Redskins Success -- Lack of Injuries

There is a combination of reasons why the Redskins are off to their quick start. The improved play of quarterback Jason Campbell; the running of Clinton Portis; the execution of the offensive line; ditto for the defensive line, the inspired play of linebacker London Fletcher.

A major part of the mix for success is injuries or lack of them.
The Redskins have made the playoffs 2 of the last 3 years. In 2006 Portis went down, so did the playoffs. Ouch!

This raises the question: which players can the Redskins least afford to lose?
1. Quarterback Campbell
2. Left tackle Chris Samuels
3. Portis
4. Linebacker London Fletcher
5. The rest of the offensive line.

Who would have thunk? Campbell is on the top of the list? There were some people hoping he would get hurt so that Colt Brennan could play. Forget Brennan! Last year’s replacement Collins was successful because he was the only man in the NFL who could run offensive coordinator Al Saunders ridiculously complicated system. Without Campbell, the Redskins would be facing 8-man fronts. As well as the offensive line is playing, they can only block so many people.

If Samuels goes down, say good bye to the running game. On the NFL web site the depth chart for the Redskins has no backup listed. The backup is Stephen Heyer, who started the year at right tackle, was hurt and has now been beaten out by Jon Jansen.

Portis is carrying the offense right now. His back up, Ladell Betts, is out. Betts did so well replacing Portis 2 years ago, that some believe he was the better runner – Betts is no Portis. It is too much to expect that recent pick up Shaun Alexander can approach his Player of the Year form of 2005.

The defense is playing out of this world. However, it is truly a no-name defense. Andre Carter and Cornelius Griffin anchor the line but their names are not call all that often. The name you hear is London Fletcher. He is 5th in the NFL with 60 tackles. He had 12 solo tackles against the Giants. His leap frog of the offensive line to stop Cleveland on the goal line Sunday was a play you see once every 5 years and usually in a high school game.

The offensive line is playing so well, trauma of breaking it up with an injury is hard to imagine. Heyer can play either tackle spot, but is better at pass protection than run blocking. Jason Fabini, who started 13 games last year, when the line was crippled by injuries, is the only other experienced backup.

Right now the Redskins have some walking wounded, but are relatively healthy. The longer they stay hale & hearty, the longer the roll will continue.