For those of you who made it past the title before running to the comments section to call me an idiot, I thank you. 

At first blush, you may think from the headline that I’m down on the Redskins’ running back prospects for the 2012 season. 

In fact, it’s quite the opposite. 

I’m like Daniel Snyder on the eve of free agency in the early 2000s: giddy with excitement minus the ability to write multiple blank checks.

Starting out the 2011 season, it was clear that Tim Hightower was the ‘Skins No. 1 back. He had the experience and all-around ability at the position that the team was looking for. Many people thought Ryan Torain was going to challenge Hightower, but the health issues that have plagued him throughout his NFL tenure would cause Torain to get off to a very slow start last year. Eventually each player’s season would be completely undermined by injuries. 

While two doors were closed last season, two more opened up. For Roy Helu Jr. and Evan Royster, there was no time last season to sit back and learn the game from afar. Each player was thrust into significant playing time. Helu Jr. made his way from third on the depth chart to starter by November, and Royster went from practice squad to backup following Tashard Choice’s release.

Injuries are certainly never a good thing. But in this situation, Hightower’s absence afforded the Redskins the ability to confirm that the two picks the spent last March were well worth it. Coming into their sophomore campaigns, Helu Jr. and Royster both proved that they are quality backs capable of starting in the NFL. 

Now that Tim Hightower has re-signed with Washington, the team finds itself with an overabundance of talent. The RB corp in DC is among the best, if not the best, group in the NFC East. That’s not to say that any one of DC’s running backs are independently better than LeSean McCoy, DeMarco Murray or Ahmad Bradshaw. But the corps as a whole could be the best in the division. 

We’re still months away from training camp, but Mike Shanahan finds himself in a great position. All three backs are capable of starting, getting 20-plus carries a game and providing Robert Griffin III with a receiving option out of the backfield. 

Plenty of people are vigorously debating now who should be the starter going into Week 1. To that end I’d say they don’t need a starter. The team doesn’t need to declare a workhouse back because it has the talent to truly have a running back by committee (RBBC). 

Many teams take the RBBC approach when they lack talent in their running game or if they don’t rely heavily on the run game. The Redskins, however, have a group of backs who can function like an All-Star bullpen in baseball. Each back can be called into the game to highlight his strengths in a given situation without overworking or becoming overly dependent on one back.

Hightower is great in the passing game, whether it’s receiving or pass blocking. Helu Jr. has a great bounce outside and excels at the one-cut. Royster can navigate the rugged terrain between the tackles and can get the necessary yards when it’s third and short. 

My one request of the Shanahans heading into training camp and the regular season is to cater the offense to each back’s strengths. Highlight all three of them and they will flourish in the roles. 

The team ended the 2011 season without a 1,000-yard rusher, and I would look for that to happen again this year. However, I anticipate the team cracking the top-10 in rushing with three backs either approaching or passing 600 yards for the year and a quarterback with world-class speed.

The Washington Redskins will begin the 2012 season without an official starting running back, and that’s fine by me. 

For more by Scott and his cohorts, check out The Recap.

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By Evan Dunlap

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Dec 27, 2011 – The Washington Redskins have released running back Ryan Torain, reports ESPN 980, citing a team source. The three-year veteran made nine appearances for Washington in 2011, including four starts, but averaged just 3.4 yards per carry on 59 attempts.

“It’s a business” Torain told Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan. “This is how it goes. It’s ugly.”

The emergence of Roy Helu and Evan Royster following the season-ending injury to starter Tim Hightower made Torain expendable. Further, excepting his one big game in the 2011 season–a 19-carry, 135-yard outing against the St. Louis Rams on Oct. 2–the three-year veteran gained 65 yards on 40 carries for a 1.63 average.

Torain joined the Redskins prior to the 2010 campaign and started eight games for them after Clinton Portis suffered an injury. He fared much better in 2010 than he has in 2011, gaining 742 yards on 164 carries (a 4.5-yard average) and scoring four touchdowns. He added 18 receptions for 125 yards and two touchdowns as well.

For more on the Redskins, please visit Hogs Haven, SB Nation’s Redskins blog.

Read More: Tim Hightower (RB – WAS), Ryan Torain (RB – WAS), Roy Helu (RB – WAS), Evan Royster (RB – WAS), Washington Redskins

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FOXBORO (CBS) – The New England Patriots take on the Redskins on Sunday, and although Washington has lost seven of their last eight, the Pats are looking at a battle in the trenches.

“This is a big ‘do your job week’ because of some of the things they do,” nose tackle Vince Wilfork said on Thursday. “They run the ball very, very well. That starts up front with the defensive line and the inside backers. We have to do a good job stopping the run; playing the run well to be successful. If not, we’ll lose this ballgame.”

Wilfork says do not look at the stats, which ranks Washington 31st in rushing with just 87.5 yards per game on the ground.

“People can say whatever they want to say about it, but trust me, this team right here can run the football,” he said. “They have some guys that can run it. I don’t care what backs they put in, I don’t care what linemen they shuffle around, they’re all physical and they all take pride in running the football.”

Read: Andre Carter Says It’s A ‘Blessing’ To Be Patriot

The Redskins have been playing musical chairs at running back, with head coach Mike Shanahan going back and forth from Roy Helu and Ryan Torain. Helu had 162 yards and a touchdown run in last Sunday’s loss to the Jets, while Torain did not see the field at all.

Helu has had back to back 20+ carry games, rushing for 100 yards and a score in each of them. It looks as though he will be Washington’s premier back on Sunday, but you just never know with Shanahan.

Stopping the Redskins rush attack will force Rex Grossman to throw the ball more. The Redskins QB will be without his Number-1 target in tight end Fred Davis, who was suspended last week for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. While Grossman has struggled this season, and even saw time on the bench, he is still brimming with confidence and not afraid to try for a big play.

“I think in his aggressiveness, there are probably some throws that he’d like to have back. I think that’s part of what makes him good is that he is aggressive,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said of Grossman. “Defensively just because it looks like you have fairly good coverage on a player doesn’t mean he won’t try to stick it in there. Sometimes he makes plays and sometimes it doesn’t quite get into that spot, but he’s definitely not afraid to be aggressive and throw it in there. I think defensively you have to respect that.”

Read: Levan Reid’s Patriots Blog

Grossman, who has six picks in his last four starts, throwing more will mean good things for the secondary; even if it is the Patriots.

But to get him throwing, the Patriots need to stop the run first.

“It’s a big, big challenge for us. As a defensive player, you have to live for these games. It’s one of these games where there won’t be much trickery, you won’t do a lot of guessing. It’s just knowing what a team wants to do,” said Wilfork.

Tune in to the Patriots-Redskins game Sunday on WBZ-TV and 98.5 The Sports Hub at 4:15pm. Pregame coverage begins on WBZ-TV with Patriots Gameday at 11:30am and at 1pm on The Hub. Stay tuned after the game for all the reaction and analysis on 98.5, and over on MYTV38 with Patriots Fifth Quarter.

FOXBORO (CBS) – The New England Patriots take on the Redskins on Sunday, and although Washington has lost seven of their last eight, the Pats are looking at a battle in the trenches.

“This is a big ‘do your job week’ because of some of the things they do,” nose tackle Vince Wilfork said on Thursday. “They run the ball very, very well. That starts up front with the defensive line and the inside backers. We have to do a good job stopping the run; playing the run well to be successful. If not, we’ll lose this ballgame.”

Wilfork says do not look at the stats, which ranks Washington 31st in rushing with just 87.5 yards per game on the ground.

“People can say whatever they want to say about it, but trust me, this team right here can run the football,” he said. “They have some guys that can run it. I don’t care what backs they put in, I don’t care what linemen they shuffle around, they’re all physical and they all take pride in running the football.”

Read: Andre Carter Says It’s A ‘Blessing’ To Be Patriot

The Redskins have been playing musical chairs at running back, with head coach Mike Shanahan going back and forth from Roy Helu and Ryan Torain. Helu had 162 yards and a touchdown run in last Sunday’s loss to the Jets, while Torain did not see the field at all.

Helu has had back to back 20+ carry games, rushing for 100 yards and a score in each of them. It looks as though he will be Washington’s premier back on Sunday, but you just never know with Shanahan.

Stopping the Redskins rush attack will force Rex Grossman to throw the ball more. The Redskins QB will be without his Number-1 target in tight end Fred Davis, who was suspended last week for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. While Grossman has struggled this season, and even saw time on the bench, he is still brimming with confidence and not afraid to try for a big play.

“I think in his aggressiveness, there are probably some throws that he’d like to have back. I think that’s part of what makes him good is that he is aggressive,” Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said of Grossman. “Defensively just because it looks like you have fairly good coverage on a player doesn’t mean he won’t try to stick it in there. Sometimes he makes plays and sometimes it doesn’t quite get into that spot, but he’s definitely not afraid to be aggressive and throw it in there. I think defensively you have to respect that.”

Read: Levan Reid’s Patriots Blog

Grossman, who has six picks in his last four starts, throwing more will mean good things for the secondary; even if it is the Patriots.

