By Daniel Shiferaw

– Redskins Editor

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Dec 22, 2011 – ASHBURN, Va. – As Washington Redskins reserve tackle Willie Smith was being surrounded by reporters just outside his locker Thursday at Redskins Park, Roy Helu couldn’t help but egg his fellow rookie on.

“Look at Willie Smith!” shouted the running back, “Getting all the shine over there!”

The reality is, it’s been Smith — along with other Redskins offensive backups — that have been shining brightest the last few games, the latest being an impressive 23-10 road domination of the New York Giants.

They’ve had to do so thanks in large part to a season that has seen Washington lose its most prominent players on offense due to injury or, in the case of Trent Williams and Fred Davis, season-ending suspensions. The latter was seen as a death nail to an already struggling unit, one that seemingly couldn’t afford to incur any more losses.

And yet, here they are, having delivered perhaps their best back-to-back efforts of the season, posting 27 and 23 points against the New England Patriots and Giants respectively, going toe-to-toe with two playoff contenders. The question is, how’d they do it?

“I guess it’s about going out there and doing it,” Santana Moss said. “We know we’ve been missing key guys throughout this season. I think enough is enough at times.”

A common saying in the NFL that’s been tossed around for years has been ‘next man up.’ The idea is that when a backup is called upon to place an injured starter, it’s his duty to step in and play at a level such that the rest of the unit does not miss a beat. If the last two weeks are any indication, Redskins players appear to be living by that credo to the fullest.

“[It] just says a lot about the guys playing, playing hard,” head coach Mike Shanahan said earlier in the week. “They’re working [and] doing the little things during the week to give yourself a chance to work.”

While execution has certainly been at the heart of the offense’s resurgence, it’s also been the coaching staff’s ability to change both the game plan and play calling that’s helped to alleviate some of the pressure that’s come with fielding an injury depleted unit.

“Obviously, the play calling’s going to be a little bit different,” Shanahan said. “You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you’re putting all the pressure on new players, but they still have to go out there and execute regardless of what it is.”

The coaching staff’s ability to make adjustments has been a hotly debated topic among the Redskins faithful. Most believed that they have not done a good enough job using the talent they have on the roster, and instead have forced the system down the players’ throat, not necessarily asking them to do things to suit their strengths. If anything, the last few weeks should (for the time being) quell some of those fears, as offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and his staff have been forced to adapt.

“Everybody [knows] as a coaching staff and players,” the offensive coordinator said, “you’ve got to change things up a little when you lose some key guys.”

Whether it be end-arounds featuring Anthony Armstrong or Niles Paul, trick plays involving Brandon Banks, or quick hand-offs to fullback Darrel Young, the Redskins play selection in recent weeks have certainly caught opposing defenses off guard.

“I think it’s gone pretty well,” said Rex Grossman. “Obviously, we’d rather not [lose key players], but the things we’ve done have created some problems for some teams.”

One of the ironies of their success, of course, is that despite their depleted talent, Washington’s offense may be beginning to close the gap between what they want to do conceptually, and what it is that they can do with what they have on the roster. If that’s the case, then it’s entirely possible that this late season success will not only help build confidence going into the offseason, but it could help them move one step closer to finding something they’ve been seeking for nearly two seasons: An identity.

“I’ve been really proud of our players the past few weeks,” the younger Shanahan said. “Not everything’s perfect, but I’ve been really happy with the progress guys have made.”

For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven.

Read More: Santana Moss (WR – WAS), Rex Grossman (QB – WAS), Fred Davis (TE – WAS), Anthony Armstrong (WR – WAS), Darrel Young (FB – WAS), Trent Williams (OT – WAS), Brandon Banks (WR – WAS), Willie Smith (OT – WAS), Roy Helu (RB – WAS), Niles Paul (WR – WAS), New England Patriots, New York Giants, Washington Redskins

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The Washington Redskins face the New York Giants Sunday for the second time this season, hoping to complete the season sweep of their NFC East rivals for the first time since 1999.

The Giants enter the game with a 7-6 record and lead the division. Washington owns a 4-9 mark and are last in the NFC East.

The Giants have won nine of the last 11 meetings with the Redskins, and three straight over Washington when playing in East Rutherford.

Here are some of the key matchups for this week’s game:

WSH LT Willie Smith vs. NY DE Jason Pierre-Paul

Playing in only his second NFL game, Smith will need a strong performance as he goes against Pierre-Paul, who leads New York with 12.5 sacks this season. At 6-foot-5, 278 pounds, Pierre-Paul has great size, speed and athleticism. Smith (6-foot-6, 290 pounds) has good size and athleticism as well, but is raw and inexperienced. Smith struggled early last week against the Patriots, but made improvements as the game went on, and the Redskins are hoping he can continue his progress this week. If he struggles, veteran Sean Locklear likely will relieve him.

