Thursday Talking Points: Riley, Rex, O-line injuries

By Rich Tandler

The coordinators take the podium on Thursday and there is plenty of ground to cover:

With Jim Haslett, a major topic will be the third-down defense against the Dolphins. After being among the league leaders in third-down conversions, the Redskins allowed the Dolphins to get first downs on eight of 14 third downs, a 57 percent success rate. We’ll ask about what happened to cause that. Also, we’ll ask about the decision to start second-year linebacker Perry Riley, and about his play in the Jack linebacker spot.

In the afternoon it’s Kyle Shanahan’s turn. You don’t have to be an insider to figure out what we’ll talk about—the lack of offense. Four touchdowns over the course of the current five-game losing streak is rather pathetic production and we’ll see what is being tried to fix things. The late change at quarterback, with the team finding out only over the weekend that Rex Grossman would be starting in place of John Beck, also will be discussed.

From both Kyle and Mike Shanahan, we’ll see if there are any new developments with the injury situation on the offensive line. Guard Maurice Hurt was out of practice yesterday with a knee injury and tackles Sean Locklear (ankle) and Jammal Brown (groin) were limited. Just when the current group of starters are getting its timing down, another shuffle might have to take place.

 

Comments

[Jeff Harmon]

1. I'm disappointed Perry Riley didn't start sooner. I said last year, Riley was our 2nd best run stuffer and cover guy at ILB. Riley will only get better from here on out.

2. Man, this offensive line keeps getting injured. Thats something we have to address in FA and the draft next year, adding depth to the line essential.

I like Trent Williams and Kory Lictenstiger but feel we probably need to upgrade at C and RT. Will Montgomery could then be our back up C and RG which is a nice position to have him in. As for RT, Jammal Brown is not the answer and we need to upgrade both positons.

3. I'm still waiting for DeJon Gomes to get the nod over Reed Doughty. I mean Doughty is technically sound, but Gomes just has way more athletic ability that eventually he'll surpass him regardless so might as well do it now.