Washington Redskins Report Card Week 10: Grading Each Unit

In an apparent attempt to shake things up and perhaps gain some sort of edge, the Washington Redskins traveled to South Beach with Rex Grossman as their starter. 

The result? 

Typical Redskins. The Miami Dolphins won, 20-9, in a game that Washington polluted with inefficiency on third down for a majority of the game, crucial turnovers and a total lack of a rushing attack. 

With the Redskins currently sitting at 3-6, it looks like the only thing fans can get excited for is the 2012 NFL Draft and the potential franchise quarterback. Until then, here's a shot at grading each struggling unit. 

Quarterback

I still can't wrap my brain around it. I can't, for the life of me, understand why: 1.) Rex Grossman is still starting football games and 2.) why coaches, commentators and critics imply some sort of sympathy for the guy. 

Don't get me wrong, I did see Grossman move the ball down the field. But what good is it when he throws an interception in the red zone to destroy the drive and completely exhaust the Redskins' momentum?

Grossman finished the game with 215 yards on 21-of-32 passing and two interceptions. 

Not only was I surprised to see Grossman get the nod. I was slightly frustrated with the fact that Kyle Shanahan's playbook is different depending on who takes the snaps at quarterback. 

In Sunday's loss, Grossman does deserve some credit for being able to complete longer passes. However, when looking back on Beck's starts, he wasn't even given the plays to complete a long pass down field.

I'm certain that some will talk about Grossman's performance on Sunday and act as if it's a proving statement as to why he's better than Beck. For me, I still can't see the logic. 

Grade: D+

Running Backs

Trying to grade the Redskins backfield is almost as disheartening as the production itself. 

I still find it unfair to place all of the blame on them.

For starters, the offensive line is depleted and pitiful–giving very little time to the quarterback AND minimal rushing lanes for the backs. And secondly, the Redskins haven't been in a position to really run the football since Week 4 against the Rams. Those two things alone spells disaster for a team's ability to run the football. 

Rookie Roy Helu led the team with 41 yards on six carries. Ryan Torain had 20 yards on ten carries. 

Grade: D

Offensive Line

One of the most surprising takes from the Redskins' loss is the fact that the Miami Dolphins ended the game with only three sacks. Given this line, the Redskins should have allowed something more along the lines of six or seven. 

Having only watched the game once so far (in real-time), the line appeared to look better in pass-protection than in the past few weeks. But then again, the Dolphins don't come as intimidating as the Bills or Niners. 

The running game is still a distant memory for the Skins, and I find that to be a direct result of an offensive line that is starting a practice squad rookie at left guard. 

The team was without starting right tackle Jammal Brown and Sean Locklear played in his place. Although Brown hasn't been playing that great of ball lately, his absence was noticeable. 

Grade: C-

Receivers

I'd like to call rookie Leonard Hankerson's performance on Sunday one of the game's few bright spots. But the more I think about it, I think Hankerson's performance was the only bright spot.

The rookie had reportedly stood out in practice and injuries helped to finally get him on the field. In a losing effort, Hankerson's eight catches for 106 yards is a stat line that all Redskins' fans should get excited for. 

Given the Redskins injuries at the receiving positions (Moss, Cooley, etc.), I'm actually not all that nervous about the team's pass-catchers. 

Could they be better? Sure. But Fred Davis is reliable, Jabar Gaffney is pretty solid and Hankerson can hopefully keep his play up. 

Tight end Logan Paulsen continues to pose a threat now that teams know he is capable of catching a pass and Roy Helu is a deadly weapon out of the backfield. 

Grade: C+ 

Defense

It's unfortunate for the defense. 

Although ranked amongst some of the best in the league, the Redskins defense gets very little notoriety thanks to an offense that can't stay on the field or put points on the board in order to keep things competitive. 

Rookie Ryan Kerrigan continued his beast mode en route to a NFC Rookie of the Year award, forcing two fumbles and chalking two sacks. 

Cornerback Kevin Barnes also had a nice play when he intercepted a tipped ball and returned it 30 yards. Unfortunately, Barnes couldn't get the touchdown. The Redskins offense started at the five yard-line, ran four plays and gained negative three yards. They walked away with just three points. 

In terms of yards, the Redskins did pretty well by keeping the Dolphins at just over 300. But the team's inability to halt the Fins on third down was painful to watch. Miami converted eight of their 14 third downs. 

Grade: C

Special Teams

Keeping it very dry for Danny Smith and the Redskins' special teams, I have four thoughts regarding the the unit. Short and sweet. 

1.) Miami was forced to punt just once. On that punt, Banks had a decent 22-yard return. The Redskins' offense obviously didn't capitalize. 

2.) Graham Gano was the Redskins' leading scorer. In fact, he was the Redskins only scorer. 

3.) Gano hit three of his five field goal attempts. Too many attempts and too many misses. 

4.) Brandon Banks needs to regain last year's form on kick returns. 

Grade: C