1 Was Sunday the start of something offensively? The Redskins will continue to have issues until they run the ball consistently. They just don’t have the passing game that can produce every week, not with a receiving corps that lacks a legitimate No. 1 target. They’re relying on castoffs, and they’re capable of producing some weeks (see Dallas) but not all. They need to run to get on any sort of a roll. 2 Will Trent Williams play? The Redskins had best hope so. He gutted it out with his high ankle sprain, returning when he wasn’t 100 percent. Seattle has a strong defense, with ex-Redskins defensive end Chris Clemons having recorded eight sacks already. With Williams, the Redskins have a chance at continuity up front. Without him, they’re faced with Sean Locklear, who has struggled on the left side, or Willie Smith, who has never played.
3 Who should start at running back? Ryan Torain just isn’t getting the job done, but Roy Helu has shown he’s more effective running out of three-receiver sets in pass situations. Helu is better as a third-down back, but Torain hasn’t produced, so it’s time to find someone who can. Why not try Helu? He’s not viewed as a back who can carry the offense. That’s why they traded for Tim Hightower and drafted a move-the-chains back such as Evan Royster. Still, the running game needs something different.
4 Can Royster help? Maybe. He was signed to the active roster Tuesday after the Redskins cut Tashard Choice. This summer, Royster showed he could get the yards that were available. Lately, there haven’t been a lot. He runs better the more carries he gets, so it could be tough for him if he only gets a few carries.
5 Is it better if they keep losing?
Um, no. Yes, it would improve their draft position in April, but it would do little for the belief among the players that this is a program headed in the right direction. It’s important for players to believe in what you’re doing. Besides, it’s impossible to predict where any of these quarterbacks will be drafted in April, save for Andrew Luck. A 12-game losing streak to end the season would suggest larger issues that a QB picked in the top five won’t solve anytime soon.
