Washington Redskins: The Quarterly Report

The first quarter of the NFL season has passed. What have we learned about the Washington Redskins so far? Some assessments after four games:

The offense, in general, appears to have made very little, if any, progress from last year's unit.

 

The offensive line play is shaky, allowing a fair amount of pressure, and less than adequate in terms of run blocking.

 

Like last year, Santana Moss is the only receiver that can be counted on to make impact plays.

 

Jason Campbell is once again inconsistent, although he is taking more chances this year (as compared to the "game management" of last year). Unfortunately, the chances he is taking are resulting in more turnovers, rather than more touchdowns.

 

Jim Zorn's play calling has been somewhat questionable. At times, it appears that he lacks a pregame strategy, and he is instead calling games on a play-by-play basis.

 

The defense as a whole has been underwhelming. While it has its bright spots (London Fletcher), it is far from the dominating unit that fans foresaw before the season began.

 

The pass rush has been missing in action for the most part, and one has to wonder whether or not players like Brian Orakpo are being utilized properly in this respect. Albert Haynesworth has yet to prove his worth (pun intended).

 

The secondary has been inconsistent at best, and too many big plays have been allowed. Carlos Rogers is the definition of inconsistency, while Laron Landry has yet to live up to his hype as a play maker. On the bright side, Reed Doughty appears to be emerging as a real force.

 

As a team, the Redskins seem to be playing uninspired. Facing three of the worst teams in the league, and coming away with a loss and two close wins, fans have to wonder what is in store for the team when they are faced with the difficult part of their schedule.

 

OUTLOOK FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2009: With a plethora of problems to overcome, it will be difficult for the Redskins to reach eight wins this season. Six is more likely, based on their performance so far against weaker teams. Unless Jim Zorn suddenly transforms into Vince Lombardi and lights a fire underneath this team, the outlook is bleak.