Saturday Slop: Redskins getting ready for the Saints

Redskins run defense faces a tough 2nd half schedule | Breaking Burgundy

Through the first eight games of the season the Redskins is one of the worst in the league allowing on average 132.5 yards per game. Unfortunately even that number is off as they started the year strong allowing just 312 yards (78 per game) over the first four weeks. Since then they've allowed a staggering 748 yards or 187 per game. That is more than twice the average of the first four weeks of the season, and looking ahead at their schedule the run defense's job isn't going to get any easier.

Full Redskins injury report: No players ruled out, four questionable | CSN Washington

LB Keenan Robinson (shoulder/rib/abdomen)—If this was the NHL his injury would be described as "upper body" and in this case the meaning would be literal. In the last two weeks he has been out of practice or limited with injuries to his abdomen, ribs, shoulder, and neck. If he can't go on Sunday, Will Compton will start in his place.

5 stats to watch: Redskins vs Saints | CSN Washington

Need to know: How will the Redskins do in the 2nd half of the season | CSN Washington

The Redskins are 3-5 at the midway point of the season for the fourth year in a row. Only in 2012, when they lost game No. 9 and won their last seven to win the NFC East, have things ended well after that start. I don't see a magical run to the division title like we saw with RG3 in 2012. But I also don't see an 0-8 record in the second half like we saw in 2013 or a six-game slide that started off the second half last year. I could see them going 3-5 in the second half, maybe 4-4 if they catch a few breaks.

Redskins Williams' doesn't see rushing success as 'do or die' | CSN Washington

This is a different era, of course, and the Redskins have been able to keep things more respectable during their recent rushing problems. They took the Falcons to overtime before losing and rallied to beat the Bucs. The Redskins probably weren't going to beat the Patriots no matter what they did. The game against the Jets could have been at least more competitive had the Redskins been able to move the ball on the ground.

Jay Gruden's support in the locker room hasn't eroded | ESPN Redskins Blog

I'll also say that his stock was helped when they started making decisions on lineups based on who deserved to be on the field -- and, as one player said, not for "political" reasons. Gruden would have lost the locker room earlier this season had certain changes not been made. That's not just one position, either, though the quarterback spot is the most glaring.

Redskins say DeSean Jackson looked faster in practice, anticipate a big game | ESPN Redskins Blog

"When you have a chance to put back-to-back-to-back practices together after being out so long, it just makes him stronger," Gruden said. "It makes him feel better mentally to where he can let it go. We saw this week, he really let a few go, running fast like we know he can do. The big thing is to get his confidence back and his speed and ability to stretch and push it. I feel good about the progress that he's made."