Washington Redskins Mid-Season Awards
By Matthew Laux
As the Washington Redskins enter the 9th week of the NFL Season, there have been several positives and negatives through seven games. The Redskins look to get back in the hunt for the playoffs sitting just 2 games behind the division leading Dallas Cowboys. Washington’s schedule is most easier entering the home stretch and the ‘skins should improve upon their 3-5. Here are a few of the Redskins mid-season awards:
Top Offensive Player– Alfred Morris
With the offensive struggles of Washington, there has been one constant through the tough weeks and its Alfred Morris. Morris continues to show his consistency week in and week out. Morris is averaging 5.2 yards per carry and the only reason why he has just 686-yards rushing is due to the blowouts in the early weeks. Morris will continue to wear down defenses as the season progresses and look for his effectiveness to only increase.
Nov 3, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) runs with the ball during overtime against the San Diego Chargers at FedEx Field. The Redskins defeated the Chargers 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Top Defensive Player– Ryan Kerrigan
Kerrigan has been simply unstoppable so far this season. With the return of Brian Orakpo on the opposite end, Kerrigan has had just a single blocker and has definitely taken advantage. Kerrigan, who has 6.5 sacks so far this season, hasn’t always reached the quarterback, but even when he doesn’t he manages to bat balls, stop the run, or alter passes. The second-year player out of Purdue continues to impress and that is why he’s the Redskins top mid- season defensive player.
Biggest Surprise- Jordan Reed
When Washington selected Reed with their fourth round pick in the 2013 draft, not many people believed Reed had the ability to make an instant impact. Reed, however, has proved the nay-sayers wrong as he is second on the team in receiving on top of catching two touchdown passes. Reed creates a unique matchup in the slot, and is a difficult player to guard whether you’re a cornerback or linebacker. Reed will only improve as career moves forward and will be a major weapon in the future.
Biggest Disappointment- Robert Griffin III
All the talk this off-season was about if RG3 could recover from the brutal ACL tear suffered in the playoffs. The big bubble of excitement surrounding the second-year quarterback has rather suddenly burst after the team’s disappointing 3-5 start. The most drastic change from last year is the frequent turnovers Griffin III has given opposing defenses. RG3 has given offenses several short fields to work with turnovers deep in Washington territory. RG3 has shown improvement in the past few weeks, but continues to be the team’s biggest disappointment thus far.
Nov 3, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) prepares to throw the ball against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Biggest Change to be Made- Special Teams
The weakness unit on the Redskins roster is easily the special teams. Coach Keith Burns has simply not cut it in his first season at the special teams helm. The unit has been burned on several occasions and must improve if the team hopes to make a late season run.
Most Improved- DeAngelo Hall
The day was August 3rd. The Washington Redskins cut DeAngelo Hall, once a pro bowl cornerback. Hall, an eight-year veteran, struggled mightily in the 2012 season and was due to receive a large payday from the Redskins. Washington decided it was in the team’s best interest to cut the Virginia Tech product. Fast forward five months and Hall, back with the Redskins, has had one of his most effective seasons in the league. Hall has intercepted three passes, scored three touchdowns, and forced a fumble on top of being fourth on the team in tackles. Hall has matched up one on one with the opposing teams top wide out each week and has done a wonderful job of shutting down them down. Hall proved the Redskins smart for their signing, and should continue his productivity late into December.