Five Things I Want to See the Redskins Do

[hail_2_da_skins]

1) Throw more intermediate routes.

The Redskins have fallen in love with the wide receiver hitches and the running back dump offs and it was obvious in the Patriot game that teams are wise to that strategy. They were purposely jumping those routes. The Skins were lucky that none were intercepted for touchdowns. The intermediate area is open (10-20 yards). I would like to see this area exploited.

2) Mix in a few different looks and blitzes on defense.

Ignoring last week, the defense has been great this year but the Skins are showing the same Deep Cover 2 look on every down. I've seen very few blitzes and the front four is having a hard time getting to the quarterback. Mix it up a little bit and get after the quarterback.

3) I want to see Clinton Portis run hard!

It seems to me that Portis has ceased to hit the hole hard and give second effort. Shaun Alexander does the same thing. Portis runs to the assigned hole and looks for a place to fall down. He is also putting the ball on the ground too often. I expect more out of a premier back.

4) A want to see a more prepared team.

You look at a Indianapolis Colts or New England Patriot game and it is obvious that these teams are well prepared for most situations. The hurry-up offense, the red zone execution is smooth. The Redskins on the other hand looked confused, hurried and indecisive. Our coaching staff has to do a better job of getting our team prepared.

5) The Redskin organization needs to re-examine it's strength and conditioning program.

Too many injuries, year after year. Too many of the same type of injuries (hamstrings, groin, ...) Some injuries are unavoidable but they need to make sure that these rash of injuries are no a result of poor conditioning or workout regime.

[STBonecrusher21]

1. Win.

2. Win.

3. Win.

4. Win.

5. Win.

Feel free to comment.

[Bill B]

Originally Posted by hail_2_da_skins

1) Throw more intermediate routes.

The Redskins have fallen in love with the wide receiver hitches and the running back dump offs and it was obvious in the Patriot game that teams are wise to that strategy. They were purposely jumping those routes. The Skins were lucky that none were intercepted for touchdowns. The intermediate area is open (10-20 yards). I would like to see this area exploited.

2) Mix in a few different looks and blitzes on defense.

Ignoring last week, the defense has been great this year but the Skins are showing the same Deep Cover 2 look on every down. I've seen very few blitzes and the front four is having a hard time getting to the quarterback. Mix it up a little bit and get after the quarterback.

3) I want to see Clinton Portis run hard!

It seems to me that Portis has ceased to hit the hole hard and give second effort. Shaun Alexander does the same thing. Portis runs to the assigned hole and looks for a place to fall down. He is also putting the ball on the ground too often. I expect more out of a premier back.

4) A want to see a more prepared team.

You look at a Indianapolis Colts or New England Patriot game and it is obvious that these teams are well prepared for most situations. The hurry-up offense, the red zone execution is smooth. The Redskins on the other hand looked confused, hurried and indecisive. Our coaching staff has to do a better job of getting our team prepared.

5) The Redskin organization needs to re-examine it's strength and conditioning program.

Too many injuries, year after year. Too many of the same type of injuries (hamstrings, groin, ...) Some injuries are unavoidable but they need to make sure that these rash of injuries are no a result of poor conditioning or workout regime.

This is an excellent post. I especially would love the Skins to focus on #1 - stop throwing to the sideline so much and look towards the middle - one problem is most of our wide recievers don't like to go over the middle or are not big enough to take the pounding that comes with going over the middle. The one receiver who does this well is McCardell and I say put him in a lot more than they are now. We need a possesion reciever more than anything - more than a deep bomb threat - someone with good hands who can move the chains and KM does this really well. Passes to the sideline give the defense an advantage as there is less ground to cover and the sideline is the defenders best friend. Also it is so frustrating on a 3rd and 8 that the Skins use a play that gains 6 yards - this does no good at all. I can live with an incomplete pass that would have been for 8 yards - but stop with the field position mentality.

Also your post on #4 is right on the money - and it not only applies to this year but ever since Gibbs took over in the 2nd stint. At home games the Skins should never have a delay of game and I think the team is using timeouts at ill advised times. Replay challenges have gotten better.