The Washington Redskins lost to the Buffalo Bills, 23-0, this past Sunday in Toronto's Rogers Centre.
Their record, after a 3-1 start to the season, is now 3-4.
Instead of speaking specifically about their most recent loss, I'd like to point out five things that have surprised me so far this season (with pleasant surprises first).
1. Fred Davis
Early on this season, I was worried about Chris Cooley's knee injury. I was worried that the tight-end position would be a cause for concern without Cooley's Pro-Bowl talent.
In place of Cooley, I have been pleasantly surprised by the maturation and consistent play of Fred Davis, and apparently, so have the coaches. Even when Cooley got back on the field, Davis was still featured more often in the passing game than Cooley.
Cooley, who broke his finger against the Eagles, has since been placed on the Injured Reserve, a move that speaks volumes to the play of Davis. Normally, a player of Cooley's talent wouldn't be done for the season with a broken finger, but with Davis playing so well, the Redskins feel as though they are safe shutting Cooley down.
So far this season, Davis has 36 catches for 517 yards and two touchdowns.
2. The Defensive Front Seven
It's been a long time since the Redskins have had a defensive front like they have currently. We've had good players here and there, but never the combination we currently have.
On the line, Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan (both pictured above) come off the edge with speed and power which every offense has to account for.
Up the middle, we have Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield, plugging running holes and forcing running backs to abort the play call and try to find another route.
At the second level, the Redskins have arguably the most underrated linebacker of his era: London Fletcher. The 36-year-old shows up to work everyday, literally. He hasn't missed a game in his entire 14 year career.
Alongside Fletcher plays Rocky McIntosh, a physical young tackler who has the good fortune to learn from a man, Fletcher, who commands the respect he has earned.
3. The Secondary
Who thought losing Carlos Rogers would have meant so much?
The secondary this season has been atrocious: especially of late. Stalwart Laron Landry seems to be lost on the field, while "Number 1" cornerback DeAngelo Hall is consistently being beat by his receiver.
Hall's lone interception this season came on a horrible pass attempt from fill-in Vince Young.
The smaller frames of Josh Wilson and Kevin Barnes have been constantly exploited, while Oshiomogho Atogwe is having trouble staying healthy.
With matchups against the Patriots and Jets, as well as each of the NFC East foes remaining, the secondary could be in for a long season if they don't figure out a formula to defend the pass.
4. The Running Game & Play-Calling
Who would have thought it possible for a Mike Shanahan team not to control the game on the ground? I sure didn't.
In the three games the Redskins won this season, they averaged 34 rushes per game. In the four games they lost, an average of 17.
Yes, Tim Hightower has been lost for the season with a torn ACL, and yes, Ryan Torain doesn't seem to be the same runner he was last season (or against St. Louis this year).
But, for Kyle Shanahan to abandon the thought of running is a recipe for disaster, especially with the average talent the Redskins have at quarterback.
Running the ball keeps the defense honest, sets up passing plays, and most of all, wears down the defense.
I think it's time for the old man to take over the play-calling, and let Kyle think about what he's done.
5. Depth
Injuries expose a team's depth, or lack thereof (case in point, Indianapolis Colts 0-8 start, and the loss of Peyton Manning).
Unfortunately for the Redskins, their injuries so far this season have exposed their biggest depth problem: the offensive line.
In the loss to the Eagles, the Redskins lost left guard Kory Lichtensteiger, and left tackle Trent Williams. While Williams will hopefully return soon, Lichtensteiger (below) was lost for the season.
Since that game against the Eagles, the offensive line has given up 12 sacks in two games, including a team-record nine against the Bills this past Sunday.
With the current play-calling scheme, the Washington Redskins will not win, it's that simple. The offensive line is in shambles and clearly cannot pass-protect.
(Photo-Courtesy of the Washington Post and Getty Images)
(Jonathan Wigginton is the Chat Sports Senior Writer for the Washington Redskins)
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