WSH LBs London Fletcher, Perry Riley vs. NY RB Brandon Jacobs

Jacobs and fellow back Ahmad Bradshaw have been limited by injuries this season, and because of that, the Giants rank 32nd in rushing, averaging just 85.8 yards per game. But Jacobs appears to be rounding back into form. Last week, he rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries against the Cowboys. The Redskins will need a strong tackling performance. London Fletcher leads the NFL with 134 tackles, and Riley continues to improve while averaging 10.2 tackles a game in five straight starts. The two inside linebackers and their teammates can’t afford to let Jacobs get going as he has so many times in their past meetings.

WSH CB Kevin Barnes vs. NY WR Victor Cruz

Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett calls Cruz one of the better slot receivers in the NFL. The second-year pro leads the Giants with 68 catches for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns. It could be a busy day for Redskins nickelback Kevin Barnes, who generally covers those slot receivers and has two interceptions on the year. Barnes must be solid in coverage and keep Eli Manning’s favorite target from running free in the secondary.

WSH WRs Santana Moss, Jabar Gaffney vs. NY CBs Corey Webster, Aaron Ross

The Redskins will again need strong performances from receivers Moss and Gaffney as they try to attack a Giants defense that ranks 29th in the league against the pass, surrendering 264 yards a game through the air. Moss last week had three catches for 81 yards and a touchdown, but he was targeted nine times and should’ve had a larger impact. Gaffney has been reliable all season, with 52 catches for 757 yards and four touchdowns. To make up for the absence of Fred Davis, the Redskins went with more three and four receiver sets, so look for Donte Stallworth and Anthony Armstrong to receive opportunities this week as well.

WSH OLBs Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan vs. NY Ts David Diehl, Kareem McKenzie

The Redskins hope to harass Manning keep him from getting comfortable. Manning is making better decisions this season, getting rid of the ball more quickly and putting up career numbers. Orakpo and Kerrigan have to win their one-on-one matchups with Diehl and McKenzie so they can pressure Manning. The Redskins didn’t have a sack two weeks ago against the Jets, and only one against Patriots quarterback Tom Brady last week. They need to get to Manning multiple times.

More on the Redskins:

Landry put on injured reserve

Redskins building via the draft

Arrington: Redskins must stay motivated

After weeks of futility, Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan started seeing his unit finally make some strides three weeks ago against Miami and show even more improvement the following week against Dallas. Finally this past Sunday against the Seahawks, the offensive players managed to maintain the momentum they had begun to build and put together a winning result, much to Shanahan’s relief.

For the first time all season, the Redskins took the opening kickoff, marched the length of the field and scored. Rookie Roy Helu rushed for 108 yards, marking only the second time this season that a Redskins running back topped the century mark. Washington had a few key third-down conversions, which also had been hard to come by, and the unit cranked out several big plays in the comeback victory.

“It felt good,” said Shanahan, who on Thursday spoke for the first time since the 23-17 win. “We haven’t [scored on the opening drive] all year and, to be able to go down and do it, make a couple of third downs and make a couple big plays and finish it with a touchdown – that definitely takes some pressure off. It definitely makes it a lot easier.”

The offensive coordinator said two previously missing elements – the rushing game and an effective play-action attack – helped set the Redskins up for success.

“Any time you can do a few things to counteract them [where] that looks like run, where you can attack certain holes and soften some people up to get people not just teeing off in one aspect of the game – I think it helps out all the spots,” Shanahan said. “Not just the run game, but the pass rush and keeps those safeties back [and] makes guys think twice before they shoot their guns.”

Big plays had previously been hard to come by for the Redskins during their six-game losing streak. But on Sunday, the unit had 10 plays of 15 yards or more, and the two biggest plays were a 50-yard, game-clinching touchdown pass from Rex Grossman to Anthony Armstrong, and a 28-yard Roy Helu run on the previous scoring drive.

“It was good,” Shanahan said of finally starting to see things come together. “There’s such a fine line in football. It was frustrating going through that game because you think everything is going perfect and, when it was all said and done, we still only had seven points going into the fourth quarter. And then we had two players step up and make some unbelievable plays. We had Roy hurdle a guy and make an unbelievable run and we had Rex and the offensive line give us the time to hit Armstrong down the field.

