The Redskins Red Zone Review, Sponsored by Comcast

by Kevin Ewoldt on Oct 10, 2009 11:08 AM EDT in Redskins Analysis

This is going to become a weekly feature on Hogs Haven in conjunction with the deal that I told everyone about last week. So, since Comcast is sponsoring the site to promote their NFL Red Zone Channel, which allows you to see every score from every game every week, I thought it was only appropriate that we track how the Burgundy & Gold have fared so far, while also taking a look at this week's opposition's red zone stats.

Redskins Red Zone Statistics 2009
	*Redskins Offense*	*Opponent's Offense*
*Giants*	2-3	0-3
*Rams*	0-5	1-3
*Lions*	1-2	1-3
*Buccaneers*	1-3	1-1
*Panthers*	?-?	?-?

So, overall the Redskins are 4-13 in the Red Zone...a cool 31%. Ouch. Especially when you look at the terrible defenses they played. Who would have thought 4 weeks in that the Redskins BEST red zone day would be against the Giants defense? The Carolina Panthers give up a NFL 3rd worst 29 points per game and a NFL WORST, 182.7 rushing yards per game. This HAS to be the game the Skins break out, right?

Well, the Panthers are coming off a BYE week and their 3 losses are against three very solid opponents. Given the Cowboy's awesome backfield, it's surprising to see the Panthers held them to only 1 score out of 4 trips. Ah, right. Romo had those 2 incomplete passes from the 1-yard line.

Panthers Red Zone Statistics 2009
	*Panthers Offense*	*Opponents Offense*
*Eagles*	1-3	3-3
*Falcons*	2-3	3-4
*Cowboys*	0-0	1-4
*BYE*	-	-
*Redskins*	?-?	?-?

The key to the Skins RZ success obviously lies in their ability to run the ball, which sets up a frustrating day given the woes they've had with the OLine and not having that break-away runner. I think I've broken 3 remotes this year so far, hopefully Portis can save my new one and get into the end zone.

Comcast's NFL RedZone

Poll

Will the Redskins have over 50% Red zone efficiency against the Panthers? (Skins rank 25th in rushing TDs and the Panthers have the worst rushing D in the league)

Yes

82 votes

No

92 votes

174 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Actually,

Who would have thought 4 weeks in that the Redskins BEST red zone day would be against the Giants defense?

If the Redskins get beyond the Panthers 0-3 record and realize that they are a “good team” which made the playoffs last year then the Red-zone proficiency should be similar to the Giants game. Why, the Redskins play to the level of their opponent
Explaining a lot and Actually makes sense to what the numbers are showing

by dr WNC on Oct 10, 2009 12:41 PM EDT reply actions

Not sold on the playing to the level of the opponent theory...yet

I agree, in past years the Skins have played to the level of their opponent. But I’m not sold on the theory for this year yet. I’m pretty sure they’re just bad….but we’re only through 4 games. Maybe they’ll show us otherwise.

Actually, I’ll amend my statement. The Skins step it up a bit when they play good teams, but I think their baseline has been pretty low for much of the last 10 years. They’ve had some good games where they’ve stepped up to good opponents, but they’ve also gotten blown out by the likes of the Giants, Patriots, and Colts to name a few. As a fan, it’s hard to root against the Skins. But a 3-13 year might be just want the doctor ordered to get rid of this cast of aging over-rated prima-donnas who blame everyone except themselves for their garbage play.

My money is on a 14+ point loss this week. I don’t think we’ll score and I don’t think we’ll be able to stop the Panthros from scoring. Most of me hopes I’m dead wrong. Part of me knows that’s a good thing in the long run.

by jayisthemac on Oct 10, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions

I was not buying the ‘playing to the opponent’s level’ either until the first series of the TB game. The Skins were expecting to just show up and win that game. They didn’t start playing hard until the second half of that game…I could see it. They normally come out fired up for the NFC East games, so it looks like they are playing to the opponent’s level.

by liger99 on Oct 10, 2009 7:38 PM EDT up reply actions

Skins running game in the red zone

has been predictable. Hutch suggested going jumbo. Another person said they did somewhat in putting Mike (71) at tight end. No one else seems to have notice that substitution. On the 4th and 1 play against the Lions, I would have supported Yoder blocking but not Portis running. Sellers may have been a better short yardage alternative.
His momentum alone should have carried him 1 yard.

Team momentum is another factor that the Skins need to boost.

by Jefferson1935 on Oct 10, 2009 4:32 PM EDT reply actions

Sellers...

Hey may never see another goal line carry ever again after those 2 fails @ Cincinnati last year

by Kevin Ewoldt on Oct 10, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Lead blocker::

Who was Sellers’ lead blocker in his carries against Cincinnati? Or did he even have one out of the backfield?

by Jefferson1935 on Oct 10, 2009 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think he had a lead blocker

But I could be wrong.

by bigrm18 on Oct 10, 2009 9:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Remotes

I will break my remote early in this one if we win the toss and don’t defer until the second half. We should be starting the game on defense, which is our strength. I know a few people have said this before, but it worth repeating. JC has started games pretty poorly this year, so starting with D and getting field position early should help. Then we get the ball first in the second half when JC is playing better. Seems like an obvious move to me. If we start the game with the ball, Zorn will most likely run at them being they are having issues stopping the run. I’m sure they are planning for that already and we will be looking at a three-and-out. I will be thrilled if Zorn goes with more shotgun and play-action early in the game to get JC heated up…he plays much better in shotgun and has sucked when throwing when lined up from under center.

by liger99 on Oct 10, 2009 8:02 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs