One word sums up the Redskins performance on Sunday (and, indeed, the season to date): Ugh.
The Redskins finally scored a touchdown in the first half that wasn’t run in by a punter. The team capitalized on a fumble on the first play from scrimmage, ending with Campbell tossing the TD pass to Portis with barely a minute gone by.
Campbell was once again efficient, completing 17 of 23 passes for 145 yards and a score en route to a 104.4 passer rating. There was little downfield passing, and the team couldn’t seem to get any yards after the catch. Tight End Chris Cooley went without a catch, as the team needed him to block more often than not due to a depleted front line (more on that below).
While the Redskins’ passing was effective if unspectacular, the ground game couldn’t get going at all. Portis logged a second touchdown in the third quarter, but only averaged 3.0 yards a carry.
Not a surprise, given the state of the offensive line. Our previous post today was regarding right tackle Stephon Heyer, who was blown off the line of scrimmage by someone 80 pounds lighter. The revolving door at right guard continued, with former tackle Mike Williams taking the lion’s share of the reps. D’Anthony Batiste filled in for Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels after Samuels left with a stinger, but was mediocre.
Campbell spent most of the second half running for his life; Carolina would notch five quarterback sacks and five QB hits before the day was out.
Several defensive linemen were shook up as well. Albert Haynesworth spent his normal time on the sideline, and Phillip Daniels missed a few plays. Only seven defensive linemen were active, with the release of Renaldo Wynn to accommodate the signing of backup punter Glenn Pakulak.
Once again we need to question the roster management skills of Redskins defacto GM Vinny Cerato. This is a drum we’ve been banging since early in the preseason, given the horrible lack of depth on the offensive line. The team started the season with four quality starters, three of them over 30 with significant injury history. Predictably, two have gone down, one (Randy Thomas) for the season.
This has left the team with an offensive line that will prove to be mediocre on its best day, and it’s not getting better any time soon folks, no matter how many consultants the team hires.
