1 Can the young guys make a difference?Eventually, of course they can. But it’s hard to expect three young starters on offense to mature immediately. In the case of Leonard Hankerson and Roy Helu, both can make plays while they are gaining experience. If they’re considered potential playmakers, then it’s completely reasonable to expect some of those plays to be made now. At least with these two, they factor into the future so watching their development is worthwhile.
2 Does John Beck have a legitimate chance for success?
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Clearly this is not all on him. As Mike Shanahan said Monday, it’s also about the supporting cast. Beck made quicker decisions, but not always the right ones, against San Francisco. But at this stage, he needs playmakers to help him out. Still, when you’re on your third team, you don’t get placed in ideal situations. But you do have to make the most of them and prove you belong. Beck, though, is not making excuses.
3 Are they playing Miami at the wrong time? Maybe. The Dolphins could easily be on a three-game winning streak. Of course, they’re not a good team so instead they’re 1-2 in that stretch. But they blew a game vs. Denver, then did the same in New York vs. the Giants. But how did they respond to those losses? With a 28-point win at Kansas City. In their first five games, the Dolphins were within 10 points one time. They’re at least competitive right now.
4 Where is tight end Fred Davis early in games?
The past two weeks, Davis has finished with a combined 136 yards receiving. But of those yards, 114 have come in the fourth quarter when the Redskins trailed by at least two touchdowns. They need more from him early in games because he is a threat. But teams with fast linebackers, like San Francisco, can contain him. Also, Buffalo bracketed him enough early in the game to take him away as an option.
5 Is the defense really playing at a high level? Well, no. They’re playing well enough to prevent teams from dominating the Redskins even more. But a high level means changing games, and they haven’t done that in a while. To get this losing streak turned around, this group must make more plays. Fair? Maybe not. But it is reality.
– John Keim
