ANALYSIS/OPINION:

A review of the best and worst performances by the Washington Redskins‘ offense and some observations after re-watching the TV broadcast of their 34-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

GAME BALLS

RB EVAN ROYSTER: The sixth-round rookie had his second 100-yard game in as many starts. He finished with 113 yards on 20 carries, plus five catches for 52 yards, despite painful body cramps. He and fellow rookie RB Roy Helu (injured left knee) deserve high marks for toughness.

Royster dodged tacklers with deft footwork. He’s good at subtly adjusting his course while keeping his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage and continuing to get upfield. That fits his description as a “gliding” runner. His 28-yard run was an extreme example. His instincts took over, and he juked his way through three tackles and around another defender. He kept his shoulders squared for most of that run.

Royster has a knack for finding the hole. To me, he does it better than Helu. However, he lacks the burst to consistently turn those open lanes into gains of 20 or more yards. On Washington’s second run of the game, for example, he took a pitch to the right and almost immediately cut back off of FB Darrel Young, who cut-blocked DE Jason Babin. LG Maurice Hurt got to LB Casey Matthews, and C Will Montgomery drove DT Trevor Laws out. LT Willie Smith cut down DL Cullen Jenkins on the back side, too, so the lane was there. But Royster didn’t accelerate, and that allowed Jenkins to get up off the ground and make the tackle for only a 4-yard gain.

Royster’s balance problems also continued. Ironically, he went down without being touched on his 28-yard run after breaking three tackles. “I just tried to accelerate a little too hard and got a little too much forward lean and just slipped,” he said after the game. It’s another reason why the Redskins consider him to be only a solid reserve.

FB DARREL YOUNG: With the Eagles‘ ends lined up wide and their linebackers deep, Young consistently executed successful lead blocks by identifying defenders and getting to them. The Redskins sometimes used him as an H-back to wham the 3-technique. He helped RB Evan Royster gain 6 yards on a second-quarter run by doing that.

Young also solidified his reputation as a pass-catching threat. When the Redskins faked an end-around in the first quarter, Young slipped behind the linebacker on a corner route and caught a 20-yard pass at the sideline. He’s got good hands, too. QB Rex Grossman‘s throw was out in front of him about thigh-high, and Young had no trouble pulling it in.

Young’s 12-yard run in the second quarter made him a triple threat. When DT Derek Landri penetrated off the snap, Young quickly changed direction to the right and got around the corner. It was an appropriate way for Young to finish a promising first season as the starter.

RG CHRIS CHESTER: Each lineman contributed to the Redskins‘ 5.2-yard average on 25 rushes, but Chester was the most consistent, seeing as how both tackles had loads of trouble in pass protection against the Eagles‘ fast ends.

Chester got to the second level on several first-half runs. Chester and RT Tyler Polumbus also executed a few successful combination blocks. When RB Evan Royster converted third-and-1 on the first series of the third quarter, Chester sealed DE Juqua Parker inside after Polumbus shoved him in and released to LB Brian Rolle. Chester’s block of LB Keenan Clayton in space sprung Royster’s 15-yard reception on a screen pass in the second quarter.

Chester isn’t an overpowering lineman, but in his debut season in Washington he proved he can play in coach Mike Shanahan‘s system because he can run and carry out some of the nuances of combination blocks. He should benefit from experience in the scheme and some stability at right tackle, where the Redskins will look to upgrade in the offseason.

RB ROY HELU:Helu didn’t have a major impact on the game, but his 47-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown was impressive because he ran the last 20-or-so yards on one leg. He left knee was killing him all game. The Redskins put Helu in a bad spot last week by cutting RB Ryan Torain, which forced him to play when he obviously wasn’t close to full speed. Helu responded with the team’s only touchdown.

He was patient setting up his blocks on the screen. He drifted toward the sideline to help suck S Nate Allen into LG Maurice Hurt’s path. Helu during his rookie season proved he can be a contributor in the future, although the Redskins would love for him to be their No. 2. That depends on what they do to address the position in free agency.

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ANALYSIS/OPINION:

A review of the best and worst performances by the Washington Redskins‘ offense and some observations after re-watching the TV broadcast of their 23-10 win over the New York Giants.

GAME BALLS

RG CHRIS CHESTER:Chester led a solid performance by the offensive line. It was inconsistent — breakdowns prevented any of the Redskins‘ running backs from a rush longer than eight yards — but linemen generated significant push often enough to move the ball on the ground and command respect from the Giants‘ linebackers. That’s quite an accomplishment for a patchwork unit facing what usually is a stout Giants front seven.

Chester’s timing with C Will Montgomery was effective on several combination blocks. RB Evan Royster gained seven yards behind them on Washington’s second touchdown drive. DT Linval Joseph lined up over Chester. Chester exploded up into Joseph off the snap, threw off Joseph’s arms and quickly hooked him to the right. Chester then released to block MLBChase Blackburn, while Montgomery had positioned himself to seamlessly replace him blocking Joseph.

