It’s typical in football that quarterbacks get all the attention. So, the focus on Washington Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell comes as no surprise. Campbell was named NFC Player of the Week earlier today. But Washington’s young gun is still a work in progress. It’s the surging defense that has the team at 3-1 after four games.
After pounding the Detroit Lions 34-3 last Sunday, the Redskins sport the league’s No. 3 defense in yards allowed and points allowed per game. They have been reasonably effective disrupting opposing offenses, but have been especially effective in limiting possessions. They earn a Hog Heaven grade of “A” in defensive Time of Possession and third-quarter conversions.
Here’s the Redskins’ report card for the first quarter of the season.
Redskins First Quarter Report Card:
| BENCHMARK | MEASURE | GRADE | COMMENTS |
| Yards/Rush 4.5 | 3.8 | C | 4.5 Y/R is ideal. Clinton Portis averages 4.5 yds. Skins have 4 rushing TDs |
| Net Yards/Pass | 7.9 | A | Jason Campbell has a QB rating of 84.3, thanks to his showing against Detroit. NFL No. 1 QB Brett Favre has 7.3 NY/P |
| Completion 60% | 59.3 | B+ | Performance in the Detroit game boosts Campbell’s performance |
| TD:INT 2:1 | 4:3 | C+ | Thanks again to the Detroit defense. |
| Offensive TDs | 8 | C- | Needs improvement. Skins rank 17th. The top three teams scored 23,21 and 19 TDs in five games. |
| TOP/G 30+ Min | 31:41 | A- | Rank 9th in NFL. |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 44% | A | Skins rank 14th, but defense held opponents to 33%, boosting grade |
| Defensive Disruption | 20 | A- | Skins rank 3rd in yards allowed/game, tied for 3rd for points allowed/game. Chicago has the most disruptive defense with 17 sacks, 5 INTs, 7 forced Fumbles for 29 disruptions. The Cowboys have 26 disruptions. The Giants have 24 disruptions thanks to the Eagles O-line. |
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The classic line of the day belongs to Sean Portnoy at Eagles Eye who writes:
“Every time the Eagles offense has sputtered during Reids tenure, its because hes trying to throw himself out of being unable to throw the ball.”
See the complete story at More Myopia from Andy Reid . . . .
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Matt Leinart’s broken collar bone ends his season, but spares us the Campbell vs. Leinart hype when the Cardinals visit the Redskins in two weeks.
Campbell, of course, doesn’t face Leinart; the defense does. It’s too soon to think about whether the defense’s task will be easier with Kurt Warner at quarterback than Leinart.
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