First Down

So-so season’s ahead.

- Rick Snider

I’ve spent the last few weeks teasing Warpath contributor Chris Russell that his boast of walking 30 miles if the Washington Redskins only finish 5-11 might actually come true. But after seeing the preseason, Russell is probably safe.

They’ll finish 6-10.

It looks like a step back this season for the Redskins, which is perplexing given the roster may be more talented than past years. At least, a little deeper.

But the offense hasn’t looked good at all even if coach Jay Gruden is keeping his playbook buried in somebody’s cellar. The team can barely make a first down. The offensive line has been mediocre from tackle to tackle. The passing game has little chemistry while lead receiver Terrelle Pryor, Sr. keeps dropping balls.

The defense allowed long opening touchdowns to Green Bay and Cincinnati. Special teams showed nothing on returns. And Gruden’s mild demeanor just doesn’t scream enough urgency for a team threatening another slow start come the regular season.

After taking two steps forward, Washington might be ready for another step backwards much like the last quarter century has gone.

Kirk Cousins is missing something. The Redskins have given him more snaps than last season, but that chemistry with departed receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon hasn’t transferred to Pryor. That injured Jordan Reed finally played in the third preseason game saw Cousins use him once again as a safety valve, but Cousins admits his inner clock is running too quickly.