The Redskins Blog

Halftime Musings

So far, the offseason additions orchestrated by head coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen have made the Redskins click.  Here are some quick-hitting stats:

• The Australian Punting Prince, Sav Rocca has yet to take the field except as a holder for field goals.
• The Redskins offense has 16 first downs in the first half.  The Colts have one.
• The Redskins have 160 rushing yards, more than they had all last week.  The Colts have one.
• The Redskins have converted five-of-eight 3rd downs. The Colts have yet to convert one.
• The Colts have run 41 total plays. The Colts have run 14.
• John Beck is 13-for-16.
• And most importantly, the Redskins have 16 points, and the Colts have zero.

No question that the running game has been the staple of this offense, and the backs have been successful no matter who is in.  This is a testament to the coaching of Bobby Turner and the talent of the backs, but this is also an indication of a dominant line.

The Redskins offensive line was a much-maligned group last year, and deservedly so.  But despite only one offseason addition to the starting unit (guard Chris Chester), and returning four starters, the line looks night-and-day better.  Maybe it’s the product of the preseason.  Maybe it’s a product of a second year in the zone blocking scheme.  But this unit is blowing open running lanes, and the one-cut backs are hitting the holes perfectly.

For so many new faces at skill positions, the offense is playing like a well-oiled machine.

On defense, the team isn’t allowing Indianapolis to gain any traction.  Despite resting key starters in the secondary, the defense has only yielded only 40 yards through the air.  The defensive line is controlling the line of scrimmage, allowing only one yard on the ground.

One.

Graham Gano has gone a long way towards silencing his critics, staying perfect on the preseason: 3-for-3 on field goals and nailing an extra point.  At this rate, Clint Stitser may be back selling real estate in Reno pretty soon.

Redskins 16, Colts 0.

Who is your top performer in the first half?