“You have those two plays that give you the points and then it seems like a great day. You’ve got to get plays like that eventually to where it could open that up. Moving the ball is great, but you’ve got to find ways to score. Those two plays those guys made gave us a great chance.”

“Any offense, if you want to have balance and the chance for a big play, you’ve got to have a good, solid running game, and that sets up the play-action pass,” Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday, the day after his personal-worst six-game losing streak had ended. “I thought that’s what we were able to do [Sunday]. Our running game was solid against a very good defensive team [and] kind of gave us some opportunities with some play-action passes to come up with the big plays.”

Start, then, on the ground. Helu, a fourth-round pick from Nebraska, turned his first opportunity to play on all three downs into a career day. He gained 108 yards on 23 carries, including a game-changing 28-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter on which he memorably leapt over a defender.

That not only earned him a third start in the upcoming game against the New York Jets, according to Shanahan on Monday, but it helped establish the entire flow for the offense. In the Redskins’ four wins, they average 138 yards rushing. In their seven losses, that number plummets to 56.9.

“That’s one of the reasons why I believe in the running game through the years,” Shanahan said. “That usually dictates wins, by [being] able to run the football, come up with the big plays in play-action. Your third downs aren’t as long, you’re controlling the time of possession, keeping the opposition off the field — different things that lead to winning.”

The rare presence of the running game — the Redskins still rank next-to-last in the NFL in yards per game on the ground — also allowed Washington to control the clock, even as they allowed scoring opportunities to slip away. The Redskins held the ball for 33 minutes 20 seconds against Seattle. Coincidence or not, they’re now 4-0 in games in which they win the time of possession battle, 0-7 when the opponent has the ball longer.

“Normally if you win games, you’re controlling the ball in the fourth quarter, and you’re running the football,” Shanahan said. “. . . When you’re behind, you’re throwing the ball every down.”

In order for the Redskins to get in a situation in which they could control the clock, they needed the lead. They grabbed it in a manner they also have not shown much this season, with a pair of quick strikes. Shanahan’s running game is predicated not just on wearing opponents down through repeated attempts, but by then busting out for a long gain. Until Helu broke free with just under 10 minutes remaining to cut the Seahawks’ lead to 17-14, that big play had been completely absent. Helu’s 28-yard run was Washington’s second-longest of the year, trailing only a 39-yard burst by Ryan Torain in Week 4 against St. Louis.

The play on which the Redskins took the lead was their longest of the season, a 50-yard touchdown pass from Grossman to wide receiver Anthony Armstrong. Only three teams entered Sunday without a pass play of at least 50 yards, and the heave showed Grossman’s ability — and willingness — to go downfield.

In eight starts by Grossman this season, the Redskins have averaged 339 yards of offense and gone 4-4. In three starts by John Beck, they averaged 278 yards and went 0-3. So up pops another question. Does Shanahan regret benching Grossman in Week 7?

“That’s part of trying to figure out who your football team is, especially when you have some missing pieces,” Shanahan said. “. . . You’re always trying to come up with that chemistry and what gives you the best chance to win. That’s an ongoing process.”

Establishing consistency on offense is also an ongoing process. But after the Redskins’ first win in nearly two months, there also is another element that has been missing most of that time: Hope.

“Hopefully, we’ll have a lot of games like this in the future, where you’re moving the football,” Shanahan said. “. . . When you do move the ball like we did, you feel a little bit better about everything — your running game, your protection, your play-action game, your dropback game.

“Everybody’s a lot more positive. To move the ball like we did, it’s a big boost to our offensive players, because they know we have those capabilities. We just need to do it on a consistent basis.”

