5 Important Statistics That Defined the 2011 Washington Redskins

They say that the numbers don't lie.

In the case of the Washington Redskins, 2011 lived up to that saying in many ways.  You want to know why this team finished 5-11?  Look at the numbers.  It was pretty bad across the board, from an offense that couldn't score to a defense that could never really turn the corner and make big plays.  Don't even get me started on the special teams—there's another huge issue.

There are many stats that made 2011 a forgettable year, but here are five that truly impacted the season and defined the Washington Redskins from beginning to end.

Minus-14 (Turnover Differential)

Perhaps no statistic defined the 2011 version of the Washington Redskins more than this one.  The Redskins ranked 30th in the NFL in arguably its most important stat, and managed the dubious feat of turning the ball over at least once in every single game.  In many cases, the turnovers led directly to losses.  

The Redskins could have beaten the Eagles, Jets, Patriots, Vikings and Cowboys twice had they not turned the ball over at inopportune times.

The saying is that there's never a good time for a turnover but the Redskins seemed to give it away at the worst possible time every week.  Much of this is due to Rex Grossman and his 20 interceptions and multiple fumbles, but the biggest issue was that it became a habit.  

When a team goes into a game knowing that a turnover will occur, it hurts the players' psyche and makes every play into another opportunity for a mistake.

12.8 (Points Per Game During Six-Game Losing Streak)

The six-game losing streak occurred from October 16 to November 20, a horrendous streak in which the Redskins tried and failed with two quarterbacks at the helm, and averaged 12.8 points per game.

Against the Eagles, Rex Grossman threw four picks in a tightly contested, seven-point game, making way for John Beck, his backup.  All Beck did was go 0-3 and help the Redskins score a measly 10.3 points per game.  Grossman came back and managed nine points against the lowly Dolphins before putting up 24 in a gutsy loss to the Cowboys.

Remember, the Redskins entered this streak with a 3-1 record out of the bye and high hopes.  But everything went downhill.  

In retrospect, it would have been beneficial to keep Grossman in for all six games but you can't fault Mike Shanahan with the decision to insert Beck.  It was the right move at the time.  It just didn't work out, and that six-game streak ended the Redskins' playoff hopes prematurely. 

85.6 vs. 132.3 (Rushing Yards Allowed in Wins vs. Losses)

This stat basically speaks for itself.  

When the Redskins stopped the run, they won most of the time.  When they didn't, they lost—plain and simple.  

When the Redskins were at their best in 2011 they were controlling the clock and making opponents play to their tempo.  But when the tables were turned and the Redskins were the ones being controlled, the defense lacked the ability to stop the ground game and give the offense a chance.  This was especially evident in losses to the Jets and Vikings, when the run defense was shredded late in the game.

Fifth (Ranking in Pass Attempts)

Why is this stat important?  Because it speaks to a larger issue.  The play-calling in Washington has been questionable for years, but how can Kyle Shanahan justify throwing the fifth-most passes in the NFL with Rex Grossman and John Beck as his quarterbacks?  

In an era of high-flying offenses, how is it that the Redskins could throw more passes than 27 other NFL teams, when their own passing offense was nothing short of offensive?  

The Redskins need to run the ball more.  They have the players to do it.  They don't have the players to compete on the passing side of the ball.  Kyle Shanahan needs to lose his love of the air-raid offense and adopt a tougher, grind-it-out style befitting of this team.

31-of-41 (Field Goals)

It was another trying year for Graham Gano.  He was better, but missing 10 field goals is still quite horrible.  Gano is the type of kicker who you never seem to have confidence in, no matter what.  

The Redskins haven't a legitimately good kicker for years, and Gano simply hasn't improved.  It wasn't completely his fault, but it's still hard to feel comfortable with him.

You think it's not a big deal?  Consider that 10 missed field goals is 30 points left on the field.

Now, let's not blame Gano for everything.  The Redskins special teams units did nothing to help him; opponents blocked an inexcusable five field goals and an extra point.

This is a unit that needs to improve, and fast.