But to get him throwing, the Patriots need to stop the run first.

“It’s a big, big challenge for us. As a defensive player, you have to live for these games. It’s one of these games where there won’t be much trickery, you won’t do a lot of guessing. It’s just knowing what a team wants to do,” said Wilfork.

Tune in to the Patriots-Redskins game Sunday on WBZ-TV and 98.5 The Sports Hub at 4:15pm. Pregame coverage begins on WBZ-TV with Patriots Gameday at 11:30am and at 1pm on The Hub. Stay tuned after the game for all the reaction and analysis on 98.5, and over on MYTV38 with Patriots Fifth Quarter.

Despite the Patriots’ 32nd-ranked pass defense, the Redskins should let the ground attack dictate the flow of this game.

A heavy dose of Roy Helu, Ryan Torain and Evan Royster is certainly called for.

Helu has emerged as a legitimate playmaker in recent weeks. After his breakout game in Seattle in Week 12, Helu managed to churn out 100 yards against the Jets’ rugged defense.

He has the speed, instincts and deceptive strength to torment the New England front seven. Helu should be given the ball early and often.

Setting a tone with the run early on will create plenty of opportunities in the play-action game, which is one of the strengths of Kyle Shanahan’s sometimes questionable play-calling.

By keeping the ball on the ground, not only can the Redskins catch the Patriots off guard, they can also control the clock and keep the ball away from Brady.

“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.”

As a member of the Washington Redskins’ practice squad for the first 11 weeks of the season, rookie running back Evan Royster took part in all of the usual team activities during the week, but never could dress for games and couldn’t travel to road games.

There was one exception – the Redskins’ game against Buffalo in Toronto – where Royster received permission to travel, but he remained on the practice squad and could only watch in street clothes.

“It was tough standing on the sideline for the Buffalo game,” said Royster, whom Washington drafted in the sixth round out of Penn State. “Because you’re there and you want to get out there and play be able to help give your team an opportunity to win.”

Everything changed for Royster this past Tuesday when he finally received his promotion to the 53-man roster. On Friday, he enthusiastically gathered his things in the locker room in preparation for traveling with the team and facing a realistic opportunity of playing.

“The fact that I get to do that this week, I’m excited. I’m going into it knowing that I have a very good chance of playing in this game. I’m amped up for it, I’m excited and I can’t wait,” Royster said.

The Redskins still could opt to make Royster inactive for Sunday’s game, but given the struggles of the run game — where Ryan Torain in the last six games has mustered just 57 yards on 36 carries, and where the team often utilizes Roy Helu as a third-down back — Royster likes his chances.

“I finally get to live out my dream,” he said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was five years old. The fact that it’s finally going to happen, I’m kind of in awe, but I still understand that I’ve got to go out and get the job done.”

The Washington Redskins announced that they have promoted rookie running back Evan Royster to the 53-man roster and have released Tashard Choice three weeks after they claimed him off waivers. The team also has re-signed running back Tristan Davis to the practice squad.

Washington drafted Royster, a former Westfield High School standout, in the sixth round out of Penn State. The 6-foot-1, 213-pound back concluded his college career as Penn State’s career leading rusher with 3,932 yards and 29 touchdowns on 686 carries.

During the preseason, Royster carried the ball 26 times for 110 yards and a touchdown and fumbled once.

Choice appeared in only one game with the Redskins, that being this past Sunday’s 27-24 overtime loss to Dallas. He recorded seven yards on six carries. He spent the first two weeks with the team rehabbing from a hamstring injury.

Royster will compete with fellow rookie Roy Helu (51 carries for 248 yards) and Ryan Torain (55 carries for 192 yards and a touchdown) for playing time. Davis spent a short stint on Washington’s practice squad earlier this season.

Roy Helu is the best running back on the Redskins roster. It seems fairly obvious to any Washington Redskins fan, we are just waiting for coach Mike Shanahan to realize it too.

Look at the stats. Over the last three games, Helu has had only 24 carries but has run for 117 yards. Meanwhile, the other Redskins running backs, Ryan Torain and Tashard Choice, have carried 22 times for 33 yards.

Against the San Francisco 49ers, we saw glimpses of Helu in the passing game when he caught 14 balls for 105 yards. While no one wants to see check-down upon check-down, Helu is a much better option for screens and swing passes out of the backfield.

Roy Helu has the most talent out of any of the Redskins running backs. All he needs is the opportunity to shine. Imagine what he could do during the course of an entire game.