(c) 2011, The Washington Post
WASHINGTON — When the Washington Redskins took the opening kickoff of Sunday’s game at Seattle and marched directly down the field — 14 plays, 80 yards, a touchdown — they looked as if they had been an efficient offensive juggernaut all season. There was no sign that, not a month earlier, they endured a three-week period in which they produced all of one touchdown. The running game burst to life behind rookie Roy Helu. The passing game looked crisp with Rex Grossman behind center.
Alas, that drive — not to mention the 416 total yards the Redskins rang up in a 23-17 victory over the Seahawks — are anomalies in what has been, largely, an abysmal offensive season for Washington. The question that arises is simple: What was the difference?
“Any offense, if you want to have balance and the chance for a big play, you’ve got to have a good, solid running game, and that sets up the play-action pass,” Coach Mike Shanahan said Monday, the day after his personal-worst six-game losing streak had ended. “I thought that’s what we were able to do (Sunday). Our running game was solid against a very good defensive team (and) kind of gave us some opportunities with some play-action passes to come up with the big plays.”
Start, then, on the ground. Helu, a fourth-round pick from Nebraska, turned his first opportunity to play on all three downs into a career day. He gained 108 yards on 23 carries, including a game-changing 28-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter on which he memorably leapt over a defender.
That not only earned him a third start in the upcoming game against the New York Jets, according to Shanahan on Monday, but it helped establish the entire flow for the offense. In the Redskins’ four wins, they average 138 yards rushing. In their seven losses, that number plummets to 56.9.
“That’s one of the reasons why I believe in the running game through the years,” Shanahan said. “That usually dictates wins, by (being) able to run the football, come up with the big plays in play-action. Your third downs aren’t as long, you’re controlling the time of possession, keeping the opposition off the field — different things that lead to winning.”
The rare presence of the running game — the Redskins still rank next-to-last in the NFL in yards per game on the ground — also allowed Washington to control the clock, even as they allowed scoring opportunities to slip away. The Redskins held the ball for 33 minutes 20 seconds against Seattle. Coincidence or not, they’re now 4-0 in games in which they win the time of possession battle, 0-7 when the opponent has the ball longer.
“Normally if you win games, you’re controlling the ball in the fourth quarter, and you’re running the football,” Shanahan said. “. . . When you’re behind, you’re throwing the ball every down.”
In order for the Redskins to get in a situation in which they could control the clock, they needed the lead. They grabbed it in a manner they also have not shown much this season, with a pair of quick strikes. Shanahan’s running game is predicated not just on wearing opponents down through repeated attempts, but by then busting out for a long gain. Until Helu broke free with just under 10 minutes remaining to cut the Seahawks’ lead to 17-14, that big play had been completely absent. Helu’s 28-yard run was Washington’s second-longest of the year, trailing only a 39-yard burst by Ryan Torain in Week 4 against St. Louis.
The play on which the Redskins took the lead was their longest of the season, a 50-yard touchdown pass from Grossman to wide receiver Anthony Armstrong. Only three teams entered Sunday without a pass play of at least 50 yards, and the heave showed Grossman’s ability — and willingness — to go downfield.
In eight starts by Grossman this season, the Redskins have averaged 339 yards of offense and gone 4-4. In three starts by John Beck, they averaged 278 yards and went 0-3. So up pops another question. Does Shanahan regret benching Grossman in Week 7?
“That’s part of trying to figure out who your football team is, especially when you have some missing pieces,” Shanahan said. “. . . You’re always trying to come up with that chemistry and what gives you the best chance to win. That’s an ongoing process.”
Establishing consistency on offense is also an ongoing process. But after the Redskins’ first win in nearly two months, there also is another element that has been missing most of that time: Hope.
“Hopefully, we’ll have a lot of games like this in the future, where you’re moving the football,” Shanahan said. “. . . When you do move the ball like we did, you feel a little bit better about everything — your running game, your protection, your play-action game, your dropback game.
“Everybody’s a lot more positive. To move the ball like we did, it’s a big boost to our offensive players, because they know we have those capabilities. We just need to do it on a consistent basis.”

Now he’s coming off a 162-yard day — 108 rushing, 54 receiving — and a leap-the-defender touchdown in a 23-17 win over the Seattle Seahawks that broke a six-game losing streak.

Coach Mike Shanahan is dealing with uncertainty at many positions as he heads into December with a team that is 4-7, but the running back position looks settled — for now.

“He’s our starter, for sure,” Shanahan said Monday.

Helu was part of a day of Redskins resilience. Anthony Armstrong finally caught another pass — his first in five weeks — and it was a big one, a 50-yard touchdown grab that gave Washington the lead in the fourth quarter. It was the team’s longest completion of the season, and it more than doubled Armstrong’s yardage total for 2011.

DeAngelo Hall, who a week ago said he ought to be cut because of the way he was playing, made the game-clinching interception in the final minute. Rex Grossman completed 74.3 percent of his passes for 314 yards, both season-highs. A defense that allowed 27 points against the Dallas Cowboys a week earlier clamped down, proving the Redskins still have some pride despite the longest losing stretch in Shanahan’s head coaching career.

“It’s tough,” Shanahan said. “That’s what you’re in this game to do, is to win. But at the same time, when you’re around a football team that’s giving you everything they’ve got, you feel good. I’ve been around some teams that have been on losing streaks and you didn’t feel like you got the type of effort that you’re hoping for.

