Here is what you need to know on this Wednesday, October 3, four days before the Redskins take on the undefeated Atlanta Falcons.
Only one injury concern
Most weeks this season, the news of the week has been dominated by injuries. We have been monitoring the status of starters such as Peirre Garçon and Trent Williams, trying to read the tea leaves in how they walk and in the words of coaches and teammates to see if they will play.
But that won’t be the case this week. Garçon and Williams both played the whole game against the Bucs and while they both are still sore neither is an injury concern.
The only current starter who is injured is Brandon Meriweather, who reinjured his left knee in a pregame collision, and he has already been declared to be out this week. Aldrick Robinson, the other half of the freak mishap, is day to day with a concussion but he is the fifth wide receiver.
This is not to say that the Redskins are the healthiest team out there. They have put three top-line players on injured reserve since the start of the season in Brian Orakpo, Adam Carriker, and Roy Helu Jr. And right tackle Jammal Brown remains on the PUP list. But most of the immediate day to day concerns are on the back burner right now.
Run the ball
Unlike the past two years under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, the Redskins do not need any encouragement to run the ball. They have 136 rushing attempts this year, the fourth most in the NFL.
It would be wise of them to keep running when they play the Falcons on Sunday. One reason is that running effectively will keep Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Julio Jones, and Tony Gonzalez on the sideline. In addition, running is the way to attack the Falcons’ defense.
They are giving up an average of 5.2 yards on 112 rushing attempts against them this year. That’s the second worst mark in the NFL.
But the Redskins can’t just do the pound and ground thing and expect to win. Atlanta has give up at least 116 yards rushing in each of its four wins and more than 150 yards twice but they still have outscored the opposition by a total of 48 points.
Today’s schedule
11:15—Open locker room
1:00—Practice (closed to media after first 30 minutes)
After practice (approx. 3:00)—Robert Griffin III and Mike Shanahan news
conferences
In case you missed it
Tandler’s game review; first half, second half
El-Bashir’s grades; offense, defense, special teams
Days until: Falcons @ Redskins 4; Vikings @ Redskins 11; RG3 vs. Vick @ FedEx Field 46; Thanksgiving @ Cowboys 50
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