DCLance

I Can’t Say I Was Surprised

// September 5th, 2008 // DC, Redskins, Sports

Washington Redskins a Lucky 7, New York Giants 16

The Redskins’ preseason offensive woes continued into opening night of the regular season, though I guess calling them ‘woes’ might be a bit generous.  They were AWFUL last night.  As I was standing in an overcrowded and overrated Crystal City Sports Pub, I couldn’t help but laugh at the situation these Redskins and Redskins fans now find themselves.  There have been many stretches where the Redskins offense has looked amateurish during the last nine years, but the first half of last night’s game probably takes the cake.  When you’re cheering for personal fouls against your team (which happen to be your biggest plays and the only way your team can sustain drives), you’ve reached a low point as a fan.

Almost every aspect of the game was disconcerting.  The pass protection was poor, the run blocking was weak, receivers and defensive backs seemingly dropped more balls than then caught, and the punting…well, the punting kinda made you miss Frosty.  The one bright spot for me was No. 26.  Though he played sparingly (and begrudgingly) in the preseason, Portis ran hard, was hit hard and laid people out.  Clinton Portis is not, and has not been the problem here.  He gives maximum effort on every play and does not take his blocking responsibilities lightly. 

A few take aways:

• Washington held the ball for 24:17 and entered Giants territory only three times (the last of which was in the final seconds).
• The Redskins were penalized seven times.
• Jason Campbell did not complete a pass until 1:19 remaining in the first half.  
• I like Durant Brooks, and it is only one game, but averaging 37.9 yards a punt (especially when you have seven opportunities) is not getting it done.  Frost averaged 41 yards a punt last year, and has a 41.1 career average.

In a related note, I must send a hearty kudos to the web team at WashingtonPost.com for the redesign of the Redskins section of the site, as it is much cleaner, more organized, and MUCH LESS FLASH-Y.  While you’re there, check out Sally Jenkins’ Zorn Inherits a Mess. Her continued verbal assault on The Danny warms the cockles of this fan’s heart.