“That’s why I feel good about the character of this football team, and it was nice to find a way to win because they deserved to win. Our players have been working extremely hard, and hopefully we can keep it going.”

To keep it going, Shanahan needs the solid running game that was a hallmark of his Denver Broncos teams. He got it Sunday, when Helu gave the Redskins only their second 100-yard rushing performance of the season.

The fourth-round draft pick from Nebraska found yards when there appeared to be none, and his acrobatic 28-yard touchdown run ignited the fourth-quarter rally. Shanahan called the play “the difference in the game.”

“You can see he got some tough yards,” Shanahan said. “He broke some tackles. He made some people miss. You could some elusiveness, power, some speed. That’s what you look for in a running back. He played with a lot of confidence. He knew he was going to be the guy. We told him he was going to have the workload, and he really took advantage of his opportunity.”

Tim Hightower emerged from training camp as the starting tailback, but he was lost for the season with a knee injury five weeks ago. Ryan Torain had a 135-yard game in relief against the St. Louis Rams but failed to tally more than 22 yards in any of his four starts.

Helu set a Redskins franchise record with 14 catches against the 49ers in his first start, but Shanahan kept going back to Torain because Helu was still developing, especially as a blocker in pass protection.

On Sunday, it was Helu all the way — with more to come as the Redskins prepare to host the New York Jets.

“We’re going to go with the guy with the hot hand,” Shanahan said.

Notes: Shanahan said breakdowns in blocking technique were to blame when the Seahawks blocked a field goal in the second quarter and an extra point in the fourth quarter. The Redskins have had four field goals blocked this season, and injuries have prompted a shuffling of the personnel up front. “Unless you have some guys on the team that I don’t know of — there’s not a whole lot of options,” Shanahan said. Shanahan said Graham Gano was not to blame on either play and will remain the team’s kicker. … FB Darrel Young, who suffered a concussion on Sunday, will undergo tests over the next couple of days to determine when he can return. … DE Stephen Bowen tore the PCL in his left knee and is sore but will not require surgery. “Hopefully he’ll be able to play this weekend,” Shanahan said.

___

Joseph White can be reached at http://twitter.com/JGWhiteAP

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

In this important Week 11 NFC East matchup for the team in blue, the Dallas Cowboys face the Washington Redskins at FedEx Field. In a game that is full of high-stakes for Dallas, both the Cowboys and Redskins have several key injuries that will factor into this huge game.

Out for Cowboys: WR Miles Austin(notes), CB Mike Jenkins(notes), FB Tony Fiammetta(notes)

Austin will miss his second straight game with a hamstring injury, meaning Laurent Robinson(notes) will be another major factor this week. Also out with a hamstring injury, Jenkins will now miss his third straight game. Fiammetta is typically the team’s starting fullback and will be out with an illness.

Out for Redskins: LB Keyaron Fox(notes), WR Santana Moss(notes), WR Niles Paul(notes)

Moss, the team’s No. 1 receiver, is still out with a hand injury and will miss his fourth straight game. With the recent season-ending injury to Leonard Hankerson(notes), the Redskins will likely start Jabar Gaffney(notes) and Anthony Armstrong(notes) at wide receiver. Fox and Paul are both backup players who have contributed little so far this season.

Doubtful for Cowboys: QB Jon Kitna(notes)

Listed as doubtful with a back injury, Kitna has not thrown a pass since Week 2 against the San Francisco 49ers. Tony Romo(notes) is not listed on the injury list, meaning Kitna will most likely not factor in this game.

Doubtful for Redskins: None

Questionable for Cowboys: RB Felix Jones(notes), G Kyle Kosier(notes)

Still ailing from his ankle injury, Jones is questionable for the game but is expected to return from a four-game absence. That being said, rookie DeMarco Murray(notes) will remain No. 1 on the depth chart, as he leads all NFL running backs with 6.7 yards per carry. Kosier is the team’s starting right guard and will most likely be replaced by Derrick Dockery(notes) if he is unable to play.

Questionable for Redskins: T Jammal Brown(notes), G Maurice Hurt(notes), S LaRon Landry(notes), T Sean Locklear(notes)

Landry is questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cowboys with an Achilles injury. An important defender in the Redskins secondary, Landry also missed the first two games of the season. The three offensive linemen who are listed as questionable include the team’s starting left guard (Hurt), right tackle (Brown), and backup tackle (Locklear) and would cause huge problems if all three could not play.

