Image courtesy of Rob Carr/Getty Images North America

Article by guest contributor Joey Billhimer

In what looks to be a ‘must-win’ game, John Beck leads the Washington Redskins (3-5) to South Beach to take on the Miami Dolphins (1-7). The Dolphins are coming off a much needed blow-out victory, defeating the surging Kansas City Chiefs. On the other hand, the Redskins have lost in four straight contests, having won their last game in early October against the depleted St. Louis Rams. Both teams have the power and tools to win this match-up, but only one will prevail. Here are some key statistical comparisons for Sunday’s game:

Quarterback

This is a category that has haunted both teams all season long.

WSH: Rex Grossman lost his starting position to John Beck in Week 6. So far, neither have looked impressive. John Beck has a 60.6 completion percentage, having thrown for 858 yards, 2 TD’s, and 4 interceptions.

MIA: The situation isn’t much prettier in Miami either. Losing starter Chad Henne to what may be a season-ending shoulder injury was a major blow. His replacement Matt Moore, did not please Dolphin fans too much, until his 3 touchdown performance last week against the Chiefs. Moore has thrown for 950 yards, completing 61.6% of his passes, with 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Look for both quarterbacks to stick with short, simple passes to their go-to guys.

Running Back

Although both teams have a lot talent at this position, the “groove” just hasn’t been found. The Dolphins acquired Reggie Bush from the Saints this offseason, and the Redskins drafted rookie Roy Helu from Nebraska and Tim Hightower from the Arizona Cardinals. With Hightower on IR for a knee injury, the rookie Helu is starting in D.C. In his first start last week against San Francisco, the former Nebraska star set a Redskins record with 13 receptions for 104 yards. For the year, Helu has rushed for 172 yards, averaging just 4.6 yards per carry. In Miami, Reggie Bush has finally gotten the chance to be “the man.” After a rough start, Bush has run the ball 88 times for 427 yards, averaging 4.9 yards per carry with one T.D. With both offensive lines looking better last week, expect both teams to have a decent running game. (more…)

This painting will probably be displayed in Dan Snyder's home soon.

All Blackstreet references aside, in D.C. the money paid out by Dan Snyder has almost never equaled the play on the field or the love and respect received from fans. If you think about the Redskins right now, and the players that most fans love and adore, who are they? A general consensus can probably be reached on Chris Cooley, Brian Orakpo, DeAngelo Hall, Mike Sellers, Brandon Banks, Phillip Daniels (especially after this week), London Fletcher and the list could go on. Most of the guys I just mentioned were brought in either through the draft or free agency in “regular” deals. They aren’t here as a result of a blockbuster trade or a 100 million dollar contract (or a new $80 million contract). The Redskins problem has been, as many of us know, trying to buy championships. In the NFL big dollars don’t necessarily equate with wins.

Do the best players in the NFL generally get paid more than the average? Yes, of course. But my issue is with Danny just bringing in guys who were great within their own team and expecting them to just magically adapt to the Redskins. Shall we make a list? (more…)

Brandon Banks and Anthony Armstrong have made the most of their opportunities in 2010 (Toni L. Sandys-Washington Post)

With all the attention Albert Haynesworth has drawn over his benching just before Sunday’s game in New Jersey (and now suspension), it got me thinking. Just how many of these 2010 Redskins will be around to see 2011? I’m going to forego McNabb talks because of the contract and nobody really knows what’s going on in Mike Shanahan’s head right now.

The Redskins offense has produced to an extent this year. McNabb’s Jason-Campbell-like stat line of  16/30 200 yards 1 touchdown 1 interception isn’t really helping this years team but his numbers can be attributed  to many things including the offensive line play, having no running game and his own physical performance. The defense has struggled for the entire season and I think there will be somewhat of a house cleaning after the seasons end, possibly starting at the top. The bright spot of the three units has been special teams. I know the Skins still don’t cover as well as they’d like to but they have Brandon Banks now on returns and Lorenzo Alexander is striking fear in to the other side’s return team. Let’s take a look first at players whose contracts are up after this season.

(more…)