Redskins Insider: Mr. Saunders' Offense

Redskins Insider (http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/)

Lost in the Portis debacle is the fact the Redskins finally may be grasping the offense that associate head coach Al Saunders introduced before last season. Many who have been in the system in Saunders's previous stops in St. Louis and Kansas City say it takes two years to master. That time might be coming.

Tight end Chris Cooley said he has noticed a difference in the way the offensive players have been practicing this spring, with everything seeming crisper, sharper and more cohesive.

"I think the offense is faster than before," he said. "Guys are faster when they know where they are going. I know I'm leaps and bounds beyond where I was last year. I feel more comfortable in what I'm doing."

And other news: Running back Rock Cartwright injured his left ankle Tuesday when a teammate stepped on him. The injury has grown worse in the last couple days with some tendinitis developing, so he has been held out of workouts. . . . Wide receiver Santana Moss has a sore right hip flexor and also has missed workouts. An MRI exam on the injury showed no damage. . . . Linebacker Lemar Marshall has a sore hamstring and has been kept out of workouts. . . . The team expects linebacker Marcus Washington to be cleared to play at its minicamp in early June. He has been recovering from surgery on his hip and elbow. . . . The Redskins signed wide receiver Terry Mitchell from Grand Valley State and released offensive lineman Cornelius Rogers, who had been signed as an undrafted free agent last week.

I didn't know that Cornelius Griffin and Carlos Rogers spawned a huge, offensive minded baby this off-season. I bet they were sad to see him go.

Back on topic, this offense seems like it should be a force this season and I couldn't be more excited about that. My only concern is that Santana seems like he's been having a lot of problems with his legs lately. I know that was a knock on him when he was in NYC, so I hope he gets that sorted out ASAP.

I'm all for the Saunders offense clicking, but I still hope that good old Joe reminds Al what Redskins football is all about. He better have Al running the ball like crazy.

Of course, with Betts and Portis both available, I can't see how they won't run it a ton.

Good stuff.

You're right Mr. Schneed. We need to pound the ball down people's throats. That's the best way to make Campbell as comfortable as possible back there, IMO.

I just hate the fact that once our offense finally starts to click we have to worry about whether or not our defense can compete.

it also says that rock cartwright has tendonitis. santana has a hip flexor, and lemar marshall being hurt that really makes it seem worse than it really is

I do believe that this year we will see an offense more in tune with what one would expect from an Al Saunders. Honestly, seven points in each game last year we would have finished 10-6...

More news on Portis: On the RAC: Washington Redskins Fan Club (http://www.OntheRAC.com)

Last year was a solid year offensively, we ranked 14th. But Saunders always has his teams in the top 5 in year two, so there's definitely room for improvement.

But the biggest way to win the close ones which we seemed to lose last year is generate turnovers. An extra INT or fumble recovery here and there would have carried us to 10-6 even with the average offense we had.

Last year was a solid year offensively, we ranked 14th. But Saunders always has his teams in the top 5 in year two, so there's definitely room for improvement.

But the biggest way to win the close ones which we seemed to lose last year is generate turnovers. An extra INT or fumble recovery here and there would have carried us to 10-6 even with the average offense we had.


dont forget about converting Touchdowns in the red zone instead of settling for field goals

dont forget about converting Touchdowns in the red zone instead of settling for field goalsThis is a good point. Whats even more important is that we start hitting long FGs instead of settling for punts. Having a kicker whose range exceeds 35 yards will be a start, but if you are 3 and 12 from the opponents 34, you have to make sure you get 6-8 yards at the very least, maybe even by running the ball.

And the short yardage game has to improve immensely.

This is a good point. Whats even more important is that we start hitting long FGs instead of settling for punts. Having a kicker whose range exceeds 35 yards will be a start, but if you are 3 and 12 from the opponents 34, you have to make sure you get 6-8 yards at the very least, maybe even by running the ball.

And the short yardage game has to improve immensely.


on top of making mental mistakes like taking a sack on 3rd and four from the 30 taking you out of field goal range and getting 5 to 6 yards on average on first down instaed of 2 to 3