What Is RIGHT with the Redskins?

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I know that we wouldn't really be Redskins fans if we didn't act like we haven't won a game in 35 years and the team is comprised of Oompa Loompas. I'm not blind to the team's struggles, I'm just as upset as anyone else over our sloppy performance the past two weeks and I know there certainly are areas that need improving (go figure, every team can say the same thing). Three that stand out for me are improved special teams play, giving the young guys more playing time on offense (particularly the linemen) to build their confidence and the coaches' confidence in them, and a more stout run defense from our linebackers.

But let's step back for a minute and look at what's right with the Redskins. Perhaps better said, what we can build on. Because there actually do exists positives on this team, this team that currently holds a winning record, that has been to the playoffs two of the last three years with a win.

I know it will be damn near impossible for some of you to try to look at some positives (and without being sarcastic), but they do exist.


-A young QB that several thought was a top MVP candidate at the midpoint of the season. Given time and protection, he has shown he can lead the team to victories, even comeback victories

-Colt "The Truth" Brennan waiting in the wings

-One of the most complete running backs in the game in Clinton Portis

-A steady, reliable young pass catching tight end

-One of the best LT's in the game in Chris Samuels

-A playmaker in Santana Moss, along with two young stud receivers who just need the time and opportunities in Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly (if you've already given up on them, I feel sorry for you)

-Arguably the most underrated player in the game in London Fletcher (although, to be fair, I want to start seeing more consistency out of Blades sooner than later)

-A top 5 defense

-Young playmakers in the secondary-ball hawk DeAngelo Hall, lock down corner Carlos Rogers, freak of nature Laron Landry, 7th round steal Chris Horton

-Young depth on the interior of the defensive line with Golston, Montgomery, and Alexander

-An owner wiling to do whatever it takes for his team

-A young developing OT in Stephon Heyer who should have the starting RT spot locked down for years to come by this summer, if not sooner

I have just a few bones to pick here...

-- Chris Samuels when healthy is among the best offensive tackles in the game no doubt. But that's like making the same statement about Jim Lachey in 1991 -- sure he's at the top, but for how much longer? And there's no one, NO ONE waiting in the wings to take his place. Ditto for London Fletcher.

-- The "playmaker" Santana Moss? When was the last time he actually made a game changing play? Against Detroit? Yeah, he's our best playmaker. And that's not saying much. Because he's had that title ever since he got here, and the Redskins have been mediocre offensively.

-- Cooley. Yes, he can catch. And everybody loves calling out his name whenever the ball reaches his hands. But is that it? He's caugh one touchdown this year, and that was from a trick play back in week 5. He just doesn't find the endzone enough.

-- Laron Landry. He's hardly been a 'freak of nature' this season. He makes up one of the best secondaries in the league, no question. But as an individual, he's not exactly scaring the pants off of anyone. In fact, the one highlight reel he's famous for in the 2008 season is getting jacked up by Brandon Jacobs.

-- Golston, Montgomery, and Alexander at DT. Okay, solid pickups late in the draft when we never expected it, but still, no blue-chip difference makers here. Look at the best teams in the league right now -- all of them have a monster somewhere at the D-line. We've got nobody close to that label here. And there's nobody in the pipeline either.

So I hate to piss all over this positive thread, but while some of the things you've mentioned here make good arguments for looking to the bright side, none of this changes the fact that we are a franchise that just can't seem to escape from the middle of the pack.