First-year players have given Redskins little production
So the Washington Redskins finally got a home win, ending a couple of dreadful streaks — three straight overall, three straight at home. For all the good feelings after Sunday’s 10-7 win over Philadelphia, perhaps more relief than excitement, it showcased where this franchise must go if it is serious about contending for championships.Fred Davis had his first career reception on Sunday and Jason Taylor had his best day as a Redskin. Normally those would be positive developments; instead, they highlighted some of what has gone wrong as Washington’s season spiraled from surprise to afterthought.
Davis was part of a draft class that was heavy on receivers at the top; he, Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly were the Redskins’ top three selections. They were expected to contribute immediately to help ease the burden of the offense’s lone playmakers, Santana Moss and Clinton Portis.
For varying reasons, that hasn’t happened. Thomas has played the most, but has had little impact. Kelly has battled injuries. Davis had finally proven he learned the playbook enough to get on the field. Their tales of woe were symbolic of the draft class as a whole; only safety Chris Horton has contributed consistently.
The focus on drafting for now took away the focus on drafting for the future. The Redskins’ creaky offensive line got no help; Chad Rinehart was drafted but has yet play a down in the regular season even after two starters went down with injuries. A defensive line with shaky pass-rushing ability was given a seventh-round pick, Rob Jackson, who played in three games but was inactive Sunday.
If that is to be the drafting philosophy — get players that can help now — then the Redskins cannot afford to whiff as badly as they have this year.
Taylor had two sacks, eclipsing his season total of 1.5 entering the game. His first forced Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb to fumble, giving the Redskins possession inside the red zone. That resulted in the only touchdown of the afternoon.
It doesn’t even take a full hand to count the sacks, even after Sunday’s outburst. Has it been worth the second-round pick in 2009 and the sixth-round pick in 2010? Not quite, a point even Taylor conceded this week.
Impulsive player acquisition has been a hallmark of the Daniel Snyder era, mainly through free agency. In Taylor’s case, it was a trade. But band-aids rarely heal a mortal wound.
Let’s be clear, Sunday’s win was well deserved. Philadelphia didn’t reach triple digits in total offense until the third quarter; the Eagles’ best player, running back Brian Westbrook, had decent numbers but no impact on the score. That defensive effort should be lauded.
But when that effort comes when the Redskins’ playoff hopes are all but extinguished, when that effort leads to players saying, “It just felt good to win,” what does that say about where the franchise is headed?
The picks and the signings didn’t pan out this season; the Redskins’ season didn’t pan out either. And as good as it may feel for fans to beat a division rival, one game does not erase an unknown future for their favorite team.
Brian Hunsicker cover the Redskins for the News & Messenger. Reach him at 703-878-8048 or via e-mail at .
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