20-20 at halftime. Who would have thought the Redskins game against the Patriots would be tied at the half, let alone at such a high score?
Believe it, because it was.
The Washington Redskins, a team playing out an injury-plagued, under-achieved, and disappointing season, went blow for blow with the juggernaut New England Patriots for four quarters Sunday at FedEx Field.
We found out the team has heart in a game they could have easily given up on, in a season marred with "what could have been."
With a 4-9 record, it's officially time to start looking to next year. I offer a core list of players who I think should be in Burgundy and Gold in the future, and a list of who shouldn't.
Players to build around
1. Roy Helu: our starting rookie running back added his third 100-yard rushing game of his career, making it three games in a row eclipsing the century-mark. His runs have energy, promise, and a refreshing feel to them--something we haven't really had since the first few years of Clinton Portis.
2. Fred Davis: although Davis has been suspended for the remainder of the season due to breaking the league's substance (marijuana) abuse policy, Davis has proven to be an integral part of the Redskins' offense. Davis is the possession tight end we need going forward and his 13-yards per reception this season is promising.
3. Sav Rocca: Okay, I know he's a punter, but it's been a long time since the Redskins have had a top-tier talent at either kicking position; Sav is that top-tier talent. Rocca is tied for 2nd in the NFL with 26 punts inside the 20, along with only one touchback conceded.
Players to write out of the plans
1. DeAngelo Hall: from consistently being beat by his receiver to throwing the penalty flag after being called for a penalty against the Patriots, Hall has been one of the biggest disappointments this season. Instead of leading by example, the co-captain of the defense often is seen with his head down, covered with a towel, pouting on the sidelines. Case in point of Hall's focus this season, please watch below as Hall observes Rob Gronkowski drag two Redskin defenders...instead of helping.
[yframe url='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ce5gTDk3CuA']
2. Laron Landry: although Meast is one hell of a physically-imposing specimen, Landry has proven to be undisciplined and injury-prone. After three promising seasons to start his career, Landry has missed 11 games over the past two seasons: the final six games last year and five so far this season. Injuries are one thing, but the fact that Landry is publicly complaining about the coaches insisting he rest also speaks to his maturity.
**These two defensive backs are the highest paid in our secondary; cutting ties with them once their contracts expire (or when a team approaches with a trade offer) will save us loads of money in the future.
3. Brandon Banks: he's got the heart and the attitude, but all Banks brings to the team is an average return man. Reminiscent of Dante Hall in terms of stature, the 5'7" Banks unfortunately only returns the ball, having no impact on the receiving core whatsoever: two catches for 10 yards over the past two seasons. It's time to cut Banks loose, promote someone like Terrance Austin to return man, and add another player to the 53-man roster.
The future is bright for the Redskins with promising young players who are proving themselves in the waning games of this lost season. I think if we build around the aforementioned core group of players as well as part ways with some, seasons to come will be exciting.
(Jonathan Wigginton is the Chat Sports Senior Writer for the Washington Redskins)
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(Photo-Courtesy of Yahoo!Sports and Redskins.com)
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