3. Here’s why the Redskins should be considered dangerous in the postseason: They’ve won in very different ways the past three weeks. Against Cleveland they didn’t have Robert Griffin III, yet still scored 38 points by scrapping the zone read game and using play-action and bootlegs. And another rookie quarterback. Against Philadelphia, Griffin’s legs weren’t a big issue at all yet they scored 27 points (albeit against a team playing poorly) because they threw the ball well enough and ran it effectively. And they won vs. Dallas because the passing game wasn’t working, but the Cowboys couldn’t stop the run.
4. So, in other words, they haven’t had a big game from Griffin in the past three games yet have averaged 31 points a game. They are a run-based offense that can hurt you with various looks in the run game. It’s not as simple as saying, ‘Stop Alfred Morris and you stop their run game.’ Not even close. Besides, you have to figure out exactly how they’re going to use Morris. It’s not just their offense that isn’t one-dimensional, it’s the run game. Griffin’s ability to run is factored in, but also how they use Morris.
5. For example, Sunday night, the Redskins altered how they used the zone read game. In the first meeting they usually just went basic zone read and Griffin’s fakes fooled the edge rushers – or at least that’s what they hoped they would do. It didn’t always work. But Sunday, the Redskins used their tight ends to block from the backside and if nothing else obscure the end, often linebacker DeMarcus Ware. On Morris’ 17-yard touchdown, Niles Paul blocked in that way and took care of Anthony Spencer. On Griffin’s touchdown run, Logan Paulsen came down the line and slowed Ware. The Redskins threw more at Ware and Spencer, cutting them, using shifts. It’s harder on the road for these ‘backers to get a jump off the ball and the Redskins disrupted them even more with the game plan.
“It gives them one more thing to look at,” tight end Logan Paulsen said. “You’re not used to seeing that, especially with the zone read. You obscure the action for the guy so he can’t see if Robert has it or the back has it so he’s making an educated guess.”
“To throw a wrinkle at them may not seem like a lot,” said guard Kory Lichtensteiger (who left in a walking boot over his left foot), “but it’s something they practiced all week and to get a different look messes with them.”
Anyways.....lets focus on the matchup. I would much prefer that over having to hear about the Seahawk fans who constantly worry about me.What isn't being talked about much yet anyways is I believe this is the first time 2 rookie QBs will face in the playoffs....can anyone confirm that? Also....is there a good Redskins radio show to listen too online?
I just want to apologize ahead of time for Scientist. Please don't think we're all like that way out here in the Pacific Northwest.
