Mid Season Grades
By Matthew Laux
At the NFL’s mid point of the 2013-14 season, the Washington Redskins sit at a below average 3-5 record. After a terrible 0-3 start, the Redskins have rebounded nicely winning two of their last three contests. Washington has improved in many statistical categories and has a rather favorable schedule down the home stretch. Below are the mid-season grades for the offense, defense, and overall performance the Redskins have put together thus far.
Oct 27, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver Pierre Garcon (88) makes a catch during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Offense- The Washington offense has been a streaky one so far. Heading into the 2013 campaign, Pierre Garcon proclaimed the offense one of the greatest in NFL history but the team has failed to live up to high expectations. Still, however, Washington sits in the top half of both major offensive categories. Alfred Morris, Darrel Young, and Roy Helu Jr. have proved to be a great mix of strengths and weaknesses and have the Redskins ranked sixth in the league in rushing. The passing game, although 12th in the league in passing, has struggled to find consistency and at times has looked very poor. Quarterback Robert Griffin III has improved in recent weeks and his chemistry with receivers Garcon, Jordan Reed, and Leonard Hankerson is much better. Overall Washington’s offense has been average at best. Grade: 78.
Defense- The Washington defense, like the offense, has been extremely, through the first three games Washington’s defense was setting records for how poor they were playing. Since then, however, Ryan Kerrigan, DeAngelo Hall, and the defense as a whole has improved greatly. The Washington defense will continue to improve and has suffered few injuries so far this season. With a few more solid games, Washington could prove to be a middle of the pack defense. Grade: 75.
Overall- Washington simply needs to put it all together. The team has had good offensive outings, but played terribly on defense and vice versa. The Redskins must play a well-rounded brand of football if they hope to improve upon their 3-5 record and qualify for the postseason. Grade 76.