TSN: Redskins Team Report 9/25/2005

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Redskins Team Report 9/25/2005

By Paul Woody

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/teams/redskins/index.html

LaVar Arrington's playing time has been limited and chances are it will be that way for a while. Whether that is a good thing is another question. The coaching staff seems to have concerns that Arrington's knee is not yet 100 percent. Arrington says otherwise. And he did open the Dallas game by chasing down Julius Jones from the opposite side of the line and bringing him down from behind. Arrington's knee seemed fine on that occasion. If the team wants its most talented players on the field, and if the coaching staff wants players capable of making unique contributions in the lineup, then Arrington needs more playing time, even on a defense that has given up just 20 points in two games. . . .

The need for a tall receiver is overstated, and the club has evidence to prove that. Santana Moss, barely 5-10, made two of the team's biggest receptions in the past 10 years against Dallas, showing that size is less important than talent. What Moss gives the team is a wideout who has not just a second gear, but a third and fourth gear as well. Moss is having success because he gets on top of defensive backs quickly, has the speed to run by them and has excellent concentration in pressure situations. He now has the confidence of Mark Brunell and the coaching staff, and will hear his number called frequently. . . .

The team's ability to stop the run is one essential element in the success of its defense. Cornelius Griffin and Joe Salave'a are excellent at disrupting inside blocking patterns. Phillip Daniels does not permit tackles to double team Griffin because he is so effective at slanting down and making the tackle block him. Renaldo Wynn, the other defensive end, is very aggressive and can't be left unattended on the right side. Combine that with Marcus Washington, who closes quickly and wraps up well and the sure tackling from the safeties, and gaining ground on the ground is a real chore for most offenses.

SCOUTING REPORT: Walt Harris is a consummate professional. He is a solid fundamental player, understands the defense and his role in it and rarely gets caught out of position. He is a proven veteran. Harris is not easy to beat deep because he gives receivers a cushion, then closes quickly to make the tackle. Sometimes, it seems that he gives too much cushion, but Harris would rather do that and keep receivers in front of him than chase them into the end zone. He is a sure tackler and has seen just about every route known to man. Eventually, he will give way to Carlos Rogers, who is younger, faster and more of a playmaker. But for now, Harris is a solid performer in an outstanding defensive unit.

OVERACHIEVING/UNDERACHIEVING: Salave'a is a portrait in over-achieving. He wrings every bit of talent and effort out of his body, never takes a play off and his rugged, physical play in the middle of the line disrupts running games. Salave'a began the season as a starter because Brandon Noble's knee was giving him problems. With Noble now on IR, Salave'a will stay in the lineup as long as he is does not wear down. . . .

Derrick Dockery has every physical tool necessary to be an elite offensive guard. He's big, strong, has good feet, long arms and decent speed. He is playing better than last season, but he still has occasional lapses in concentration, which lead to false starts or missed blocks. He needs to overcome those shortcomings in order to play to his full potential.