Probable for Cowboys: LB Sean Lee(notes), P Mat McBriar(notes)

After missing Weeks 8 and 9 with a wrist injury, Lee returned to the field with a club over his injured wrist to make four tackles against the Buffalo Bills last week. McBriar is healthy enough to attempt punts with the nerve damage in his left foot, but the Cowboys will have Romo hold field goal and extra point attempts to minimize the stress on their punter.

Probable for Redskins: S Oshiomogho Atogwe(notes), RB Tashard Choice(notes), S Reed Doughty(notes), LB London Fletcher(notes), TE Logan Paulsen(notes)

Atogwe and Fletcher, two of the team’s main contributors on defense, should be healthy enough to play. If Landry is unable to play, Doughty will likely play in his place. Newcomer Choice will likely get his first opportunity to see action for the Redskins after overcoming a hamstring injury and Paulsen should be available if needed with his minor shoulder injury.

Sources:

NFL Injuries, Yahoo! Sports

Santana Moss Game Log, Yahoo! Sports

Jon Kitna Game Log, Yahoo! Sports

Cowboys-Redskins Preview, Yahoo! Sports

LaRon Landry, three O-linemen questionable for Sunday, Washington Post

Sean Lee Profile, Yahoo! Sports

Tony Romo remains the holder, ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth

More from this contributor:

2011 NFL Teams with Toughest Strength of Schedule from Weeks 11-17: Fan’s Take

2011 NFL Teams with Easiest Strength of Schedule from Weeks 11-17: Fan’s Take

Five San Francisco 49ers with Great Games in 27-20 Win Over Giants: Fan’s Take

New York Giants Vs. San Francisco 49ers Week 10 Injury Report Assessment: Fan’s Preview

Five San Francisco 49ers with Great Games in 19-11 Win Over Redskins: Fan’s Take

Austin Chang is a lifelong football fan and contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @_austinchang.

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The Washington Redskins released Donte Stallworth last week, and now, it looks like they will bring him back. A report by Howard Eskin in Philadelphia suggests it was true, and multiple reporters in Washington D.C. have confirmed the news.

Stallworth returns after not producing much in games for the Redskins. However, the team liked his presence in the locker room and have decided that is enough to have him return. The Redskins also need a wide receiver to replace Leonard Hankerson on the 53-man roster after the rookie suffered a torn labrum in his hip in the Redskins’ 20-9 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

With Stallworth’s return, the Redskins now employ the following group of healthy receivers. Santana Moss has not gone to injured reserve, but he is still hurt, as is Niles Paul.

• Jabar Gaffney
• Anthony Armstrong
• Terrence Austin
• David Anderson
• Donte’ Stallworth
• Brandon Banks

For more on the Redskins, visit Hogs Haven.

Dolphins running game vs. Redskins run defense

Perhaps no player on the Dolphins utilized the off week to greater effect than Reggie Bush. Heading into the bye of Oct. 7, Bush hadn’t had a run or reception of longer than 23 yards since before Christmas of 2009. Since coming off the break, Bush has ripped off five plays that have gained at least 27 yards. Still, they need a healthy Daniel Thomas to establish the inside running game, or the same pass-happy play-calling tilt will be required to move the offense (19 of the Dolphins’ first 25 plays in Kansas City were passes as they built a 21-3 lead). Washington allows a gaudy 4.5 yards per rush. EDGE: Dolphins

Dolphins passing game vs. Redskins pass defense

This is perfect timing for the Dolphins as Matt Moore has been excellent over the course of his past three starts, completing 52 of 78 passes (66.7 percent) for 579 yards (7.42 yards per attempt) with four touchdown passes and only one interception for a passer rating of 100.3. Meanwhile, in the Redskins’ past three games, quarterbacks have completed 56 of 74 for 672 yards with four touchdowns and only one pickoff (115.4 passer rating). Brandon Marshall is on pace for 1,288 receiving yards at 14.0 yards per catch in 2011. EDGE: Dolphins

Redskins running game vs. Dolphins run defense

The Redskins  turned to rookie Roy Helu as their starter in the backfield over Ryan Torain last week against San Francisco. While Torain is a more traditional between-the-tackles runner (running for 135 yards last month against the Rams), Helu is more of a dual threat. The fourth-round pick had 24 touches last week, but only 10 of them were runs (for 41 yards). The Dolphins, meanwhile, have tightened up. In the first four games of the season, running backs averaged 4.31 yards per rush. Since then, that average has fallen to 3.52 a carry. EDGE: Dolphins

