Dear Washington Redskins……
Dear Washington Redskins,
The final game of the season is upon us and it pains to have to look back at what we have accomplished this season. Absolutely nothing. for most of the season, our offense played with as much spark as me rubbing a stone on a piece of cardboard. Where do we even start with the complaints? The criticism of the offensive line is duly noted, since most of the starters were out by injury. However, that doesn’t make up for the fact that we didn’t block well on pass protection or even on running plays. Yes these guys may be rookies or starting for the first time, but blocking is all you do on the line. Basics first, something that you should already know. And during the season, your just polishing them up. However, this team looked like one without the basics, and it lead to another problem of the offense. The quarterback. Now, I will have to admit, that going into this season, I wasn’t a very big fan of our quarterback, but this season just made that a whole lot worse. First came the pre-season drama of “if you draft another quarterback, I walk” situation. Which I really wish that it would have happened now. Then the lack of game time during the pre-season showed itself when we we couldn’t score any points, or put ourselves in a position to win the game until it was too late. I mean, when there is pressure, step up in the pocket and get rid of the ball. Why do you scramble back 20 yards and then take the sack. And for God’s sake, show some emotion. It sickens me (and it may sicken some fans) to see you talk about a loss with as much passion as you talk about the wins. And another thing, maybe in the off-season, you should sign up for tap dancing lessons, because for the past few games, you’ve become so gun-shy in the pocket that you never set your feet and then throw off of them in some weird way. Now that we covered those two areas, where else can we go with this offense…..Mmmm lets see, how bout play calling. Head coach gets the reins taken from him in mid-season to a “offensive consultant”. At first, there seemed to be some difference, but then everything just started to slide back into its usual self. But my main criticism is, why do we pass on first and second down, maybe lose yards and then run a draw play on 3rd and long????? I mean, I don’t have the “experience” to pick plays in the NFL with names so long you lose track of the time with them, but shouldn’t running plays be used at the beginning of downs or in short yardage situations? Why would we even attempt long runs when the offensive line is having problems? Why not throw the ball deep once in a while to receivers who can catch the ball? And why in the love of God, do we run screen passes that are so easy to pick up, the economic forecasters could have seen it coming. To me, we had an offense hurt by injuries, experience, and passion to win the game. At times, it looked like our offense took the field and just didn’t want to win. The only game I can remember the offense dominating another defense, was the Raiders game. However, after that, we get skunked by both the Giants and Cowboys at home.
While we’re doing this, lets look at the defense a little bit. Yes we did have a good defense going into the season. Always very solid, with I think are great hitting and tackling linebackers. The big sign in the off season was Albert Haynesworth. This did help this defense, however it was only when he wasn’t hurt. The other big signing was draft pick Brian Orakpo, who was considered the best defensive end in the draft. But do you think we would play him at his best position???? HELL NO!!! For some unknown reason, we decided to make him an outside linebacker, even though he proved he, a rookie, could beat any seasoned offensive linemen with his speed. If the man is good at putting his hand on the ground and rushing the quarterback, then for God’s sake, let him do it. Why change something that isn’t broken? That also leads me into to questioning that play calling of the defense, which for the most past hasn’t allowed too many points this season, but why do seem to let teams march down field and then hold them to a field goal? Why drop back in coverage and let opposite teams, run over us? I mean with a good set of linebackers, and good coverage in the backs, why not put some pressure on the quarterbacks? Especially those that with enough time, can pick us apart.
I guess since this is the last game of the season, we can use this season as a learning experience or leave as the final page in the Zorn era, who I’m sure is a great person, but just didn’t handle this position very well. If he is retained for next season, I’m sure a lot of fans would be surprised, including this one.