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Contrary to popular belief amongst students everywhere, the teacher is not “out to get you” and hand out poor grades. Keep that in mind for our analysis regarding BBQ’s assessments of the last two games. We would prefer to see a straight A report card across the board, but that is simply not possible for these Redskins. Let’s get right to the damage report - that is how it feels to write this latest installment of BBQ.
Quarterbacks:
It would be easy to lay everything at the feet of Robert Griffin, but this grade needs to have the proper assessment under the current circumstances. We know that one player can’t carry a team, but we do expect him to be accountable for his position. How would the stats look if we had better play on the interior of the offensive line and the right side in particular? In the Minnesota game, we can’t expect him to play defense. In the Philadelphia game, he certainly needed to make a better decision in the fourth quarter. In many ways, this feels like Troy Aikman’s first year. Give him an offensive line and RG3 will shine.
Grade: C+
Receivers:
Pierre Garcon and Co. continues to do well, but it would be nice to have more depth. The receiving corps will be tested more than ever now and we will learn about Nick Williams and Lance Lewis in the coming weeks. Aldrick Robinson continues to fade and Santana Moss, as much as we love him, is in his final games – either for his career or as a member of this team.
Grade: B
Tight Ends:
In recent weeks, no one can deny that Jordan Reed is a superstar in the making, but an injury could sideline him this week. Logan Paulsen continues to provide a spark now and then, but his level of play has dropped a bit and he had a costly penalty in the Eagles game.
Grade: B
Offensive Line:
Where do we start? The center, right guard, and right tackle positions need replacing in the coming year. That is about as succinct as BBQ can be and while a replacement is probably needed at left guard as well, we do know that Kory Lichtensteiger would be a very serviceable backup. We can’t say that about the three aforementioned players at their positions. Wholesale changes are needed. Sure, the running game is good, but that alone can’t carry the offense.
Grade: D+
Running Backs:
The tandem of Morris and Helu continue to churn out the yardage and it is the one bright spot on offense that needs no changes.
Grade A:
Defensive Line:
Let’s be honest. Too many injuries have exposed this unit for its lack of depth. Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield are doing a good job, but they are not getting any help whatsoever. When you couple that with the fact that this unit is probably better suited for a 4-3 defense, it is easy to see that the defensive line is in a state of shambles.
Grade: D-
Linebackers:
Again, let’s be honest. One player, and possibly two are not suited to playing in a 3-4 defense. London Fletcher is now a liability at his position. Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo continue to bring the heat on opposing quarterbacks, but both tend to struggle in coverage. Perry Riley makes the occasional good play, but commits untimely penalties too.
Grade: C-
Cornerbacks:
Keeping in mind that these grades are for the last two games only, the grade is going to be low on the scale. DeAngelo Hall has played well this season, but has taken a step back in the last two contests. He has made no glaring mistakes, but has no shining moments either. The same can be said for David Amerson. Too, the lack of depth is hurting this position. Josh Wilson is all but non-existent and the remaining corners seem to be following his lead.
Grade: D
Safeties:
Where are you Mr. Rambo? Bacarri Rambo is looking like he is a bust – time is running out on is career, if he ever had one. Brandon Meriweather has certainly improved on his headhunting issues, but he has been a non-factor since his return to the lineup. Reed Doughty is a special teams ace, but his struggles at safety can’t be overlooked. The remaining safeties are no better than practice squad hopefuls.
Grade: F
Special Teams:
BBQ could write a book on what is wrong with this group of players. From Sav Rocca’s fifteen yard punts to block field goal attempts, it is easy to be angry with this group. Keeping in mind that we are grading the last two games only, there is still very little to give anyone some optimism, but let’s give it a try. Kai Forbath is obviously a keeper. That pretty much covers the optimism.
Grade: D-
Coaching:
Let’s start with the defense. There is nothing positive that can be said about the coaching here. The defense has played poorly the last two games and there is no way it can be sugar coated. On offense, the team looked good for three quarters against the Vikings and decided to show up for about ten minutes of the Eagles contest. The running game has been solid, but pass protection was incredibly horrible. Special teams play continues to falter at crucial moments and looks unorganized at times.
Grade: D
The last two games all but eliminated the Redskins from playoff contention. Do you agree with these grades? Do you think the team can improve in any given area? How do you feel about the coaching? What do you expect in the coming weeks? Feel free to answer these questions and offer your own assessments. See you again soon with more grades in upcoming games.
