WEx: Will yards equal points?

[bubba9497]

Will yards equal points?

By JOHN KEIM

http://www.dcexaminer.com/articles/2005/10/11/sports/d_c_sports/001_all_redskins.txt

ASHBURN - The passes look better, arriving with more zip and landing in receivers’ arms more frequently. The running game has developed consistency, sometimes powering opponents while other times hurting them with a back’s nifty footwork.

Everything looks better about the Redskins’ offense these days. Especially compared to last season.

Problem is, it hasn’t been more productive, at least not yet. And that’s one reason the Redskins have been in four straight games decided by three points or less, not to mention on the game’s final drive, including the 21-19 loss at Denver on Sunday.

After four games, the Redskins have only scored one more point than at this time last season despite having gained 303 more yards.

They’re feeling confident — and that’s something they didn’t always feel last season.

They’re also second in the league in third-down percentage, converting a staggering 47 percent into first downs.

“We’ve been together for a year and we have a lot of talent,” said Redskins quarterback Mark Brunell, who has an 85.7 passer rating. “We’re doing good things on offense and we’re moving the ball. Hopefully we can build on that.”

Entering Sunday’s game at defensively challenged Kansas City, the Redskins can build on three straight games in which the offense has scored on its last full series.

The Redskins have improved offensively because of the addition of playmaker Santana Moss (23 catches, 458 yards, two touchdowns); running back Clinton Portis (on pace for 1,464 yards), the return to form of Brunell and, at times, better pass protection. They’re using lots of max protection — keeping eight in to block. Because of Moss’ speed, the extra time usually enables him to break free. Last season, receivers did not always get open in these situations.

After Sunday’s game, in which Washington allowed no sacks in 53 pass attempts, Broncos end Trevor Pryce said, “Coaches are yelling, ‘Go get them,’ but go get what? It’s like trying to penetrate Fort Knox with nine people standing there.”

They’ve received little help from the defense as far as turnovers, forcing them to drive long distances: Washington’s shortest touchdown drive has been 62 yards. The shortest field goal drive lasted 43 yards. Compare that to the Redskins’ opponents, who have three scoring drives under 25 yards and five under 43 yards.

“We’re on our way to being a great offense,” Redskins tackle Chris Samuels said. “But right now we’re not scoring and that’s the bottom line. The offense is out there to score points. I don’t care how many yards you get.”

Get offensive

- The Redskins have gained at least 323 yards in each of the first four games; last season they didn’t surpass that number until Week 12.

- Washington’s offense ranks eighth overall and seventh on the ground, yet it hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown. The Redskins finished 30th overall last season.

- The Redskins have made only 11 trips into the red zone, tied for 13th in the NFC. Only five teams in the NFL have a worse TD percentage in the red zone than Washington’s 36.4.

Week 6 notes

Statistically speaking: The Redskins have only four sacks this season and, at this pace, would finish with 16 for the season. The club record for fewest sacks (25) was set in 2001. And the record for fewest turnovers caused in a season is 21, set in 1998. Washington has only forced two so far.

True believer?: Count Denver safety John Lynch among those who like the Redskins. “They are for real,” Lynch told ESPN.com after Sunday’s 21-19 win over Washington. “They are playing great defense. Offensively, they are playing great football. They are at the top of the league in third-down conversions. They got big-time, explosive players on offense. They are tough to deal with.”

Rankings: Not that they matter, but Sports Illustrated puts the Redskins as the NFL’s 11th-best team and CBSSportsline.com moved the Redskins from seventh to sixth in their latest power poll, saying, “This team might be better than we all thought.”

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Get offensive

- The Redskins have gained at least 323 yards in each of the first four games; last season they didn’t surpass that number until Week 12.

- Washington’s offense ranks eighth overall and seventh on the ground, yet it hasn’t scored a rushing touchdown. The Redskins finished 30th overall last season.

- The Redskins have made only 11 trips into the red zone, tied for 13th in the NFC. Only five teams in the NFL have a worse TD percentage in the red zone than Washington’s 36.4.

As I've said before, this all has to do with our starting field position. If our special teams and defense would get the offense better starting field position with better returns and turnovers then the same number of yards would result in more trips into the red zone and more points.