Daily Slop: Redskins Media Links Roundup

The Redskins Still Have Reason For Optimism After Falling To 0-3 " CBS DC
The statistics might say that Washington’s chances of making the playoffs are razor thin, but the statistics also counted them out last season.

Need to Know: Shanahan defends play calling | Rich Tandler's Real Redskins
Here is what you need to know on this Tuesday, September 24, five days before the Redskins visit the Raiders. Nickel coverage Five key quotes from Mike Shanahan’s Monday press conference: 1.

Pierre Garcon: RGIII Isn’t Fully Healthy, ‘A Lot Different’ This Year " CBS DC
Washington Redskins receiver Pierre Garcon says quarterback Robert Griffin III is 'a lot different' this year.

Redskins attempt to keep Fletcher fresh | Comcast SportsNet Washington

Forbath improving, hopes to kick in Oakland | Comcast SportsNet Washington

Could the Redskins be playing for first place soon?

Need to Know: ‘We can’t live on what we did last year’ | Rich Tandler's Real Redskins
Here is what you need to know on this Monday, September 23, six days before the Redskins visit the Raiders. Nickel coverage Five key quotes from the locker room yesterday: 1. Aldrick Robinson on his overturned touchdown catch.

Shanahan: Second-quarter interception wasn’t Griffin’s fault
"That was not his fault," Shanahan said. "I was very upset during the game. I thought he just kind of threw it haphazardly, and really it was a great throw. It just didn’t work out that way. I’m not going to go through the blame, but as I said after the game, I thought it was just a mistake, and it was a good throw."

Shanahan: Calls on Robinson’s non-catch, Griffin’s fumble were correct
"They were correct calls," Shanahan said during a news conference Monday afternoon at Redskins Park. "Both calls were correct. Aldrick, the ball did hit the ground. And Robert, you can go head-first but you have to have the ball security when you do hit the ground. And so even though you could slide, once you stop sliding forward, if he had control of it then and then he was getting up and let that ball go, then it wouldn’t be declared a fumble. But that was a fumble."

Redskins players say they’re shocked by 0-3 start
"Nobody expected to be in this situation," right tackle Tyler Polumbus said Monday at Redskins Park. "We put a lot into this. We’ve got a great team. We’ve got a lot of talent on this team. We all had a good training camp. So certainly nobody expected to be in this situation."

Barry Cofield says defense ‘isn’t playing well enough to win right now’
Cofield was asked a question Monday about the team’s quarterback, Robert Griffin III, but answered by talking about the play of the defense. "I mean, the defense isn’t playing well enough to win right now," Cofield said. "I don’t believe that, statistically or as far as making big plays and really helping the team win. I’m really focused on the defense. I don’t think we’re playing well enough to worry about anybody else."

Chris Chester: RGIII ‘good enough for us to win’
Chester said although Griffin had some mental errors, he still has confidence in his quarterback. "I still think there’s an area of adjustment, but I think that he’s good enough for us to win," Chester said. "He’s definitely good enough for us to win. He’s going to get back into his role as our quarterback, but I’m confident in what he can do. I’ve seen some great things about him this season."

Redskins Playoff Playbook | Fanspeak.com

A look at how the Redskins can still make the playoffs despite the 0-3 start.

Washington Redskins notes: Bacarri Rambo must make plays - ESPN
"When he gets his opportunities he has to take advantage of it," coach Mike Shanahan said. "We’re not here to keep his spirits up. When he does play special teams, whatever role you’re in, you better play 100 percent and make some plays. If he doesn’t play anything on defense, he better play well on special teams. And if you don’t play well on special teams and you’re not a starter, you won’t be dressing. Everyone has a role and it changes during the season."

Fred Smoot goes scorched earth on Mike Shanahan (a.k.a. ‘Red Lobster’), RG3 and the Redskins - Yahoo Sports
From Yahoo Sports: Fred Smoot will not be welcomed on the Washington Redskins sideline anytime soon, at least as long as Mike Shanahan is the coach. Which, Smoot thinks, won't last that long anyway. Let's get to the quotes that Smoot, the former … Continue reading →

Moss: ‘Turnovers Kill You Every Time’
Between penalties and the turnover differential, the Redskins have a strong case for beating themselves through three games rather than being outplayed.

Amerson Working To Simplify Game Speed
Washington Redskins rookie CB David Amerson doesn't mince words about learning curve, but said he is improving both by the things he does well and things he needs to improve.

Questions aplenty for 0-3 Redskins, but answers elusive - Washington Times
"Nobody could have told us that it was going to be like this," cornerback Josh Wilson said Monday. "But this is a test of our team, a test to see if we are who we say we are. Are we a team that's going to never give up, a team of confidence, a team of always going to fight?"

HARRIS: Keep whistling, Redskins fans — it could be worse - Washington Times
So what if RG3 didn't hold onto the ball as he face-planted at the end of a long run in the fourth quarter in the 27-20 loss to the Lions on Sunday? That he went down, on his own, is encouraging.

Coughlin Leads Calls for Giants to Show More Character - NYTimes.com
Coach Tom Coughlin said he had challenged the Giants' pride in the aftermath of a 38-0 loss to the Panthers that left his team 0-3.

Week 4 NFL Power Rankings | Fanspeak.com