Four Downs: Chester doing his homework

By Ryan O’Halloran
CSNwashington.com 

First Down
Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan provided insight Thursday that down eight points in the fourth quarter, he knew he had two plays to gain 5 yards from the Arizona 20. His play calling would confirm that.

Third-and-5 from the 20: Tim Hightower run left for 2 yards.

Fourth-and-3 from the 18: Rex Grossman threw an 18-yard TD to Santana Moss.

“I can’t give you all my secrets,” Shanahan said. “It definitely would have been a lot harder for me to call run [on third down] if I didn’t think I would have two shots.” 

Second Down
Redskins right guard Chris Chester (pictured) is experiencing his first trip through the NFC East after spending his entire career with Baltimore within the AFC North. That means additional homework to get ready for his opponents.

“There’s a bit more [prep time] because I’m going against quite a few guys I haven’t faced in my career,” he said. “But there’s always a lot of preparation.”

Dallas’ defense has morphed into a scheme that has DeMarcus Ware challenging every offensive linemen, not just the left tackle. And Chester knows it.

“I’m going to have my work cut out for me,” Chester said. “He has great athletic ability. It’s going to be a challenge this week.” 

Third Down
One bonus reason why the Redskins last week liked a DeAngelo Hall vs. Larry Fitzgerald match-up was that it allowed cornerback Josh Wilson to face Andre Roberts.

“It depends on what type of player you have and what type of player you’re going against,” defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said. “DeAngelo is one of the best corners in the league. We thought it was a good match-up on both sides. We thought Arizona’s other guy [Roberts] was fast and Josh is fast. We look at that in respect to the whole team.”

Roberts had three catches for 30 yards; Wilson left the game in the fourth quarter due to an injury.

Moving forward, it will be interesting to see how Haslett and his staff handle certain match-ups. 

Fourth Down
Speaking of cornerbacks, Haslett continues to be a supporter of rookie Brandyn Thompson. Injuries to Wilson (neck/head/back) and Kevin Barnes (cramps, apparently) thrust Thompson into action. He played four snaps.

“You haven’t seen a lot of him, but I like him,” Haslett said. “I think he’s going to be a good player. You have to figure out what they do best and put them in position to be successful.”