Chester believes his timing with Montgomery has significantly improved from the start of the season, he said Tuesday. He and Montgomery have played the most games at their respective offensive line positions — 14 and 12, respectively. That shows how beneficial stability is.

FB DARREL YOUNG:Young made a major impact on the game as a blocker and a runner. He had four carries — three for first downs and one for a touchdown. The Redskins used some quick handoffs to Young to take advantage of how New York’s ends like to get up field. And as you’d expect, his power was a major asset in short yardage. Young converted second-and-1 in the third quarter by lowering his shoulder and bulling DE Justin Tuck backward. He also ran through S Antrel Rolle’s tackle in the secondary on his 6-yard touchdown.

Young’s blocking was more consistent than in the last game. Again, power and physicality are his strong suits. He almost took out coach Mike Shanahan in the fourth quarter because he drove CB Aaron Ross at least five yards back and onto the Redskins‘ sideline. Shanahan scrambled to safety along with several others around him. There are at least a dozen examples of quality lead blocks. In the first quarter, RB Roy Helu got six yards around the left edge behind Young, who engaged LB Mathias Kiwanuka.

Young wasn’t perfect, though. LB Chase Blackburn beat him on the opening kickoff to make the tackle. He ran into RG Chris Chester‘s back and never blocked anyone on a 2-yard pitch to the right on Washington’s first touchdown drive. Young didn’t get enough of DE Jason Pierre-Paul to prevent the Giants‘ only sack after Pierre-Paul didn’t hesitate when WR Niles Paul bluffed blocking him. But Young generally executed his blocks and finished them powerfully.

WR JABAR GAFFNEY:Gaffney is positioned to finish the season as the Redskins‘ leading receiver because he runs quality routes. He consistently gets separation on that 15- to 20-yard dig route because he holds the corner at the top of the break by getting in and out of it sharply and at high speed.

Gaffney and QB Rex Grossman have established a reliable connection on that route using play action. It has been working perfectly in recent weeks. The run fake sucks the linebackers up and opens the throwing lane, while Gaffney sharply cuts in to separate from the corner playing with outside leverage. Gaffney makes the corner respect the vertical route by running at him, then puts his foot in the ground and gets back to the inside. Meanwhile, Grossman has the timing down so the ball arrives before the corner can recover. Gaffney ran CB Aaron Ross off for 17-yard gains twice in a span of three plays in the third-quarter.

Gaffney had a 16-yard reception on third-and-16 to extend the Redskins‘ second touchdown drive. He beat rookie CB Prince Amukamara (who later was benched) on a slant, then broke back to the outside around the defender. Gaffney on Tuesday said he caught the pass with a good feel for where Amukamara was because of his peripheral vision. He knew he had running room back to the outside even before the caught the ball.

Gaffney also converted fourth-and-1 on the Redskins‘ first touchdown drive by separating from Amukamara on quick out route. Grossman justifiably trusts Gaffney to win in a one-on-one situation against a rookie. Subtly pushing off with the right arm helps, too. He trails TE Fred Davis by one reception for the team lead, and he is 158 yards away from 1,000 on the season. He’s under contract for next season, too. Considering the price — defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, who didn’t fit in the 3-4 scheme anyway — he’s one of this regime’s best acquisitions.

GASSERS

There are no gassers to give out this week, which surprises me a bit. The Redskins‘ offense played well enough to win comfortably, but it failed to score touchdowns on two of three trips inside the red zone, and it averaged only 3.1 yards per carry. However, there weren’t enough breakdowns or mistakes to offset the positives. That’s progress.

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The Washington Redskins love talking about identity.

“You’re playing to establish our identity as an offense,” quarterback Rex Grossman said. “Establish who we are as a team.”

If this is their identity, the Redskins should enter the witness protection program in the offseason.

The offense is ranked 17th in the NFL — 31st in running and a surprising 12th in passing. But other than their 28-14 victory against the New York Giants in Week 1, the Redskins rarely have played well. Many of their points in close losses came in garbage time.

What kind of identity could the Redskins create in their final weeks? The second coming of the 1993 Redskins that won four games? Players would be better off wearing ski masks and leaving no witnesses to this mess.

There is little benefit from playing well in the final weeks of the season, no such thing as spillover into next year. The only current offensive starters who are sure to be back are running back Roy Helu, fullback Darrel Young and receivers Santana Moss and Jabar Gaffney, and the wideouts are veterans who aren’t building on anything.

Maybe Grossman will return. Right tackle Jammal Brown and center Will Montgomery could be back, too.

But out of that group, Helu is the only one who can use more experience over the final three games, including Sunday at the New York Giants. Otherwise, the 2012 starting lineup will be a bunch of returning injured or suspended players and newcomers.

