clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Five Non-Starters to Watch: Rams Edition

Roy Helu didn't get much work against the Saints. Will his role increase this week versus the Rams?
Roy Helu didn't get much work against the Saints. Will his role increase this week versus the Rams?

Some unexpected names stepped up in last week's win against the Saints. Who will step up this week as the Redskins head to St. Louis to take on a new look Rams team?

Aldrick Robinson, WR: No one is quite sure how healthy starting wide receiver Pierre Garcon is going into St. Louis, which likely means there is a good chance you see a lot of Aldrick Robinson again. Robinson was an afterthought to a lot of Skins fans and farther down the rungs then Leonard Hankerson and Dezmon Briscoe, but all that changed with a four catch, 52 yard performance in New Orleans that included a touchdown. Can this young receiver stay consistent and become a valuable weapon for Robert Griffin III?

Roy Helu Jr., RB: If you remember last year against the Rams was the game where Shanny unleashed Ryan Torain in the second half, which was a game changer for the Skins. Shanny relied heavily on Alfred Morris in the opener, but may he look for a little change of pace this week with Roy Helu, who just got two carries against New Orleans. If the Redskins get ahead then you may see a lot of second year back.

Justin Snow, LS: No I don't consider long-snappers to be starters. Nick Sundberg has been immortalized in Redskins history now but he'll be gone for a month or two because of a broken arm. The Skins turned to Snow, a twelve year veteran who has spent his whole career with the Colts. There is a lot of talk about developing a rhythm between Snow, Sav Rocca, and Billy Cundiff. It will be interesting to see if we even notice any change with Snow in the lineup.

Brandon Banks, KR/PR: Surprised? I know right. Let me be honest, Banks scares the crap out of me! If you looked at Banks stat-line from last week you wouldn't be that displeased, a catch, a 25 yard average on kick returns, 9 yard average on punt returns. But what doesn't show up is Stabby's amazing ability to reach his two muff/fumble quota for every game. The ball hits the ground way to much with Banks and sooner or later it's going to bite us in the butt. When I was in high school, we put a guy back there who would simply wave his hand and catch a punt every time. If the Skins get up then that's all I want see.

Cedric Griffin, CB: Either Griffin is a slow starter or the most sandbaggeness SOB in the NFL. After a pretty terrible preseason the NFL veteran showed up and had a pretty solid game in New Orleans. Can he keep it up this week in St. Louis?