The Washington Redskins Still Lack An Identity

The Washington Redskins dropped to a 3-5 record Sunday after losing to the New England Patriots 27-10. The loss comes as no surprise — Washington was a major underdog in this game. However, this was a game you would’ve liked to see the Redskins come away with something positive. Coming off a bye week, you would’ve thought certain areas that needed to be fixed would show some form of progress. But instead, it was much of the same for the Washington Redskins. They couldn’t stop the run and they were unable to run the football. Those two areas were supposed to be the very core identity of this football team. However, it’s been much of the reason for their inability to string together  wins.

Some would say that holding the Patriots under 30 points is a positive takeaway. But in reality, the Patriots did exactly what they came to do: run the football and play fundamentally sound football. That’s all teams have to do when facing the Washington Redskins. Nothing speaks to that point more than this stat: the Redskins are one of three teams (Vikings and Broncos) that have not allowed a 300 yard passer this season. Unlike Minnesota and Denver, that stat doesn’t speak to quality defensive play. Teams now realize that you don’t need outstanding QB play to beat the Redskins — you can beat them by running the football.

There’s several reasons to the Redskins struggles on run defense, including overall poor play by their linebackers. However, a lot of it has to do with scheme and you would think Washington would figure that out by now. Especially coming off a bye week. This shoot-the-gap system is asking the outside linebackers to crash inside — leaving the back end open. Not to mention, Washington has inside linebackers who are both struggling to find and fill their gaps. Teams see that on film and are exploiting the Redskins because of it. Those teams could possibly thank former Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who may have implemented the blueprint on how to run vs Washington. Every since that Week Five game against the Falcons, Washington hasn’t been able to stop the run. It’s a major issue. This team appears more concerned about limiting the pass game than run game. That’s the complete opposite of what both GM Scot McCloughan and HC Jay Gruden described as “Redskins football” prior to the season.

As usual, the Washington Redskins don’t know what “Redskins football” is. It doesn’t exist. Especially when you’re averaging 38.5 passing attempts a game and allowing 100+ yards on the ground each week. Washington Redskins football is a mystery. Its anyone’s guess as to what the Redskins are as a football team. That shouldn’t be the case at this point, and it is a big concern. I’m pretty sure that’s not what Scot McCloughan expected to field after he went grocery shopping this off-season.

Since week two, the Washington Redskins have not had a 100 yard rusher of their own. Alfred Morris had a big week to kickoff the season. Matt Jones had a field day in week two. But for some reason, Washington hasn’t been able to find success on the ground since then. The Redskins were on their way to establishing an identity those first two weeks of the season. They were physical — they ran the football, controlled the clock and stopped the run. As a result of that, Washington was good-enough on offense and flew under-the-radar on defense. They have to return to that style of football, because right now — they are not matching the outline McCloughan drew.

The Washington Redskins are back to their old ways. Sure, there’s more talent. But the seed they tried to sow in weeks one and two can’t grow if it isn’t watered. They still lack an identity. They still are not good coming off bye weeks (1-6 since 2008). Not to mention, so far this season, they still lack the ability to adjust.

For many, this season was supposed to be about showing signs of progress and establishing a new identity. So far, that has not happened.

Washington Redskins: @Manny_PPI | @PlayerInsiders