Washington Redskins Week 13 Report Card: Grading Each Unit

Going into the game against the New York Jets, I was one of the crazy people that said the Redskins had a chance. 

The Jets' offense didn't seem threatening and their defense was certainly respectable, but there was an underlying feeling that the Redskins could play decent ball and steal one at home (as horrible as that sounds). 

Although the game was close throughout, bonehead turnovers and poor defense near the end led to the eventual 34-19 routing. And as a result of that, I have another ugly report card for the Redskins in Week 13. 

Quarterback

Was anyone surprised?

After putting together a decent couple of games over the past two weeks, Rex Grossman did what he does best and completely stunk up the place against the Jets. 

Grossman finished the game with 221 yards on 19 of 46 passing and no touchdowns. In addition to his interception, Grossman also lost a fumble in the final five minutes of the game that would eventually lead to an easy touchdown for the Jets and help seal up the game. 

And as if his 41-percent completion rate isn't telling enough, Grossman struggled to hit receivers all day. If his passes weren't sailing high, then they were nowhere near the receiver. Sure, there were a few drops, but there weren't 20. 

I don't care if you are one of those inexcusable Grossman supporters, his game against the Jets was poor. Very poor. 

Grade: D

Running Backs

As much as I'd like to see more than one productive back in the Redskins' rushing attack, I have to admit my excitement for a fourth-round rookie that is proving that he can handle the load and do so all game.

Roy Helu put together another great game against the Jets—demonstrating his balance as a patient rusher and a reliable receiving target. Helu would finish the game with 100 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown, in addition to his four catches for 42 yards. 

Helu's two fumbles didn't go unnoticed, but they're less of an issue when he's the lone bright spot of an entire day's work. Helu is on quite a run lately, and Mike Shanahan is taking notice. 

Grade: B

Receivers

On a day where Grossman struggled the way he did, grading the receiving corps is tough. Because of the dropped balls and general lack of production, though, the receivers don't get a break. 

Santana Moss snagged five balls for 42 yards but had at least two crucial drops. Although his presence is obviously beneficial, perhaps his healing hand costs the team a little bit, too. 

As mentioned before, Helu is a beast out of the backfield as a receiving threat. When given the ball, Helu's explosiveness and vision combine to create serious potential in space. 

Tight end Fred Davis once again led the team with six catches for 99 yards, and he continues to prove his value. However, a lot of that was lost when Davis was handed a four-game suspension following the game, thanks to his inability to stay away from the reefer during the lockout. 

Davis has the potential to be one of the league's best tight ends, but the lack of professionalism doesn't seem to have a high tolerance with Shanahan and the guys. At this point, Davis is only hurting himself. 

And just for good measure, David Anderson brought in two passes for 21 yards and Donte Stallworth looked decent in his routes, finishing the game with one catch for 14 yards. 

Grade: C-

Offensive Line

For the first time in a while, I wasn't completely displeased with the Redskins' offensive line. 

Roy Helu rushed for 100 yards on a tough Jets defense, and they only allowed two sacks—one of which was solely Rex Grossman's fault. For that, fans can't really complain. 

Along with Fred Davis, left tackle Trent Williams will also serve a four-game suspension for smoking weed during the offseason. And, like his teammate, Williams should also be marked as a young guy that needs to work on how to act like a professional and an adult. 

Grade: B-

Defensive Front Seven

Veteran London Fletcher led the team with 12 tackles. While that's nice, it doesn't help the fact that the Redskins' defense wasn't able to register a sack or force a single turnover. 

Jets' running back Shonn Greene had 88 yards on the day and three touchdowns. The most notable embarrassment for the Redskins' defense at the hands of Greene was his 25-yard touchdown run with just under two minutes remaining in the game. Not only did it ultimately seal the New York victory, but it also showed just how soft the Redskin defense had become near the end of the game. 

Can't hate the guys for holding a predominantly run-first team to just 100 yards on the ground, but there were so many other areas that needed improvement. 

Grade: C-

Secondary

Given the fact that Mark Sanchez never seemed to feel pressure from the Redskins' front seven, I would have to say that being held to just 165 passing yards by the Washington secondary isn't too bad. 

Sanchez did hit Santonio Holmes late in the fourth quarter for a touchdown, but the Jets' passing game was very stagnant until then. 

DeAngelo Hall played his normal part of talking more trash than demonstrating quality play, and I believe Josh Wilson was the man taken hard on a sluggo route to give up the Holmes touchdown. 

At the end of the day, we can't blame a whole lot on the secondary (although I wish I could blame something on Hall). 

Grade: C+

Special Teams

Kicker Graham Gano nailed all four of his field-goal attempts today, but somehow still found a way to screw things up when he shorted a kickoff in the fourth quarter that allowed New York tight end Josh Baker to pull off a 30-yard return and position the Jets quite nicely at the Washington 49-yard line. The Jets would eventually go on to score a touchdown. 

Brandon Banks had six kick returns today for 128 yards, again pulling off a game that reminds everyone of his significance. Unfortunately, the Redskin offense could rarely capitalize on any sort of jump-started field position.

Punter Sav Rocca continues his run at the Pro Bowl, as he pinned four kicks inside the Jets' 20-yard line on Sunday. 

Grade: B