1. The defensive coaches have adjusted well to their talent » They tried to turn Andre Carter into an outside linebacker, realized early on that it wouldn’t work and now use him as a situational end. They wanted Albert Haynesworth to play nose tackle, realized that wasn’t working and now use him as a situational rusher. Maybe neither move should have been attempted, but at least they recognized those facts sooner rather than later. Carter hasn’t fully regained his rushing mojo from last year but had better rushes vs. Detroit. They also inserted LaRon Landry at strong safety and even when free safety Kareem Moore was hurt resisted any temptation to move him. Landry has turned into the Redskins’ best player.
2. The Redskins’ defense does a good job in the base 3-4 vs. the run and usually rushes the passer well out of the nickel » But the base defense produces zero rush, and the nickel struggles vs. the run. This is where Haynesworth’s inability to pick up the 3-4 hurts. He would impact the base defense’s ability to pressure quarterbacks without having to use the nickel.
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3. Donovan McNabb is not an accurate passer » Oh, wait, we knew that from his 11 seasons in Philadelphia. But he has been popular in the locker room — maybe even more so after this past week. However, it’s also clear that his passes are impacted by his leg injuries. On one two-point conversion pass, McNabb threw with all arm, and the pass sailed over an open Fred Davis. The fourth-quarter interception resulted from another throw with no leg involvement, leading to a pass with no zip.
4. The Redskins do have several pleasant surprises, starting with linebacker Lorenzo Alexander » He’s made himself into one of the most important players on the team with his ability to play the run, cover and excel on special teams. Anthony Armstrong is a good find, though best suited as a No. 3 receiver. Brandon Banks is an electrifying returner. There are good parts to this season, and a 4-4 mark is not unexpected. Considering most experts pegged them around seven or eight wins, they’re as good as anticipated. However, they’ll still have to undergo a roster overhaul in the offseason.
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