Redskins passing game vs. Dolphins pass defense

With Santana Moss out with a broken hand and Anthony Armstrong nagged by a hamstring pull, ex-Dolphin John Beck, who replaced Rex Grossman as the starter on Oct. 23, has leaned heavily on Helu and tight end Fred Davis, who has become one of the league’s underrated tight ends. With Beck smarting from 13 sacks in his two starts on the road, coach Mike Shanahan shortened the passing game and targeted Helu an astounding 17 times against the 49ers. The Dolphins have logged 12 of their 20 sacks in the past three games. EDGE: Dolphins

Dolphins special teams vs. Redskins special teams

Brandon Fields’ net punting average took a hit against the Chiefs as Dexter McCluster averaged 15.0 yards a return and Fields also found the end zone for a touchback. The 34.2-yard net at Arrowhead trimmed his season average to 40.7, ninth-best in the NFL. Dan Carpenter, meanwhile, has rebounded from a shaky 3-for-6 start to convert his past 13 field goal attempts. Redskins kicker Graham Gano crushed a 59-yard field goal last week, but has missed on four attempts of less than 50 yards. EDGE: Dolphins

Intangibles

Mike Shanahan returns to the site of his 1999 triumph in Super Bowl XXXIII while coach of the Broncos. Suffice to say, though, that The Mastermind looks a lot less smart nowadays without John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe and Rod Smith lining up for him. A Dolphins loss would give them a franchise-worst eight-game home losing streak. EDGE: Redskins

Prediction: Dolphins 27, Redskins 13

The Washington Redskins on Sunday look to avoid their fourth straight loss when the San Francisco 49ers come to town, boasting one of the best running games and best defenses that Mike Shanahan’s bunch will face all season.

The Redskins’ offense needs to rebound from a dismal showing and figure out a way to put points on the board while the defense must find a solution to stopping Frank Gore.

Here are five storylines to follow in Washington’s eighth game of the season.

1. Redemption for Kyle’s crew –
Kyle Shanahan’s offense was atrocious last week, and it doesn’t matter how good your defense is, if you can’t score a single point, you’re not going to win. John Beck must play better if he wants to hang onto the starting quarterback job. He has to see the field better and play with more confidence and improved anticipation. On the first play of the game, he had Anthony Armstrong streaking past Buffalo’s safety, but didn’t feel like Armstrong was open enough to make the throw for what would have been either a touchdown or a big gain. At least five of the 10 sacks were Beck’s fault for holding onto the ball too long, and Shanahan said his unit missed on 25 potential big plays. In talking to people around the league, scheme and play-calling isn’t the problem with the Redskins. Execution is. Both head coach and offensive coordinator have to get more out of their players this week. Health is another factor, especially along the offensive line. The return of Trent Williams at left tackle could make a significant difference.

2. Run defense – The common theme in all four of the Redskins’ defensive showings in each of their four losses is an inability to stop the run. Teams know they can spread Jim Haslett’s bunch out and run on that nickel package. Interesting observation: Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield (who were brought in to upgrade the defensive front) both struggled mightily when it came to getting off of blocks and filling gaps. Meanwhile, Adam Carriker and Kedric Golston fared much better when lining up in the nickel package. There have been misses by inches here and there in each of the losses and the Redskins must turn those whiffs into sure tackles.

3. Fred Davis’ health – The Redskins main playmaker, Davis has been hobbled by a sprained ankle all week and if he can’t play – or play effectively – on Sunday, Washington’s slim chances of executing against a dominant San Francisco defense diminish significantly. If healthy, the Redskins will likely feed Davis the ball in a variety of ways. He’s the only sure thing they’ve got right now, so they have no choice. Getting Davis going also should help his teammates, though. If he starts to attract the attention of the defense, then somewhere on the field, there will be a forgotten man, giving John Beck other options.

4. Rogers’ revenge – Carlos Rogers says “I’m past the Redskins,” but the 49ers’ top free agent pickup would like nothing more than to come into FedEx Field and have a great game against his former team and remind team officials they were wrong to let him walk rather than award him a contract this past summer. The cornerback already has three interceptions – more than Washington’s secondary combined – and given that he knows the offense, has familiarity with some of the Redskins receivers, he is in prime position to succeed on Sunday. Rogers said he’s sure the Redskins will challenge him with some double-moves, but he’s ready.

5. Motivation – A long-time NFL official remarked to me this week that judging by body language and execution – or the lack thereof – the Washington Redskins didn’t look motivated to play last week against the Buffalo Bills. That’s not a good thing considering their season was/is slipping away and motivation shouldn’t have been hard to come by. Mike Shanahan must push all the right buttons this week and get his players to play with a sense of urgency. An upset over the 49ers could provide a huge lift for this team. A loss drops them two games below .500, and with games against formidable opponents Dallas, New England, the Giants, the Jets and the Eagles all still remaining, the going doesn’t get any easier for this Redskins team.

