Daily Slop: Jackson's health status and more

A closer look at the mechanical faults in Cousins' performance vs the Falcons | Washington Post Redskins Blog

This is in theory correctable, and hasn't happened every week. Against the Giants, Cousins had similar issues, but they haven't cropped up in every game. It's much easier to say than do, but Cousins has to step into his throws regardless of the threat of being hit. He has done that for large portions of the season, but there have been multiple occasions where he has plays like the one above and the ball sails on him.

What's wrong with the Redskins running game | Breaking Burgundy

Tougher opponents: Obviously how the Redskins fared in these matchups plays a factor with any league-wide rankings considering so few games have been played. That said, Washington' last three opponents -- Atlanta, Philadelpha, New York Giants -- enter Week 6 ranked first, second and 10th against the run. Miami, Washington's Week 1 foe, is allowing the most rushing yards per game.

Redskins coach Jay Gruden says DeSean Jackson is "very close to returning" | ESPN Redskins Blog

"The way he plays, he needs to be 100 percent," Gruden said. "He's not good to us at 65 percent and he knows that. I've told him that man, many times. ... You see him running but he hasn't really turned on the absolute gas that he has. Hopefully we'll get a couple tomorrow, maybe Friday and see where he is. But the progression is good."

Redskins tackle Trent Williams sits out of practice, Chris Culliver limited | ESPN Redskins Blog

Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams could not practice because of a spinal injury and strained neck that continue to cause discomfort. And the Redskins will continue to be cautious with him, knowing his importance to the offense.

Predictability and blocking hurt the Redskins run game | ESPN Redskins Blog

First downs: The real problem has occurred on first down and that was more than evident Sunday. Part of the problem stemmed from simply missing blocks; other times it was predictability -- linebackers at times cheated up before the snap. The Redskins ran the ball 12 times on their initial 15 first down plays. They gained a combined 22 yards.

Need to know: should the Redskins stick with one back | CSN Washington

"I don't know. There probably is some validity to it, but there's also some validity to keeping them fresh and having a package of plays for each back that we feel good about. There are certain things that Matt Jones does better than Alfred. There are certain things that Alfred does better than Matt Jones . . . We try to mix and match our system to the best personnel that we have at that time on that play call."

Redskins Weekly: Preparing for the Jets | Fanspeak.com