Pushing On Through Final Weeks

It’s often said the three worst words in golf are, “You’re still up.” Whether there’s an NFL equivalent is uncertain, but “No playoff hope” must be close.

- Ben Standig

As they entered the final weeks of 2017 regular season, the Washington Redskins weren’t quite drawing dead, but even the most optimistic soul don’t see the patient surviving. Whether they pull off the miracle of miracles or not, there’s plenty in play over the closing games.

Outside of injury or unusual circumstance, a second round pick is expected to contribute if not play a significant amount of snaps as a rookie. Entering Week 14, Ryan Anderson is looking like an exception.

This isn’t a mystery ailment for Anderson like receiver Josh Doctson’s Achilles. The former Alabama standout plays outside linebacker. Even during a season where injuries wrecked Washington’s depth, those in front of Anderson from Week 1 played on.

With Ryan Kerrigan and Preston Smith providing the edge pass rush, Anderson rarely received significant playing time. The 253-pounder played 34 snaps total from Weeks 11-13.

“We got him for some depth and we were really looking at him to just kind of feel his way through here, learn a position, and in a year or two, be ready to dominate the position, hopefully,” Redskins coach Jay Gruden said. “I’m sure he’s frustrated a little bit with his playing time . . . but we’ve got four pretty good [outside linebackers].”