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Grading The 2013 Season

Before we start to think that each grade on the season report card is a failure, keep in mind that there were some bright spots for the Redskins in 2013. Some does not equal many – keep that in mind too. The first blog for BBQ in 2014 is not a pleasant one and we all can hope that the first blog in 2015 will be much better. The 3-13 football season was certainly full of ugliness and the Redskins also added a lot of negative drama to the mix. Let’s take a look at the grades.

Edit: Most of the blog was written prior to the hiring of Jay Gruden. BBQ is going to have more about this hire in the future and will incorporate the change into portions of this blog.

Quarterbacks:
With the very first series against Philadelphia in September, it was obvious that Robert Griffin, III was not close to 100%. He should’ve been placed on the PUP list with a return after six games. Kirk Cousins tried to salvage the last three games, but the team was ready for the offseason. Look for Rex Grossman to be released sometime soon.
Grade: C-

Running Backs:
It would be easy to grade Alfred Morris with a generous mark, but his fumbles occurred at inopportune times. Roy Helu had some flashes of brilliance, but he underwhelmed in 2013. The injury bug influenced the play of Darrel Young during the latter half of the season. Can Jay Gruden use Evan Royster or does the Penn State product move on?
Grade: C-

Wide Receivers:
Pierre Garcon is the real deal and had a record breaking season in 2013. It would not surprise Redskins fans to see Santana Moss and Josh Morgan receive walking papers from the new regime. Leonard Hankerson was taken out by an injury and Aldrick Robinson disappeared for long stretches.
Grade: C

Tight Ends:
Jordan Reed is a future star, but there was no production from players on the depth chart. Fred Davis could do well in a new Jay Gruden system, but he will probably move on. Logan Paulsen was less reliable than the previous year.
Grade: D+

Offensive Line:
One of the most glaring weaknesses of the team was on full display in 2013. Every player sans Trent Williams could be released and rightfully so. Chris Chester, Tyler Polumbus, and Will Montgomery should plan to change addresses in the offseason while Kory Lichetensteiger should beef up or move on as well. These positions should be a focal point in the draft and free agency.
Grade: F

Defensive Line:
The defensive line gets some praise for being good against the run. BBQ is not that generous and knows that opposing teams were able to pass at will against a poor defensive rush. Injuries and aging did not help, but younger players needed to step up and it did not happen. No doubt about it, both sides of the line need attention in the draft and via free agency.
Grade D-

Linebackers:
Brian Orakpo had a stellar season and his opposite number, Ryan Kerrigan had a great impact despite being injured since week two. Perry Riley was a force, but London Fletcher finally came to terms with his aging body – his play over the years was nothing short of phenomenal. The only gripe about this unit was the lack of depth, although Rob Jackson continued to play effectively at times.
Grade: B+

Cornerbacks:
DeAngelo Hall played with the heart of a champion this season and David Amerson demonstrated a lot of promise for the future. Beyond these two players, there was no other cornerback that deserves praise. Josh Wilson has lost two steps and the depth was atrocious. Time will tell if Chase Minnifield and Richard Crawford can be reliable nickels and backups.
Grade: C

Safeties:
Much like the offensive line, the safety position was one of sheer pain for the fans to watch. Forget Baccarri Rambo – he is simply an athlete with skills that are not a fit for the NFL. Philip Thomas should return and he holds a lot of promise. Reed Doughty is another year older and Brandon Meriweather spent too much time in the principal’s office. This unit was an absolute disgrace and needs a massive overhaul.
Grade: F

Special Teams:
The good news is that Keith Burns will not return. From botched snaps, blocked kicks, fumbles, opposing teams scoring TDs on a regular basis, to mental lapses, poor coaching, and poor attitudes, the special teams play was simply frightening. Opponents salivated each week at the thought of scoring TDs via the Redskins special teams players. The only bright spot was Kai Forbath and he is looking like a long term solution at kicker.
Grade: F

Coaches:
There was a reason why the team fired the head coach and decided it was time to move in another direction. No further words will be wasted on this topic as per the hire of Jay Gruden brings a renewed hope for the future.
Grade: F

The 2013 season is history and now it is time for an overall grade. When looking at the team and coaching in its entirety, the grade is obviously going to be a low marking. To be sure, there were some good moments during the 2013 campaign and there were a few special memories created here and there. However, a 3-13 record is no reason to celebrate or be generous with any kind of excessive praise. The team played poorly and the coaching was ineffective. With a new staff coming to town, optimism will grow and understandably so. For the 2013 edition, the Redskins receive their final grade and bid farewell to a season of misery.
Grade: D-
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