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.”

Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan expects to use either second-year pro Anthony Armstrong or rookie Niles Paul at the starting wide receiver spot previously occupied by Santana Moss, who is expected to miss five to seven weeks after breaking his left hand.

Moss had “three pins put in his index finger in that area” during surgery Monday, according to Shanahan.

Paul and Armstrong alternated at the ‘X’ position that Moss plays on the outside. Paul caught the two passes that came his way for 25 yards, and Armstrong, who was targeted four times, recorded one catch for nine yards.

“Both guys deserve a chance to show what they can do, I like the way they played, and we’re going to play the best players,” Shanahan said.

Armstrong opened the season as the third receiver, but missed the two games prior to Sunday’s matchup while nursing a hamstring injury. Paul has played primarily on special teams, but did line up at receiver occasionally during the first five games. Washington opened Sunday’s game with a three-receiver set, and instead of Armstrong, Paul lined up alongside Moss and No. 2 receiver Jabar Gaffney.

Armstrong is the team’s top threat to stretch the field. Last season, he ranked second on the team in receiving.

The Redskins went to Paul – their fifth-round pick out of Nebraska — twice late in the game and he recorded his first two catches of the season.

“Niles Paul’s done a great job in special teams. He’s played a few plays and, when he’s played, he’s taken advantage of it,” Shanahan said.

Second-year pro Terrence Austin previously has been used on some of the same pass routes out of the slot that Moss has run, and could be an option there, with Armstrong or Paul splitting wide opposite Gaffney.

In the fourth quarter, with the Redskins trailing by 10 points, John Beck threw an interception that all but sealed the loss. For three and a half quarters before then, with the game well within reach, the Redskins receivers couldn’t hold onto well-thrown passes that would have extended drives in the thick of the game.

Fred Davis had a good day, but his drop, along with those of Jabar Gaffney and Anthony Armstrong contributed to the loss as much as anything else.

Though it only amounts to a handful of yards in the end, those yards could have been first downs that extended drives and led to scoring opportunities. Instead, the offense is forced off the field, forced to settle for field goals or forced into tough situations on second and third down.

The Panthers made the most of the opportunities they were given by the Redskins’ miscues.

Read More: DeAngelo Hall (CB – WAS), Phillip Buchanon (CB – WAS), Oshiomogho Atogwe (FS – WAS), Byron Westbrook (CB – WAS), Tim Hightower (RB – WAS), Anthony Armstrong (WR – WAS), Trent Williams (OT – WAS), Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Carolina Panthers

The Washington Redskins look to get back in the win column this Sunday when they travel to Charlotte to take on the 1-5 Carolina Panthers. The Redskins haven’t tasted victory in nearly three weeks now — they were off in Week 5 and then lost to the Philadelphia Eagles this past Sunday in Week 6. If they’re to do so this Sunday against Cam Newton and the Panthers, they might have to do so without the services of Oshiomogho Atogwe, the Redskins talented safety who on Thursday missed his second consecutive day of practice with a nagging knee injury. Mike Shanahan is not ready to rule out Atogwe for Sunday’s game however:

“You don’t know until somebody can go. When we hold a guy out, it’s for a couple of reasons. We’re trying to heal him up. We’re afraid if we push him, we’ll set him back.”

Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett didn’t offer much more in the way of hinting at Atogwe’s likely status for Sunday, but he did sound confident that the Redskins will be prepared regardless of who can or cannot play.

“He didn’t practice yesterday and we’ll see how we go through the rest of the week, but I feel comfortable with the guys we have. If he can’t go or he does go, we’ll be good. If he can’t go, then Reed [Doughty] will fill in and we’ll be fine.”

Atoge wasn’t the only one to miss practice Thursday. Also absent were CB Byron Westbrook (hamstring) and T Trent Williams (ankle). DeAngelo Hall (toe) was limited in practice Thursday. Both he and Westbrook entered the week of practice healthy but sustained their injuries while preparing for Carolina. 

Anthony Armstrong (hamstring), Phillip Buchanon (neck) and Tim Hightower (shoulder) practiced fully for the second consecutive day this week and are expected to play Sunday. 

Quotes via Redskins PR. For more Redskins coverage leading up to Sunday’s Week 7 game against the Panthers, stop by Hogs Haven.