Helu is the future of the Redskins rushing attack. Let him play, Mike Shanahan, let him play! If Helu is given a more prominent role in the offense, the Redskins will become much more effective. Give Helu the ball, and let him run wild on the Seattle Seahawks.

Read More: Roy Helu (RB – WAS), Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins

Roy Helu fantasy owners are probably mad at Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan right now. The promising fourth-round rookie did not start for the Redskins in their 20-9 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, even though he was impressive in his first start against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9. Naturally, his fantasy numbers suffered.

Helu ended up with 41 yards rushing and 13 yards receiving in the Redskins’ loss. Much of that can be explained by Shanahan electing to start Ryan Torain, who was not impressive when he played. Had the Redskins started Helu, he likely would have put up solid fantasy numbers. Instead, Shanahan’s running back roulette claimed fantasy owners again.

For more on the Washington Redskins, check out SB Nation’s Redskins blog Hogs Haven. For more on the Redskins vs. Dolphins game, visit this StoryStream. For more on the Dolphins, visit SB Nation’s Dolphins blog The Phinsider.

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 Miami Dolphins are certainly feeling good coming off their first
victory.

Washington Redskins quarterback John Beck(notes) is still searching for his.

Going up against his former team, Beck looks to help the Redskins avoid
losing a fifth consecutive game for the first time in 10 years when they visit
the Dolphins on Sunday.

After opening with seven consecutive defeats, Miami took out its frustration
last Sunday with a 31-3 rout of Kansas City. The Dolphins (1-7), who rank 25th
in the league with 17.3 points per game, didn’t look like a team that has
struggled to score as Matt Moore(notes) threw for a season-high 244 yards and three
touchdowns.

Miami’s win was the third-largest margin of victory ever by a team that was
0-7 or worse entering the game. The Dolphins didn’t commit a turnover after
having one in 22 consecutive contests, leaving Washington (3-5) with the longest
active streak with a turnover – also 22 games.

“It was absolutely great to get a little reward for all the work we’ve put
in, just to have that feeling of getting a win under your belt,” Moore said. “I
think guys now understand that, ‘Yeah we can do this,’ and they’re hungry and
we’re going to enjoy this one and get ready for Washington.”

That means preparing for Beck’s return. He was a second-round pick of the
Dolphins in 2007, but he failed to record a win in five games that year – four
starts – and was released after the 2008 season.

Beck didn’t get another start until last month, a week after replacing Rex
Grossman(notes) under center during a loss to Philadelphia on Oct. 16. He fell to 0-3
as Washington’s starter after throwing for 254 yards with a TD and an
interception in a 19-11 loss to San Francisco last Sunday.

“When you’re the quarterback and the team hasn’t been winning games, you
want to step up to the plate,” Beck told the Redskins’ official website. “You
want to win games. I think in the league, week-in and week-out you see it – the
desire to win, the feel for the need to win a game. It’s always there.

“There’s always pressure every week regardless of who you’re playing or the
situation you’re in. Even when you’re winning all your games or you’re not -
there’s always pressure to win.”

Last Sunday marked the fourth straight loss overall for the Redskins, who
haven’t dropped five in a row since Sept. 9-Oct. 15, 2001.

The Redskins have been outscored 95-44 during their skid, including a 23-0
loss to Buffalo the previous week – the first time coach Mike Shanahan has been
shut out in 24 years a head coach or an assistant.

“If we come out and get some points on the board early, maybe the game would
be different,” receiver Jabar Gaffney(notes) said. “But these last four games, we’ve
fallen behind in all of them and, it’s like, as soon as the other team scores,
it’s not the same feeling on the sideline. People aren’t looking the same,
aren’t playing the same.”

With Tim Hightower(notes) (torn ACL) out for the season and Ryan Torain(notes) struggling,
Shanahan turned to versatile rookie running back Roy Helu(notes) last Sunday. Making
his first career start, Helu rushed for 41 yards on 10 carries and set a
franchise record with 14 receptions for 105 yards.

The fourth-round pick out of Nebraska, though, did lose a key fumble which
led to a San Francisco touchdown.

“Helu has the speed to make some big plays,” Shanahan said. “I think you can
see he is a pretty good all-around back. He made some plays. I think he’d like
to have that fumble back.”

Shanahan has yet to announce who will start against the Dolphins. Miami has
surrendered an average of 140.3 rushing yards in three home games this season.

The Dolphins have lost seven straight and 12 of 13 at Sun Life Stadium.
Washington is 0-4 all-time at Miami but took the last meeting between the teams,
16-13 in overtime Sept. 9, 2007.

