The Redskin Report

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If you compare the offenses and defenses of the Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks, you’d come to the conclusion that Washington has the better defense, while Seattle is better offensively. That would leave special teams as the tiebreaker. Unfortunately it is pretty well a draw here too. Each team has its relative strengths and weaknesses, and when added all together, the Redskins may have a slight edge by the slimmest of margins.

Redskins Special Teams
K: John Hall 12-14 85.7%
P: Derrick Frost 40.4 Avg., 36.7 Net
PR: Antonio Brown 13-63, 4.8 avg.
KR: Ladell Betts 24-621, 25.9 avg., 1 TD
Antonio Brown 19-439, 23.1 avg., 1 TD
Kickoff Coverage: 72-1503, 20.9 avg., 0 TD, 6th in league
Punt Coverage: 40-189, 4.7 avg., 0 TD, 2nd in league

Joe Gibbs has always put a focus on special teams. And the Redskins’ special teams, which not long ago were a terrible unit, are now a strong part of the club. They are led by the kickoff return team. Both Ladell Betts and Antonio Brown had return touchdowns. Betts will get the call as the main return man once again this week. He is more consistent on his returns and with the Redskins offense, every extra yard is needed. Brown will handle the punt return duties. He has yet to break one since his return, but with his speed, it could happen at any time. Kicker John Hall hasn’t been needed much, but has done well when called upon. His kickoffs are a bit below average. Punter Derrick Frost has improved as the season has gone on, but he does have some shanks punts every now and again.

One additional note, Brown did muff a punt last week (although he did recover his own fumble). It wouldn’t be a big surprise if Santana Moss is put back to return a punt or two this week.

Seahawks Special Teams
K: Josh Brown 18-25, 72%
P: Tom Rouen 41.6 avg., 35.0 net
PR: Jimmy Williams 24-139, 5.8 avg.
KR: Josh Scobey 59-1326, 22.5 avg.
Kickoff Coverage: 83-1802, 21.7 avg., 1 TD, 16th in the league
Punt Coverage: 41-343, 8.4 avg., 0 TD, 18th in the league

Josh Brown followed up a tremendous 2004, with a decent 2005. His accuracy percentage dropped by 20% this year, although when you’re coming off a season of hitting 92% of your kicks, a drop is to be expected. Brown has one of the strongest kicking legs in the NFL, and hit from 55 yards this year. Strangely for a kicker who can hit long field goals, he only had 4 touchbacks this year. The punting duties fall to the cagey Tom Rouen. The 13 year vet had another good season, average over 41 yards per kick.

The return game has been rather lackluster this season. Scobey is a good young player, but hasn’t been able to break a return yet this season. The punt return men have had unremarkable years. Peter Warrick has also been used at times to return punts. The coverage units rank in the middle of the NFL. They allowed one touchdown this season, a kickoff return in a game against St. Louis.

Game Pick:

Being the homer that I am, I’m picking the Redskins. As for why, I have a few reasons: 1) Coaching – Holmgren is a decent coach, but he’s not in Gibbs league. In a big game, I trust Gibbs to have the team ready to go.
2) Human Nature: For the past 3 week, the Seahawks having been hearing over and over how they are the best team in the NFC. This week, everyone is picking a romp over the Skins. If the Seahawks just show up and expect a victory, the Redskins will punch them in the mouth.
3) Intensity: The Skins have been in playoff mode for 6 straight games now. The Seahawks haven’t played in a big game since that Giants game in late November. Can the Seahawks flip a switch and be at the Redskins level of intensity from kickoff?

I have a few more, but I need to save something to write about before the game. So I’m taking the Skins in a tight one.

Redskins 20 Seahawks 17

The Other Games:

Denver 24 New England 17
The Broncos are the better team period if you analyze the game. Of course the easy way out is to say the Pats will win simply because they are the Patriots. Unless Plummer flames out, it isn’t going to happen.

Indianapolis 35 Pittsburgh 14
This won’t be close. Pittsburgh needs to chew up clock to have a chance, and Willie Parker isn’t that type of back.

Chicago 17 Carolina 14
In case no one noticed, the Giants were fading down the stretch. Don’t over estimate the Panthers despite that win. They are still a flawed team. I’d be amazed if Foster gets over 50 yards this week.

In the Post:
Springs, Daniels return to Seattle; Holmgren, Alexander uneasy truce; Spitgate; Seattle waits; Redskins songs; Gambling on the Skins; Polite yet hostile fans