What can I say? I am at a loss to describe what the issues are in DC and the Redskins. I’m obviously not the one getting paid to find the solution, but I know at least last year everyone could see that Kirk Cousins faced more blitzes each week as a new starting QB than most other 4-year QBs. But last year, Captain Kirk had the answers.
This year defenses seem to realize blitzing Cousins is the wrong thing to do as he is having issues facing a fully-manned defensive backfield. Last year, halfway through the season, Cousins learned how to light defenses up when they blitzed. This year, defenses are dropping seven into coverage making it hard for the Redskins QB to find an open man. Often, Cousins has been trying to squeeze that ball into very tight spots. So far, Kirk has been getting burned. He will figure it out, though.
According to ESPN, Kirk has thrown three interceptions on 74 attempts when defenses dropped at least seven into coverage. What’s Kirk’s problem? It’s not the offensive line this season. The Redskins offensive line has only allowed pressure 14 percent of Kirk’s dropbacks through week 2—89 total attempts.
ESPN said the Redskins lead the league in pass protection this season having controlled the line of scrimmage 57 percent of the dropbacks this season. Despite this control, Kirk is having his usual early season hiccups.
According to the Redskins coach, Jay Gruden, we shouldn’t panic just yet. And to be truthful, Kirk is not the only thing the Redskins are having trouble with. As what seems to have become the norm around the league except for a mighty few, defense has become a thing of yesteryear.
Oh, Manley, Manley, wherefore art thou? You know, as in Dexter Manley and his ilk. He probably needs some money. Re-sign his old a**. He could get at least as much penetration as this current bunch of Redskin defenders. Where is Ryan Kerrigan this year?
And don’t get me started on the cornerback fiasco. What the heck is Redskins Defensive Coordinator Joe Barry thinking, not preparing Josh Norman to float around to the best receiver each play? No one understands why the DBs weren’t coached to do that this year.
Yes, the coaching staff had high hopes for Bashaud Breeland. We all did. But Norman is the $75 million man. He should be able to cover any body at any time. And, when Norman has had the chance to cover the best the offense has to offer, he’s done just fine.
So, to appropriately recap: The Redskins offense is anemic and the defense cannot stop anything. Hopes are being dashed week by week. But in true Redskins fan fashion, we have to believe our mantra “there is always next week, and then next year.”
We, as Redskins fans, seem to be able to sway the Redskins ownership any which way we want to by complaining too much and wanting some heads on platters. If the fandom calls for someone to pay, ownership will likely fire the coach and start all over again. Let’s simmer a bit and let things play out.
paraphrasing the words of a very wise man, and my fantasy QB this year, five letters here for everybody out there in Redskins-land: R-E-L-A-X.