MTK
11-11-2004, 03:57 PM
Each Wednesday, starting Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell (javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.187.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=86c27045602fa586dccbd9dcdf3321c8&lat=1100202995&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fletters%252ewashing tonpost%252ecom%252fWARH0476DC3300875E17F3F628A510 ');) meets the press and ends up answering a similar line of questioning tied to the anemic passing game. The sessions have become predictable as the Redskins continue to complete fewer than 10 passes in many games and throw for under 100 yards, with Sunday's 58-yard effort (javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.187.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=ffd2194bc7529cb0b3d3fd658b6d60fc&lat=1100202995&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fletters%252ewashing tonpost%252ecom%252fWARH0476DC0330875E17F3F628A510 ');) the nadir.
"It's another week," Brunell said. "We're hoping this is the week we can get it going in the passing game. The running game has been there of course, guys are playing good up front blocking for Clinton [Portis] and Ladell . We just keep fighting and keep working hard and keeping a good attitude and we're believing that this is going to happen."
Coach Joe Gibbs elected to throw the ball only twice in the second half against Detroit with the Redskins leading, and has said that decision was not a reflection of a lack of confidence in the passing game. Brunell completed only six of 17 passes against the Lions, and said he agreed with Gibbs's reliance on the running game.
"I think it was smart," Brunell said. "The way Tom [Tupa] was punting (javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.187.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=7daf5571509f70ba4d133c2c26de4268&lat=1100202995&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fletters%252ewashing tonpost%252ecom%252fWARH0476DC1320875E17F3F628A510 ');), the way our defense was playing, we got conservative, but it was smart and we got the win. We got that big blocked punt by the special teams, so you want to be able to throw it and the guys enjoy it when we throw it, but going to the run at that point in the game in the second half, I thought was a smart move."
Washington will likely lean on Portis heavily again against the Bengals (javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.187.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=c4a141a1955c8d978969428cc603a854&lat=1100202995&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fletters%252ewashing tonpost%252ecom%252fWARH0476DC93D0875E17F3F628A510 ');) on Sunday, as he has been the team's only consistent performer on offense. But Brunell said the team will still need to make some plays through the air if it is to succeed.
"We're going to have to be at our best, and we're going to have throw it," Brunell said. "There are going to be times when we have to throw the football and we're going to have to be efficient when we do."
Most often, Brunell is asked to throw on third down, and that is where his problems are most acute. His 38.3 rating on third-downs is worst in the NFL, as is his woeful 36.8 completion percentage on third-down passes and 3.16 yards-per attempt on third down. He is 9-for-28 on third-down throws over the last three games.
[b]A Bengals-Redskins Reunion
Many of the players and coaches involved in Sunday's game have ties to the other organization. Bengals linebacker coach, Ricky Hunley, and wide receivers coach, Hue Jackson, are former assistants in Washington. Cornerback Rashad Bauman, defensive end Carl Powell, receiver Cliff Russell, offensive lineman Alex Sulfsted, running back Kenny Watson and safety Ricot Joseph are all former Redskins. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis recalled the 2002 season that he spent as defensive coordinator in Washington in fond terms yesterday during his conference call with the local media. "I wish we had won more games," said Lewis of the 7-9 season. "But I really enjoyed it and I just thought it was a fine place to work and I enjoyed the fans."
-- Jason La Canfora
"It's another week," Brunell said. "We're hoping this is the week we can get it going in the passing game. The running game has been there of course, guys are playing good up front blocking for Clinton [Portis] and Ladell . We just keep fighting and keep working hard and keeping a good attitude and we're believing that this is going to happen."
Coach Joe Gibbs elected to throw the ball only twice in the second half against Detroit with the Redskins leading, and has said that decision was not a reflection of a lack of confidence in the passing game. Brunell completed only six of 17 passes against the Lions, and said he agreed with Gibbs's reliance on the running game.
"I think it was smart," Brunell said. "The way Tom [Tupa] was punting (javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.187.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=7daf5571509f70ba4d133c2c26de4268&lat=1100202995&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fletters%252ewashing tonpost%252ecom%252fWARH0476DC1320875E17F3F628A510 ');), the way our defense was playing, we got conservative, but it was smart and we got the win. We got that big blocked punt by the special teams, so you want to be able to throw it and the guys enjoy it when we throw it, but going to the run at that point in the game in the second half, I thought was a smart move."
Washington will likely lean on Portis heavily again against the Bengals (javascript:OpenWin('http://65.54.187.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=c4a141a1955c8d978969428cc603a854&lat=1100202995&hm___action=http%253a%252f%252fletters%252ewashing tonpost%252ecom%252fWARH0476DC93D0875E17F3F628A510 ');) on Sunday, as he has been the team's only consistent performer on offense. But Brunell said the team will still need to make some plays through the air if it is to succeed.
"We're going to have to be at our best, and we're going to have throw it," Brunell said. "There are going to be times when we have to throw the football and we're going to have to be efficient when we do."
Most often, Brunell is asked to throw on third down, and that is where his problems are most acute. His 38.3 rating on third-downs is worst in the NFL, as is his woeful 36.8 completion percentage on third-down passes and 3.16 yards-per attempt on third down. He is 9-for-28 on third-down throws over the last three games.
[b]A Bengals-Redskins Reunion
Many of the players and coaches involved in Sunday's game have ties to the other organization. Bengals linebacker coach, Ricky Hunley, and wide receivers coach, Hue Jackson, are former assistants in Washington. Cornerback Rashad Bauman, defensive end Carl Powell, receiver Cliff Russell, offensive lineman Alex Sulfsted, running back Kenny Watson and safety Ricot Joseph are all former Redskins. Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis recalled the 2002 season that he spent as defensive coordinator in Washington in fond terms yesterday during his conference call with the local media. "I wish we had won more games," said Lewis of the 7-9 season. "But I really enjoyed it and I just thought it was a fine place to work and I enjoyed the fans."
-- Jason La Canfora