Release the Hounds

The Danny Express. Straight Down.

Let the piling on begin. La Canfora's piece today is entitled Defense Lacking 'Chemistry:'

The defense, playing without cornerback Shawn Springs, has been off-kilter. There has little been pass rush (two sacks) -- the primary reason Carter was signed -- and the secondary has yielded big passing plays, with Archuleta languishing in coverage. Opposing teams are converting 45 percent of their third-down chances -- Washington is third-worst in the NFC -- and the Redskins have produced just one turnover, tied for last in the NFL.

You can go ahead and take the quotes off the word 'chemistry.'

Washington Post pubbed season stats so far. Not good. A sample:

One offensive TD
20+ fewer offensive plays than opponents
150+ fewer net yards than opponents
9 fewer 3rd down conversions than opponents
Defense has allowed 5 times the number of plays longer than 25 yards than opponents
Offensive line has allowed 3 times the sacks of opponents.

La Canfora yesterday:

...[the offense]has not gotten the ball downfield. It has displayed an inability to run or pass sufficiently, with quarterback Mark Brunell struggling behind a porous line and new offensive mastermind Al Saunders unable to produce anything close to his dynamic offenses of the past.

Ouch.

First saw this one at Running Redskins. Dave Goldberg, AP, Look Who's Struggling at 0-2:

Al Saunders and Mark Brunell. Saunders is a respected offensive coach, but you don't win by throwing money (an estimated $2 million) at assistants who come in and change an offense Gibbs used to win three Super Bowls. Yes, the 65-year-old Gibbs was doing too much, but Dan "The Fan" Snyder's superstar coaching staff also had holdovers who ran the Gibbs system — Joe Bugel, to name one.

Saunders' schemes worked in Kansas City with Trent Green, Priest Holmes, Tony Gonzalez and a great offensive line. None of them play in Washington, although Green was there nearly a decade ago before he was good. Brunell, who was bad in 2004, good for the first part of last season and then bad again in the playoffs and so far this season, is way past his prime, Jason Campbell isn't ready and Todd Collins is a journeyman backup at best.

Youch.

Moonie Times:

The Washington Redskins are winless, the quarterback lifeless and the faithful restless. Coach Joe Gibbs, however, showed no doubt about what to do with his struggling team and starting QB: Stick to the game plan.

And by 'plan,' Elfin means Brunell.

I have some serious concerns about this football team. I'm not ready to abandon ship yet. My take later today.


DC Metro escalator: Kelly Nigro