NFL: Redskins' Veterans Cash In

Daniel Snyder and the Redskins spent a lot of money in the offseason, bringing
in proven veterans to improve the team and get to the Super Bowl. After a 20-17
victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, it looks like the strategy of
bringing in the best available free agents paid off.

Now if the team could just spend some money on special teams.

Arguably the two biggest plays of the day were turned in by a pair of 17-year
veterans, Irving Fryar and Bruce Smith. Fryar caught a 22-yard pass from Brad
Johnson on third down in the fourth quarter to keep a drive alive. That drive
ended in Johnson’s ugly quarterback sneak for a touchdown.

The three-point victory margin was provided thanks to Smith’s sack and strip of
Panthers QB Steve Beuerlein in the third quarter. N.D. Kalu recovered for the
Redskins in Carolina territory and Washington ended up with a field goal. It’s
clear that veteran superstars know when it’s time to turn on the afterburner and
change a game’s momentum.

The defense is vastly improved since last season. They have the talent to
attack and wreak havoc. Smith was double teamed all day, leaving Marco Coleman
the benefactor. Both players had two sacks, and Smith's mere presence caused
Carolina's left tackle to be called for false starts three times. Beuerlein was
pummeled all day, getting sacked six times. Coleman and cornerback Champ Bailey
were the best players on the field. Running Back Tim Biakabatuka had a 41-yard
run, but he was held to 88 yards on the ground as the Panthers seemed to turn
away from the running game in the fourth quarter, just as they did in last
year’s game.

The special teams are another matter. They look the same as last year--or
worse. Coach Norv Turner called their kickoff coverage "horrible." Twice.
Special teams coach LeCharls McDaniel should have been fired last year and the
team is paying for not doing so.

Next week, they face kick returner Desmond Howard of the Lions. His name causes
Redskins fans to grimace, as much for being the worst first-round draft pick in
team history as for the kickoff return he brought back against the team last
year in Detroit. He’ll be in the end zone again Sunday if the kick coverage
doesn’t improve.

With upcoming games against Detroit, Dallas and the Giants, and it looks
probable that the team will be 4-0 heading into a brutal October schedule.
Tampa Bay, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Jacksonville and Tennessee beckon. All of
those teams have devastating, mean defenses. It’s too early to make Super Bowl
predictions but if the Redskins can make it through that stretch healthy with a
record of 5-0 or 4-1, they will come out as clear favorites heading into the
last two months of the season. Look for the veterans to lead the charge.

A Peak at this week’s game: I don’t see Lions QB Stoney Case doing a thing
against this defense. If the Redskins can come out, score quickly and take the
hostile dome crowd out of the game, it will be over quickly. Suspended guard
Tre Johnson will return, boosting the ground game. Redskins 24, Lions 13.