(Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
As the 2015 National Football League regular season fast approaches, all 32 teams are working feverishly to improve their teams and bolster areas of weakness. The Washington Redskins, after playing the Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Aug. 29, at M&T Bank Stadium, increased their preseason record to 3-0 with a 31- 13 victory. While there is much to be done on this team, there has been some notable improvement shown in in both training camp and in just three preseason games.
Immediately following the Ravens contest, the Redskins ranked fourth in total offense (368.3 yards per game) and first in total defense (213.7 yards allowed per game). While “it’s only preseason,” they’ve out gained opponents by an average of 154.7 yards per game, which was the league’s top margin at the time.
Through the preseason, the Redskins defense allowed just 146 total rushing yards (a 48.7 average) and have allowed an average of 15.7 points per game. These types of numbers are important even in preseason because it shows how well a unit is doing with their given scheme and assignments. It’s like that old saying, ‘you practice like you play…’ these game are dress rehearsals and in the end teams generally do play well when they practice well.
Even though Washington has had success in its first three preseason games, there are a few areas that need improvement going into the regular season.
The team’s running game has amassed 443 total yards through the first three games averaging 4.0 yards per carry. Rookie running back Matt Jones leads the group with 139 yards rushing (7.0 yards per carry). The burgundy and gold hasn’t really had the opportunity to establish the run however, with their starters in the game. Alfred Morris has only 56 yards on 18 carries and has only nominally shown that burst through the hole that we are used to.
It’s very important for this offensive unit to have a consistent running game that can help open up the pass game, which leads straight to the offensive line. This unit is looking to become more like a machine, opening up holes for the Redskins runners and being a steady wall of protection for whatever Redskins quarterback is under center. It could be said that some of the inconsistencies in the run game could be credited to this unit.
This offensive line must improve in pass protection and must be more of a consistent mauling wall in the running game. It is important to note that the starting offensive line has only played together once in the preseason. Offensive line coach Bill Callahan has had this unit working after practice putting in extra work specifically so it can be the physical squad this team needs to be successful.
One more area that needs to be addressed is the tight end position. After losing Logan Paulsen and Niles Paul to season ending injuries, Jordan Reed must be the steady starter that this team believes he can be. Reed has battled through his share of bumps and bruises as far as the injury bug goes. The team brought in Derrick Carrier from the San Francisco 49ers as well and Jay Gruden seems to have high hopes for him a blocker, pass catcher and on special teams.
It is imperative that this unit establishes itself as a weapon that can carve up team’s defenses down the middle of the field presenting mismatches in the passing game and also be just as menacing in the run game as well.
The Redskins defense, led by defensive coordinator Joe Barry, will be looking to improve by leaps and bounds over last year and establish themselves as the ”Capital Punishment” crew of the NFL. The self-named crew has held opposing offenses to 2.6 yards per carry and has only allowed five touchdowns in three preseason games.
Tackling is one of the areas with which this unit has struggled in the past and the problem has reared its ugly head again allowing the teams played so far to sustain drives. Tackles that would have been for a loss or short of a first down have resulted in big gains. It’s going to be very important as the Redskins go into the regular season to tighten up and make solid textbook tackles.
Despite the drama going on off the field, there has been some quality football played by this team on both offense and defense. It seems that everyone is working hard to make sure that they are healthy and ready to go week one against the Miami Dolphins.