reviews to offer to the reader the players that struck me as having solid performances, perhaps helping their bid to make the opening day roster. I’ll forgo that section this week, as their weren’t many players that stood out as having good, or even solid games (though there were several players who would fit this description).

Instead, on Sunday, the Redskins have already made some decisions involving the roster, and in doing so, letting us in on their own evaluations. Veteran safety Vernon Fox, defensive end Dorian Smith and defensive tackle Babatunde Oshinowo were released Sunday, the first of five players that need to be cut by Tuesday. This seems to be an indication that the Redskins’ rookie safeties have possibly earned themselves roster spots. Solidifying the safety position with young talented players has been a key for the Redskins this preseason.

Redskins’ defensive end Jason Taylor underwent an MRI on Sunday and the results were negative, verifying the original diagnosis of a sprained knee. The time frame for his return is said to be 10-14 days and his availability for the season opener against the New York Giants is uncertain. Right tackle Jon Jansen suffered a sprained ankle late in the second quarter, but the injury is not considered serious and he may only miss a couple of days of practice.

This game turned out to be a test for Jim Zorn. But, not the test that was expected. In losing this game the way they did, the Redskins showed their coach just how far they have to go to become the team he believes they can be. And while the final score would suggest that the Redskins aren’t even close to being a good football team, opposing teams using this game to gage the Redskins true identity may be a mistake.

As Jim Zorn noted on Sunday, the Redskins’ upcoming opponents will look at the film of this game and formulate their game plan according to what the Panthers were successful with. To assume that the Redskins will repeat this effort would be a mistake in my opinion.

Jim Zorn is still taking his test. It has not been graded yet, but early returns have been positive. His leadership is key to the Redskins’ ability to overcome a performance such as this. In 11 days the Redskins travel to New York to play the Super Bowl Champion Giants, will they be ready?

And so to answer the question: Was It As Bad As It Seemed For The Redskins?

That won’t be really be answered until they play again. But I for one, would say, No, it wasn’t. It was bad, IS BAD, but there is time and the ability to correct what went wrong.

The question I have no answer for is, can Zorn “get it fixed” before the season starts for real?

Only time will tell.

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