Hail To The Redskins!
Quarterbacks:
It would be easy to lay everything at the feet of Robert Griffin, but this grade needs to have the proper assessment under the current circumstances. We know that one player can’t carry a team, but we do expect him to be accountable for his position. How would the stats look if we had better play on the interior of the offensive line and the right side in particular? In the Minnesota game, we can’t expect him to play defense. In the Philadelphia game, he certainly needed to make a better decision in the fourth quarter. In many ways, this feels like Troy Aikman’s first year. Give him an offensive line and RG3 will shine.
Grade: C+
Receivers:
Pierre Garcon and Co. continues to do well, but it would be nice to have more depth. The receiving corps will be tested more than ever now and we will learn about Nick Williams and Lance Lewis in the coming weeks. Aldrick Robinson continues to fade and Santana Moss, as much as we love him, is in his final games – either for his career or as a member of this team.
Grade: B
Tight Ends:
In recent weeks, no one can deny that Jordan Reed is a superstar in the making, but an injury could sideline him this week. Logan Paulsen continues to provide a spark now and then, but his level of play has dropped a bit and he had a costly penalty in the Eagles game.
Grade: B
Offensive Line:
Where do we start? The center, right guard, and right tackle positions need replacing in the coming year. That is about as succinct as BBQ can be and while a replacement is probably needed at left guard as well, we do know that Kory Lichtensteiger would be a very serviceable backup. We can’t say that about the three aforementioned players at their positions. Wholesale changes are needed. Sure, the running game is good, but that alone can’t carry the offense.
Grade: D+
Running Backs:
The tandem of Morris and Helu continue to churn out the yardage and it is the one bright spot on offense that needs no changes.
Grade A:
Defensive Line:
Let’s be honest. Too many injuries have exposed this unit for its lack of depth. Stephen Bowen and Barry Cofield are doing a good job, but they are not getting any help whatsoever. When you couple that with the fact that this unit is probably better suited for a 4-3 defense, it is easy to see that the defensive line is in a state of shambles.
Grade: D-
Linebackers:
Again, let’s be honest. One player, and possibly two are not suited to playing in a 3-4 defense. London Fletcher is now a liability at his position. Ryan Kerrigan and Brian Orakpo continue to bring the heat on opposing quarterbacks, but both tend to struggle in coverage. Perry Riley makes the occasional good play, but commits untimely penalties too.
Grade: C-
Cornerbacks:
Keeping in mind that these grades are for the last two games only, the grade is going to be low on the scale. DeAngelo Hall has played well this season, but has taken a step back in the last two contests. He has made no glaring mistakes, but has no shining moments either. The same can be said for David Amerson. Too, the lack of depth is hurting this position. Josh Wilson is all but non-existent and the remaining corners seem to be following his lead.
Grade: D
Safeties:
Where are you Mr. Rambo? Bacarri Rambo is looking like he is a bust – time is running out on is career, if he ever had one. Brandon Meriweather has certainly improved on his headhunting issues, but he has been a non-factor since his return to the lineup. Reed Doughty is a special teams ace, but his struggles at safety can’t be overlooked. The remaining safeties are no better than practice squad hopefuls.
Grade: F
Special Teams:
BBQ could write a book on what is wrong with this group of players. From Sav Rocca’s fifteen yard punts to block field goal attempts, it is easy to be angry with this group. Keeping in mind that we are grading the last two games only, there is still very little to give anyone some optimism, but let’s give it a try. Kai Forbath is obviously a keeper. That pretty much covers the optimism.
Grade: D-
Coaching:
Let’s start with the defense. There is nothing positive that can be said about the coaching here. The defense has played poorly the last two games and there is no way it can be sugar coated. On offense, the team looked good for three quarters against the Vikings and decided to show up for about ten minutes of the Eagles contest. The running game has been solid, but pass protection was incredibly horrible. Special teams play continues to falter at crucial moments and looks unorganized at times.
Grade: D
The last two games all but eliminated the Redskins from playoff contention. Do you agree with these grades? Do you think the team can improve in any given area? How do you feel about the coaching? What do you expect in the coming weeks? Feel free to answer these questions and offer your own assessments. See you again soon with more grades in upcoming games.
Hail To The Redskins!