Washington Redskins: Two positive takeaways and one negative on this season
December 30, 2014 by Terrance Dixon
After Sunday’s 44-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, mixed emotions filled the Washington Redskins locker room as some players stood by their lockers for the final time to end their season. For some players, the offseason will be a time to critically analyze the 2014 season and take the necessary steps to get better physically and mentally. For the veterans, it will be a time to reflect and maybe consider the possibility of retirement.
Bashaud Breeland
Bashaud Breeland has started 15 games this season and now owns the title of Washington’s best cornerback. He led the team with a pair of interceptions and 13 pass breakups. He also forced two fumbles. Breeland showed the whole season that he has a knack for coming up with key defensive contributions when the team needs it the most. It was his interception against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16 that positioned the offense to win that game. Back in Week 8, Breeland knocked away a Tony Romo pass to confirm victory over the Dallas Cowboys. That particular clutch moment completed a night where Breeland had locked down star Dez Bryant. The only negative thing about him is that he plays so aggressive that he tends to get a lot of penalties but other than that he was a steal for the Redskins in the 2014 draft. Breeland appears to be a defensive building block for the Skins for years to come.
DeSean Jackson
DeSean Jackson has been the only real bright spot for the Redskins offense. He caught 56 passes for 1,169 yards and six touchdowns this season. Jackson maintained his big plays even with all of the Skins downfalls on the offensive end. No matter if it was Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins or Colt McCoy throwing the ball, Jackson was usually on the end of them creating a huge gain. He’s a deep threat that most defenses fear, and someone who opens up the field for this offense. Even though he is known for his deep threat, he proved this season that he isn’t a one trick pony. He has turned multiple short passes into electrifying plays. He did exactly that when he took a screen pass 69 yards for the points in the season-finale against the Cowboys. Jackson has definitely lived up to his expectation this season.
Jim Haslett
Actions speak louder than words and for Jim Haslett, he has been all talk these last few seasons. He has been given chance after chance and it’s about time he should be fired in my opinion. For the fifth season Haslett has failed to have a great defense. Haslett’s defense was ranked 20th in yards and 30th in points. The injuries forced Haslett to not only adapt on the fly, but also risking inexperience at key positions. That’s been most obvious in the secondary where missing veterans DeAngelo Hall and Tracy Porter meant relying on rookies and practice squad members.
Losing Brian Orakpo early didn’t help either. It forced second-round pick Trent Murphy into the lineup ahead of time. It still doesn’t explain or excuse all of the defensive woes. The real problem is his play calling inconsistency. Haslett’s group has been exposed on every level this season. The best weeks the defense had were in Weeks 8 and 9. Haslett crafted a blitz-happy plan that stunned the Dallas Cowboys and their young Offensive line. His inconsistent style of coaching has raised flags. It said a lot when one of Haslett’s ex-players, middle linebacker London Fletcher, spectacularly took his former coach to task.
This season has been horrific for the Redskins. Fans had such high hopes in the beginning of the season. The Skins have some firing to do and it should start with Jim Haslett. After that, I would say Bruce Allen has one more year to get his act together after that he has to go too. The Redskins should look to get an offensive lineman in the draft and start building their line like the Cowboys did.