It’s Time For the Redskins to Play the Youngsters

The time has come in what we all view as a lost season for this Redskins team, to lick their collective wounds, put away their pride(if there is any left among the coaching staff), and come to the hard reality that probably one third(at least) of this roster should turn over in 2020. And, along with that, hopefully the majority of the coaches as well.

The clowns who do run this show from up above in their owner’s suite, may just want to see what some of these young players are capable of moving forward...that’s if they even have time between their game of putt-putt to meander on the practice fields, or glance down to the field on a Sunday afternoon.

Below is a list of some players who should get an extended opportunity over these next six games, and the players who they should replace.

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Derrius Guice Replacing Adrian Peterson as the Starting Running Back

This may be an unpopular opinion to some, but because the former second round pick has missed the better part of two seasons with injuries, the Redskins need to see what they have here for an extended duration. Peterson is the consummate professional on the football field, and the future Hall or Famer deserves respect. But, with this season lost, and the Redskins in the midst of a massive re-build, let’s see what Guice can do with 20+ touches per game over these last six.

Steven Sims Jr Replacing Trey Quinn in the Slot

I got crucified on Twitter back in September when I called Trey Quinn overrated. Not overrated in the sense of where he was drafted, but overrated because of all the preseason hype we heard about him. Fact is, he’s not that good!

Quinn struggles to create separation - something that is desperately needed from our slot receiver. He’s not very quick-twitch, and his put return ability is lacking.

In very limited opportunities this season, Sims Jr. has shown explosive playmaking ability whenever the ball is in his hands. His speed is deceptive and his quickness is off-the-charts. I know this may be a stretch, but given the chance, could he become a poor man’s version of Tyreek Hill?

I’m willing to find out.

Geron Christian Replacing Morgan Moses at Right Tackle

Morgan Moses has been awful this season. Penalties, poor execution, lack of effort...and to top things off, he goes out and runs his mouth on the radio. Now some have suggested that maybe he’s playing like this to prove a point and stick up for his buddy Trent Williams, who feels he was wronged by the organization. I doubt that is the case, but some have surmised that, and it would be ignorant to completely dismiss this.

Enter Geron Christian.

The second year offensive tackle has significant upside that needs to be cultivated. That’s not going to happen with him sitting on the bench. I don’t really like his footwork at left tackle, but he seems to do much better on the right side for whatever reason. His development could be key to a re-build in 2020 - AND, at this point, he can’t be any worse than Moses.

Wes Martin Seeing Some Action to Spell Brandon Scherff...From Time to Time

This is a tough one. On one hand, you have a Pro Bowl guard wanting to be one of the highest paid at his position, and a team who needs to make a decision on that in the offseason. But, Scherff has not played well this season - this is no secret to anyone who has watched the Redskins play. On the other hand, you have a player who the team has control of for the next three years on an inexpensive rookie deal, and it just may behoove them to see what they have with Martin before backing up the Brinks Truck for Scherff.

Now, I’m not saying the Redskins should start Martin over Scherff, but I am saying that he should get some reps throughout the game to “give Scherff a breather” here and there.

Shaun Dion-Hamilton at Inside Linebacker Over Jon Bostic

Jon Bostic has had some good moments and bad moments as the Redskins starting MIKE linebacker. His last game against the Jets was pretty bad. Dion-Hamilton has shown very well in limited action this season, and there is no reason to think his play won’t improve even more with extended reps.

The former Alabama linebacker seems to be fully healed from some nagging injuries that plagued him during his rookie season. His instincts and play recognition are excellent, and his pass coverage has been spectacular this year. It’s time to give him more reps to see if he can sustain his solid play over the course of a few games.

Jimmy Moreland over Josh Norman at Cornerback

The People’s Corner has been quiet since the preseason. He’s seen time in the defensive backfield, but his play early on was a mixed bag.

What we do know is that Josh Norman couldn’t cover an 85 year old woman in a wheelchair. His play has gotten so bad that he’s been recently photo-shopped on a piece of burnt toast that has been floating around social media for weeks.

It’s time to bench the bull-jumper for the diminutive corner from JMU and see if we may have uncovered a late-round gem. And, at this point does it really matter anyways? We all know Norman won’t be here next year.

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How would you feel about giving some of these you players an extended look over the final six games?

Is there anyone else you’d like to see get some more reps?