The Dolphins are expected to have Vontae Davis(notes) back this week after the
cornerback was disciplined and held out against the Chiefs for showing up late
to practice.

The San Francisco 49ers have been turning heads in the NFL with their 6-1 start. After nearly a decade without a winning season or a playoff appearance, the 49ers appear to be well on their way to capturing the NFC West and making a playoff appearance in 2011. In fact, they 49ers could clinch their division before Thanksgiving, that is, if everything falls into place in terms of other teams in their division losing – something they have had no issues doing all season long. The 49ers stout defense, giving up just 15.3 points per game and 73.4 yards per game rushing – both tops in the NFL – is looking better than ever.

The Redskins might have something to say about it, however, as they look to stop the 49ers’ five-game winning streak. That task may be easier said than done, even though the Redskins matchup fairly well on paper with the red-hot 49ers.

Let’s look at how the 49ers and Redskins matchup against each other in a few key categories:

Offense

The 49ers’ running prowess and the West Coast offense have returned as Jim Harbaugh has implemented a system in San Francisco that is reminiscent of the golden days of 49er football. While Alex Smith certainly is not Joe Montana, or Steve Young or even Jeff Garcia(notes), he has finally made himself relevant in the NFL and he has Jim Harbaugh to thank. Frank Gore’s(notes) running game has been ridiculous recently and in the last four contests Gore has rushed for at least 125 yards and one touchdown in each one. The Redskins have a run game of their own, with Tim Hightower(notes) and Ryan Torain(notes) combining as a nice pair of backs. Redskins QB John Beck(notes) has the ability to air the ball out and his receiving corps, especially TE Fred Davis(notes) and WR Jabar Gaffney(notes), has the ability to make big plays. However, the tandem of Gore/Kendall Hunter(notes) outweighs that of Hightower/Torain in my eyes, and is the difference in this matchup offensively.

Edge: 49ers

Defense

Defensively, the 49ers are playing at a championship level and there isn’t going to be much of a difference against the Redskins. The Redskins love to run the ball and luckily for the 49ers, they love to stuff the run. Their defensive line and corps of linebackers will keep the Redskins plenty busy all day. The Redskins are built just as physically as the 49ers are, but I think they are going to have a tougher assignment with the Frank Gore/Kendall Hunter duo. I don’t know whether or not the Redskins will have to bring an extra defender into the box, but if they do, that will leave big targets WR Braylon Edwards(notes) and TE Vernon Davis(notes) matched up in man-coverage.

Edge: 49ers

Special Teams

Ted Ginn, Jr. has had an incredible year so far for San Francisco, but he will be tested against a Redskins return defense that had allowed a total of 220 yards (combined punt and kickoff) on the year so far. Ginn alone has a total of 738 yards (combined punt and kickoff) on the year. I’m not sure what the Redskins plan will be for the dynamic return abilities of Ginn, but I have to give the edge to the Redskins, because they have been stopping other teams.

Edge: Redskins

Key Category: Offensive/Defensive Line Play

The 49ers defensive line is going to cause all sorts of trouble for the Redskins, creating penetration and slowing down the Redskins run game. However, the Redskins will do a lot of the same in their attempt to slow down the 49ers ferocious run attack. This one may come down to who can protect their quarterback the best in passing situations. The winner of this game will have to win the fight in the trenches. It’s going to be a physical, long, grind-it-out type of football game.

Edge: 49ers

Winner: 49ers, 20-13

David is co-founder of wrapupp sports blog , where they post videos weekly and present sports blogs and sports opinions – all with a West Coast bias. While he loves writing for his blog, writing for Yahoo! is even more fulfilling. Growing up in the Bay Area, David is a huge supporter of all the local sports teams; the Giants, Athletics, Warriors, Sharks, 49ers, and Raiders. His one fault, admittedly, as many of his friends and family would say, is his love for the Los Angeles Lakers. Growing up, Magic Johnson was his favorite basketball player and he fell in love with the team. He chalks it up to, “Not knowing any better”. Now his love for sports has turned just as academic as it is intuitive and he follows most all sports all over the nation.

You can follow David on Twitter: @officialwrapupp .

Sources:

49ers.com. Game Preview: 49ers vs Redskins. NFL 2011.

espn.go.com. Game Preview: 49ers vs Redskins. NFL 2011.

More From David Mehrwein and the Yahoo! Contributor Network:

Roger Craig, R.C. Owens to Enter San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame: Fan Reaction

San Francisco 49ers’ Aldon Smith Named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year for October: Fan Reaction

Fan Reaction: Is the San Francisco Giants’ Best Option to Trade Tim Lincecum?

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