Still, Shanahan dangles the prospect of returning in 2012 as a way to keep players motivated over the final weeks. Certainly, some of the current starters could remain as reserves.

“Sometimes you rate players more when you’re out of the playoffs,” Shanahan said. “It’s easy to get up when you’re playing for something. When you’re playing for pride and characters, you’re showing the coaching staff what you’re made of is a good indication of character.”

The Redskins truly believe that 30 turnovers, including 20 interceptions, cost them a winning season. Certainly they didn’t help. But by scoring a bunch of points late in games that already were decided, the Redskins have deluded themselves into thinking they were one or two plays away from winning. Opponents wouldn’t have allowed the late scores if they mattered.

“You look at our record. Very easily two or three plays could [make it] better than it is,” Grossman said.

There will be some carryover. Kyle Shanahan will become the second offensive coordinator to last three seasons in Washington since Joe Gibbs’ first stint ended in 1992. Grossman backed his beleaguered coordinator, saying continuity empowers great teams.

“I have a lot of confidence in the offensive gameplan every week,” Grossman said. “I feel like it’s one of the best in the NFL. You look across the NFL — best teams have had continuity. You look at Green Bay, New Orleans. All these teams establish what they do well and what’s unstoppable in their offense. They’re very, very precise.”

Which is precisely the Redskins’ problem.

Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email rsnider@washingtonexaminer.com.

The Washington Redskins will start three rookies on offense today, giving Roy Helu the nod at running back, Leonard Hankerson the start at wide receiver and Maurice Hurt at left guard as the team takes on the San Francisco 49ers at FedEx Field.

Helu, whom the team drafted in the fourth round out of Nebraska, has served primarily as a third-down back, recording 27 carries for 131 carries (4.9 carries) and 12 catches for 92 yards. He has improved in the pass-protection department as well, which fills a need because the Redskins are now without Tim Hightower (torn ACL). Ryan Torain previously had started two games in place of Hightower.

Hankerson has appeared in two games this season, and last week recorded his first catch — a 23-yard gain. Mike Shanahan said last week that Hankerson has looked exceptional in practice, and so now the coach is giving the third-round draft pick a chance to start.

Hurt takes over at left guard, where Will Montgomery had started the last two weeks in place of Kory Lichtensteiger, who is done for the year with a torn ACL and MCL. But today, Montgomery moves back to center and Hurt, whom Washington drafted in the seventh round out of Florida, will make the first appearance of his professional career.

The Washington Redskins went into their game against Buffalo yesterday down a boatload of starters on offense, but not even in their worst moments could players have imagined the futility of that unit’s performance in the team’s 23-0 loss.

The offensive line permitted nine sacks of quarterback John Beck who, when not running for self-preservation, held the ball too long in some instances. The running game posted 26 yards against a Bills defense that came in ranked 30th in that category. Beck, meantime, finished as the Redskins’ second leading rusher with 10 yards and a passer rating of 53.6, including two interceptions.

Starting wide receiver Anthony Armstrong had zero catches, and speedy wide receiver Donte Stallworth had more rushing attempts (one) than receptions (zero).

“We believe in this offense,” said running back Ryan Torain, who finished with a grand total of 14 yards on eight carries. “We believe in Kyle. We love Kyle out here working with us. We’re in this together, so we’ve just got to keep fighting and keep pressing.”

“Kyle” is offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, whose unit is ranked 19th in yards per game. To put that in perspective, the Redskins are averaging fewer than two yards per game more than Miami, which hasn’t won a game this season.

Injuries along the offensive line and to running back Tim Hightower, tight end Chris Cooley and wide receiver Santana Moss, all starters, are partly to blame, but no one in the locker room was ready to roll out that excuse. Midway through the season, every NFL team is dealing with ailing personnel.

The Bills, for instance, were without wide receivers Donald Brown and burner Roscoe Parrish, yet they still managed to compile 252 passing yards against Washington’s 12th-ranked passing defense.

“I just think it was execution just across the board,” Armstrong said of the Redskins’ offensive struggles. “Quarterback, line, receivers, whatnot. We didn’t make any plays. Very, very lackluster effort.”

Beck finished 20 of 33 for 208 yards, marginally acceptable numbers considering he rarely had tiime to throw. Washington yielded nine sacks with a patchwork offensive line that was missing left tackle Trent Williams and left guard Kory Lichtensteiger, both starters.

That meant regular center Will Montgomery was at left guard, Erik Cookwas starting his second game in a row and reserve Sean Locker starting at left tackle.

“He’s been put in a tough position obviously with the injuries on the offensive line,” Stallworth said of Beck. “You have a set number of guys, the five guys who are set, that get a feel for each other, and then a couple of injuries, the offensive line has been kind of out of sync now because of the injuries and stuff. And I think that’s very important that most people don’t understand, but those guys are working hard like we all are.”