Redskins Report

ASHBURN, VA - As the Redskins preseason winds down to a conclusion this Friday night, there seems to be an air of optimism around the team despite being 0-3 thus far. Robert Griffin III has seen improvements on the field as is beginning to understand the offense and his role in it. The running back battle seems to have no clear winner, but Tim Hightower should retain the starting job from his experience. Lenard Hankerson has been one of the standouts and may be making a run at a starting position, or at least a red zone threat. Kirk Cousins started hot and is still trying to make a run at the 2nd string position, still rumors of being on the trade block.

On the defensive side of the ball, Ryan Kerrigan has been the most consistent in his performance, leading a defensive unit that is still trying to mold together. With an open roulette at safety, DeAngelo Hall, Josh Wilson, and Cedric Griffin seem to be holding up as a young group of rookies come up behind them. Standout Chase Minniefield has seen some time and done well with it, as trade rumors continue to swirl around him.

As the Skins prepare for this Bucs this Friday, Coach Marsh would still like to see some things from his players. "I want to see a will to win. I want to seem them play strong from start to finish."

ASHBURN, VA - The Redskins have finished a third consecutive season at 10-6 and a third consecutive season without seeing the playoffs. The Skins started 1-5 but finished the season strong, winning nine of their last ten. Coach Marsh was asked for comment:

"We played very well and turned a lost season into a battle for the playoffs that did not turn out in our favor. I think we started something that we can carry over to next year and improve upon."

If the team wan't to win, improvements do need to be made on both sides of the ball as the Skins fielded a top ten offense but still turned the ball over too many times. The HB position seems to be locked down with Roy Helu Jr. showing a rather productive year despite a four week injury and taking over week five after FA addition Lagrette Blount was benched. However, Redskins rushers combined for 16 lost fumbles, which is a staggering number and needs to be remedied.

On the defensive side of the ball, the emergence of SS Marcus Davis was a bright spot for the 22nd ranked defense. Making his first pro bowl in his second year in the league, Davis lead the team in tackles (78) and pulled down five interceptions. Brian Orakpo had a disappointing follow up to his standout 26 sack season a year ago, finishing with six sacks, four behind team sack leader Ryan Kerrigan (10).

Going into the offseason Coach Marsh hopes to continue to building phase, having his first round draft pick of his career, plus the 34th overall pick aquired from the Chiefs in exchange for DeAngelo Hall earlier in the year. Asked about his draft strategy, Coach Marsh added:

"I'm looking to get somebody who can help out immediately. Offense or defense, I'm taking the best available player who will help us win at this moment. If that means trading the picks for value that I don't think is available in the draft, then so be it."



2014 Redskins Stat Leaders

Passing Yards - Robert Griffin III - 3,745 yards
Passing TDs - Robert Griffin III - 38 TDs

Rushing Yards - Roy Helu Jr. - 843 yards
Rushing TDs - Robert Griffin III & Roy Helu Jr. - 5 TDs

Receiving Yards - Pierre Garcon - 1,157 yards
Receiving TDs - Pierre Garcon - 10 TDs

Tackles - Marcus Davis - 78 tackles
Sacks - Ryan Kerrigan - 10 sacks
Forced Fumbles - Brian Orakpo - 4 FF
Interceptions - Josh Wilson - 7 ints

QB - 96
HB - 81
FB - 89
WR -91, 82, 80
TE - 84, 83
LT - 91
LG - 95
C - 90
RG - 91
RT - 91

LE - 81
DT - 84
RE - 83
LOLB - 95
ROLB - 99
MLB - 85, 82
CB - 94, 86, 83, 82
FS - 92
SS - 99

K - 45
P - 54
KR/PR - 99