September Report: Washington Redskins.

It’s been a winning start for Joe Gibbs and the Redskins, who have won two of their first three games in ‘07.

That start, however, could be even better if not for a Giant comeback in the second half in Week 3, when Washington let a 17-3 halftime lead slip.

But, as it stands right now, the ‘Skins are in second in the NFC East. Can they keep it up?

Washington Redskins

So Far…: Washington is 2-1. They opened with a 16-13 overtime win over Miami, then defeated the Eagles 20-12 in Philadelphia. In Week 3, they were up by two touchdowns at the half against the Giants, but ended up losing 24-17.

What’s Gone Right: Minus the second half against the Giants, the defense has played well, which has put them in position for three victories.

What’s Gone Wrong: The Redskins’ injury list is one of the longest in the NFL. From Santana Moss, Clinton Portis, Fred Smoot, and multiple members of their offensive line (including Jon Jansen, who is on IR with a broken ankle), the medical staff has had their hands full.

How October Shapes Up: October is going to be a make-or-break month for the Redskins’ ambitions. There are home games against Detroit and Arizona, then road games at current unbeaten teams Green Bay and New England. Coming out of the month with a winning record would be a huge plus.

Grades

Performance: The Redskins should be pretty pleased, overall, about being 2-1 with a win in Philadelphia. However, the fact that they let a third straight win get away isn’t something to be happy about.

It won’t take long for us to see how good (or bad) the Redskins really are, with the schedule they face this month. Will their flaws trip them up, or will they rise above the mess below Dallas in the East and make a serious run at a playoff berth?

For now, Washington gets a B, but if 10 unbeaten quarters were 12, they would have an A or A-.

Grade: B

Offense: The Redskins have scored five touchdowns in three games, with three of them coming from Portis (227 rushing yards). Campbell is completing only 52% of his passes. There’ve been several missed opportunities so far, when mistakes or failure to move the ball well have cost Washington.

Injuries on offense haven’t helped much, but some points are going to have to be scored this month, because each of their four October opponents have very dangerous offenses.
Grade: C-

Defense: As I said, minus a second half in which they allowed the Giants to gain 208 yards and score 21 points, the defense has played very well, limiting their opponents to only 33 points in the previous ten quarters.

However, they’re going to need a little help from the offense so that they don’t have be on the field so much, because that’s just a recipe for disaster.

Grade: B

Special Teams

Former Cowboy Shaun Suisham has made six of seven field goals, including the game-winner in overtime against the Dolphins.

Punter Derrick Frost is averaging 45.9 yards per kick thus far.

As for the return game, Rock Cartwright is averaging 26.7 yards per kick return. The coverage team really hasn’t gotten burned for a huge return, which is always a good thing.

Grade: B